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The beauty of the Gila Wilderness is now on display to tourists who stay at the Holiday Inn Express in Silver City. Photographs by Jay Hemphill, ’03, were recently selected as the display artwork for the 73-room hotel. “We heard about Jay’s work and we wanted local pictures to make this property unique to the area,” explained hotel owner Jill Olson. “I love the pictures because they look just like Southwest New Mexico.” Hemphill is recognized regionally for his photography of the Gila Wilderness, often depicting vast landscapes. Aside from his role as the university photographer for Western New Mexico University, Hemphill is a freelancer for New Mexico Magazine and High Country Times. He recently photographed images for an upcoming cookbook by Rob Connoley of the Curious Kumquat restaurant in Historic Downtown Silver City. Nearing the end of an extensive renovation project for the Silver City-based hotel, the photographs, both in black and white and color, now...

Western New Mexico University continues in our successes.  A few days ago we received word that we have been reaffirmed in our Higher Learning Commission accreditation for another eight years.  Your efforts, diligence, perseverance and dedication are the reasons for this reaffirmation.  With no follow-up issues, you are to be commended for our collective achievement. Further success occurred last night when voters went to the polls and soundly passed the General Obligation bond that supports higher education capital outlay.  Our share of the bond proceeds will be $6 million.  This money will be used to complete the Light Hall renovation project whereupon we will have, upon completion, modern and well-equipped classrooms coupled with appropriate heating and cooling.  Additionally, our museum will now get climate control, enhanced security, and fire suppression systems.  Finally, we will also have funds to begin the planning for the renovation of Harlan Hall to bring...

This fall, voters in our region will go to the polls to cast their ballots for everything from who will be our governor to who will represent our community in the state Legislature. One of the most important questions facing our community this year will be the statewide higher education bond referendum -- General Obligation Bond C. This year’s General Obligation Bond C (also referred to as GO Bond C) will ask voters to set aside more than $139 million for nearly every public college and university in the state. If passed, this year’s GO Bond will allocate $6 million to Western New Mexico University which will be used to finish the renovation of Light Hall, add needed fire suppression and HVAC systems to the WNMU Museum, and provide planning money to begin the renovation of our science building, positively impacting our students and our region. Should the GO Bond C pass, it will NOT increase your property taxes. What it will do is create jobs and boost our local economy. The...

The Board of Regents met on Tuesday, October 14 and approved two agenda items with unanimous votes. Regents voted to begin the process of introducing a new Master of Science degree in Clinical Nurse Leadership. Administered by the School of Nursing, the new graduate program will be the first such program in the state of New Mexico. Courses will be administered through a partnership with New Mexico State University and the University of New Mexico. “We have had tremendous support from the community, including HMS (Hidalgo Medical Services),” said Dr. Sherry Bassi, associate professor of nursing. “The program is completely online and includes 400 to 500 hours of clinical immersion.” The Board also approved a new four-year contract for President Joseph Shepard. The contract extends the President’s tenure through June 30, 2018. A long list of community leaders attended the meeting and spoke in favor of President Shepard’s performance since his appointment in...

Alumni are ready to tee-off for the third annual Alumni Scholarship Golf Tournament on October 3, the day before Homecoming 2014. The tournament is returning after two successful years of raising more than $50,000 in scholarship money for WNMU students. The 2013 tournament included participation of over 100 golfers and contributions and sponsorships from more than 20 local and regional businesses. The tournament is designed as a four-man scramble with an 8:00 a.m. shotgun tee time. Registration and continental breakfast begin at 7:00 a.m. Participant cost is $125 per player or $400 per foursome with all proceeds designated to student scholarships. The participation fee includes breakfast, lunch, green fees, cart and a tournament polo shirt. Prizes will be given to first, second and third place teams. Prizes for longest drives and closest to the pins will also be awarded. WNMU alumnus Alfred Ogas, ’65, is the lead organizer for the tournament. Ogas was honored as a...

Deming, NM – Western New Mexico University will host its annual “In Your Community” event in Deming on Friday, July 25. WNMU President Joseph Shepard will deliver a State of the University address at 5:30 p.m. at Voiers Pit Park. The address is open to the public and President Shepard will highlight the current status of university efforts for the new academic year. The address will be followed by festivities include food, music and family friendly games. University leaders will recognize Deming High School students who have achieved success in the last year. Several community organizations will be present to provide information and games. President Shepard and staff members will be present to meet with community members. All events are free to the public. For more information, contact WNMU-Deming at...

Free programs offered to community members through Adult Educational Services (AES) will be featured in an Open House event at Watts Hall on Saturday, July 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. AES offers years round programs at Watts Hall. New services include a community computer lab available from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Courses offered beginning in August include computer skills, English learning, and preparation for the high school equivalence diploma. “We have a new partnership with the Silver City Public Library to offer these courses at the public library and we are hoping that having services offered at both locations will increase the opportunities for education to the community,” said Debbie Maldonado, AES Director. An addition to courses offered each semester, AES provides assistance with job interview skills and resume building. For more information, contact...

The Western New Mexico University Early Childhood Programs has announced the sponsorship of the Child and Adult Care Food Program. The WNMU Child Development Center and Preschool emphasize the high quality and nutritious food and snacks given to the program children. “We strive to give them the best food choices possible to enable them to have the energy and brainpower needed for their growth and development,” said Amanda Aragon, Early Childhood Programs. “The nutritious, satisfying meals that they receive while in our care have a positive impact on their learning and growth abilities.” Program participants are offered the same meals with no physical segregation of or other discriminatory action against any person. In accordance with federal law and U. S. Department of Agriculture policy, WNMU is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director,...