Silver City, NM – Five Western New Mexico University students will be inducted into the Student Hall of Fame with a ceremony on Thursday, May 1 at 3:00 p.m. in the Global Resource Center.
Each year WNMU honors exemplary students who excel in several areas including leadership, academic achievement, community involvement and participation in campus life.
The 2014 class of inductees are Kathryn (Ollie) Hoelscher, Anna Johnson, Erica Rasmussen, Edna Reyes and Marcos Villanueva.
Kathryn (Ollie) Hoelscher is from Las Cruces, New Mexico. She is graduating in May with a baccalaureate degree in sociology with a minor in women’s studies. Hoelscher has been active in the Silver City community coordinating the One Billion Rising event, acting in the V-Day presentations, presenting at the annual Hunger For Knowledge fundraiser and coordinating Take Back The Night. In the last three years, Hoelscher has presented academic work at WNMU, Texas Tech University and the Association for Humanist Sociologists in Nashville. She is currently president of the Gay-Straight Alliance student organization.
Anna Johnson is from Silver City, New Mexico. She is graduating this spring with an associate degree in nursing. During her time at WNMU, she has served as a success coach and tutor for the Office of the First Year Experience. She has also worked as a substitute teacher for the university’s Early Childhood Programs. Johnson is a certified nursing assistant and is affiliated with the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) and other community organizations.
Erica Rasmussen is originally from Farmington, New Mexico. She is graduating this spring with a baccalaureate degree in zoology. While at WNMU, Rasmussen was a member of student government, president of the Eco-Sustainability Club and a volunteer for the annual Science Olympiad competition. Rasmussen was also a team member of the Lady Mustang tennis team during the 2013 season in which the team earned RMAC Conference Championship honors.
Edna Reyes was born in Mexico and raised in Deming, New Mexico. Reyes is graduating in May with a Master Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. She previously earned a degree in criminal justice from WNMU in 2012. Reyes currently serves as the student body president and has been involved in student leadership positions including Vice-President of the MEChA Club, serving as a student ambassador and working as a graduate assistant in the Department of Social Sciences. She was recently accepted to the Washburn University School of Law.
Marcos Villanueva is from Moriarty, New Mexico. Currently a junior, Villanueva is actively involved in several campus organizations serving as a Resident Assistant, member of student government, and a member of the Mustang basketball team. During his time at WNMU, Villanueva has organized successful community events including Hoops 4 Hope, a basketball night for individuals with learning and physical disabilities. This year, Villanueva initiated 80 For Kaity, a fundraiser for a WNMU student with disabilities, helping raise $2000 towards the purchase of a service dog. He is also an active volunteer with No Regrets Basketball League, helping coach and referee at youth basketball games.
