Five Western New Mexico University students were recognized for their contributions inside and outside the classroom, with an induction into the annual Student Hall of Fame.
The 2017 inductee class included David Cota, Casey Dickens, Claudia Osuna, Ryan Ruiz, and Timothy Stillman.
David Cota is a graduate student in the Interdisciplinary Studies program. He transferred from Cochise College before earning a bachelor degree in criminal justice at WNMU. As an undergraduate, Cota was involved in student leadership positions including serving as a resident assistant and judicial hearing officer. Cota contributed to several non-profit organizations as a regular volunteer with the Silver City Gospel Mission and the Silver Care Center. Cota is originally from Douglas, Arizona.
Casey Dickens will be graduating this month as an honor student with a degree in English. During her time at WNMU, she served as President of Sigma Tau Delta and a member of the ALAS Committee. Dickens is an active Supplemental Instruction Leader, tutoring students in the classroom and at the university Writing Center. She also serves as treasurer of the Young Democrats.
Claudia Osuna, a native of Mazatlan, Mexico, is the current President for the Associated Students. She is graduating this spring with a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting and marketing. Osuna was a member of the Lady Mustang Tennis team for four years, leading the team to conference championships and elected by her peers as the team captain. She was selected to be a Resident Assistant prior to being elected to student body president.
Ryan Ruiz is double majoring in Cell Molecular Biology and Chemistry with a minor in Math. He is graduating this spring with Honors. As a student, Ruiz worked as an event specialist with the Office of Career Services, as well as a tutor for the Center for Student Success. Ruiz recently organized the spring career fair where he also delivered the keynote speech. He is originally from Riverside, California.
Timothy Stillman is a senior from Brawley, California. Stillman currently serves as the President of Delta Mu Delta. He is earning a degree in Business Administration with honors this May. Stillman has been instrumental in organizing several student events including the annual Balduary Fundraiser. He plans to continue into the MBA program in the fall, also serving as the President of the Associated Students, a position to which he was just elected.
The inductees were honored with a ceremony on May 3 where they were presented with glass trophies. Their images will be added to the Student Hall of Fame gallery in the Juan Chacon Building.