December is a traditional time of service to community and students at Western New Mexico University are covering every corner of Grant County, partnering with local organizations.
During the fall semester, students in several organizations including student government and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) have reached out to non-profit organizations to help raise funds and awareness for underrepresented populations. Efforts such as canned food drives, animal adoption day and monthly visits to nursing homes have been realized through partnerships by student groups and non-profits.
“WNMU students have been very helpful in the soup kitchen and also through our other efforts,” said Randy Salars, Director of the Silver City Gospel Mission. “The Mustang football team helped us fill up semi-trucks full of clothes for kids in Mexico and the athletic department has brought in large amount of donations.” Student-athletes held a canned food drive at the Mustang basketball game on December 1 helping bring in more than 200 pounds of goods for the Mission’s food pantry.
“As student-athletes we learn to play as a team and by getting involved in the community we expand that team, sharing with others and helping those in need,” said Omar Lopez, Mustang tennis player and President of SAAC. “We want our students to learn that the community is also part of our team.”
For students like Lopez, a senior from Naucalpan, Mexico; being an active member of the Silver City community is a no-brainer. “We are calling this place home for four years and it is our obligation to reach out to everyone and let them know that students want to be neighbors and friends to businesses and community groups,” said Lopez.
Each month, members of student government (ASWNMU) visit the Silver City Care Center and participate in arts and crafts activities with the residents. ASWNMU Senator Sarita Reyes, a junior from Deming, New Mexico, believes that activities like this are an important part of the college experience.
“I hear from locals all the time that they really appreciate us getting out there and finding ways to be involved,” said Reyes. “That makes us feel good and encourages us to stay active outside the classroom.”
Many students are getting involved in the community with the leadership of Dr. Benjamin Cline, assistant professor of communications. Cline requires that his students complete one community project each semester.
“When students go out and work with the community, organizing events, scheduling meetings, and raising awareness, a bond is created,” explained Cline. “These bonds allow students to become a part of the community in which they live. The bonds that students create help disappear divisions between the university and the community.”
Cline’s students recently held a spaghetti dinner fundraiser for the Humane Society among other projects.
WNMU students have several community outreach projects for the upcoming semester including Hoops 4 Hope, a basketball night for community members with learning and physical disabilities. Marc Villanueva, a senior from Moriarty, New Mexico, initiated the project three years ago.
“We are looking forward to the third annual event,” said Villanueva. “Events like this are really what is the most memorable aspect about being a college student.”