News

Students in the Natural Sciences Department were recently awarded a National Science Foundation grant to research fungal communities at high altitudes in the Gila National Forest. Gabe Gilmore, a senior majoring in forestry wildlife management, will be leading the research with other students and faculty this summer. The principal goal of the project is to compare fungal communities in Blue Gramma grass that exist above 7000 feet in elevation. The small team of researchers will be collecting specimen and conducting research in campus laboratories. The grant provides Western New Mexico University students an opportunity to participate in research that is taking place at the national level and the campus proximity to the Gila National Forest makes the research uniquely fitting to students in the National Sciences program. “This research will provide valuable date on how wild grasses are coping with continuing climate change,” said Gilmore. “This may result in possible new...

Top-selling R&B artist Lloyd will perform live as part of the 49th annual Great Race festivities on Friday, April 22 at 8:00 p.m. in Old James Stadium. Known for his top-ten hit Lay It Down, Lloyd has released four studio albums, his latest was King of Hearts in 2011. Lloyd’s first mixed tape was released in 2011 and included collaborations with other notable artists including Lil Wayne, August Alsina and Trae Tha Truth. He is currently working on his second mixed tape. Opening for Lloyd is Vonzell ‘Baby V’ Solomon, finalist on American Idol’s fourth season, finishing in the top three. Solomon has appeared in several music videos and TV shows. Her recording of Best Of My Love by the Emotions was a top-ten hit. Admission to the concert is $10 for WNMU students and $20 for the public. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with Solomon performing at 7:00 p.m. and Lloyd at 8:00 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the WNMU Business Office, in Castorena Hall, or online at...

The University Foundation is hosting its annual Scholarship Gala fundraiser on Saturday, April 23 with a Boots and Bling theme encouraging participants to wear their western best for an evening of dancing, food and entertainment. The Scholarship Gala begins at 6:00 p.m. in historic Graham Gym. The evening will include cocktails, dinner, a silent auction, complimentary bar and dancing to the live music of the Bucky Allred Band. “Each year, this event provides our community and WNMU leaders the opportunity to get together for important reasons, raising scholarships for our deserving students, showing support for the work that the University Foundation is accomplishing and to build camaraderie among each other for a common passion,” said Jodi Edens-Crocker, University Foundation Director. Graham Gym will once again be transformed with décor reflecting the year’s theme. This year, attendees are encouraged to show up in their boots, buckles and rhinestone covered apparel in...

April marks the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare and commemorations of his life and works are taking place around the world, one of them in the Miller Library on Friday, April 22 at 3:00 p.m. Shakespeare In April is an afternoon of readings and performances by Western New Mexico University students and community members, commemorating the work of the most recognized author in history. “Shakespeare has been translated into nearly all the written languages in the world,” said Dr. Debbie Heller, WNMU professor of English. “His ideas transcend time and place.” Heller has helped organize the event, which includes a performance of sonnets by university students and performances by other area talent including the Virus Theater and actor Gregg Dugan. Leading up to the event, Heller’s students presented Shakespeare’s works in local public schools, sharing the importance and impact of the Bard’s writings for four centuries. “Nobody should get...

Middle and high school students from Grant and Luna Counties who aspire to be business owners can register for Future Entrepreneurs Weekend, a two-day workshop taking place May 6 and 7 on the Western New Mexico University campus The event is hosted by the WNMU School of Business and is free of cost to area youth. Attendees will develop a business plan and learn what it takes to open a business with interactive presentations emphasizing innovation and creativity. Workshop participants will be provided free meals and an event shirt. Seats are limited. To register for the Future Entrepreneurs Weekend, contact Dr. Francisca Reyes at 575-538-6326 or...

For most former Mustangs, participating in the annual Great Race is the most memorable experience during their collegiate years. The Office of Alumni Affairs has scheduled two days of activities for Mustangs returning to their alma mater for Great Race weekend beginning Friday, April 22. Registration to attend alumni events is $35 per person and can be done by contacting Amanda Moffett at 575-538-6675 or Amanda.Moffett@wnmu.edu. Friday, April 22 Alumni Registration: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Hunter Hall Campus Tour, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., beginning at Hunter Hall Alumni Dinner, 5:30 p.m., Light Hall patio Saturday, April 23 Alumni Breakfast, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Sunset Room Great Race, 11:00 a.m., Old James Stadium Lunch, 12:30 pm., Old James Stadium During and after the race, the Mustang Festival will take place at Old James Stadium from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event will include vendors and family friendly games. For more information, contact...

Sixth grade student Winter Lewis and her family were surprised with a special scholarship award presentation at Hurley Elementary on Thursday, April 7. Western New Mexico University officials presented Lewis with a four-year scholarship covering tuition and housing in recognition of her recent accomplishments at the annual Hurley Elementary Science Fair. Lewis was presented a certificate of acceptance to WNMU and a scholarship certificate by WNMU President Joseph Shepard at an assembly in front of her classmates. “I was so grateful and happy to know that Western is paying attention to what is going on in the community,” said Margaret Kessler, Hurley Elementary Principal. “She’s a great student and is very deserving.” Lewis’ father Roy Lewis and grandfather Roger Lewis were present at the ceremony. The scholarship will be catalogued in the WNMU Foundation, awaiting Lewis’ enrollment in 2022. “WNMU is excited to be in the community recognizing the talented youth in...

Western New Mexico University recently hosted officials from the Universidad Tecnologica de Parral (UTP) to establish a memorandum of understanding between both institutions. The agreement focuses on several areas of partnership with WNMU’s Language Institute and Applied Technology programs. Future collaborations include academic exchanges for short-term language courses, English courses for the general public and summer camps. Also agreed to was the offering of welding courses in Mexico for students of UTP and the general public. Course participants will earn certifications in welding technology. UTP is based in the Mexican state of Chihuahua and was established in 2011. Visitors included Susan Escarcega Castellanos, UTP President; Jesus Manuel Quintana Corral, UTP Outreach Director; Alfredo Diaz Saenz, Deputy Director of Outreach Programs; Rubi Amaya Beyer, Deputy Director of Internationalization; and Ricardo Escarcega Castellanos, former Language Institute...