News

A state legislator, high education leader, and retired educator will be honored at this year’s Homecoming 2015 festivities during the second weekend of October. The Office of Alumni Affairs has announced the names of three individuals that will receive alumni awards for their leadership and contributions to the community. New Mexico State Senator Howie Morales is receiving the Distinguished Alumnus Ambassador Award. Senator Morales earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from WNMU. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree from New Mexico State University. Senator Morales is serving in his second term as a State Senator. He began his career in public service serving as the Grant County Clerk in 2005. A passionate educator, Senator Morales has a successful track record of leadership in the Cobre School District as a teacher and baseball coach. Dr. Lorraine Morales is receiving the Distinguished Alumna Ambassador award. Dr. Morales earned a bachelor’s degree in...

The Board of Regents at Western New Mexico University met on Monday, September 14, at the main campus in Silver City. The five-member board introduced a new member, Dr. Carl Foster, recently appointed by Governor Susana Martinez. Foster resides in Albuquerque, NM. His career in higher education includes being a faculty member at New Mexico Highlands University. He has held leadership positions at New Mexico Tech and is currently a commissioner with the New Mexico Public Schools Capital Outlay Advisory Board. The board unanimously approved several items including updates to the Staff Senate Handbook and the Staff Senate Constitution and Bylaws. Both documents were presented to the board, for with minor changes in language. The university’s Master Plan document, previously presented to the board on several occasions, was also approved unanimously. The document lays out a map of potential campus infrastructure and landscape changes from 2014-2029. The Master Plan can be viewed...

  Western New Mexico University Bookstore is excited to announce that the bookstore now accepts Mustang Dollars in addition to financial aid. As part of the bookstore’s ongoing efforts to make shopping hassle-free, accepting multiple methods of payment helps streamline the purchase process to ensure students have access to the products they need when they need them. The bookstore is only the second campus service, joining dining services, to accept Mustang Dollars. “This is all about enhancing the campus experience for students – making sure they have convenient access to the necessities,” said Zach Serowik, store manager of the Western New Mexico University Bookstore. “They can now use the same card to access their dorm rooms, grab a sandwich at the Mustang Deli and pick up needed textbooks or supplies at the bookstore.” Breaking down the process, financial aid and Mustang Dollars are loaded on to each student’s Mustang Wallet account. When a student...

    Western New Mexico University has announced September 21 as the opening date for its new fitness center in the Brancheau P.E. Complex. The fitness center features the newly remodeled swimming pool and locker rooms that will be available for the public through monthly memberships. Community members may purchase membership access at the Business Office in Castorena Hall for $50 a month. Monthly membership includes access to the pool, locker rooms, Intramural Gym and racquetball courts. Access to WNMU students, faculty and staff is free. “We are creating a comprehensive model that we think will accelerate our focus of healthy living at WNMU,” said Abe Villarreal, Director of Communications. “We know that healthy students are happy students and they are more likely to be successful academically.” Fitness Center hours are 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week. The swimming pool is open for WNMU students only from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00...

Western New Mexico University is commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month with several events planned between September 15 and October 15. Most events are free to the public and center around food, culture, music, history and current political issues. “WNMU is a Hispanic Serving Institution and more than half of our students are Hispanic,” stated Vanessa Stroman, Coordinator of Multicultural Events. “Having cultural events for our students and the public is both educational and fun.” Listed are the events open to the community: Saturday, September 12 Mariachi: Fiesta De La Gente at 2pm and 7pm, Fine Arts Center Theater Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased at the door. Tuesday, September 15 Best Tasting Salsa Contest from 11am to 1pm, Life Lounge (Student Memorial Center 1st floor). Salsa makers should contact 538-6611 to submit a recipe for the contest. Prizes will be given to first, second and third places Wednesday, September 16 Mexican...

The University Foundation office is hosting ‘Hats In The Garden’ on September 26 as a an event to engage Western New Mexico University supporters and to raise funds for the Foundation. The event begins at 4:00 p.m. in the Alumni Garden and attendees are encouraged to wear creative hats. Local apparel business Vintage Fantasies and Raven’s Nest are partnering with the Foundation to present a fashion show featuring WNMU students. Cost to attend is $25 and will cover event food and beverages. A silent auction with themed baskets will benefit the University Foundation office. The attendee with the most creative hat will win the People’s Choice Award. To RSVP, please call the University Foundation office at 575-538-6310. The Alumni Garden is located on 10th Street next to Hunter...

A new executive director for the University Foundation has opened her doors to alumni, donors and community members looking to make connections with Western New Mexico University. Since July 1, Jodi Edens-Crocker has been meeting people, setting up appointments and brainstorming on how to grow relationships with anyone who has a connection and interest in Western New Mexico University. “I feel there is a sincere interest and energy from campus, donors, alumni and the community to build and foster a true Foundation that can move the university forward,” said Edens-Crocker. Edens-Crocker has more than 10 years of experience working with fundraising and relationship building in higher education. Her most recent experience includes serving as Director of Events and Special Projects at Florida Gulf Coast University. In that capacity, she oversaw the organization of over 100 university events annually. “We are creating opportunities for participation and involvement by all...

A university department that focuses on academic programs for the community is expanding its services for area residents who may be facing temporary unemployment periods. The Adult Education Services office (AES), based in Watts Hall on the corner of Swan Street and Highway 180, offers free programs for community members in different subject areas. “One of our primary focuses is preparing adult learners to transition to be university students or to learn skills to reenter the workforce,” said Debbie Maldonado, Director of AES. AES programs include preparing for the High School Equivalence Diploma, training for computer skills, math, reading and writing. An open lab is available to any community member and staff members are on hand to create flexible schedules with personalized start times. “Computer skills are necessary to be successful in a career and our programs are designed assist the learner’s need,” said Maldonado. “What we want to provide is a stepping...