Western New Mexico University’s (WNMU) President Joseph Shepard will present the 2014 President’s Award to the Silver City League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Council 8003 on Saturday, July 26 at WNMU. The council will be honored for their longtime community service to Grant County and New Mexico.
“We couldn’t think of any other organization that deserves to be recognized for their hard work and dedication in the Grant County community more than the LULAC Council 8003,” said Dr. Joseph Shepard, President of WNMU. “The members’ passion for service and education has changed the lives of thousands in Silver City and in New Mexico.”
Through more than three decades, the LULAC Council 8003 has offered scholarship awards to students in Grant County who wish to continue their studies in higher education. With the vision of its founders, Apolonio “Polo” and wife Donna Sierra, the council began hosting fundraisers to raise money for the annual student scholarships. The first award amount was $250 and quickly escalated to several $1,000 scholarships a year, including continuing awards to students who kept an acceptable grade point average and scholastic standing. To date, the council has awarded more than $200,000 to deserving students.
Today, past recipients are spread throughout the country as students had the freedom to utilize the award at any college or university of their choosing. Past recipients include doctors, engineers, business owners, and many more including, New Mexico Senator Howie Morales.
“LULAC Council 8003 has continually provided students, like myself, the resources, encouragement and ganas to pursue a quality education and attain their fullest potential in making a difference for our society’s future,” said New Mexico Senator Howie Morales.
Past recipients of the award are invited to RSVP to the event. WNMU and the LULAC Council 8003 ask anyone who has received the award and would like more information or would like to attend the event to please contact Fred Baca at (575) 538-9286.