IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/13/04 CONTACT: PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
SILVER CITY—Western New Mexico University retirees Roberto and Bertha Benavidez have been selected to serve as the Homecoming 2004 Parade Marshals. The husband and wife team will lead the homecoming parade on Saturday, Oct. 30, beginning at 10:30 a.m.
Bertha Benavidez was the chair professor of the Applied Technology Department and retired in July of this year after 25 years of service at WNMU.
Ms. Benavidez earned a bachelor of arts degree in business education and a master of arts degree in teaching from WNMU. Her employment at Western began as an adjunct professor in 1974 and was later hired as a full time professor in 1979.
Ms. Benavidez has served as a member of the National Business Education Association, Career and Technical Education Association, International Business Education Association, and as the Chairperson of the Cobre Business Professionals of America Advisory Group.
The “Teacher of the Year” award for the general college was presented to Ms. Benavidez in 1982. She received this award for her ability to present subject matter in an understandable format, which made learning for her students easier and more enjoyable.
Roberto Benavidez, taught American History, World History and Street Law. He retired from Cobre High School after 30 years of teaching where he also coached baseball, basketball, and golf.
He earned a bachelor of science degree in history and physical education from New Mexico State University, a master of arts degree in administration from WNMU and a master of arts in teaching degree from WNMU.
He coached tennis at Silver High School, coached women’s tennis at WNMU in 1989, and coached men’s and women’s tennis at WNMU for nine years before retiring in June of this year.
He was selected as Coach of the Year in tennis for two years in a row, Coach of the Year in basketball, and Teacher of the Year in history.
Coach Benavidez, better known as “Coacher” still actively plays softball with the Silver City Astros Baseball Team competitively and participates in tournaments locally and at the state level.
He is active in gardening, softball and golf.
Together they have three children Rene, Sandra, and Becky, all are WNMU graduates. They also have five grandchildren.
The homecoming parade will follow the traditional route from campus, down College Avenue, right on Bullard, right on Broadway and conclude at the Grant County Courthouse.
Entries for this year’s homecoming parade will be accepted through Oct. 20. To obtain a parade entry form, contact the Alumni Affairs Office at 538-6675, Associated Students of WNMU at 538-6113 or the Multicultural Affairs/Student Activities Office at 538-6611.
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