IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10-13-04 CONTACT: PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
SILVER CITY—The Western New Mexico University Alumni Association has announced the 2004 Outstanding Distinguished Alumni and Outstanding Alumni Ambassador award winners to be recognized as part of Homecoming 2004 activities Oct. 25-31. The three recipients are May Kusuda Fujiwara, Charlie Alfero and Rosina Romero.
The Outstanding Alumni Ambassador award is limited to alumni of WNMU who have demonstrated significant contributions to WNMU and have donated of their time and talents to the university or other groups or organizations. The award is intended to recognize volunteer, unpaid efforts of a significant nature. It is not intended to recognize officials or those who receive compensation for their efforts.
This year’s WNMU Outstanding Alumni Ambassador is Rosina Romero.
Romero, class of 1983, was very active in student government and other student activities that contributed positively to student life and the University in general. She was inducted into the WNMU Student Hall of Fame in 2002.
Most recently, Romero is serving as the President of the Albuquerque Chapter of the WNMU Alumni Association.
“It is in this capacity that Rosina has clearly demonstrated her leadership, devotion, and passion for the promotion of Western and the Alumni Association,” said David W. Darling, Ph.D., former WNMU regent, in his nomination of Romero. “For the first time in history we have a vibrant and growing chapter in Albuquerque. This is a long time in coming.”
Mainly through Rosina’s efforts the Albuquerque Chapter raised enough funds to sponsor a bench for the much-needed Alumni Garden on Western’s campus. Also a contingent of the Chapter’s members made the trip to Western last year to participate in the Great Race. This is a first for an Albuquerque group, said Darling.
Romero, a resident of Albuquerque, is a field revenue agent for the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department.
The Outstanding Distinguished Alumni Award is limited to alumni of WNMU who have demonstrated excellence in their chosen profession or who have demonstrated excellence in their contribution to society.
The Outstanding Distinguished Alumni are May Kusuda Fujiwara and Charlie Alfero.
Fujiwara, class of 1954, was a teacher in the El Paso, Texas area for many years before relocating to Hawaii. She earned a bachelor of science degree in education from WNMU and a master of arts degree in education from Texas A & M University.
Fujiwara has been honored for her activism and profession. She was selected as the Outstanding Older American Female for the County of Maui, Hawaii in 2003, Woman of the Year for West Maui in 2002 by the Lahaina News, the Kokua Award in 2001 by the Lahaina Town Action Committee for Outstanding Contributions and Commitment to the West Maui community, as well as many other awards for her teaching skills.
She remains very active lobbying for senior citizen issues, performing as an entertainer and greeter for cruise ships that dock in Lahaina, and participates in Hawaiian language class, ukulele class, and hula class.
Charlie Alfero earned his bachelor of arts degree in sociology, political science, and history in 1974 and in 1981 earned his master of arts degree in counseling psychology from WNMU.
Alfero is being recognized for his tireless commitment to the availability of health care to all citizens.
“I met Mr. Alfero about ten years ago when he came to Hidalgo County to help us improve the availability of our medical care. At the time, we had no full time doctor, dentist, or any consistent medical care for our area of New Mexico. Our citizens were often driving 60 to 100 miles one way for medical care,” said Bob Martin of Western Bank in his nomination of Alfero. “Charlie came to help. He worked with the community, the Hidalgo County Commission, and our local businesses to establish a federally recognized rural health clinic with consistent medical care for all, especially the underserved of our community.”
Medical services have been provided in Animas, Playas, Cliff, Mimbres, Lordsburg and Silver City. Family Support Services including DWI, food distribution, Medication Assistance Program, diabetes, and smoking cessation services have helped over 10,600 New Mexicans throughout Hidalgo, Catron, Grant and Luna counties so far this year, according to Martin.
“We are honoring three very deserving and accomplished alumni at Homecoming this year. I would encourage anyone interested in joining us to honor our award winners or just interested in participating in the many exciting events planned for Homecoming, to stop by the Alumni Office located in Hunter Hall or give us a call,” said Christy Miller, WNMU Alumni Director.
For more information on the alumni awards or to sign up for Homecoming 2004 activities, contact Miller at 538-6675.
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