IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 5/10/05 CONTACT: PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE

SILVER CITY—Former Western New Mexico University Regent and alumnus David Darling, Ph.D., will receive an honorary degree of doctor of humane letters during WNMU’s spring commencement ceremony on Friday, May 13, beginning at 6 p.m. at the WNMU Old James Stadium.

Darling, originally from Deming, N.M., earned a bachelor of science degree in elementary education in 1953 and a master of science degree in education in 1955 both from WNMU. He earned a doctorate degree in education administration with a minor in curriculum and instruction from the University of Texas in 1964.

Darling joined the University of New Mexico in 1967 as a professor and administrator. He chaired the UNM Department of Elementary Education and later was appointed the Dean of the College of Education in 1974. He retired from UNM in 1992 after 25 years as a member of the faculty and administrator. While an administrator at UNM, the College of Education was awarded eight national awards for Excellence in Teacher Education by the two most prestigious teacher education professional groups in the nation. He was awarded professor emeritus status from UNM in 1992.

“As an expert in the field of multicultural education, Dr. Darling established a nationwide reputation as one of the outstanding leaders in the field with his textbooks, articles, and professional presentations,” said Dr. William “Bud” Davis, WNMU regent. “These activities led to his appointment on numerous national committees on public and higher education.”

During his time as an undergraduate at Western, Darling was student body president, a member of the student senate, vice president of the National Blue Key Honor Society, and a member and vice president of the letterman’s club.

As an alumnus, Darling served on the WNMU Board of Regents from 1997 through 2003 including a term as Chairman. He was selected for induction into the WNMU Education Hall of Fame in 1994. He has also served on the WNMU Alumni Association Board of Directors and in 1997 was selected as the WNMU Outstanding Alumni Ambassador by his fellow alumni.

“The College and Silver City have given me so much. The College gave me my profession. Silver City is where I met my wife of 52 years, Mary. My mother was born here 100 years ago. Our five humane and contributing children are a source of pride and inspiration for me,” said Darling. “I have so many people to thank for helping me. I must mention two. Marvin Coester, a 1938 graduate of the College who was my high school coach in Deming advised me to go to Western and become a teacher. And Coach Ray Brancheau at Western who saw more in me than I did in myself.”

I know several recipients of this honor in recent years: Dorothy McCray, Murray Ryan, Luis Armijo, Tommy Foy, and Bennny Altamirano. These people have contributed so much to bettering the lives of many, many people and society. To be acknowledged as a member of this group is a very humbling feeling, Darling added.

Darling and his wife, Mary, have five children Ann, Mary L., David, Louis, and John.

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