Press Release

Feb. 1, 2006

Contact: Linda Kay Jones 538-6320

Dateline Santa Fe

An audience of political movers and shakers in the State Capitol will listen as Western New Mexico University president, Dr. John Counts, announces at the Governor’s mansion the establishment of the WNMU Ernie Mills Endowed Scholarship. Former governors, lawmakers, judges, and lobbyists will be in attendance as President Counts describes the living memorial of the scholarship as a tribute to Ernie Mills.

Mr. Mills was a WNMU Regent during the years of 1987 through 1990. He was an honorary member of the Silver City-Grant County Prospectors. His presentations at the New Mexico Economic Development Course, held every May on the WNMU campus, from its inception in 1993 until his death educated people from around the state about the importance of journalism and economic development.

The invitation-only event will be held Friday evening 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at the Governor’s mansion. It is being hosted by Western New Mexico University, Dr. and Mrs. John Counts, Dr. Lorene Carpenter Mills, WNMU regents Tony Trujillo, Norene Scott, Stephen Janos, Wm. “Bud” Davis, and Jennie Montoya; Senators Ben Altamirano and John Smith; and Representatives Dianne Hamilton, Manny Herrera, and Dona Irwin.