IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/6/2008 CONTACT: PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE

            SILVER CITY-- The Western New Mexico University Multicultural Affairs/Student Activities office and the WNMU School of Education sponsored a trip to Santa Fe during the 2008 legislative session.

Participants were Maria Dominguez, Director of MASA; Professor Patricia Cano, WNMU alumna Guadalupe Cano, and WNMU students David Brinker, Arturo Monje Jr., Tony Mora, Luis Ortega, and Eric Torres.

            The group toured the Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque, N.M., attended a basketball games at New Mexico Highlands University, toured the State Capitol in Santa Fe, met with local legislators, and participated in the legislative process.

            “State Rep. Rudy Martinez made special accommodations to meet with us,” said Dominguez. “He took time to answer questions and explain what kind of work he was doing and the various local issues he was championing.”

Among the items discussed by the group was funding for the MASA office, lights for the football stadium at WNMU, the Fort Bayard Medical Facility, and water/flood issues at the community of Hatch.

            “I enjoyed the trip to Santa Fe. The highlight for me was going to the Roundhouse and meeting with State Representative Rudy Martinez, as well as other representatives,” said Arturo Monje Jr., WNMU graduate student from Arizona. “It was neat being in the place where all the political decisions are made.”

            “This was a great opportunity that enlightened many students and I would love to plan this trip again next year,” added Dominguez.

            For more information contact Maria Dominguez at 538-6611.

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CAPTION: Pictured from left to right are Eric Torres, Arturo Monje Jr., Professor Patricia Cano, WNMU Alumna Guadalupe Cano, MASA Director Maria C. Dominguez, State Representative Rodolpho “Rudy” Martinez, and Tony Mora. Not pictured are David Brinker and Luis Ortega. The group traveled to Santa Fe earlier this year to advocate for a number of projects and observe the legislature in action.

(photo courtesy WNMU MASA Office)

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