Mustang Greetings

Dear Mustangs,

October 13 is the date set aside for Homecoming. We have many activities planned for the week. There will be something for everybody each day. Friday activities have been extended and we have also added events to the Saturday schedule. Of course, the Sunday morning breakfast is a wonderful way to conclude the week.

I am challenging us, the class of 1951, to lead all other classes with members attending Homecoming 2001. We intend to honor you as the "special" class with special recognition, so let us lead the way in attendance. As a boost to encourage your presence, below are a few facts about the class of 1951.

Our graduating class had forty-four candidates for degrees of Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, thirty-four for Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, and tewnty-two for Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts. This was the first year Western granted a Master of Science degree, and there were eight in this class.

I hope that all alumni will come back "home" this year. I had the pleasure of attending Western's graduation this May and was impressed with the feeling of "family" that still permeates Western. I hope you will come back and be a part of the Mustang family again.

Jean DeWitt Hansen, '51 and '58
WNMU Alumni Association President

A Letter from Faye Vowell

Lots of exciting activities are in progress on campus. In an effort to maintain a relevant curriculum. The Board of Regents has approved a number of degrees: an associate degree in graphic design as well as baccalaureate degrees in rehabilitation services, management information systems, nursing, fine arts, and substance abuse. We will begin recruting students as soon as possible.

We are involved in a number of construction projects. We have broken ground on a new building, the Besse Forward Global Resource Center. It will house computer science faculty, computer labs, classrooms, offices for SIGRED (Silver City-Grant County Economic Development Corp.), and an auditorium suitable for conferences and meetings. This building will be a showcase for technology. We will also begin a renovation of Glaser and Sechler Halls which house the Child Development Center. The children and teachers will camp out in Regents Row during the renovation.

Western has been accepted by the North Central Association to participate in the Academic Quality Improvement Process (AQIP), which is an alternate accrediting process. It is a great honor for us to be a part of this pioneer group. Cross campus meetings yielded three areas that we want to target to work on for the next three years: advising, communication, and funding. This milestone in our "Quality Journey" initiates a new era in self-measurement. You will hear more about this initiative as it unfolds.

I look forward to meeting you and discussing more about academic affairs when you visit campus.

Faye Vowell, Provost
Western New Mexico University

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Greetings to WNMU Alumni from

Dr. John Counts

WNMU is enjoying a time of unprecedented success -- most recently being honored for the seventh year in a row by Quality New Mexico (2 Pinon recognitions and 5 prestigious Roadrunner recognitions). Also, WNMU was chosen by North Central Association of Schools and Colleges (NCA) as one of the first Universities to be accepted in NCA's pioneering Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP).

Each success starts and ends with people, and if I had to mention only one highlight -- our most significant accomplishment -- it would be that we have assembled a team of extraordinary people who deserve all of the credit for our many successes.

WNMU's core responsibilities are teaching and learning, and it is not an accident that the proportion of WNMU faculty with the appropriate terminal degree (92%) is the highest in New Mexico with the exception of New Mexico Tech. The proportion of student credit hours taught by our tenured/tenure track faculty is the highest in New Mexico. The classes with few exceptions, are small, and Graduate Assistants rarely teach.

Because of our outstanding faculty we are very proud of the outstanding results achieved on eight national accreditation visits and five state evaluations of our academic programs.

Several new baccalureate degree programs have been developed in the areas of Nuring (BSN), Fine Arts (BFA), Management Information Systems (BBA), Chemical Dependency (BA), and Rehabilitation Services (BS). We have also added associate degrees in Graphic Arts and Computer Network Technology and have laid the groundwork for a Network for Web-Based Teacher Licensure (NETL).

Improving the University's infrastructure is a never ending challenge, and the campus has been bustling with construction activity for several years.

Construction is almost completed for the Football Field/Athletic Complex, and is progressing for the new Besse-Forward Global Resource Center. This $5.5 million building will serve as WNMU's Center for Information Technology and home of the Small Business Development Center and other Economic Development activities. This summer, we begin a $1.4 million renovation of Sechler-Rhoades Hall, the home of our wonderful CDC and hopefully by the end of this year significant progress will be achieved in wiring the campus for computers.

After considerable planning and discussion, we were finally able to realize our dream of a student health center this year. We have also improved our ability to help special needs students although we still have a long way to go in this important area.

In athletics, last year, WNMU's golf team, finished in 4th place in the U.S. in NCAA Division II, and the women's softball team has notched over 130 victories in the last four years. They have demonstrated that they can compete with any NCAA II team in the U.S. Hopefully their success is contagious. Individually, our student athletes have received more than their share of honors from the PacWest Conference and at the National level.

Considerable success has also been realized at our off-campus centers in Gallup, Deming, and T. or C.

Our vision of Western is clear. It centers on the students who are the reason we exist. The central thrust of our vision is: "To be recognized as leaders in higher education and the University of choice for our students because we provide relevant education that is accessible, affordable and of the highest quality."

We will continue to emphasize and celebrate a learning environment that capitalizes on the potential of our diversity and supports a climate where diversity is appreciated and nurtured.

We have a clear vision and dedicated people willing and able to accomplish our goals. It is an important time for our university, our community, and our Country. I am forever thankful for being given the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of so many worthy people. I have never been anywhere that has more potential than WNMU and WNMU's extraordinary potential will be realized. Our team has embarked on an exciting journey into a promising future.

We look forward to seeing you in October for Homecoming 2001!

John Counts

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Homecoming 2001

A Blast from the Past -- A Celebration of the 50's

What's Happening at Homecoming

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Meet Joe Mondragon

If you happen to be walking around the campus of Western or drinking coffee at one of the local restaraunts, you will encounter an energetic, talkative and graduate of the University. The individual is Joe Mondragon, the new Men's Basketball Coach.

Joe graduated from WNMU in 1975. He played for "Drag" from 1971-75. Upon graduation, Joe coached girls' basketball from 1976-79 at Cloudcroft High School, earning the State Championship in 1976. In 1979, he accepted a coaching job at Clarendon State in California. He not only served as the men's coach, but was athletic director as well.

Coach Mondragon's plans for Western's basketball program is "to bring in recruits, sharpen up present player's skills, build a positive attitude and have a great year." He has plans for starting a Cager Club which will involve past players and supporters of Western. He'd also like to do fund-raising to insure a successful program.

"I'd love to have the support of the alumni. I hope to give something back to Western. I have an allegiance to our University because of what I received here. I have a passion for WNMU and Silver City. As I walk around campus, it's like things haven't changed. I'm looking forward to coaching at my alma mater. Most coaches dream about this -- it's my dream come true."

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Meet Samantha Ezell

Samantha Ezell takes control of a women's programthat went winless in 2000-01. The 29 year-old Arizona State University graduate played for the highly successful Central Arizona College Vaqueros, which finished third and seventh in her two years at Casa Grande. The Yuma, Arizona, native is currently continuing her knack for being involved with highly succcessful programs at Bloomsburg, where she is mentored by Head Coach Monica Starrett, who has led the Division II Huskies to the NCAA Sweet 16 twice in the last four years.

"I'm delighted to be presented with this opportunity to come to Western New Mexico University," said Ezell. "I know that I will give every effort to return the team to its glory years, and I'm excited to become a member of a team with so much tradition."

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WNMU Athletics

Here's to the Purple,
Here's to the Gold,
Here's to the Mustangs,
Purple and Gold.
--Mustang Fight Song

New Athletic Complex Update

The athletic department is eagerly anticipating the completion of its new three million dollar athletic complex. By the time you read this we should be making final arrangements for our season opening football game in the new stadium on August 25th at noon against Adams State. The stadium itself will seat 2,000 people in the bleachers with additional seating on the grass slopes surrounding the field. The press box will provide space for media (radio and print), coaches, photographers and game management personnel. The scoreboard and 25 second clocks were donated by locally owned AmBank.

The new 7,500 square foot building will be the showcase of the new complex and will be used by WNMU students, staff, and faculty. A new fitness center with all new equipment purchased by the students will greatly enhance WNMU's recruiting process. The building will also include two locker rooms, coach's offices, training room, concession stand, restrooms, and ticket area. A surfaced walking track completes the football stadium.

The final stage will be to build three new tennis courts bringing the total to six and allowing more space for our tennis programs and the community. Lighting for the whole complex is scheduled for the future with wiring being included in the current project.

We are excited about the future. New coaches in Football, Men's and Women's basketball and Softball look to bring enthusiasm and support back to the University. Our Women's golf program, under the direction of NCAA West Region Coach of the Year, Kent Beatty, finished third at the NCAA Division II National Golf Championships in Rock Hill, S.C. this past May and will return five of the six competitors.

It should be an exciting year in athletics here at Western New Mexico University and we would like to invite all alumni to Silver City for Homecoming October 13th vs. Midwestern State.

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Go Mustangs!

Dear Alumni,

Here comes a new football season at Western New Mexico University. We have a new stadium on campus along with a new weight room and locker room facility.

For me this is a return engagement as the Head Football Coach. From 1991-1994 I worked as an Offensive Coordinator and in 1994 as the Head Coach.

I know I can speak for our players in saying that we are very excited about 2001. We feel like we finally have facilities that can compete with Highlands and Eastern. We realize that there is a big challenge awaiting us, but that is what makes competitive athletics exciting.

We want to welcome you in helping us face this challenge by your presence at the games and in your financial donations for the Westen New Mexico Football Program.

Come and see us.

Sincerely,

Charley Wade
Head Football Coach

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2001 WNMU Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees Named

Western New Mexico University will honor three graduates by inducting them into the university's athletic Hall of Fame this fall. Bill Bynum, Vance Redfern, and John Thompson will join Mustang legends of the past as this year's inductees on October 13, homecoming weekend at WNMU.

Bynmum, a 1970 graduate, played quarterback and fullback on the football team and was named Most Valuable Player on the baseball squad that capped a marvelous college career.

Redfern graduated in 1963 and still holds school records for his prowess on the golf course. Among others, his 73.6 stroke average is the lowest single season mark posted by any Mustang player. In addition to golf, Redfern, who is currently the senior associate athletic director at San Diego State, was a three-year letterman in football.

John Thompson, a 1960 graduate, was also a two-sport athlete, competing in basketball and golf. Thompson was a terror in the Frontier Conference, as well as all-conference in basketball and was the individual champion in golf in 1960. Thompson the former athletic director at the University of Texas - El Paso, is the vice-president at the Spherion Corporation.

The inductees will be honored by an alumni breakfast and will be featured in the homecoming parade and at halftime of the Mustang football game with Midwestern State.

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Golf Tournament Benefits WNMU Legacies

This is a note for any and all alumni who ever had the pleasure of meeting or being associated with Mike Arent. Mike attended and played football at WNMU from 1982-1984. In April 2000, while residing in Washington State, Mike was diagnosed with inoperable cancer. He is a single father of two young boys and they too are exceptional athletes like their father. Speaking for myself and many other teammates, Mike is a hero in a world where heroes are few and far between. For anyone who ever spent ten minutes with him, you know what I mean. Not only did he touch the lives of his teammates at Western, but everyone he came into contact with -- teachers, administrators and locals alike. He was quick to lend a hand no matter what color you were or which social background you came from. He would truly give you the shirt off his back to anyone in need and expect nothing in return.

He was a fixture in and around Silver City while being the captain of the football team for 2 years. A member of the All-American Strength Team, All-Conference Team and "Player of the Week," Mike was a man amongst boys. Whether he was picking up a burrito at the Grinder Mill after a long night of "studying" or just hanging out at the Cooler, Mike was an upstanding approachable guy.

A reunion weekend was held in February in Phoenix. 25 ex-teammates (1982-1985) came together after numerous years for the inaugural "Shaggy Invitational Golf Tournament." The turnout was pretty amazing. Players came from Texas, Georgia, California, New Mexico, and Arizona. For some players and coaches it was the first time they had come together in over 15 years. Stories were told, children's pictures were flashed and many new memories were made.

A golf tournament hosted by Gabe and Gerri Martinez was held in Las Cruces on July 26-29. The golf tournament will be held on an annual basis in a different city each year. The tournament will become a charitable event with proceeds benefiting the Michael and Alex Arent's college tuition. For information regarding the golf tournament, or to send a donation, please contact Sam Pavlinch in Phoenix at (623) 561-9306 or Gabe Martinez in Las Cruces at (575) 526-5547.

Please keep Mike and his family in your prayers each day. Remember that if you needed a hand, Mike would be there

--Sam Pavlinch

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Interview with Nick Chintis

WNMU Athletic Hall of Famer

For someone who's first impression upon reaching Silver City was "it was the most desolate place on earth", Nick Chintis, Western New Mexico University Hall of Famer, Bataan Death March survivor, and former WNMU Alumni Director, has stayed for a long time -- over 50 years.

Chintis first came to Silver City with the New Mexico State Teachers College's first basketball coach Kenneth "Bucket" Gunning and four of the first Mustang basketball players -- all of whom would make history for NMSTC. They had all came from Indiana, sight unseen. Chintis said as the boys from Indiana's green farming country came farther and farther west, the land started looking more and more drab and ugly.

When they arrived in Silver City, Chintis said, they stopped at the now closed T&H Drive-In, still contemplating turning around and going home.

"Out skated these gorgeous girls in short skirts and cowboy hats," Chintis said. "One look at them and we decided to stay."

Chintis played both football and basketball while at NMSTC and has the distinction of being one of the basketball team that beat Loyola and the University of California at Los Angeles in the 1939 Rose Bowl Basketball Tournament. He was also named to the All Conference football squad in both 1939 and 1940.

Chintis admits he joined the New Mexico National Guard, which was then a cavalry unit, "so we could take our girls for horseback rides out in the hills." The local guard was federalized and became the 200th Coast Artillery Unit Chintis and some 100 other Grant Countians won a toss of a coin and were sent to the Phillipines just months before the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Only Chintis, Tommy Foy, and Joe Salas still survive locally.

There is a story Chintis says is "greatly exaggerated" by his fellow WNMU graduate Earl Weaver about Chintis when he came back to Western after the horrendous Bataan Death March and being used as a slave laborer in a Japanese prisoner of war camp in Yokohama for almost four years.

According to Weaver, a member of an opposing football team asked "how old is the bald headed man playing football?" Chintis swears he wasn't bald...yet.

"After eating nothing but rice for three and a half years, I was in Veterans Administration Hospitals for some time suffering from malaria or something like it," Chintis said. "But I had one year of eligibility left in football and I wanted to play, so I did. I ended up being able to play about every other game that season. I'd play a game and then end up at Fort Bayard and then come back to play another one."

After receiving his degree in 1948, Chintis taught and coached in Bayard and was a supervisor for what was then the Grant County Schools before returning to WNMU as a member of the staff. He served in numerous positions at the university including athletic recruiter, admission officer, alumni director, and placement officer for 20 years before his retirement.

"A lot of things have changed since we arrived here that first night," Chintis said, shaking his head. "Who would have thought I'd still be here after 63 years?"

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Homecoming 2001 Challenges

The following individuals are presenting challenges for Homecoming 2001:

• Jean Dewitt Hansen challenges all classes ending in "1" to attend!
• The Milobar twins challenge the following football players to attend: Joe Durant, Doug Ragsdale, Jerry Reyes, Terry Roubidoux, Danny and Fred Boyce, Jerry Hurt, Leon Woodward, Bill Rippetoe, Lynn and Neil Nuttall, Ray Cross, and all other players on the '68 football team.
• Christy (Horcasitas) Miller challenges all "old" cheerleaders to attend Homecoming 2001

Meet the Challenge ... See you in October!

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A Caring Spirit:

Interview with WNMU Alum, Patsy Madrid

Depending on who you talk to she is a counselor, athlete, authority on curanderismo and the healing arts, a friend of anyone who needs some TLC, loves to work with all people, and last, but never least, in her estimation, a WNMU alumna.

Grant County native Patsy Ybarra Madrid is currently serving her second year as president of the Grant County WNMU Alumni Association Chapter. She, WNMU Alumni Director Christy Miller, Magistrate Judge Ron Hall, Bill Butterfield, Kenny Puleston, and other local people, all WNMU alumni, worked last year to get local alumni involved in activities at the University. Madrid says she is "just paying my dues" by serving as president of the Grant County Chapter. She was one of the Alumni Cheerleaders supporting the Chapter race car in this year's 34th Annual Great Race.

"Western has done a lot for all of us," she said. "I feel we should do something to help it and helping out during Homecoming, or during the Great Race, that's all a part of it."

Madrd has both her Bachelor's and Master's degree from WNMU. She has been a mental health counselor at Gila Regional Medical Center and at Border Area Mental Health, and is currently the master level counselor for the WNMU - New Mexico Works Program. She has also worked closely with the Department of Labor's "My Sister's Closet" which provides those just entering the workforce clothing appropriate for their jobs.

"So many of our clients have never worked before and they can neither afford to buy new clothes nor have the type of clothes to go work in. It's amazing how much having clothes to work in helps increase a person's self esteem. It also makes going to work not quite as frightening."

Madrid is secretary of the WNMU Alumni Association Board of Directors, a WNMU staff senator, cheerleader sponsor and president of the New Mexico Drug and Alcohol Association which has its yearly conference at WNMU. The NMDAA is the only association of its kind in New Mexico. She is married to Lukie Madrid, has one daughter, four grandchildren, and one great-grandson.

Madrid has carried that caring spirit over to the Grant County Alumni Association Chapter as well. Last year she worked hours and hours preparing for the Fourth of July Parade. The Alumni Chapter had not one but three entries plus two clowns who ran beside the vehicles, distributing candy.

"I encourage everyone, even if they have only taken one class, to join the WNMU Alumni Association," she said.

Other activities of the Alumni Chapter have included a concession stand at the Pro Rodeo, a golf tournament, entries in the Homecoming parade, a Homecoming dance the night before the football game, a barbecue between the Homecoming parade and the game, and participated at the Alumni Banquet on Saturday night. Madrid and the Chapter also worked with the WNMU Homecoming Committee planning events, and trying to contact alumni.

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Luis Armijo Honored with Doctorate

Luis Armijo, WNMU alumnus and World War II veteran, was presented with an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters at the Western New Mexico University Spring 2001 commencement ceremony at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 11, at Old James Stadium Amphitheater.

A reception was held on Wednesday, May 9, at the WNMU Museum to honor Armijo and officially open the exhibit, "Warriors: The Navajo Code Talkers". A scrapbook donated by Nick Chintis detailing the Bataan Death March and WNMU athletic events was on display.

Armijo is featured in Tom Brokaw's book, "The Greatest Generation," Brokaw donates part of the proceedsto charities designated by the veterans mentioned in the book. Some $40,000 have been donated on Armijo's behalf.

Armijo, a retired teacher, is featured in a chapter of Brokaw's book, recounting discrimination in the Army Air Corps and his participation on the Enola Gay's bombing of Hiroshima.

Armijo was born in San Antonio, N.M., served in the Air Force during World War II from 1943-46, graduated from New Mexico State Teachers High School and earned a bachelors of science and a master of science degree from New Mexico State Teachers College (now known as WNMU)in 1949 and 1953 respectively.

Armijo married his high school sweetheart Ella Baca, formerly of Santa Clara, N.M., some 57 years ago.

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The Great Race "Mom"

Her job description may have read "Secretary Housing Department", but to the "boys" in Eckles Hall in 1967, this year's 34th Annual Great Race Marshal, Jeannine Lupton, was just called "Mom".

Lupton was the one the boys had write up all the rules for the first Great Race. She was the one they went to for a little "TLC" and she was one of the first Great Race Commissioners.

Even now, Lupton laughs as she talks about her boys' antics during the 20 years she worked at WNMU.

"We started it you know," she said, eyes dancing. "It was fun at first, but the rules got pretty strict for safety reasons. The first year one team pushed a bed, and when it got to the corner, mattress and rider went flying!"

Lupton attended Western for a year before she got married, then stayed home to raise what would be three children -- Diane, Robert, and Debbie. Even though she didn't graduate, her daughter Debbie, son-in-law Marshall Steele, and son-in-law Ben Wakashige did. Now she has a granddaughter, one her six grandchildren, Nicole attending Western.

"My family will be there with me," she said.

According to Acting student Activities Coordinator Paul Rippa, when he called the student originators of the Great Race -- Stan Gerson, Ken Frick, Ron Manseau, Gene Matthews, Denny Mikel, Fred Moreno, Dick West -- all were excited Lupton would be able to start the race.

"Sometimes I had trouble with some of my boys. Once Stan (Gerson), who was one of the proctors, dressed up as ant man or something like that and started going around trying to scare the other guys in the dorm," she said. "I had to call him on the carpet for that. Most of all those boys were so nice. Charlie Wright (former WNMU Associated Students president and Athletic Hall of Famer) dedicated a basketball game to me on my birthday. He was upset because the team had to work extra hard to pull ahead in the last minutes of the game. I was proud of them. I loved my years up there."

Lupton's boss, and Dean of Students Jim Smith, let students meet in his office to plan the Great Race. Smith too has served as a race commissioner.

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Alumni Notes

Marion Smutney Ford ('62) is now a retired elementary teacher. She resides in Indiana with her family. Marion recently visited Western and was "really amazed at how the campus has changed." She visited her friend and former roommate, LaRue Coppedge Forman who attended Western in 1958 and is still an elementary teacher in Hobbs, New Mexico. Both have may fond memories of Western.

Evangelina Gonzalez Martinez ('65), a 6th grade bilingual education teacher at Davenport Elementary, has been recognized for her teaching excellence by "Who's Who Among America's Teachers." She has been with the Canutillo ISD for eight years, after 28 years with the Gadsdent School District. A former student of hers nominated her for this. According to Evangelina, "My education and educators at Western had a great influence on this, especially Ms. Hazel Sechler and Inez Rhoades because they always instilled a love for teaching and being good at it by caring for those whom you teach."

John "Bill" Boettcher's ('66) artwork was selected for "eMotion Pictures: An Exhibition of Orthopaedics in Art." His artwork titled "Red Sacral Totem" was exhibited on February 19 at the Herbst International Exhibition Hall in the San Francisco Presidio. Approximately 160 pieces of art from 70 artists and 25 orthopedic surgeons were displayed. John was a Biology major at Western, where he played football. After teaching biology for almost 30 years, he retired in 1998. Pursuing his love for art, he received a degree in painting from the University of Oklahoma. Since then, he has been fulfilling his dream. During the fall of 1985, John had a bicycle accident and suffered a neck trauma resulting in a central cold syndrome and three level cervical fusion. After reading a brochure on orthopaedics in art, John wrote an essay about his accident and his fascination with bones. "I took slides of my work, sent it off, and the rest is history."

Jim Crain ('68) is employed as a road engineer for the BASF Railroad since 1974. Jim and his wife Sharon, have been married since 1972. They have two children Janace and Jeremy. Jim has been involved in health and fitness. Last year, he competed in the Eastern New Mexico Bodybuilding Championship, taking 2nd place. Two former graduate's were an inspiration for Jim's bodybuilding -- Lynn Nuttall and Henry Ortiz. The Crains reside in Clovis, New Mexico.

Susie Weaver ('69) became a serious quilter in 1990, after taking her first quilt class in 1978. Moving back to Tucson in 1994 for the Tucson Quilt Guild Show, changed the direction of her life. Susie has served on several guild committees and was selected as "block of the month" chairman in 1996. She moved up to Quilt Show Chairman in 2000. Susie is employed at Precious Hands Needleworks. She began teaching quilting in 1995 and was honored with a "Teacher of the Year" nomination in 1998. "I encourage my students to experiment and add an individual flavor to their quilt projects. I am proud to say that I and several of my students have won viewer's choice ribbons at the 1999, 2000, and 2001 Tucson Quilt Guild shows." Susie's quilts will be on exhibit during Homecoming 2001.

Dr. Robert J. Canady ('70) is a retired university education professor. Since retiring, Canady has established a highly regarded reputation creating stained glass windows for churches and victorian homes. Robert's wife, Dr. Shirley Raines commented that, "He was the only art major on his football team at Western New Mexico University." Dr. Raines was recently chosen as The University of Memphis' 11th president.

Jan Hendricks Sible ('71) is currently the principal of Niwot High School in Longmont, Colorado. Jan retired in June.

Fourth-grade teacher in Belen, Patricia Castillo ('75) received the cherished Milken Family Foundation National Educator award of $25,000.00. Castillo is among an elite group of educators who have been honored by the Milken Family Foundation of Santa Monica, California. This year, 145 teachers across the country were honored. She was among three selected in New Mexico.

Pete Shock ('72) was inducted into the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony was held on June 27, in Fargo, North Dakota. He was also inducted into the New Mexico High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1995, was inducted into Western's Athletic Hall of Fame, and was named National Boys' Basketball Coach of the Year by the National Federation of Interscholastic Coaches. Pete's father, Dale, attended New Mexico State Teachers' College and played basketball as well.

Magistrate Jusge Ron Hall ('75) was named Citizen of the Year by the Silver City/Grant County Chamber of Commerce. Hall was nominated for the honor by his staff. They said in a letter to the Chamber, "Judge Hall is a good candidate for Citizen of the Year because over the years Ron Hall the citizen, Ron Hall the police officer, and Ron Hall the judge has contributed hundreds of hours of personal time to help the community be a better place to live." Hall gave credit to his wife of 33 years, Jane (McGhee), for putting up with all of his duties to the community. He said, "I have a very understanding wife that lets me go to all the places I have to. I am usually out three nights a week -- that is a lot of understanding."

Jo Simpson Hayes, an eighth-grade computer teacher at Abell Junior High School in the Midland Independent School District, was re-elected as statewide Governance Committe chair of the Texas Classroom Teachers Association. TCTA is a professional education association representing more than 42,000 members across the state. Hayes earned a bachelor's degree from Western

John Oilar ('71) has received three awards in professional art contests, including a merit award in the Annual Competition of Art Instruction School of Minneapolis, Minnesota. John's artwork was also published in the Purdue Exponent. In addition to these awards, John was chosen to be on the provost selection committee at Purdue. The committee will select the next vice-president of academic affairs. John's work is currently on display at Locust Hill, a 19th century landmark, which is seven miles north of Greencastle, Indiana. John and his wife, Diane, enjoyed Homecoming 2000 so much they are planning on returning this year.

Brett Kinney ('79) is a financial aid administrator at Suffolk University Law School in Boston, Massachusetts. Brett is also an accomplished musician. He studied music while attending WNMU, and earned an additional Bachelor's degree in music from Berklee College of Music in Boston. Brett is part of an acoustic guitar duo called the "Late Bloomers". They tour the New England area playing a mix of folk, blues, jazz, ragtime, and original pieces. "I've often wondered about the lives of many of my teachers during my years at Western, Jerri Parotti, Lewis Spencer, Roger Brandt, David Kerr, and Mary Cowan. They were all fine educators who enriched my life."

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Obituaries

Jerry Lee Drummond

Jerry Lee Drummond, 31, died Feb. 27. He grew up in Tyroneand attended schools in Silver City, graduating from Silver High School. He worked with the U.S. Forest Service during the summer and also attended WNMU. He was employed at the Video Stop for the last 10 years..

            Pauline D. Byington

Pauline D. Byington ('49) who received her Masters in Education from WNMU in '49, died Dec. 11, 2000. She taught school for 40 years at Hurley Elementary School, and was noted for her association with the Cobre Education Association and was a lifelong member of the National Education Association. She was inducted into the NEA-New Mexico Southwest District Hall of Fame in 1980.

            Frankie Gerean Cook Hays

Frankie Hays ('72) died Jan. 6, 2000. After raising her family, she attended WNMU receiving her teaching degree. She taught fourth grade at Sunshine Elementary School for nine years.

            Francis "Pat" Holland

Francis "Pat" Holland passed away on April 3 after an extended illness. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Tom ('32), a son, Thomas and his wife, Micelle, 6 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. Mrs. Holland attended New Mexico State Teachers College and the University of New Mexico. She was an accomplished equestrian and was actively involved in the Daughters of the American Revolution. Mr. and Mrs. Holland owned and published "The Enterprise" from 1975-1980.

            Lucy G. Johnson

Lucy G. Johnson, 100, ('18) died Jan 8, in Silver City. A 1918 graduate of the New Mexico Normal School, she taught at Alma and Hanover and at the little red schoolhouse east of Santa Rita. She was president of the Gold Star Mothers during World War II and a Gray Lady at Fort Bayard.

            Betty Butterfield Johnston

Betty Butterfield Johnston ('47) passed away on July 11, 2001. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Thomas, one daughter, her son-in-law, 2 great nieces, and 1 great-granddaughter. She is also survived by her brother, Bill, who resides in Silver City.

            Laura Molinar

Laura P. Molinar, a longtime resident of Deming, died March 1. She received her teaching degree at WNMU and was a memebr of the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority. She taught English and Spanish in the Deming schools for 47 years. She was a member of the Deming Pan American Round Table and a founded member of the Mimbres Memorial Auxiliary.

            Peter Sisneros

"Pete" Sisneros, longtime WNMU professor, died Jan 11. He taught and coached in northern New Mexicoand began teaching at WNMU in 1958 in the Spanish department.

            Guy Darrell Spurgur

Guy Darrell Spurgur ('54) passed away on March 26 in Crescent City, California. He was a 34 year resident of Del Norte County. Prior to his retirement he was employed by the Del Norte Unified School District, teaching at the elementary and high school levels. He also taught at Cobre High School in Bayard. He was the proud author of two books, "Lest I Forget, Birdwalk of a Loner" and "Upgrading Your Family Genealogy." Guy is survived by his wife Ruby of Crescent City, his sister Peggy McGough ('56) and her husband Byron ('55) of Fort Collins, Colo.; a nephew Byron Ray McGough and a niece, Cheryl Abernathy of Clearwater, Fla.

            Mary Ellen Tester

Mary Ellen Tester, 74, died March 10. She moved to Grant County area in 1963 and received her masters degree from WNMU. She was a retired teacher having taught in the Lorsburg School District.

            Carmen C. Torres

Carmen Torres, a 1995 graduate of WNMU in social work and sociology, died Jan. 21. She had been a bilingual teachers aid for the Cliff Schools.

           Connie Chavez Trujillo

Connie Chavez Trujillo passed away on Feb. 1, 2001. Connie graduated from WNMU in 1952. She resided in Taos, New Mexico where she taught school until her retirement several years ago. She is survived by her husband and four adult children.

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Alumni Profile: The Arizaga's

Ever wonder how many Western New Mexico University graduates have gone directly on to the University of New Mexico Medical School from WNMU. Well, one WNMU alumnus can tell you.

Graduate School

Counting himself, Dr. Gilbert Arizaga says, there have been five: Gary Overturf, Matis Harris, Michelle Manning, and one Arizaga era graduate from Roswell. But even Arizaga says he can't think of one who changed his specialty after six years, changing from pediatrics to dermatology.

Arizaga and his wife Maria both have their bachelor degrees from WNMU. He attended UNM Medical School and then did his pediatric residency at the University of Arizona Medical School in 1977. In 1986 he returned to U. of A. and earned his dermatology degree. Maria is currently finishing up her residency in counseling psychology at New Mexico State University. Before the year is over she will have her license.

Healing Art of Curanderismo

Arizaga, who shows his love and concern for others in his medical practice, has also studied and given lectures on the ancient use of herbs and the healing art of curanderismo. He has also provided information on that subject for two books. He admits to having family members who are, and have been, curanderas and have used herbs and ritual prayers, asking God's help in healing people.

"The curanderas have an affinity with the spirits," Arizaga quietly said. "There is not the line between the spirit world and our world for those who open themselves spiritually as there is with most people. Mystics, even the prophets in both the Old and New Testaments had that awareness."

Arizaga stressed that curanderismo is not "black magic". Even the name refers back to the Greek word "cura" meaning care. He said there is more of a natural healing, using natural herbs in the ancient ways than is used in modern scientific medicine. There has been in the past 20 years a rebirth of using the more traditional homeopathic curing. Herbs used for generations -- like St. John's Wort, and Kava Kava -- are now being offered as acceptable medicine.

Not "just" a ...

No one could ever call Arizaga "just a dermatologist" or Maria "just a counselor'. They are both active in their own lives, their children's lives, in their church and extended families. Arizaga says there is just not enough time and admits he has "cut back" on his outside of the family activities.

The Arizagas whose children range in age from 14-28 years old, have five teenagers still in the home.

"We have a family centered life," Arizaga said. "We all have needs and we all try to help each other. The older our kids get the better things get. It's never boring and always rewarding."

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Campus Briefs

Commencement 2001

Mario Rivas, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies at San Francisco State University, was the keynote speaker at the Western New Mexico University Spring 2001 commencement ceremony held May 11. Some 216 degrees were to be conferred including 53 associate, 97 baccaluareate, and 35 master of arts, 26 masters of art in teaching, and 5 master of business administration degrees, according to the WNMU registrar's office.

Under Construction

The Besse-Forward Global Resource Center is under construction and completion is projected for 2002.

The Besse-Forward Global Resource Center will serve as the center for all academic computing. The facility will house modern computer laboratories, computer science and general classrooms, large lecture halls, and departmental offices for faculty. The facility will provide state-of-the-art teaching and conferencing capabilities.

Administrative offices for SIGRED and the Small Business Development Center will be also housed in the facility.

Four New Degrees

The Western New Mexico University Board of Regents also approved four new baccalaureate programs. WNMU will now offer a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Information Systems, a Bachelor of Fine Arts, a Bachelor of Arts in Chemical Dependency, and a Bachelor of Arts in Rehabilitation Services.

Tuition Goes Up

The Western New Mexico University Board of Regents approved a tuition increase of 10 percent for the 2001-02 academc year. Five percent of the tuition increase was mandated by the state. Tuition will increase for resident undergraduates from $636 to $696 for the 2001-02 academic year. Tuition and fees for non-resident undergraduates each semester will be $1021.25 up from the current $971.50 per semester.

New WebMaster

Welcome on board, Steve Reed, WNMU webmaster. He helps keep us all online. Check out our alumni webpage at http://www.wnmu.edu/alumni/

Economically Educated

The New Mexico Economic Development Course, one of only 20 nationally accredited courses, is recognized as one of the finest in the U.S. This year's annual course was well attended by students from a five state area. The course is presented by WNMU in partnership with SIGRED

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WNMU Professor Shines Light on Silver City

Silver City's in the spotlight of New Mexico Magazine's June 2001 issue with a feature by Sandra Griffin.

Griffin, an associate professor in the Humanities Department at WNMU, takes readers from the towns's early mining days through a silver crash, floods and other obstacles to its present reputation as a thriving art community. Her conclusion? Silver City is one of the original survivors.

The article advises readers of walking tour brochures available through the Silver City Museum and a special insert offers a sampling of the town's galleries. Also highlighted are WNMU's museum, with the world's largest permanent exhibit of Mimbres painted pottery, and local restaraunts and shops.

New Mexico Magazine boasts a subscription and newstand circulation of about 117,000 with about half a million readers each month. In addition to reaching every state in the Union, the magazine is sent to 74 countries throughout the world.

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Education Hall of Fame Honors Three Graduates

Three graduates of 1954, '55 and'56 have been named to the Western New Mexico University School of Education's Hall of Fame. Honored this year are Guy Darrell Spurgur, Dudley E. Sykes, and Norberta (Betty) Pena Moreno. All three of the honorees also received their Masters degree from Western New Mexico University

Guy Darrell Spurgur

Spurgur, who died March 26, was born in 1928, graduated from Western New Mexico College, now WNMU, in 1954 with a Bachelors Degree in education. In 1957 he received his Masters Degree in school administration. He taught in the classroom for 37 years, 12 of those years in the seventh and eight grades and 25 years at the high school level. He was a Korean War veteran. He was elected to Outstanding Elementary Teachers of America in 1972 for his work in individualized teaching of science. He was one of the first Mentor Teachers in his Crescent City, Calif., school district. He was the author of three books: "Lest I Forget", "Birdwalk of a Loner" and "Upgrading Your Recent Family Genealogy."

Dudley E. Sykes

Sykes graduated from, then, NMWC in 1955 with a bachelor of arts in English and commerce and a minor in psychology. After a tour in the Marine Corps, he taught junior high school English in Hurley. He earned his Master's degree in education in 1959 and was hired as a counselor at Cobre High School in Bayard. In 1962 Sykes was accepted into the doctoral program at the University of Wyoming in Laramie. While pursuing his doctorate, he taught high school English and provided counseling at the University Laboratory School. He served as director of guidance and assistant principal at El Rancho High School, director of special services for the Sacramento City School District supervising counselors, psychologists, social workers, and nurses. Sykes went "home" to Mississippi in 1971 where he was a faculty member at the University of Mississippi at Oxnard for 24 years. He served as the Mississippi Counseling Association president in 1985-86, was on university faculty senate and did extensive community consultant duties. In 1991 he co-authored a textbook titled "Behaviors of Preschoolers and Their Teachers".

Norberta (Betty) Pena Moreno

For 27 years, Pena-Moreno shared her love of learning with her students at White Sands junior High School (for one year) and in the Silver Consolidated School District. She received her Bachelors degree in English and Spanish with a minor in journalism in 1956 and her Masters of Arts degree in English in 1969. For ten years Pena-Moreno stayed home with her six children.

A Grant County native and Hurley High School graduate, Pena-Moreno came back to WNMU in 1967 and was a graduate assistant for Professor Cathie Bower, who, she says, was her mentor. Pena-Moreno said both Bower and her husband, Harlan, who had taught journalism at Western in the 1950's were her inspirations.

The three were honored during graduation ceremonies May 11, 2001 at Old James Stadium.

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Worthens Make Annual Report

"Dear Alma Mater, praise we sing to thee ... to Western College do our love declare!" harmonize the collective voices of the Worthen family as they attend their annual family reunion in Silver City. The Worthen clan of Western alums consists of Hugh ('38), Mary Elizabeth Walsh ('41), Margaret Howard ('40-'43), Suzie ('42-'44), and her husband, Gene Dale ('41-'42). The singing family members are featured on the new alumni video that was produced by the WNMU Foundation.

In 1999, the Worthens established the Elmer Lawrence Worthen Scholarship fund in memory of Elmer who played football for Coach Brancheau in the late 1930's. While in college, Elmer joined what was to become the 200th Coastal Artillery sent to the Phillipines. He endured the famous Bataan death march but passed away in 1942 from Malaria.

The endowed scholarship will provide funds for an undergraduate male or female student athlete who demonstrates academic achievement.

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Olive Marlowe Smithson Scholarship Established

The Olive Marlowe Smithson Scholarship has been established with the foundation by the late Seymour and Geneva Back of Albuquerque. The scholarship is available to current teachers, 30 years and older, who are pursuing a master's degree in education at the university. Eligible candidates must have at least five years of teaching experience and wish to continue their careers in teaching. The WNMU School of Education will select the candidates.

The scholarship was named after Geneva Back's mother who taught for more than 30 years and was more than 50 years of age when she received an education degree from what was then the New Mexico State Teachers College.

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New Foundation Board Member

Gene Gruber, a Silver City attorney, has joined the WNMU Foundation Board. Also recent additions to the board are Jan Ray Sherman (attended '40-'42) and Richard Lawyer ('67 & '74).

The thirteen-member volunteer board is comprised of individuals representing a cross section of the community who are selected on the basis of willingnessto donate time, money, and work toward accomplishing the Foundation's goals that include generating, managing, and investing private donations to promote and enhance the university.

Other board members are: Pam Archibald ('92). Fred Barraza ('83), Harry Bright ('65), Joe Casey, Dr. Hal Hopson, Dr. Barbara Kline Taylor, John Myers, Whitney Shoup, Dan Tressler ('70 & '73), and Robert "Moose" White ('54).

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Johnny Banks Exhibit

A Johnny Banks Exhibit is slated for the WNMU Miller Library during Homecoming. Johnny, who passed away April 4 of this year, was a well-known, colorful, and well-loved figure on campus for many years. An avid sports fan, Johnny could be seen at all WNMU athletic activities and was named Western's official mascot. The Johnny Banks Garden, at the south end of the administration building, was dedicated recently in his memory.

The exhibit will feature a bronze bust and sketches of Johnny when he modeled for art classes as well as other memorabilia, including his cowboy hat.

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Steinway for Silver a Reality

The acquisition of a Model D Dteinway concert grand piano for the Fine Arts Center Theatre (FACT) is becoming a reality. Now into the "Allegro Campaign" phase, the Steinway for Silver Committee is calling in all pledges to make the down payment to purchase the piano this summer. The piano will be housed in a secure piano barn especially designed to control the temperature and humidity and keep the instrument in mint condition. Community groups will be able to rent the piano through the WNMU foundation for events in the FACT.

"More than 5,000 people attend music events annually in the Fine Arts Center Theatre," said Dorothy Blalock, a Steinway for Silver member. "By purchasing a new Steinway piano, Silver City and WNMU will now be able to attract artists of the highest caliber and have a quality instrument with perfect tone and action."

Phillip Parotti, son of the late WNMU music educators Dr. Abramo and Geraldine Parotti, serves as honorary chairman of the "Steinway for Silver" project. Donors contributing $100 or more for the piano will have their name permanently displayed at the FACT.