ENMU Effect Newsletter - August 2012

The Effect

Alumni & Friends Making a Difference

A Joint Publication by ENMU Foundation and ENMU Alumni Affairs

Have YOU Thought That It Might Just Be…

Your Time to Get Involved?

Cheer on the Greyhound/Zia Teams – ENMU student athletes work hard to represent ENMU in the Lone Star Conference, competing in basketball, football, volleyball, soccer, cross country, track and field, baseball, softball, and rodeo. Check out schedules online at www.enmu.edu.

Attend a Fine Arts Event – Today’s ENMU students, like the generations before them, have immense talents and numerous outlets to practice and perform their specialties. Come out and enjoy one of the many choral concerts, band concerts, solo performances, theatrical productions, art shows, traveling artist series or even a film festival. You’ll be impressed with and entertained by the talent on campus.

August 2012

Watch Greyhounds Play at Cowboys Stadium – September 14 in Arlington, TX. What better way to cheer on the Greyhounds, check out Cowboys Stadium and enjoy a weekend get-away in DFW. The Greyhounds need to hear your cheers! Check out the back cover for travel and package details. Deadline to register for trip packages is August 10.

Celebrate Homecoming 2012 on September 29 – Every year ENMU hosts a fun filled weekend for alumni and friends to feel honored and treated...because YOU ARE SPECIAL to us. Take time to come back to campus and enjoy all the homecoming festivities. Check out the schedule of homecoming events on page 3.

Your Time to Give Back?

Top Ten Reasons to Give Back to ENMU

To Reconnect to Your Alma Mater – Perhaps you attended ENMU. If so, what better way to reconnect with your classmates and the time you spent on these beautiful grounds than to contribute to the institution that helped you on your path to success.

To Give Back to the Portales Community – The people you live and work with may be ENMU alumni and may take advantage of its outreach or may benefit from its research. Portales children may choose to attend ENMU in order to lay the groundwork for happy, healthy, and successful future lives. By giving to ENMU, you support the growth and health of your community

To Support New Mexico’s Economic Future – ENMU is not only educating New Mexico’s workforce of tomorrow, but also doing the scientific research that is creating advances that will propel New Mexico’s future.

To Join a Select Group of People Dedicated to Helping Future Generations – People who give to ENMU are a select breed. You may recognize them by the look of pride on their faces when you mention Eastern. They believe in education and investing in the future. They are practical and idealistic at the same time. They believe in giving back and paying it forward.

To Take Advantage of Tax Breaks or Other Financial Tools – Whether through a major gift, annual giving, planned giving, or even through your corporation or foundation, charitable contributions offer many financial advantages. You can offset federal, capital gains, or estate taxes through deductions or careful structuring of estate plans. You can even receive income during your lifetime and still provide a charitable gift through a charitable gift annuity or charitable remainder trust.

Because You Can Trust that Your Gift Will Be Used Efficiently for the Program or Area You Designate

– We at the ENMU Foundation begin by working with you so that your gift goes to the program or area that means the most to you, and we are able to guide you as to the needs and priorities of the University. Furthermore, we do our best to honor the trust placed in us by the University and by our donors, alumni, and friends. Just so you know… 100% of your gift will always go exactly where you designate.

To Continue the Tradition or to Create One of Your Own – Maybe you come from a family who has an established tradition of passing some of their good fortune on to others. That is also an ENMU tradition—we pass on the knowledge of the generations before us to the generations coming after. Consider joining us in support of those dedicated students, either by continuing your family tradition, or by starting a new one.

To Pass Along Your Good Fortune – You have had many advantages in your life. Your parents helped you a lot, your teachers believed in you, and complete strangers established scholarships and endowments that helped you with your education. Now it’s time to pass along your good fortune to those who come after you so they in turn can help our grandchildren.

To Leave a Legacy – Maybe someone in your family has made a huge impact on you and everyone else in their world. What better way to remember them than to set up an endowment in their honor—one that continues to help the citizens and leaders of tomorrow lead happy, healthy, and successful lives and to give back in their own ways. What a lasting tribute to that special person.

And the No. 1 reason to give to ENMU is …

For the Students – The reason we are here is to prepare our children to lead happy and successful lives. Your gift to Eastern allows our current students to learn about the world and their place in it while being taught by first-rate teachers within our “students first” facilities. Your gift sets them up to succeed.

You need to visit campus! There’s a lot more happening on Eastern’s campus than I can describe in this article, but I’ll take my best shot. Here’s some of what you would see:

1. Facilities—The new Guadalupe Hall is over 60% finished. The 308 bed, all-suite, all-brick residence hall will provide an excellent living facility for our students. In May, we dedicated the new Art and Anthropology Building, 31,500 square feet of state-of-the-art instructional space (with exceptional technology) that will make two of our strongest programs even stronger.

Here’s what you won’t see—De Baca Hall, Chavez Hall, and Lincoln Hall. All three of these residence halls served the University long and well, but they have been demolished and replaced by “green space”—parks that add beauty to our already beautiful campus.

2. Enrollment—If the campus parking seems a little tighter and you see more faces than usual, it will be because our enrollment is expected to rise again for the 2012 fall semester. The expected 5% increase would raise ENMU’s enrollment to over 5,800 students, another all-time record. Residence halls will be full, classroom space will be at a premium and our on-line courses will be near capacity.

3. Personnel—With nine faculty retirements to replace, six new faculty positions to fill and the creation of three new staff positions, you will see a lot of unfamiliar but friendly people on campus. Our goal is to hire new employees who are wellqualified in their areas of employment and who are totally committed to the “personal touch” and our slogan of “Student success…that’s what it’s all about.” I am happy to report that our “new hires” meet these criteria.

4. Greyhounds—If you visit, you will have the opportunity to meet Vic and Tory, two of the most gregarious, most gentle greyhounds found anywhere. This could be the highlight of your trip to Eastern.

If I had more space, I could mention other reasons to travel to our campus—to meet the new football coaches who plan to revitalize our program…to talk with our nursing faculty who are implementing Eastern’s newly-approved master’s degree in nursing…to introduce yourself to any one of the anticipated 700 freshmen who will enroll in August. If you come to campus, we will make sure you enjoy your stay. Contact me at steven.gamble@enmu.edu or 575.562.2121 if you’d like to meet with me during your visit. I’d love to say hello.

I hope you enjoy this issue of the ENMU Effect. Although we are growing and changing in many ways, I believe you will see that Eastern still places its greatest value on its people—our students, alumni, faculty and staff are the best! When you visit the campus, I know you will agree.

Distinguished Faculty Emeriti Announced

Seven emeritus faculty members were recently honored with the Distinguished Faculty Emeritus distinction at the annual ENMU Foundation Faculty Emeritus Luncheon this past May.

Dr. Jo Nell Brooks earned her B.A. from ENMU in education, followed by two degrees at NMSU—an M.A. in counseling and guidance and a Ph. D. in education psychology. She taught at NMSU while completing her master’s and her doctorate. In 1967, Dr. Brooks assumed the position of dean of women at ENMU, a position she held until 1974. After two years as dean of Student Development, she became dean of Career Development and Placement Services where she served until her retirement in 1989. Prior to her years at ENMU, Dr. Brooks taught business education at Rogers, NM, and English and social studies for six years at the U.S. Army Educational System in Giessen, Kirsh Goëns, Bamberg, and Würtsburg, Germany. Dr. Brooks held leadership roles in several organizations including: Altrusa International of Portales, Delta Kappa Gamma, and was a member of several national organizations, including the National Association of Women Deans, Administrators, and Counselors; the American Association of University Women; the National Education Association and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. She currently serves on the ENMU Foundation Board of Directors.

Dr. Joseph F. Dickson received his Ph.D. from the University of Iowa. Dr. Dickson was assistant professor of physical education and athletic director for most of the 24 years that he served at ENMU. He joined the ENMU faculty staff in 1946. Dr. Dickson was selected by the U.S. Department of State to serve as a visiting lecturer in Rangoon, Burma in 1951. In 1959 he became the athletic director at Eastern. In this role, Dr. Dickson helped shape the athletic program that placed second in the nation for the NAIA all-sports championship in 1969. He was named president of the NAIA Golf Coaches Association in 1965. In 1962, Dr. Dickson was selected for the President’s Award for outstanding contribution to the University.

Mr. Alvin Davis “Al” Garten received his M.A. from George Peabody College and continued to do additional graduate work at the University of New Mexico. He coached football, basketball, and track for Eastern over a career that spanned 27 years. After teaching and coaching in Oklahoma, Clovis High School and Carlsbad High School, he served as ENMU all-sports coach in 1936-37. After one year coaching in Hobbs, he returned

Steve Gamble, president

“home” to ENMU, coaching football, basketball and track from 1938 until 1953. Asked to take the helm as ENMU athletic director, he still continued coaching Greyhound basketball until his retirement in 1965. Mr. Garten’s basketball teams participated in several tournaments. He served as NAIA president and received the NAIA Helms Athletic Foundation Hall of Fame Award for meritorious service in basketball. The Al Garten Athletic Award was initiated at ENMU in 1956 for outstanding Greyhound athletes. During his 29 coaching years at ENMU, he devoted himself to Eastern athletes and the profession of coaching.

Dr. Linda Gies received her B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in history from the University of California. She was hired at ENMU in 1990 as an assistant professor of history and served as department chair from 19921997. She was promoted to professor of history in 2003. She retired from ENMU in 2007, but she continues to teach as a resource faculty member. Dr. Gies was the coordinator of ENMU’s self-study program and has always been actively involved with non-traditional students. She created the nontraditional Freshman Seminar and worked with Adult Re-Entry students for over a decade.

Dr. H. Grady Moore earned his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in English from Texas Technological College, which is now known as Texas Tech. He came to ENMU in 1939, following several years of teaching in Littlefield, Olton, and Canyon, TX, and at Portales High School. In 1963, Dr. Moore earned the President’s Faculty Award in recognition of “superior teaching, scholarship and service.” He was a professor of English and chair of the Division of Language, Literature and Fine Arts. In 1968, upon his retirement, Dr. Moore was awarded the honor of “dean emeritus” at the spring 1968 graduation ceremony. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis.

Dr. Robert W. Pierce obtained his B.A. in geology from Monmouth College in 1962. In the following years, he continued his education at the University of Illinois where he received both his M.A. and Ph.D. in geology. In 1982, Dr. Pierce began his teaching career at ENMU where he taught geology along with several other classes in the physical science department. Dr. Pierce served as the chair of the department from 1985 to 2005. He also served as president of Kiwanis from 1988 to 1989. In 1999, he received the Spirit of Eastern Award. In 2010, he received emeritus status and retired from ENMU the following year. Dr. Pierce founded the AYSO soccer program in Portales in 1983 and serves on the board as a national instructor performing instruction in coaching and refereeing.

Dr. Anthony Schroeder received his B.A. from Adams State College, his M.A. from the University of Arizona and his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. He started his career at ENMU as an assistant professor in the Department of Communicative Arts and Sciences in 1975. At ENMU, Dr. Schroeder taught in several departments, including math and sociology and has held several administrative positions from department chairman to acting dean of the Graduate School and director of Extended Learning. He coached the debate and individual events program for 33 years, and his students won several national awards. In 2009 when Dr. Schroeder retired, he was the coordinator of Student Learning. Dr. Schroeder received the Spirit of Eastern Award in 2003.

Homecoming 2012 Honorees and Schedule

Alumni Association Awards

Outstanding Alumni Award

Tomas (Tommy) Gonzalez

David F. Gregory, M.D.

Paul A. Mapes

Richard T. Price

ENMU Foundation Awards

Business of the Year

Business Environments

Philanthropists of the Year

Ed and Barbara Foreman

Volunteer of the Year

Glen O’Rear

Friday, September 28

Educator Hall of Honor

Joe Aragon, Jr.

Ronald Bass

Scott Childress

Allen Cloud

Howard Conley

Darlene Klassen

Gracelia Pena Sosa

Athletics Hall of Honors

*Will be inducted during the November 3, football game.

Heather Brown - Women’s Basketball

Kenneth Cunningham - Rodeo

Mike Llewelyn Dillard - Football

Tracy Jordan - Softball TO

The Homecoming Golf Experience — 8 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m.

The department of Athletics invites you to participate in a great day of golf. Due to popular demand and an overwhelming number of participants, this event will be split into morning and afternoon tee times. Advance registration is required. Please contact the Department of Athletics by calling 575-562-2153 for more information.

Alumni Registration—Campus Union Lobby, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Stop by the alumni registration table, and let us know you are here! The office of Alumni Affairs will be giving out name tags, traditional homecoming buttons, and other freebies. General admission tickets to the Greyhound Homecoming football game will be available for purchase in the lobby.

50-Year Class Reunion Luncheon—Campus Union Pecos Room, 12 p.m.

The weekend kicks off Friday with alumni registration in the Campus Union Lobby and a luncheon at noon in the Pecos Room. Dr. Gamble, ENMU president, will stop by to visit and give an update on the University. Then hold on tight as we board the carts for a campus tour provided by the President’s Ambassadors.

COPE Reception—COPE Center, 1700 South Avenue I, 3-5 p.m.

The Council of Professors Emeriti will sponsor a special reception for emeritus and former faculty members. Current faculty, alumni, and members of the community are invited to attend this event.

College of Education and Technology School Carnival—Education

Building Lawn, South Avenue N, 3:30-7 p.m.

A school carnival with all the traditional merriment of fun, food, games, entertainment, book fair, and petting zoo will be hosted by the College of Education and Technology. Bring your extra change and be ready to have an afternoon of fun!

ENMU Zia Soccer—4 p.m.

The Zias face the Incarnate Word Cardinals. Cheer the Zias on. Wear green and show support!

Greyhound Grill—Casa del Sol, 1401 W. 17th St., 6-8 p.m.

We’re all fired up for a backyard party! Alumni and friends are invited to join us for a casual cookout located at Casa del Sol (across from the University tennis courts). Special guests will include recipients of the Alumni Association and ENMU Foundation Awards and the Education Hall of Honors and members of the 1962 reunion class.

ENMU Zia Volleyball Game—7 p.m.

Come support the Zia Volleyball team as they match up against Angelo State. Wear green and show your ENMU pride! Contact the Department of Athletics for updated location.

Bonfire—Greyhound Arena, 8 p.m. Student Government, ENMU cheerleaders, athletic teams, and Greyhound Sound invite you to attend a pep rally and the lighting of the bonfire. The 2012 Homecoming King and Queen will be announced!

Saturday, September 29

The ENMU Foundation 37th Annual Breakfast—Campus Union Ballroom, 8 a.m.

Homecoming 2012 marks the 37th ENMU Foundation Breakfast to honor donors. Everyone is invited to attend the breakfast. Invitations are mailed to donors and special guests to this annual event. For all other guests, it is $10 per person. Additional tickets can be requested by calling the ENMU Foundation toll free at 888-291-5524. Serving begins at 7:30 a.m. for early arrivals. During the breakfast program, ENMU Foundation and ENMU Alumni Association awards will be presented. Members of the Class of 1962, Educator Hall of Honor recipients, and the Distinguished Emeritus Faculty Award recipients will be recognized.

The Homecoming Parade—10:30 a.m.

Everyone loves a parade! The ENMU Homecoming parade has traditionally provided fun and entertainment for everyone. Please contact the office of Alumni Affairs at alumni.affairs@enmu.edu or call 575-5622125 for entry information.

Sodexo Buffet—Crossroads, Campus Union, 11:30a.m.-1:15 p.m.

Immediately following the parade, join us for the traditional buffet in the Crossroads dining facility. This is a feast at its finest, and everyone is invited; no reservations are needed. Tickets will be available at the door for $8.25 per person.

The Homecoming Football Game—Greyhound Stadium, 2 p.m.

The Homecoming game will match the Greyhounds against Angelo State. Halftime activities at the football game will include the presentation of the Homecoming King and Queen and their court. Winners of the 2012 ENMU Homecoming floats will be announced along with local business sponsors for this event. Be a Greyhound fan! Wear green and show your ENMU pride!

ENMU Educator Hall of Honor Gala—Campus Union Ballroom, 6:30 p.m.

Everyone is invited to attend the fifth annual ENMU Educator Hall of Honor Gala. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with dinner served at 7 p.m. Free tickets will be mailed to honorees and special guests of this annual event. For all other guests, the cost is $15 per person. Advance tickets can be requested by calling the College of Education and Technology at 575-562-2443. The new ENMU Educator Hall of Honor Awards will be presented along with musical entertainment.

ENMU Zia Volleyball Game—7 p.m.

The Zias play their second game of the weekend. Come cheer them on against Tarleton State University. Contact the Department of Athletics for updated location.

For a more detailed and updated schedule please visit www.enmu.edu\alumni.

by Marysa Cordova

Ernest Sanchez (B.S. 1970) is originally from the Santa Rosa, NM area but lived in numerous places throughout the country with his family due to his father’s military career. His father was stationed at Cannon Air Force Base in Clovis, NM when he enrolled at ENMU in 1966.

Ernest had attended a oneweek statewide Student Government Conference at ENMU in 1965, and he was

impressed with the campus and the low cost of tuition.

As a student, Ernest worked at the KICA Radio station parttime. He wrote commercials and dealt with news coverage.

In 1968, Ernest was the Editor-in-chief of the ENMU yearbook, the Silver Pack; the same year the yearbook was honored as the “outstanding small college yearbook” by the Rocky Mountain Collegiate Press Association.

Ernest also had the opportunity to study abroad in Europe his junior year of college. He was given $500 for the ENMU Junior Year Abroad Scholarship. This helped him with his summer 1968 studies at International College in Copenhagen, Denmark. Even though that scholarship was small it was very important to him both economically and psychologically. The scholarship gave him a lot of personal encouragement and helped him raise other funds. He said, “The overall experience was incredible, I had never been overseas and it was such an exciting revelation.” As a student, Ernest worked with International Relations as well as Global Politics while he was in Europe.

His senior year (1969-70) Ernest was Editor-in-Chief of The Chase, elected to the Student Senate, and named Varsity Debater of the Year.

While Ernest was editor for The Chase, he met some very good colleagues, and among them was future Academy Award Winner, Michael Blake. Ernest also had many debate colleagues as well as professors. His debate coach, Eldon Walker, was his most influential

Graduate Receives Award by New Mexico Small Business Development Center

The Small Business Development Center at Clovis Community College named Seth and Abigail Pritchett outstanding clients of the year. Mr. and Mrs. Pritchett, owners of Signman Signs, were honored in a special ceremony in February at the State Capitol.

Seth graduated from ENMU in 2005 with an art degree.

He and Abigail own and operate Signman Signs, a sign manufacturing company in Portales. The business has a long and rich history in the City of Portales, spanning approximately 35 years. The business built its reputation on hand-painted artistry and craftsmanship in signage.

Seth has taken the business to a new level that utilizes technology, such as specialized computer plotters to craft quality indoor and outdoor signs up to billboard size and vehicle graphics. The Pritchetts’ goal is to improve the appearance of advertisement in the area by using modernized applications and new technology, such as large screen LED signs. He is also pursuing the sculptor aspect of sign manufacturing.

Seth is in the process of completing the remodeling of his new facility. He expects to double his current personnel and expand his skills in the tool area that includes threedimensional sculptures. Seth’s motto, which is an extension of the former owner’s, states, “People vote with their dollars.”

speech professor. According to Ernest, Dr. Walker was “academically demanding but fascinating and a tireless mentor.”

When asked about the overall benefit of attending ENMU, Ernest replied, “It’s been said that education is what you have left when you have forgotten what you learned in class. If that is true, then I have carried away an incredible amount of education from Eastern. I have also carried away a profound sense that there is wonderful world class talent waiting to be discovered, not just in famous institutions and big cities, but in places like Portales and ENMU.”

After graduation, Ernest attended Georgetown University Law Center. He went on to work for: The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, National Public Radio, Liberman, Sanchez, & Bently, Arter & Haden, Baker & McKenzie, and The Sanchez Law Firm.

Ernest currently owns his own law firm with partner and wife Susan Jenkins. He represents broadcast stations, like KENW-TV at ENMU, before the Federal Communications Commission. He also works with cable television and satellite channels on the legal aspects of film and program production, acquisition, distribution, and marketing.

Ernest says, “I’ve been extraordinarily lucky my whole life to have the support of loving parents and a large extended, multi-generational family. Because of ENMU’s personalized education, I have been able to compete for the last forty years in the fast paced professions of journalism and law in Washington, D.C. and internationally.”

“I have to give ENMU a lot of credit,” said Ernest, “ for helping me prepare to compete in the real world and for giving me many lifelong friends.”

Seth strives to take care of his customers by providing quality products.

Seth was introduced at the New Mexico State Capitol Chamber Floor in February. The Pritchett family attended the 14th Annual New Mexico Small Business Development Center Day at the Legislature and Success Client Showcase.

Ernest Sanchez

2011 Graduate Working with Youth in Ghana

by Christina Calloway -Portales News-Tribune

Eastern New Mexico University alumni Andrea Elizondo (B.S. 2011) visited Ghana from February through April to work with City of Refuge Ministries, a non-profit organization that works with trafficked and abandoned youth.

The El Paso native majored in physical education with a minor in athletic training and played soccer for ENMU. The ENMU soccer team sent soccer balls with Elizondo to give to the children.

City of Refuge Children’s Village is a place for trafficked and abandoned children. City of Refuge has also established a school, “Faith Roots International Academy.” Johnbull and Stacy Omorefe are the founders of this organization. The organization rescues children who are slave laborers in the fishing villages of the Volta region of Ghana. These children, some as young as 6 years old, are sold by their families sometimes for only $20 so that they can work and pay off the debts of their families. The children are worked for about 14 hours a day with only one meal a day, and many die by drowning or abuse from the fishermen.

Andrea’s role in Ghana is teaching health and physical education classes along with teaching the teachers how to run physical education classes. She also helps in the classrooms during school and helps with homework after school, which has really helped her build relationships with the kids. She has also been able to do some coaching with the school soccer team and personal training with some of the staff.

Andrea absolutely loves working with the children. She said, “I loved them before I came and now that I know them I love them even more. I am closer to the children who live in the children’s home since they live about 100 feet away from where I stay. These children are so amazing. They are so very thankful for all they have, which, to most, is not very much. Most of their stories are sad, and I cannot imagine going through some of the things they have, even at my age. Yet through all their hardship, they are still seeking God. Some

want to be doctors, pastors and professional soccer players. They are truly inspiring and have bright futures.”

“After being here, I have seen that all things truly are possible with God, so my dream is to have a nonprofit organization called Goals for God that is a soccer and Bible camp for children. How and when this will happen I don’t know, but I do know that God does know and

Choral Alumnus Works for Smithsonian for 42+ Years

by Marysa Cordova

Manuel Melendez (B.A. 1965), originally from Roswell, New Mexico, chose ENMU because he wanted to be the eighth Melendez to go and because he wanted to pursue a musical career. He also had been working with Dr. George Umberson for two years at Roswell High and followed his instructor to ENMU where Umberson began his historic term.

“Umberson had a huge impact at ENMU. The concert choir did outstanding concerts that were sold out with top notch performances. The opera was performed in a very unique and spectacular way they had never been done before,” remembered Melendez.

Melendez majored in foreign languages and opera theatre. He is also fluent in Spanish and Italian.

After graduating from ENMU, Melendez attended the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara, California.

He coached with Lotte Leahman, “a famed international diva.” He then auditioned for the United States Air Force Band and was accepted as their official tenor soloist. He became a member of the all-male chorus “The Singing Sergeants.” Melendez toured the nation for six weeks with the choir. The highlight of the tour was being sent on a Presidential Tour to South America, Central America, and Mexico.

Following the military, Melendez continued his singing career in Washington, D.C. He sang as a soloist, and he sang with the Washington Opera for twelve seasons in the Kennedy Center. During this time, Melendez met a famous opera singer, Gian Carlo Menotti, and was able to perform in his opera The Consul, which is where he sang for the first time at ENMU.

Melendez then became a student of Todd Duncan, the original Porgy in George Gershwin’s opera Porgy and Bess This was also the time when he began his museum career at the Smithsonian Institution.

Melendez was appointed for a six month mutual trial period by one of the Smithsonian Regents who happened to be Senator Clinton P. Anderson from New Mexico. “This was a perfect fit,” says Melendez, “ The appointment went from six months to the present. I have just completed my fortysecond year at the Smithsonian.”

He went on to perform numerous assignments for the Smithsonian that included public relations, producing performing arts series, government relations, and finally, as Deputy Director of the Office of International Relations. This office is responsible for arranging meetings and tours for all foreign scholars, museum directors, and professional personnel coming from abroad to the Smithsonian. Melendez went on to say, “ I am happy to say the original six month appointment worked out rather well!”

Melendez has come back to ENMU once as an honored alumni and again at a recent homecoming to honor his

he will open the doors.”

Andrea hopes that by connecting ENMU to City of Refuge, it will give people an awareness of what is going on with child trafficking and also hopefully give them a heart for children in need around the world.

mentor Dr. George Umberson. Melendez will be a part of another ENMU experience in May 2013. The University Choir led by Dr. Jason Paulk will undertake a concert to Italy, and Dr. Umberson will be accompanying them. Melendez was among the select choral alumni to receive an invitation. Performances are planned in Florence, Rome, Venice, and Verona.

“What a privilege and honor it will be to represent ENMU and New Mexico throughout this tour,” said Melendez. He went on to express how remarkable Eastern has been to him and his family and that he wouldn’t change anything for his lifelong experience at ENMU.

Manuel Melendez painted by Roswell artist Richard Knadle in 1980.

The ENMU Foundation sponsored shirts for the children at City of Refuge Children’s Village. For more information visit www.cityofrefugeoutreach.com.

From left: Melendez singing the National Anthem in the National Museum of American History; Alejandro Mayorkas, Director of U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services; Madeleine K. Albright, Former Secretary of State; G. Wayne Clough, Secretary of Smithsonian Institution.

Class Notes

Updates

Alumni Connect in Allen, TX during Lone Star Conference Basketball Tournament February 29, 2012

Adam

(B.F.A. 92)

Kodi Crane (B.S. 97), who spent the past three years as the defensive coordinator for the San Angelo Central High School football team, accepted his first head coaching job recently at Class 3A Groesbeck, TX.

Colonial School District Curriculum

Supervisor Christopher “Sergio”

Anaya (B. S. 97) has been asked by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to chair an initiative involving “the enhancement of Standards Aligned System’s Curriculum Framework and the development of Cornerstone Assessments in social studies.”

Dustin Henry (B.B.A. 07) was promoted to Vice President and Loan Officer at Western Bank’s Lovington Division. He began at Western Bank in Carlsbad in 2007 as an administrative assistant in the credit department and was promoted to AVP, Loan Officer before transferring to the Lovington Division.

Cecelia Salazar (A.A. 10) has been promoted to Management Analyst with New Mexico Human Services.

Rana Terry Crow (B.S. 10) married Trent Crow on February 25, 2012 in Clovis, NM Rana works for Elliott Marketing in Clovis, NM as web designer. Trent works as an electrician for DAVTEK Corp. in Clovis, NM.

Denton Dowell (B.S. 11) married Lindsay Mansell Dowell, a graduate of Clovis Community College, on May 5, 2012 in Las Vegas, NV. They will reside in Perryton, TX.

Ross Briggs (B.U.S. 11) and Alicia Briggs were married January 7, 2011 (photographed left).

Hollee Plyler (B.S.E. 11) and Austin Spears are happy to announce their marriage on June 15, 2011 in Jamaica. They currently reside in Clovis, NM.

Angie

(B.S.

Payton Terry (B.S. 10) married Callie Sue Cobb Terry on June 16, 2012 in Pampa, TX. Payton is the Lab Manager for Gold Standard Labs in Hereford, TX. Callie is a Kindergarten teacher at Pampa ISD. They will reside in Canyon, TX.

David White (Attended) has joined Southwest Funding in Dallas, TX as the Director of Banking Operations. In his new role, White will oversee the day-to-day in house lending operations of the Dallas-based retail mortgage banker that supports over 70 retail locations in 13 states.

Dr. Jordan Kobritz (Faculty/Staff) was elected to the position of Finance Officer for the Sports and Recreation Law Association during their 25th Annual Conference in Greensboro, NC. The two-year term also includes a seat on the SRLA Board of Directors.

Please submit YOUR updates at www.enmu.edu/alumni or on Facebook.

Sutin, Thayer & Browne Law Firm welcomed home from Afghanistan one of it’s senior lawyers, Christopher A. Holland (B.B.A 82). He is a Lieutenant Colonel in the New Mexico Army National Guard, serving as commander of Company C, 1-171st Aviation Regiment. Chris and Charlie Company performed medical evacuations that saved lives on the battlefields of Afghanistan by transporting the wounded. The Army awarded Holland a bronze star medal, in recognition of his outstanding leadership of Charlie Company.

Erinn

This was the third combat tour of duty for Holland, 50. He served in Baghdad, Iraq, as a Judge Advocate General officer during 2004 and 2005 and served as a helicopter pilot in Desert Storm in 1991. As part of his National Guard training and emergency duties, he has helped guard the U.S.-Mexico border and also performed service in suppression of the Cerro Grande fire in Los Alamos in 2000.

Albuquerqueans might remember Holland’s harrowing experience in 2005 flying a sheriff’s helicopter. He was assisting deputies in a burglary call when someone shot at the aircraft, piercing the windshield and forcing him to crash-land with a major injury. His passenger was unhurt. The mayor, sheriff and police chief hailed him as a hero, but he credited his quick reflexes to his military training.

Rossanna Hamilton Hays celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary June 16, 2012.

Force. The success of their business, The Rain Tunnel Car Washes, allows them the opportunity to travel in their RV and enjoy their retirement.

Wayne Propst (B.S. 87) was selected as the new executive director for the Public Employees Retirement Association for New Mexico.

Buckner

Buckner

95) welcomed Tyler Buckner into their family, born May 22,

Burch (B.A. 92) celebrated 10 years as United

District 5520 for 2012-2013.

1: Carrie Elder (B.B.A. 97), Brad McConkey (B.B.A. 97), Charles Chambers (retired ENMU Rodeo Coach and assistant agriculture professor), Thurman Elder (M.A. 66), Thomas McCrary (B.B.A.72).

2: Brad McConkey (B.B.A. 97) and Louise Smith (A.A. 38) were happy to receive the stuffed greyhounds.

3: Evelyn (B.U.S 81) and Charles Chambers (retired ENMU Rodeo Coach and assistant professor of agriculture) and Brad McConkey (B.B.A. 97).

4: Alta Elder (M.E.D. 81) and Wilson Gipson (B.B.A. 87).

Lt. Col. Christopher Holland of the New Mexico Army National Guard

In Memory

John Robert Atherton (M.A. 51) passed away at age 84 on November 12, 2008. He grew up in Illinois, the son of a Methodist minister. He graduated from Northwestern University in 1950 and obtained his Master of Art in Music from ENMU. John taught music and chorus for over 30 years, retiring in 1984. He sang in the First United Methodist Church Chancel Choir for 50 years and with the Dallas Civic Chorus for 26 years. He performed in numerous theatrical productions and wrote over 79 original compositions, mostly solo and choral works and was very active in his local church.

Phyllis Williamson (B.S. 57) a retired library supervisor, passed away on May 25, 2012. After receiving her Bachelor of Education degree from ENMU, she received her master’s degree from Denver University. She worked for the Los Alamos School District. She returned to ENMU to be a professor before moving to Great Falls, Montana where she worked as the library supervisor for Great Falls Public Schools from 1965 until her retirement in 1991.

Charles B. Davis (M.A. 59) died January 1, 2012 at his home 18 days shy of his 80th birthday. He grew up in Clovis, NM and graduated from ENMU before he and his wife moved to begin his accounting practice in the Enterprise Building. Charles served his country in the United States Air Force from 1951-1955. Then he served his community by being very active in community events and organizations as well as teaching accounting and computer programming part time.

Patricia Kay Hammond Thomas (M.A. 70, B.S. 68), passed away at age 67 on April 27, 2012. She spent her career teaching English, Language Arts and Social Sciences in Albuquerque, NM, Espanola, NM, Barrow, AK and even Bulgaria and Russia. She influenced her students by teaching with love and dedication.

Sidney Jarred (M.B.A. 71, B.B.A. 69) passed away in California on May 7, 2011 from melanoma. His current assignment was Region Manager for The Paper Group in the West. Sid was a 35 year veteran of the paper industry. He enjoyed all his friends in the paper business and after 6 months of leave, he decided he never wanted to retire. Sid was married to his loving wife Barbara for 37 years. Sid’s favorite recreational activity was golf. He was an active member of the Crow Canyon Country Club where you could find him after work or on the weekends enjoying a game of golf with his friends or swimming. Please play a round of golf for him… He is resting near the second hole at the Pacific Grove Golf Course, and if you wish to make a donation in his name please contact the Melanoma Research Foundation.

Richard Gregory (M.B.A. 72), died on May 4, 2012. He served his country honorably in the United States Air Force. He then attended ENMU and met his wife Nancy. After receiving his M.B.A., he attended law school at the University of New Mexico. He went on to become a C.P.A and attorney. He practiced law for more than thirty years and taught accounting at New Mexico State University. Rich served his community through extensive involvement in many charitable organizations.

John William “Bill” Betts, Jr. (B.B.A. 72) , passed away January 19, 2012.He was a resident of Santa Fe, born July 9, 1949 to John and Marie Betts of Tucumcari, NM. Bill graduated from ENMU with a degree in accounting and moved to Santa Fe where he worked for Neff and Company Certified Public Accountants. He also worked for Peat, Marwick, and Mitchell before starting his own Public Accounting Practice and later forming a partnership with two other accountants.

Emma Lenora “Scotty” Barris (M.A. 73, B. A. 65) passed away April 15, 2012. Scotty held many degrees, indluding an Associate Degree in Science and Home Economics, Cameron State Agricultural College in Oklahoma; Bachelor of Nursing Degree, West Texas Hospital School of Nursing in Lubbock, Texas; Bachelor of Arts Elementary Education, Master of Arts Elementary Education, and an additional 40 hours from ENMU. As a registered nurse, she worked for over 50 years in the Clovis area. She valued all her positions but was most fond of her 29 years working in the Clovis Municipal Schools as Coordinator of School Health. After retirement, she returned to work at the Senior Citizens Resident Center for several years before retiring again. She was active in many professional and other organizations and received many honors. The honor most special to her—Educators’ Hall of Fame.

Jose Cosme Garcia (M.E.D. 74, B.A. 69) died May 28, 2012. After graduating from high school, he served for eight years in the US Air Force as an assistant to the chaplains. In conjunction with his duties he was able to travel to many places in the world, and was even privileged to spend a night at the Vatican. Following his discharge, Jose returned to Clovis, NM where he worked as a policeman. After completing a bachelor’s

degree from ENMU, he began teaching at Clovis High School. Jose was one of the first single males in the US to adopt; he adopted three sons. In 1973 he came to Portales and became Registrar at ENMU as well as teaching some classes while completing his master’s degree. In 1984, Jose moved to Hobbs where he was a Sociology professor at New Mexico Junior College. Two years ago he retired and returned to Portales, NM.

Betty Rosalind McGrew Simmons (M.E.D. 75 ), passed away on January 24, 2012. She was married to Thomas Wilson Simmons for 47 years. Tom and Rosalind moved to Hobbs, NM, in 1963. Rosalind earned her Master’s of Education degree from ENMU and taught English at Hobbs High School for ten years.

Ruth Reed Ashley (M.E.D. 76, B. S. 73), 60 went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, April 14, 2012. Ruth lost her battle with cancer. She was raised north of Floyd, NM, married her high school sweetheart, Jeff Ashley, and attended ENMU, earning both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees plus 45 hours in Education as a Reading Specialist. She served as the Roosevelt County Home Economist, taught Home Economics at Deming High School, was a third grade teacher at Zia Elementary in Clovis, NM, and completed her career in education at Floyd Elementary serving as a Reading Coach and Reading Interventionist. Ruth loved children and teaching.

Elton Mack Brown (B.B.A 76.) 57, of Rogers, NM, died February 1, 2012. Mack farmed in the Rogers community all of his adult life and was known as one of the best dry land farmers in the area. Mack served two terms as a committee member for Agriculture and Soil Conservation Services. He was a board member for Farm Bureau and also the Roosevelt County Electric Coop.

Roger T. Garrett (B.S. 77), 64, died April 18, 2012, in Portales, NM, after a brief, but valiant battle with cancer. After finishing high school, Roger worked as a bookkeeper for a small company in New York. He went on to attend a year of college before enlisting in the Army in 1967. Roger was certified in radio maintenance and repair and served near the front lines in Vietnam. Roger moved to Clovis in 1976, where he worked doing electronics repair and attended ENMU. After earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and History, he began working on his master’s degree. It was in a Psychology class that he met a fellow student, Victoria Wood. They were married on July 9, 1983. Roger worked for Teleprompter Cable TV, and in 1985 established Garrett Precision Electronics, doing repair and maintenance on professional amplifiers, small electronics and car stereos. Later he went to work at KENW-FM as the FM Production Director. Roger left Eastern in 1996 to establish Cozy Cottage Industries, making StitchMate Needlework Floor Stands which he designed, patented, and built. He handcrafted each one and shipped them literally all over the world.

Thomas Hewitt Soapes (B.S. 78) age 60, passed away suddenly September 10, 2011. He was the assistant curator of the Natural History Museum on campus while attending ENMU. After he graduated from ENMU, he worked for the State of NM, employed with EID in Tucumcari for 6 years. Tom then moved to Davenport, IA to become a Chiropractor. He and his family moved to Albuquerque, NM in 1992 where he practiced until his untimely death.

Scott Lawrence Kirby II (B.S. 78) died Thursday, May 10, 2012 in Levelland, TX. He obtained a dual bachelor’s degree in psychology and religion from ENMU. He was a Licensed Baptist minister. Scott was in the Boy Scouts of America and then became a Troop Leader and Professional Scouter.

Bryan Willard (B.B.A. 80) passed away Memorial Day, May 28th, 2012, after being diagnosed a year ago with pancreatic cancer. He and his wife Barbara Willard (M.B.A. 82) lived in Ruidoso, NM for 30 years, enjoying time with friends and family. Bryan worked in the potash mines as an underground surveyor and for many years and was an accountant for the Mescalero Tribe.

Julia Lee Holloway Taylor (B.B.A. 82) died Friday, May 18, 2012. While attending the University of Alabama, she met and eloped with and married Robert C. (Bob) Taylor. After living in Amarillo, TX, and Tucumcarri, NM, they made Clovis, NM their home. Julie returned to college at ENMU and received her Bachelor in Business Administration with honors. Upon graduation, she entered the travel business as a travel agent, utilizing this position to travel the world. During her life, she visited 36+ countries and six of the seven continents, missing only Australia.

Dana June Wilburn Goode (M.E.D. 82) passed away quietly in her home in Sugar Land, TX, December 21, 2011 at the age of 82.

Carol D. Lang (M.E.D. 02, B. A. 99) died April 4, 2012. She taught at Floyd Schools.

Faith Ann Rinderman (B.U.S. 04) 65, passed away April, 15 2012. Faith served as an officer in the Wives Club while her husband was in the Air Force and served as a Boy Scout leader, Girl Scout leader, cheerleader coach, and other activities to help support her children. She also enjoyed knitting, crafts, and playing dominos. Faith earned her bachelor’s degree in University Studies and studied for her Master of Counseling degree at ENMU.

Kelvin Sprayberry (Attended), 50 died June 1, 2012. Kelvin served in the US Army until he was medically discharged in 1980, and worked as a plumber until he became fully disabled six years ago. He had attended ENMU studying Biology.

Steven Gerhardt Strunk (Faculty/Staff), 68, a longtime professor of music who was also a composer and jazz pianist, died February, 20, 2012. Dr. Strunk taught music theory and composition until his death. He taught at Florida State University and ENMU before moving to Washington, D. C. to teach at Catholic University. He composed many works of classical music, primarily in an atonal style. He also was a jazz pianist and performed regularly at nightclubs, hotels and social functions. Dr. Strunk wrote many articles about music and was particularly known for several studies in the 1970s and 1980s in which he applied methods of structural analysis typically used for classical music to jazz.

Dr. Hendrik Cornelis “Hank” de Bruin (Faculty/Staff), age 83, passed away Saturday, February 4, 2012. Upon graduating high school in 1946, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a military policeman during the post-war occupation of Japan.

After his discharge, he attended Montclair State University, obtaining a BA in Education with an emphasis in the sciences. He taught high school and coached sports until he completed a Master of Educational Administration degree at the University of Arizona, and then became principal and superintendent at several schools. Once he had obtained his Doctorate of Philosophy in Education in 1962 from the University of Arizona, he occupied senior administrative positions at a number of universities including Dean of the College of Education and Psychology at ENMU.

Laura Holst McGuire (Faculty/ Staff) passed away April 1, 2012. She earned a Liberal Arts degree from the University of Kansas and a Masters of Library Science from Texas Women’s University. After receiving a Master of Library Sciences degree, she took a post as Assistant Professor, a librarian specializing in government documents at Golden Library, where she worked until 1988. She was also very involved in her community.

Friday, Sept . 14

ENMU Greyhounds vs. Incarnate Word

** Stadium Tour exact cost is unknown at this time but will be approximately $20 or less. Money will be taken on site for those interested

Foundation ENMU Station 8 1500 South Ave. K Portales, NM 88130