ENMU Green & Silver Magazine - September 2020

MAGAZINE EASTERN NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITY

Renada Peery-Galon Accounting for New Mexico’s Youngest

SEPTEMBER 2020

Green&Silver

Green&Silver Features

MAGAZINE EASTERN NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITY

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Renada Peery-Galon Helps Establish New State Agency

07

Homecoming 2020 Canceled Due to COVID-19

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ENMU Faculty “Band” Together

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Alumni Couple: Two Very Different Careers

09

Kelle Senyé’s Bringing Affordable Housing to Albuquerque

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High School Grads Urged Not to “Sit it Out”

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Student Success Stories

12

Vera Lois Beck Johnson: A Greyhound at 100

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ENMU’s Dr. Richard Schwartz on Recording With Jazz Legend Ellis Marsalis

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Young Alumni Success: James Golden

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Eastern Athletics News

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Class Notes: People You May Know

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Class Notes: In Memory September 2020 Publication Managing Editor Noelle Bartl Design Editor Todd Fuqua Contributing Editor Christy Ruby Writers and Contributors Noelle Bartl, Desiree Cooper, Todd Fuqua, Susan Larsen, Gerard Martinez, Jordan Spillman Cover Photo Carolyn Wright – The Photography Studio New address, questions, comments or story ideas?

Contact the ENMU Foundation toll-free at 888.291.5524 or todd.fuqua@enmu.edu Looking for a past issue?

View all past issues of the Green & Silver Magazine online at enmu.edu/Magazine

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Green & Silver | September 2020

FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Greyhound Alumni and Friends: I’m honored to address you as the interim president of ENMU at a time when we are all re-learning the value and importance of family, friends and colleagues. I deeply appreciate the support of the Greyhound family during this leadership transition. ENMU and New Mexico have faced challenges in the past. We survive them because we work together. I thank you for being part of that solution.

As you might imagine, ENMU’s campus looks a bit different today. Classroom seating is carefully distanced. Students and staff are masked, bumping elbows instead of sharing handshakes, hugs and high-fives. Posters remind us to wash our hands to the ENMU Fight Song. Classes use online, in-person and a hybrid of instructional delivery methods. We have changed. We are changing.

But we are resolute in maintaining our commitment to student success and educational excellence.

And here’s what we have learned. It’s not a time to feel defeated or down about these circumstances. It is a time to rise above them and lift everyone around us to meet these challenges. During these unprecedented times, we at ENMU continue to serve our students with innovation and attention to their academic needs and life goals. That’s who we are.

I also have an important reminder for us all. In November, voters of New Mexico have the opportunity to give a huge lift to our economy and higher education. The General Obligation Bond (G.O. Bond C) brings no new taxes to New Mexicans and creates renovated and enhanced academic facilities across the state. For Portales, the ENMU Roosevelt Science Center, a beehive of research for students and faculty, is slated to receive much-needed renovations. Originally the dormitory “Men’s South,” Roosevelt Science Center will become a first-class teaching and learning research center with your help.

I urge you to think of the benefits to ENMU students when our New Mexico alumni and friends vote on Bond C this year.

Every day, I am grateful that I work at Eastern New Mexico University—with the chance to overcome challenges, support our students and community, and make a little history. We will gather again. We will play football again.

We will attend concerts and plays together. We will have parades, hand out scholarships and diplomas to happy students, celebrate our alumni and honor hard-working faculty and staff.

I look forward to all of this.

Sincerely,

Patrice Caldwell, Interim President Eastern New Mexico University

Photo by Gerard Martinez

From South Dakota Fields to New Mexican Government Halls

Peery-Galon Establishes New Department Serving the Youngest of New Mexicans

By Todd Fuqua Renada Peery-Galon (BS 92) never thought she’d be taking care of the financials and operational concerns in state government when she was studying public relations at ENMU. It’s a journey that began in Jefferson, South Dakota, where Renada lived on three acres “in the middle of nowhere,” surrounded by majestic corn and soybean fields as far as the eye could see.

To hear Renada tell it, her upbringing was idyllic, with Friday night football games, a National Honor Society membership, and co-editing the school newspaper. She is also pretty certain she – at 5 feet, 11 inches – was the “tallest cheerleader ever” at her high school.

In the summers, she spent her time as a “bean bugger:” sitting on the front of a tractor to spray weeds in the soy bean fields under the hot July sun to earn some money for school clothes.

She came to Eastern in 1988 on a Chaparral Scholar award – signed by then-ENMU-President Dr. Robert Matheny.

After graduating from Eastern, she pursued her masters in public administration at New Mexico State University. Her first job upon earning her masters was as an assistant auditor for the City of Arlington, Texas, in 1999. She came to work for the State of New Mexico in 2003, working as a fiscal analyst in Santa Fe for the Legislative Finance Committee.

Little did she know her first professional role would determine her career path.

“I did not know that budgets would become my niche,” Renada said. “I found I had a talent for it, and that’s where I ended up going.”

Now, her journey in public service has led her to be part of the creation of the new Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) in the state government.

Like many New Mexicans, Peery-Galon finds herself working from her Santa Fe home during the COVID-19 pandemic, and most days at her back patio table.

On March 14, 2019, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed Senate Bill 22, establishing the new department, effective as of July 2020. Renada was hired to ensure a smooth transition.

She had to start from scratch, including hiring staff, creating policies and procedures for financial services, submitting capital outlay requests, building an operating budget and then revising that budget to reflect reductions from the June Legislative Special Session, establishing budget and salary projections, and reviewing sublease agreements and contracts.

Since March, Renada has been juggling all of this from her home.

The department – one of only four in the country according to Renada – is meant to give young children from pre-natal to five years old a chance to grow up healthy and happy.

Photo by Gerard Martinez

Green & Silver | September 2020

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“IT’S WEIRD HAVING A CHILD ATTENDING COLLEGE WHERE YOU WENT. I’VE SEEN THAT IT’S A GREAT EXPERIENCE FOR RYAN.”

“There are challenges with State employees teleworking from home,” Renada said. “My staff in the Administrative Services Division has worked to establish electronic procedures using fillable forms with digital signatures and establishing email addresses to collect the forms. This way we can still process purchase orders, contracts, agreements and invoices.”

Photo by Carolyn Wright – The Photography Studio

(Peery-Galon, continued from Page 5)

Renada is in a key position to make sure the ECECD is solvent, staffed and opens on schedule.

“I oversee the financial services, budget and human resources for the agency,’ she said. “I make sure purchase orders get processed and bills get paid in support of our programs. By investing early on with childhood development, you save a lot of money down the road as those children develop into adults.”

All of Renada’s professional experience led to this role. She also worked in the Children Youth and Families Department as an administrative services division director and in the juvenile justice services program as a budget manager. She later worked with a different State agency, the Public Employees Retirement Association. If it had to do with public funds, she was up for the challenge.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Renada is working from home, attempting to orchestrate everything via Renada on the ENMU campus, circa 1989.

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the internet.

Green & Silver | September 2020

While she could have pursued a masters in business administration at NMSU and made more money in the private sector, Renada said her decision was driven by more altruistic reasoning.

Being part of a new department focused on the development of children at such a young age feels like the culmination of a long process that began when she became a mother two decades ago..

Her son, Ryan, is now attending ENMU pursuing a biology degree.

“When Ryan was diagnosed as autistic, the counselor said to me, ‘your job is to set him up to succeed,’” Renada remembers. “I realized that was my job as a mom, period – to set my kids up to succeed. ECECD is structured to do that.

That is the goal – better outcomes for New Mexico kids.”

“It’s weird having a child attending college where you went.

I’ve seen that it’s a great experience for him,” she added. “I can’t say enough about ENMU’s TRIO program and all that they’ve done for Ryan. The college does a really great job inviting people in and making them feel welcome.”

“One profound thing for me is how many life long friends I made at ENMU. ENMU and all my fellow Greyhound friends have made a difference in my life’s journey,” Now, she’s a member of the ENMU Foundation Board of Directors, another way for her to serve future generations.

“Giving people the opportunity to earn an education is important. Higher education has put me on this path, and I wouldn’t have the life I had without it,” Renada said.

ENMU Faculty “Band” Together

By Desiree Cooper

Musicians from around the world took part in the Bands of Ireland international virtual performance, including three faculty members from Eastern New Mexico University.

Dustin Seifert, chair of the Department of Music, Dr. Pamela Shuler, assistant professor of clarinet, and Dr. Sidney Shuler, assistant professor of trumpet, discussed the experience of showcasing their talents virtually and give advice to musicians looking to share their work digitally.

How did you get involved with the Bands of Ireland performance? What was your role?

Dustin Seifert: I saw an advertisement on the Bands of Ireland Facebook page and knew I wanted to be involved.

This was a major project that involved over 1,000 musicians (wind, percussion, voice) worldwide. Keith Kelly, the executive producer of Bands of Ireland, did an outstanding job promoting this international performance opportunity.

I thought it was quite important from a faculty-to-student modeling standpoint, especially considering the stay-athome order. Also, due to ENMU’s strong connection to the Emerald Isle, I am always on the lookout for Irish music news.

I prepared a euphonium track for the final recording.

Dr. Pamela Shuler: I first heard about the project from Mr. Dustin Seifert. After exploring, I was able to record the first clarinet part and submit for consideration. I was very excited to be accepted to the group based on my submission.

Dr. Sidney Shuler: Dustin Seifert let me know that it was going to be happening and recommended it. I prepared my part and followed the instructions – performing my part along with a provided click track.

A look at the “Bands of Ireland” virtual perfomance

What did it mean to you to take part in this performance?

Dustin Seifert: I thought it was incredible from start to finish.

The work we performed was brand new and was intended to inspire the citizens of the world as we live through the COVID-19 pandemic. I thought it was an incredible use of time!

Dr. Pamela Shuler: I have never heard a musician say, “I went into music to work by myself.” The nature of much music is working with others to create something larger than one person can create independently. In thinking back over my career, my favorite projects include working with others.

Dr. Sidney Shuler: Part of being a musician is performing. Due to precautions of the COVID-19 virus, no one has been able to gather together in order to perform. This element is a sorely missed one. Having an outlet like this was nice.

Homecoming Canceled, Moved Online In-person events for the Homecoming Week, September

Affairs, says, “After careful thought and consideration

21-26, 2020, are canceled. The ENMU Alumni Association

for the safety of both the university community and our

is planning a series of virtual events to recognize and

guests, it has been decided that Homecoming 2020 will

celebrate alumni, which will be posted on the ENMU

not take place as scheduled. While we are disappointed to

alumni website at ENMU.edu/homecoming.

have to postpone these incredible celebrations, our desire

Canceled in-person events include Songfest, the pep

to be prudent with decisions about the health and safety

rally and bonfire, the annual awards breakfast, the

of both the alumni community and our campus home

Homecoming Parade, and tailgate. Alumni reunions for the

overwhelm this sadness.”

classes of 1970, 1995 and 2010 have been postponed to 2021.

For more information and updates on ENMU’s COVID-19

Annamaria Short, director of the ENMU Office of Alumni

response, visit enmu.edu/HealthAdvisory.

Green & Silver | September 2020

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One Couple

Two Very Different Careers

By Todd Fuqua It’s a long way from Jal, New Mexico, to the island of Maui in Hawaii, but that’s the trajectory that Rex Hunter’s (MBA 80 BBA 77) professional career has taken.

For his wife, Dr. Jann (Dalbom) Hunter (MED 84 BSE 77), hasn’t found herself in such far-flung locales, but her career has been just as rewarding.

“It was a privilege for me to come back (to Eastern New Mexico University) as a faculty member,” said Jann, who recently retired as an education and curriculum specialist at ENMU-Roswell. “It was also very fun to go back and be on that beautiful campus.”

Jann said her ENMU degrees served her well.

“I remember an experience in one community in which a board member visited my classroom and asked me where I went to college,” Jann remembers. “When I told her ENMU, she said, ‘I can tell. That’s where the good teachers come from.’”

For Rex, his career is about to wrap up with the construction completion of the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope – the world’s largest solar telescope – located on top of Haleakalā

The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope at Haleakalā, Hawaii, the largest telescope in the world to study the surface of the sun.

in Hawaii. This assignment caps a 30-plus-year career working for the National Solar Observatory, most of it while stationed in Cloudcroft, New Mexico, administering the National Solar Observatory on Sacramento Peak.

“Even though I’m contracted by the government, we’re running a business,” Rex said. “At Sunspot, we were essentially running a small town.”

When Rex and Jann first came to Sunspot, they didn’t live in Cloudcroft, they were in a residence at the Sunspot Observatory. Almost everyone that worked there lived on the grounds, and Rex and Jann raised their children in Sunspot, along with all the other scientists and astronomers’ families.

One of the first projects he was tasked with was the construction of the Sunspot visitors center.

“My boss, when I first started working at Sunspot, took me to the visitor center at the VLA (Very Large Array) near Socorro, New Mexico, and told me we were going to build a visitors center just like this,” Rex said. “We talked to our congressmen to get us some money, acquired some Scenic Byway matching funds and finished it in five years.”

The National Science Foundation – which has operated the observatory since 1977 – transferred management of the Sunspot Observatory to New Mexico State University in 2016, which in turn worked to create the Sunspot Solar Observatory Consortium which has run the telescope since late 2017.

National Science Foundation

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Green & Silver | September 2020

Rex has spent most of his time in the last 10 years managing the business side of the Hawaii project scheduled for completion in September. He plans to retire after the grand opening.

FINDING HER

PASSION

Kelle Senyé Works to Provide Affordable Housing For All

By Todd Fuqua

S

ince the COVID-19 pandemic reached the United States at the beginning of 2020, the term “shelter in place” has been used repeatedly in an attempt to keep people from

congregating, slow the spread and save lives.

But some have found it’s hard to shelter if they don’t have a shelter to call home. That’s why Kelle (Westerfield) Senyé (BFA 93) has worked so hard to create affordable housing opportunities for as many people as she can.

“Housing in general has moved to the forefront of the conversation because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Kelle says.

“I can very easily get on my soapbox about this.”

Based in Albuquerque, Kelle was the executive director of the Apartment Association of New Mexico for nine years, and most recently joined the Institute for Real Estate Management’s local board. She has also received training to help establish a real estate certificate program at Central New Mexico Community College (CNM), facilitating professional development courses for property management for 15 years.

Additionally, Kelle has been accepted as an instructor at CNM and will conduct a virtual course starting in September. All of this is to further an understanding of fair housing, which she calls “vital to our industry.”

She is also part of the Greater Albuquerque Housing Partnership (GAHP) as the director of asset management.

A nonprofit developer, GAHP works to create affordable communities for residents making less than the average household income.

“We immediately recognized that many of our residents were going to be particularly vulnerable when the Governor’s public health order resulted in employees losing hours or jobs as businesses cut back or closed altogether,” Kelle said.

“We were affected, too, but were fortunate to acquire local funding through our city council to cover some of the rent loss from the plan. That money is extremely important in preventing residents from having their rent simply deferred.

We felt strongly that deferment would set them up for greater hardships in the future.”

A theater major while at ENMU, Kelle said the biggest impression her alma mater has made on her has been the connections she made while a student.

“Those connections have been strong and have been a resource for me on several occasions,” Kelle said.

It’s been a long journey from the stage of the University Theatre Center to helping to secure affordable housing in New Mexico’s largest city, but it’s a journey made a bit easier by her time at Eastern.

“Nobody seems to say, ‘when I get grow up, I want to be a property manager.’ I certainly didn’t,” Kelle said. “But I would say to students now, don’t turn away from an opportunity that doesn’t fit squarely within what you think you want to do. You will be amazed at your undiscovered passions.”

Green & Silver | September 2020

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Message to High School Grads:

“Think Twice About Taking a Gap Year”

By Noelle Bartl and Susan Larsen For generations, word of mouth has helped many discover that ENMU was right for them. Please, won’t you help us educate the next generation of Greyhounds?

Understandably, the recent high school graduates have concerns about their health and safety, limited in-person class opportunities, or the lack of the typical “college experience” while having to social distance.

Many young people are questioning their futures and considering taking a “gap year” as our nation responds to the pandemic. Sharing your undergrad success stories is critical right now as the next generation figure out what’s best for them. Fortunately, the youth are smart, innovative and optimistic.

They will lead all of us toward a better post-COVID-19 world.

As ENMU Alumni and friends, you are the best ambassadors for recruiting future Greyhounds. If you have any high school seniors or recent grads in your life, whether they are your kids, grandkids, neighbor’s kids, students you teach or mentor, etc., your ENMU endorsements are like gold (or should we say “silver”?).

In your role as an ENMU ambassador, please consider the following talking points: • Delaying the start of one’s college career may negatively impact one’s entire lifetime earnings because of missing out on the experience and additional opportunities for raises compared to students that take a break from earning their degrees.

• College graduates are more likely to be better prepared for declines in labor market opportunities.

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Green & Silver | September 2020

The Unemployment Rate Remains Markedly Lower for Recent College Grads Percent

Jan-March 2020 (pre-pandemic)

April-May 2020

25 20 15 10 5 0

Recent college grads (Age 22-27)

Young workers without a college degree (Age 22-27)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey (IPUMS), Aarthi Swaminathan, Yahoo Finance.

As seen at the start of the pandemic, workers without a college degree were the hardest hit population when the nation went into lockdowns.

• With the recently elevated unemployment rates, continuing to work toward a degree may be the wiser option —students may qualify for additional financial aid if their families encountered increased financial hardship this year.

• There is an increased possibility that the longer one waits to start school, the more difficult it becomes to return.

Everyone needs to decide what their college and career paths will look like.

Your ability to truly listen and share your positive Eastern experiences may make all the difference. If the teenager in your life asks, please share the www.enmu.edu website.

SUPPORT THE UNIVERSITY FUND Your Donation Helps Students Like These

President’s Ambassador Loves ‘Amazing’ Community at ENMU

ENMU EET Major Aspires to Become Technology Engineer

Alyssa Martinez is pursuing a degree in mathematics for secondary education to help her accomplish her goal of becoming a high school math teacher.

Dat Pham, an electronics engineering technology (EET) major, wants to become a technology engineer.

“I’ve always known I wanted to teach because my love for learning and my enjoyment of sharing that with others has always drawn me towards the profession,” shares Alyssa, who had the opportunity to work in a classroom during her senior year of high school and “absolutely loved the experience.”

The Isler Memorial Scholarship recipient initially chose to teach at the elementary level, because “the thought of teaching high school students, who were so close in age to me, was terrifying.” She decided to shift to secondary education after taking introductory education classes and working with students as a tutor. “I realized two things: I really love math, and I understand it at a level that would be more beneficial for high school students than for elementary students, and working with an older age group was not bad at all, it is actually a lot of fun and just as exciting,” she explains.

Discussing his future job, Dat explains, “I want to apply issues related to electricity, electronics and electromagnetism across a broad range of specialties.”

The sophomore chose to major in EET to learn about technology and self-monitoring analysis. “I believe that electronics engineering technology will be a solid premise for me to study more about other specialized electrical fields,” he says.

“We can see that more modern life is indispensable in the presence of electrical and electronic devices,” he explains. “These devices are ubiquitous and cater to every human benefit, from living to production.

Therefore, electrical engineering technology is always an important discipline in the field of engineering.”

The Dean’s List honoree was born and raised in Vietnam, and his parents are nail technicians.

As the ENMU campus gears up for a fall under the shadow of a COVID-19 pandemic, Alyssa looks forward to returning to the campus – even in such uncertain times.

Beatriz Villa, the director of American Language and Culture and an instructor for the ENMU Department of Languages and Literature, has served as a mentor to Dat. “I have lived in America for three years, and I’m still struggling with my English grammar,” he shares.

“She helped me improve my English day by day.”

“I am both excited and nervous for this upcoming semester,” Alyssa said. “I am still excited to be a student at ENMU because I know the leaders at this university have prioritized the success and safety of all students. I hope the transition this fall goes smoothly for everyone.”

He decided to attend ENMU because “the school is amazing and the tuition is not too expensive.

The environment is safe and friendly.” He shares that his favorite part of being a Greyhound is the campus community, including his professors and fellow students.

Written by Desiree Cooper

Written by Jordan Spillman

Donate online at enmu.edu/donate or with enclosed envelope.

Green & Silver | September 2020

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A Greyhound at the Century Mark

By Desiree Cooper

Greyhound Grad Vera Lois Beck Johnson (BA 42) celebrated turning 100 on June 6 at a sociallydistanced birthday party with her family in Artesia, New Mexico.

Honeywell International Inc.; Nancy, a retired vice president for Wells Fargo Bank National Association; and Noel, an IT director for Honeywell International Inc. Lois has two grandchildren, Noah and Ava, who are both students at Rice University.

She is also a past volunteer for Lois was very active during her years at Eastern New Senior photo 1942 teaching reading to adults in a literacy program.The Greyhound Grad Mexico University, then discusses her time at ENMU and shares known as Eastern New Mexico College, some life tips: performing as first violin in the college symphony orchestra and the symphonette orchestra, as well as being a member of the Euterpean Society, an honorary fraternity for music students, and the Madrigal Club, a group of music students selected to study more difficult compositions. She was also in the glee club, violin choir, a cappella choir and opera. She graduated in 1942 with a bachelor’s degree in education with an emphasis in music.

Lois was born in Thomas, Oklahoma, in

She married Maxwell E. Johnson of Hope, New Mexico, after he returned from World War II. Lois taught elementary school in Hope, Hobbs and Artesia, New Mexico, and retired after a full teaching career.

She is a Life Retired Member of the National Education Association of New Mexico, a Life Member of the American Association of University Women and a past president of the Artesia Hermosa Elementary School PTA. Lois has five children – Whitney, an attorney married to Debra Taylor; Judy, a retired teacher and educational diagnostician for Santa Fe Public Schools married to Stewart Kane; Nora Lee, a retired senior contracts manager for

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Green & Silver | September 2020

which I was able to apply in a variety of classroom settings throughout my career.

For example, in one of the smaller schools, I taught multiple grade levels in the same classroom. In other schools, students came with varying levels of achievement and experiences. I taught many students over the course of my career, and to this day, adult lives, which is a real joy.

How did you choose your field of study?

hard to accomplish things, and it is very

I wanted to have a professional career in education and to earn a salary so that I could be independent. I also wanted to study music because I enjoyed it.

I gained a valuable education at Eastern that made a difference to me throughout my life and professional career.

north of Clovis.

and foundation in education principles,

I chose Eastern New Mexico University because it had a very good academic program in the field of education as well as a great music program.

and sister on their wheat farm. During the

where they continued to farm wheat

Eastern gave me a strong background

I continue to meet some of them in their

Discuss your experience at ENMU.

and settled in eastern New Mexico,

for your career?

Why did you choose ENMU?

1920, where she lived with her parents Great Dust Bowl, her family left Oklahoma

How did ENMU prepare you

I really enjoyed playing the violin and having the opportunity to be in the various music clubs and travel to other cities and states for performances and events, which was very exciting. My experiences in the Music Department were a highlight of my college years.

I took many music classes and lessons at the University, and I enjoyed my professors because they were excellent teachers. All we were interested in was music, and we wanted to be the best, and we were very good.

You could learn anything, depending on what you liked. Some studies were difficult, and I had to work hard. Other studies were very easy.

What are some life tips that you would like to share at 100 years old?

You can teach others. You have to study gratifying to teach others how to do something so as to improve their lives or just to make them happy.

ENMU Professor Releases Album Featuring Ellis Marsalis

By Desiree Cooper Grammy Award® considered saxophonist

getting the opportunity

and songwriter Dr. Richard Andrew

to record two original

Schwartz, an associate professor of music

compositions, “Alpha

at ENMU, recently released his new album

Cat” and “7-11 Blues,” with

Song for My Mother. The album features

Ellis for the album was a

two of the last recordings – made on the

dream come true.

campus of Louisiana State University

“Ellis was not only an

– with jazz legend Ellis Marsalis, the

extremely talented

patriarch of the Marsalis family who died

musician and a major

on April 1 from the coronavirus. As a fan

inspiration in my life,

of Mr. Marsalis, Dr. Schwartz felt that

but a class act human being. We had a great time hanging out

Dr. Richard Andrew Schwartz (with saxophone) plays with Ellis Marsalis at the piano during a recording session at Louisiana State University.

while working on the recordings,” says Dr. Schwartz. “I was excited about releasing these two songs knowing that Ellis enjoyed playing my compositions and devastated when I heard how Ellis lost his battle with the coronavirus. It’s a tragic blow for not only

Dr. Schwartz dedicated the album to his mother, who recently had a stroke and still suffers from its side effects. “My mother has always been my number one supporter through my musical journey,” he shares. “She made sure each of her children received piano lessons.”

the jazz community, but for the music

You can hear Song for My Mother on

industry as a whole. Ellis loved recording

Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Amazon

these tunes, and I wish he was here to

Music, iTunes, YouTube, Tidal and other

help me cross the finish line.”

digital music outlets.

Young Alumni Success

Making Beautiful Music in Farmington James Golden (MED 19 GC 15 BS 12) is the director of the choir program at Piedra Vista High School (PVHS) in Farmington, New Mexico. James said his learning continues, even after earning his degrees and teaching for eight years.

“PVHS has a history of excellence that I have the joy of continuing. This makes me push harder, prepare better and raise the level of expectation for the choir,” James said.

James is also the Minister of Music at First Presbyterian Church in Farmington, where they have been holding online services since March. The COVID-19 pandemic has also affected how he is preparing for the upcoming school year.

“The plan is to offer in school and online instruction, and the students and parents will choose in which they will participate,” James said. “We still don’t have much direction for choir. We are waiting on results from an aerosol study and guidance from the powers that be.”

Why does James enjoy teaching choir and music to young men and women?

“I feel that I am most impressed by music in general and its ability to bring so many different types of people together for a greater good,” he said. “Getting to work with musicians of all ages, races, and walks of life both in and out of the classroom is one of the biggest blessings.”

ENMU ATHLETICS NEWS Richardson Celebrates 99 Fall 2020 Athletic Professor Emeritus and former coach Dr. Calvin “Carl” Richadrson (BA 48) celebrated his 99th birthday quietly at his home in Portales, New Mexico on July 25.

Carl wore many hats at ENMU – coach of the football, tennis, golf, baseball, basketball and track teams; professor of physical education; and director of the Health and Physical Education Department.

As a coach, Carl was named NAIA District 7 Coach of the Year nine times in three different sports.

His tennis teams had a 113-32 record and four NAIA District 7 championships, while the football team was 59-37, including an undefeated season in 1957. As a baseball coach, he guided the Greyhounds to a 52-12 record in a four-year span, and led the golf team to four NAIA District 7 championships.

All this athletic excellence was underscored by a commitment to academic excellence, as he always expected his athletes to make the grades and maintain strong working relationships with faculty.

After his retirement in 1986, he tirelessly recruited for his alma mater, travelling the area and speaking to community groups.

To help us celebrate Carl’s birthday, donate to the Carl Richardson and B.B. Lees Scholarship online at enmu.edu/donate.

Seasons Postponed

As uncertainty associated with COVID-19 continues to throw athletic seasons into doubt, ENMU has made the decision to postpone all athletic practices, competitions or organized activities this fall.

In a July 28 statement appearing on the ENMU website, University President Patrice Caldwell stated athletic competitions might return in the spring.

"Although we are extremely disappointed that the renewed safety concerns are taking us in a different direction, we all believe this is the right decision for the health and safety of our Greyhound family," President Caldwell said.

As of July 28, the Lone Star Conference (LSC) decided to delay fall sports practice to no earlier than August 24, 2020, with competition beginning September 21, 2020. Eastern's decision to postpone the fall sports schedule was made independently of the LSC. If the conference continues with its plans to play sports in the fall, it will be without ENMU's participation.

According to President Caldwell, "the University will not take chances with the lives of students, faculty and staff." For up-to-date information, visit goeasternathletics.com.

Engraved Bricks Still Available at Greyhound Stadium There is still a chance for ENMU alumni to become a part of history, as the final 25 spaces remain at Greyhound Arena to engrave their names in stone.

Cost for each 8x8-inch brick is $250, with the bricks displayed near the home side entrance to the stadium.

There are also only 26 metal locker plaques available.

Each plaque is 5x3 inches and will be engraved with the name of the alumnus’ choice. These plaques – at $1,000 each – will be placed in the Hounds’ home locker room, used both by ENMU and visiting high school teams for Portales High School home games.

To order a brick or locker plaque, please call Kourtney Paiz at the ENMU Foundation at 575.562.2412.

14

Green & Silver | September 2020

Student Athletes Staying Fit, Staying Positive

By Todd Fuqua As the fall semester approached this year, there was excitement and anticipation over the new school year and sports seasons at ENMU. Unlike years past, however, there was also a great degree of uncertainty, as the COVID-19 pandemic put the future of education, sports and just about everything else in limbo.

As a result, student-athletes had to rely on their own discipline to stay fit. That’s what the ENMU volleyball team did throughout the summer.

“We decided to do the team fitness challenge,” said Volleyball Coach Sia Poyer (MS 98 BS 96). “On any given summer, our kids are given a workout by our strength and conditioning coach, Larry Varnado (MS 11 BS 06). But this was an unusual situation because of COVID and we felt like we needed to be more in contact with our players.”

Using the group communication application Band, Coach Poyer and the team remained in contact throughout the spring and summer months, monitoring and commenting on each other’s workouts. They offered challenges and encouragement throughout.

“We score them based on their interactions – posting a video or photos of their workouts, making positive comments, or if they offer a challenge to other teams,” Poyer said. “We tally their points and the winner has bragging rights and healthy competition.”

Volleyball team captain and senior Jasmine Gannon said she and the team were glad to have the team challenges and look forward to whatever the new school year may bring.

Greyhound senior volleyball player Jasmine Gannon lifts during summer workouts. She and other ENMU athletes have been doing what they can to keep in shape and stay positive about the upcoming – and uncertain – fall sports seasons.

“I have been keeping a positive mindset and looking forward to having a season,” Gannon said.

“If we do not have a season this fall, I know things will work out the way they are supposed to.

I’m continuing to work as if our season is guaranteed.”

Greyhound volleyball team members leap during a workout in June, shortly after workouts of five athletes or less were allowed.

Volleyball wasn’t the only sport waiting to see if it would be facing live competition in the fall – men’s and women’s soccer, cross country and football were also dealing with an uncertain future.

ENMU football coach Kelly Lee says his players received texts daily from the coaching staff and kept up with one another through weekly remote meetings. But have they been staying in shape?

“We certainly hope so!” Coach Lee said. “Our players were provided with a summer workout manual that detailed daily weight, running, flexibility, agility and plyometric activities.

We also provided them with body weight workouts in case they did not have access to a weight room.”

Lee said, “Eastern has been a bit behind other schools in the Lone Star Conference (LSC), as they allowed athletes back on campus starting June 1. ENMU has been more deliberate in opening its campus.”

Coach Poyer said the coordination with other sports has been encouraging.

“We have all been meeting with our teams as much as possible, and offered advice and ideas to each other to deal with the changes due to COVID-19,” Coach Poyer said. “I’ve had similar meetings with NCAA Division 2 volleyball coaches across the nation and throughout the LSC.”

For more news, please visit

GoEasternAthletics.com Green & Silver | September 2020

15

Class Notes People You May Know Ernest “Skipper” Colin (BS 60) recently published

Tracy Simmons (MS 08 BS 03) is now a journalsim lecturer at

his autobiography – Work Hard, Play Hard –

Washington State University in Spokane, Washington, taking

detailing his life

the position after spending 15 years as a religion reporter

from his childhood

across the country. In addition to teaching news writing, media

in New Hampshire,

literacy and media entrepreneurship, Tracy has her own digital

through his time as

startup – SpokaneFAVS.com – an award-winning site that

a student at ENMU,

allows readers to have a religious discussion “in a safe and

and his work as an

respectful environment. Even with all of this, Tracy still finds

engineer, including serving as a

time to work as a freelance reporter and writer.

United Nations chief inspector

Joseph Brockway (BA 01) recently

of weapons of mass destruction

graduated with a PhD in Humanities –

following the Gulf War. He

Literary Studies and Translation from

considers his book a “reminder of

the University of Texas at Dallas. His

the greatness of America.”

dissertation was titled “The Translator’s

Donna Rickstrew Hylton (BS 73) Began her own

Task: Recreating the Textual Atmosphere

consulting firm – Hylton Fundraising Consulting –

of Isla cofre mítico by Eugenio Fernandez

in Bakersfield, California, in 2016, after an attempt

Granell.” Joseph has taught various

at retirement from education, only to receive

levels of Spanish since graduating from ENMU. He is currently

calls from schools and non-profits to assist in

an Assistant Professor of Spanish at Springfield College in

fundraising. “They say you will never work a day

Springfield, Massachusets.

if you find your passion and I am living my dream working from home in my retirement!”

Rob Wachter (BA 11), a former student regent, is the Economic Development Director for the Artesia Chamber of Commerce,

Jacqueline Corley (MS 86 BS 84) retired in May as

a job he took on after seven years of work with Central Valley

a teacher from the Houston Independent School

Electric in Artesia, New Mexico. He also serves on Artesia’s

District (HISD) after 32 years of service, where she

MainStreet and recreation committees.

taught special and general education students.

Jacqueline Probst (MED 12) currently

Throughout the years, Jacqueline has received

teaches math pedagogy at Western

awards for Teacher of the Year from the Council of

Governor’s University in Salt Lake City,

Exceptional Children (CEC), English as a Second

Utah, following two years as an adjunct

Language (ESL), and General Education. As an

professor at Northwest University

educator of at-risk students, one of her main goals was to build

in Kirkland, Washington. In addition

self-esteem and motivate youth.

to teaching, Jacqueline is pursuing

Chief Master Sergeant Anthony Sandoval (BAS 94)

a doctorate, with her focus on the

is the State Command Chief Master Sergeant for

relationship between the timing of algebra instruction and

the New Mexico Air National Guard, Joint Force

student mathematics self-efficacy.

Headquarters, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Anthony

Vincent Rodriguez (BS 12) is a camera

serves as the principal advisor to commanders

operator and assignement editor for

and senior staff on matters of mission

KOAT-TV in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

effectiveness, professional development and

He has earned awards from the New

military readiness. He is the liason between the

Mexico Broadcaster’s Association,

enlisted force, the Adjutant General and the Assistant Adjutant

Edward R. Murrow foundation and has

General for the New Mexico Air National Guard.

been nominated for a Rocky Mountain

Christopher Allen (BS 96) recently began work

Regional Emmy Award for his work.

as a financial controller at Mullins Construction, a company which builds custom homes and projects in Tennessee and Alabama.

16

Green & Silver | September 2020

He is also involved in the station’s KOAT’s for Kids Drive, collecting coats for needy families across New Mexico.

Viridiana Meza (BA 12) coordinates the

Patricia Duran (MA 18 BS 17) is currently the Director of Marketing &

Rainbow Room in Lubbock, Texas, a service

Public Relations for the Center for Community Innovation, handling

with the Texas Department of Family and

the city branding and tourism promotion of Raton, New Mexico.

Proctective Services that provides supplies

Before, she was an event coordinator in Colorado, and an economic

necessary to maintain a child or children

development specialist at a nonprofit helping businesses and

in their home. Viridiana also coordinates

entrepreneurs with technical assistance. Patricia and her husband

volunteers to watch after children or do

became ordained pastors, and opened their first church in 2018

essential shopping for families in need. She

called Mesa Church in Raton.

plans fundraisers and events and works to

Miranda Sando (BS 19) was accepted into the

ensure the Rainbow Room is stocked.

Mental Health Counseling Program at ENMU,

Ava (Sandoval) Montes (BUS 15) graduated

starting her masters work in the Spring of

from basic military training at Lackland Air

2020. She was also given the good news during

Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, in May 2018.

the spring that she has officially been in

Following her graduation, Ava was promoted

cancer remission for a full year.

to Senior Airmen and is a member of the New Mexico Air National Guard.

Annajita Rubio (BS 20) Graduated summa cum

Carla Anaya (BUS 15) has been named vice

laude with a 4.0 GPA this spring from ENMU.

president for the ENMU Alumni Association.

The first-generation college student will

She is currently the director of development for

attend the University of New Mexico College of

the University of New Mexico Hospitals.

Pharmacy for her post-graduate work.

Greyhound Grad Uses ENMU Experiences In Product Design Katherine Perelas (BBA 20) is using the skills she developed during

needed in a time of crisis;

her time at ENMU in her role as a product designer at Integrated

my company works with

Transportation Management, best known for the software MyCarrier

freight software, and,

TMS, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

despite the coronavirus

“There were many unforgettable experiences to be had at ENMU,” Katherine recalls. “I remember when I was a freshman, my first experience at ENMU kicked off with Dawg Days, the University’s three-day orientation event. I’ll always remember the Associated Students Activities Board; how could I forget the organization that brought me friendship, unending entertainment and even my majorrelated student jobs?

By Desiree Cooper

shaking the world’s economies, freight must continue to move.”

Her career goal is to “improve user experiences, help companies succeed and

In her new role as a product designer, Katherine works with

to experience upward

product managers to turn business requirements into designs that

mobility as time goes on.

seamlessly integrate with the overall application, identifies weak

Ultimately, I’d like to come home satisfied with the work I do and the

points of the application’s UI (how it looks) and UX (how it feels) and

connections I make. I hope to elevate people’s experiences and make

targets improvements and creates wireframe mockups, prototypes

their lives easier. I want to maintain a good work/life balance and be

and high-resolution designs.

“I wanted to work in a position that would allow me to exercise my creativity and knowledge obtained at ENMU,” she shares. “I have had some experience designing the look and feel of websites and knew I was interested in the role and diving further into the industry. It just

at peace with how far I have come in life.”

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Submit your story ideas, news and memorials to us at alumni.affairs@enmu.edu

so happened that this new job also provided me with the stability I

Green & Silver | September 2020

17

Class Notes In Memory 50s

Jim Stephey (MA 73 BA 69) died Feb. 28, 2020. Jim came to ENMU from

George Hill (MA 56 BME 51) died Jan. 5, 2020 in

Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Between

Summerville, South Carolina, after a long music

his bachelors and masters degrees,

career. He was 90. George served in the U.S.

he enlisted in the U.S. Army from

Army during the Korean War and was in the 65th

1969 to 1971, and earned an Army

Army Band at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. He also

Commendation Medal.

performed the saxophone in many jazz bands and performed as a session musician.

Curtis Dale Miller (MA 60 BA 51) died on Feb. 21, 2020. Curtis

19, 2020 at University Medical Center in

was an elementary school teacher and head coach for the

Lubbock, Texas. David was a tremendous

men’s high school basketball team in Zuni, New Mexico. He

supporter of ENMU, the Department of

then moved to Lovington, New Mexico, where he was a fifth

Music, and the Alumni Band, serving

grade teacher and then an elementary school principal for

as president for a two-year term and as

many years.

“the man with the bassoon” from its first

John N. Parker (BA 54) died Jan. 24, 2020. He attended Eastern on a football scholarship. Following his discharge from the

downbeat in 1988.

70s

U.S. Army in 1957, John taught science and coached football,

Albert L. McNiel (BA 72) died June 6, 2020. Alber had received

basketball, track at Horace Mann in Amarillo, Texas, and led

the Residential Member designation from the American

them to win the city championships. He then coached and

Institute of Real Estate Appraisers, and had extensive

taught golf at Palo Duro High School until 1965.

experience as a right of way agent and real estate appraiser for several federal, state, municipal and private agencies.

60s William Marshall Goodwin (MA 64 BA 62) died Jan.

Terry Jane Gray Ritchie (MED 77) died Feb. 16, 2020. Terry was

25, 2020 in Oregon City, Oregon. Born Nov. 30, 1939 in

a teacher for over 30 years in Texas, California, New Hampshire,

Rock Hill, South Carolina, “Marshall” attended ENMU

Rhode Island, Nevada and New Mexico. After retirement,

and married his wife Joyce (BS 62) in 1962. The

Terry and her husband James (MED 77) moved to Ruidoso,

couple moved to Oregon City and remained there for

New Mexico.

the rest of his life. Marshall taught elementary school for 36 years.

Donald Beatty (BS 77) died Oct. 14, 2019 in Lubbock, Texas. He was born Aug. 5, 1943

Ola Stratton (BS 64) died March 10, 2020. She married husband

in Greensboro, North Carolina. He served

Sam (BA 50) in 1947, who was the “Greatest Greyhound”

20 years in the U.S. Air Force and served

of 1946-47. Sam died in 1962. Ola began working for the

in Vietnam, retirng as a Master Sergeant

Alamogordo Public Schools in 1964, retiring after teaching for

in 1984. Donald’s final career was with the

26 years. In retirement, Ola was a gardener and crafter.

U.S. Postal Service.

Dr. E. Jay Wheeler (BS 64) died March 12, 2020 at his home in

Jimmie "Dwayne" Kelley (BBA 78) of

Lubbock, Texas. Dr. Wheeler served on the faculty at Baylor

Peoria, Arizona, died July 12, 2020. Born

Medical School, University of Georgia Medical College and

in Clovis on May 2, 1956, Jimmie was

Northeast Ohio Medical College before finishing his career at

hired by Texas Instruments (TI) after

Texas Tech University Medical School.

graduating from college and worked

Rosa Aldean Peck (MED 70 BS 67) died on Feb. 3, 2020. Rosa was the librarian at Valley Elementary School and Shiprock

18

David Allen (MME 76 BME 69) died Feb.

for TI until his resignation in 2010. He then began a new chapter, working for ON Semiconductor in Pheonix, Arizona.

High School in Shiprock, New Mexico, and was the assistant

Outside of work, Jimmie served his church and community in

librarian at ENMU. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma

multiple capacities for more than 42 years. He was a member

(where she was president in 1990), Retired Educators, and the

of the United Way Board in Odessa, Texas, for many years, and

American Association of University Women.

active in his Arizona community.

Green & Silver | September 2020

80s

Sharon L. Kapp (attended) died March 8, 2020, and was married to Mark Leroy Lee (MA 84) died May 14, 2020 in

Howard M. Kapp (BBA 65). Sharon received her BS in Education

Overland Park, Kansas. Born March 6, 1961 in

from UNM, 1967 and her MA in Organizational Management

Bonner Springs, Kansas, Mark grew up on the

from University of Phoenix in 2003. She was retired living in

family vegetable farm near Bonner Springs.

Mesa, Arizona.

He served as a sports writer for several newspapers in Kansas and earned a bachelors in speech and English at the University of Kansas in 1983. He came to ENMU and earned a masters in communication in 1984. From 1987 to 2005, Mark was an adjunct instructor in English and speech at Kansas City

Vern Witten (faculty) died at his home on July 22, 2020. An associate professor emeritus of mathmatics, Vern taught almost every

Community College.

level of math at ENMU from

H.G. “Johnny” Eastwood, Jr. (BBA 88) died March 2, 2020.

in 1991. He worked closely

Johnny served in the Navy in the South Pacific. He started

with Upward Bound,

Eastwood Construction in 1947 and served Clovis, New Mexico,

tutoring services, and the

and surrounding areas for 68 years. He was a member of the

teacher education program,

Clovis Evening Lions, American Legion Post 25 and Disabled

supporting and advising

American Veterans. Johnny enjoyed fishing and hunting.

new teachers across

Fern B. Lawson (BBA 88) died May 9, 2020. Fern was a teacher in Eddy County, New Mexico, and also taught Braille. She was a foster grandparent and on the advisory council for the New Mexico Commission for the Blind.

1964 until his retirement

the area. He cajoled and challenged students into doing their best work in his classes. He and his wife of 65 years, Ida Lou, spent his retirement years volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and Kiwanis

Dr. Cyndy Hendershot (BA 89) died June 19,

International, tutored area students and annually made his

2020 after a 23-year career in the English

famous peanut brittle for neighbors and the Methodist Church

department at Arkansas State University. After

Thanksgiving Bazaar. “I worked with Vern probably more than

graduating from ENMU, she earned her masters

anyone else,” said former Eastern president Dr. Bob Matheny

and PhD in English and critical theory from

(MA 62 BA 60). "Vern recounted many of the watershed events

Texas Tech. In her time at Arkansas State, she

we shared, but mostly recalled his relationship with numerous

developed an international reputation as a film

students. I dare say that no one in Eastern’s history had a greater

scholar in addition to her many academic achievements.

personal impact on students than Vern Witten.”

An ENMU Legend Remembered Frances Kwapinksi Richardson (EDSP 67 MA 62 BA 58) died peacefully on March 4, 2020. Frances was born in Bell Buckle, Tennessee. After earning her teaching degrees from Eastern, she was an instructor at Porales High School and later joined the faculty at ENMU. While at Eastern, she played a pivotal role in the creation of the Upward Bound Program, KENW-TV, and the Friends of Eastern Foundation – now known as the Eastern New Mexico University Foundation. She was the first director of development at ENMU, also assistant to the President, director of university relations and consultant to the U.S. Office of Education.

Frances served as a board member for the ENMU Foundation and New Mexico First, and served as an ENMU Regent. She co-authored a grant to establish Mental Health Resources, Inc., a community health center serving seven counties in eastern New Mexico. She also served on the Portales City Council, the Portales Youth Reintegration Advisory Committee, the Roosevelt General Hospital Board, the New Mexico State Corrections Commission, and the Alto Lakes Country Club Board.

Green & Silver | September 2020

19

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