MAGAZINE EASTERN NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITY
Rozbeh B. Moghaddam Evaluating Deep Foundations
DECEMBER 2020
Green&Silver
Green&Silver Features
MAGAZINE EASTERN NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITY
04
It’s Official: Dr. Patrice Caldwell is University Chancellor and President
06
Rozbeh B. Moghaddam: Evaluating Deep Foundations
09
Lukas Cash: Working to “Unite” New Mexico
10
Graduate Student Wins Research Grant
11
Supporting Students at ENMU
12
In the Spotlight: Michelle Tomlinson Gives Good Advice to Young Actors
13
John Coinman: Making Beautiful Music
14
Breanna Smith: Digital Vibes Business
15
Eastern Athletics News
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Class Notes: People You May Know
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Class Notes: In Memory December 2020 Publication Managing Editor Noelle Bartl Design Editor Todd Fuqua Contributing Editors Julia Garza, Jennifer Poyer, Christy Ruby Writers and Contributors Rein Carrasco, Desiree Cooper, Owen Crowlie, Todd Fuqua, Times Remembered Photography Studio, Betty Williamson Cover Photo Courtesy Rozbeh B. Moghaddam New address, questions, comments or story ideas? Contact the ENMU Foundation toll-free at 888.291.5524 or enmu.foundation@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 | December 2020
FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Greyhound Family, It’s an honor to address you as the 11th president of Eastern New Mexico University and the first woman to hold the position. I am humbled and grateful to the Regents for their confidence in me and deeply touched by the support of students, faculty, staff, community, alumni, and friends of the University who have reached out to express their support. Thank you, all. As we venture into the holiday season, my thoughts turn to the influential “First Ladies” of Eastern’s family. Jokingly, one staff person asked me on “which side” of the hallway would my portrait appear. As many of you know, the Administration Building’s main hallway displays presidents’ portraits on the north wall and the “First Ladies” framed photographs on the south wall. It was a good question because I’d be honored to be on either wall. When I came to Eastern, more students knew Joan Armstrong than her spouse, Dr. Warren Armstrong. Joan’s kindness, approachability, and humor are evident in her portrait, where she holds a very pleased cat. The grace, courtesy, and warmth of Sandra Matheny perfectly complemented her spouse, Dr. Robert Matheny, both setting a high standard of engagement with the community and the campus. Supported by her spouse, Dr. Tom Bond, Judy Bond brought to her role as the first lady a tremendous passion for the artwork of ENMU. Judy’s charmingly persistent questions about Eastern’s holdings probably did more than anyone else could to protect and recognize the treasures on our walls. Of course, Drs. Jan and Everett Frost were our campus’ first “academic” couple, both holding tenure in anthropology and applied archeology. When I was a new faculty member, the first person in my office was Jan, asking how she could help me. The first administrator who reached out in kindness to me when we were both stranded at the Lubbock airport was Everett. As a first couple, they were low-key, capable, and constant, deeply committed to this institution. Edwina Gower also set a standard of community and campus engagement that few others can meet. She was a cheerleader (in every sense!) for students, a boundlessly energetic volunteer, and she loved visiting with alumni about ENMU history. Both she and her spouse, Dr. Jeff Elwell, were some of our most faithful attendees at campus events. Though for knowing students’ names, lives, hometowns, and significant others (including pets), no one will ever exceed Dr. Steven Gamble or match the hard work of another indispensable woman of Eastern, Dr. Gamble’s right-hand and former vice president, Ronnie Birdsong. With the “First Lady” legacy vividly before me every day I come to work, “which wall” is a tough choice. For character, class, and compassion, the First Ladies of Eastern are a tough act to follow. Though I am destined to be “on the wall with the guys,” I am proud to live in the legacy of our beautiful, talented and treasured “First Ladies.” They made Eastern a home for their families and for all of the ENMU family. This holiday season, I will remember their warmth, kindness, and commitment to our students and our community. Please come and visit them next time you are on campus, and then drop in to say hello! Stay safe.
Patrice Caldwell ENMU President
Dr. Caldwell Named Chancellor “Dr. Caldwell is eminently prepared for this challenge, and is the right person to put the University back together after the most serious crisis in our history. Her comprehensive training and experience in the mission of the regional university, and her understanding of curricular and teaching methodologies will keep Eastern at the forefront of higher education in the Southwest. Sandra and I wish her every success!” Dr. Robert Matheny, 7th ENMU President
Little in her background would have predicted an easy transition from the frenzied world of Los Angeles to a university on the high plains of eastern New Mexico. Photo by Times Remembered Photography Studio
Patrice and her sister Ellen, identical twins, were born in Los Angeles, California, the children of obstetrician-gynecologist
Dr. Patrice Caldwell was named Eastern New Mexico
father, Dr. William G. Caldwell, and mother, the Hollywood Golden
University’s 11th and first female president this fall, capping
Age actress Joan Leslie. The sisters attended Catholic schools in
her fortieth year at the University. Named interim president
the neighborhood and then the University of Southern California
when Dr. Jeff Elwell resigned for health reasons effective
for their bachelor’s degrees.
April 24, 2020, she was named president and system chancellor on Sept. 25, 2020 by the ENMU Board of Regents.
Both sisters planned on teaching careers, but a few months before graduation, their faculty advisor pointed out UCLA was only
“We are so thankful Dr. Caldwell agreed to continue her
10 miles away. They applied and were accepted to the English
position with the University,” Board of Regents President Terry
graduate program.
Othick said. “We appreciate and respect her leadership.”
Seven years later, they completed their advanced degrees,
To many, choosing continuity, familiarity and loyalty in its
dedicating their dissertations to each other and acknowledging
next leader just made good sense. But the title comes with a
the influences of their father’s love of history and their mother’s
daunting collection of challenges — a pandemic, an economic
love of the arts, literature and reading. Ellen headed to Vanderbilt
downturn, and fundamental changes to higher education.
University, and then Kalamazoo College in Michigan.
“Eastern has weathered many challenges in its history and has
For Patrice, the next stop, and her only stop, was Eastern New
done so brilliantly, resiliently and modestly. We can manage
Mexico University in 1980.
these times as well,” acknowledged Dr. Caldwell.
Accepting the assistant professorship of English and director of
Dr. Caldwell with friend and mentor, Dr. Jack Williamson (MA 57 BA 57), circa 2000.
Freshman Composition at ENMU was a leap of faith. “From where I was raised, New Mexico was as exotic and remote as the moon,” Patrice recalled. “And everyone I knew said, ‘She’ll never stay.’”
Left to right: Ellen and Patrice at their high school graduation, May 1968. The sisters with their father, Dr. William G. Caldwell, at their USC graduation. Dr. Caldwell with mother Joan Leslie shortly after Dr. Caldwell was named Dean.
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Green & Silver | December 2020
After blowing up balloons for 2015 commencement with longtime friends Dr. Nancy Warr, Mary Louise Shoemaker (MA 78, BA 73) and Betty Williamson (BS 83).
“Patrice Caldwell is one of the most respected people on campus. No one loves Eastern more than she, and I have no doubt the University is in good hands. ENMU is fortunate to have Dr. Caldwell’s calm demeanor and strong work ethic at this point in its history.” Dr. Steven Gamble, 9th ENMU President
Seminar Program. From there, she was named executive director (and then later vice president) for Planning, Analysis Dr. Caldwell discussing the state of the University with President Emeritus Dr. Steven Gamble.
One responsibility led to another: first department chair, then interim dean, and then, following a national search in 1989, the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. During her time as dean, the College added programs in social work and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a tribute to the expertise of nursing director Eloise Blake at ENMU-Roswell and her colleagues around the state. ENMU’s alumni in the social work profession, and community leader Dolores Penrod, made their position clear, too. It was time, they said, for Eastern to bring back social work. Today, both remain thriving programs.
and Governmental Relations, which include grant writing and grant oversight. When asked if the appointment as president was a surprise, an honor, a shock, or nightmare, Patrice admitted, “all of those, and more. But the confidence of the Regents, the acceptance of campus faculty, staff and students, the warm approval of the community, ENMU Foundation and the Alumni Association, and the support of the campuses at Ruidoso and Roswell convinced me that, together, we could do this.”
“Patrice is the most adaptable academic I have known. She has worn many hats at ENMU, both academic and administrative, resulting in excellent preparation for the chancellorship. Her energy is inexhaustible and her exacting standards keep us all focused on achieving the best small university possible.” Dr. Everett Frost, 8th ENMU President
Studies Committee, colleague deans, and administrators Bill Engman, and presidents Bob Matheny, Everett Frost, and Steven Gamble. “I’ve been blessed with wonderful friends and caring counselors,” she said. “There is simply no better model for leadership than Bob Matheny, no one more adept at institutional planning than Everett Frost and no better friend-raiser for ENMU than Steven Gamble.” In 1998, Everett Frost selected Patrice to oversee ENMU’s grant from the Pew Charitable Trusts for enhancing undergraduate instruction, a pivotal grant that launched the Freshmen
share this experience with family (father, mother and sister all deceased), but I’ve always felt part of Eastern’s family. ENMU is my home. “ENMU has the opportunity to make its system (Portales, Roswell and Ruidoso) a model of innovation, efficiency and service to students
Mentors were a major part of her life at ENMU, including faculty in her department and the Women’s
She added, “I would have loved to
and our communities,” Patrice said. “Strong leadership on the Portales campus from my colleagues; vice presidents Jamie Laurenz, Jeff Long, Clark Elswick and Scott Smart, with presidents Ryan Trosper (Ruidoso) and Shawn Powell (Roswell) and their administrative teams; make this more than possible.” "All of us at ENMU are looking forward to the campus reopening, filled with students laughing and talking, faculty visiting with each other and their students, the staff rushing around putting people and events together on our beautiful campus surrounded by our great Portales and Roosevelt County community.”
Rozbeh B. Moghaddam evaluating foundation work completed for a bridge in Norway.
Around the Globe, Dr. Rozbeh B. Moghaddam is
Evaluating Deep Foundations By Todd Fuqua
In spite of all his current success, it's fair to say that Dr. Rozbeh "Roz" B. Moghaddam (MBA 11) can define what it feels like to be an outsider. Born in Portales just prior to the Iranian Revolution in 1979, Roz and his parents, Mehdi B. Moghaddam (EDSP 79) and Akaram Sabbaghi (MED 79),
In Saudi Arabia, his family was looked on as Persian, in Spain they were called “Hussein,” during the First Gulf War in Iraq. They learned Castellano Spanish while there (Roz is fluent in Spanish, English and Farsi) but when they arrived in Mexico, they were referred to as “Conquistadors” or "Gallegos" because of their Castellano Spanish accent. All of these labels would be enough to frustrate most, but Roz has never let it affect him.
lived with uncertainty before his father returned to Iran to take on a diplomatic position with
“I won’t complain about it. I won't let things that I don't have control of get in my head. I look at the bright side,” Roz said. “I’ve learned to adapt to the society or a situation rather than try to change people.”
the government. Roz's father, Mehdi, moved from assignment to assignment – Saudi Arabia, Iran, Spain, Mexico. Everywhere they went, Roz said he and his family were treated as outsiders.
Rozbeh B. Mogaddam, left, with his father, Mehdi B. Mogaddam, in 2010.
His travels and exposure to various cultures across the globe are one of
“When we went back to Iran, my parents had a son that
this Greyhound grad’s greatest assets. As president of RBM
was born in the U.S. and was a U.S. citizen,” Roz said.
Consulting Group, Inc. and an exceptional geotechnical
“Even in Iran, we were considered foreigners. It was an
practitioner, Roz has participated in significant projects
interesting upbringing."
around the globe.
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Green & Silver | December 2020
In his professional career, he has designed foundations, earth retention systems and tunnel sections in Mexico City’s complex soils, worked on foundation projects in Australia, participated in locks and vertical filter drain designs in Dallas, Texas, and performed numerical analyses for bridge constructions in Houston, Texas, and Cleveland, Ohio. His travels have taken him from Denmark to El Salvador to Malaysia, and just about everywhere in between. His specialty is underground construction, primarily deep foundations and tunnels for large scale projects. Roz has also authored more than 30 technical
Work Across The Globe
publications, lectured at numerous universities and
A peek at the many places Dr. Rozbeh B. Moghaddam’s profession has taken him.
world. My background has created the ability to
Top: Work on the lock at Chickamauga Dam near Chattanooga, Tennessee.
delivered short courses and seminars. “In my opinion, the first step in business is communication, both at a technical and non-technical level, meeting with and talking with clients and potential clients,” Roz said. “I am adaptable to various communities throughout the interact with different cultures and people.” His communication skills have been tested by the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing Roz to meet and converse with clients and potential clients online, instead of networking by attending conferences and meetings of professional organizations. “Our client prospects come from professional conferences. I usually speak at these conferences
Middle: Inspection of Auger Cast Piles, a type of Deep Foundation. Rozbeh was fresh out of college.
throughout the year, and do podium presentations
Bottom: Deep Foundation evaluation and construction inspection, Residential Tower, Canary Wharf, London, U.K.
at least for now.”
related to past projects, which attracts potential clients.” Roz said. “That resource is completely gone, Because the projects his company works on are extensive, Roz hasn’t been worried about the short term. There are projects in the pipeline for now. It’s the start of 2021 that concerns him. “Thankfully, work has not changed much. We have the same volume, and we are busy,” Roz said. “We’ve also been producing webinars on our website (rbmcgroup.com) to keep clients abreast of recent developments.” Roz started his higher education while with his family in Mexico City. Upon graduating with his bachelor’s, he began working for a geotechnical engineering company in Miami, Florida. Later in (continued Page 8)
Green & Silver | December 2020
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(Moghaddam, continued from Page 7)
2005, he continued work on tunneling projects for a metro system in Mexico City. “Mexico has a unique subsurface condition. Highly plastic soils, regional subsidence and seismic activity create a truly challenging situation for the engineering community,” Roz said. From there, Roz decided to continue his education and leave the business, opting instead to become a professor Deep foundation base inspection and evaluation, Northfolk Southern Railroad bridge, Painesville, Ohio and do consulting work. An MBA was what would allow him to be built his reputation as an expert on deep foundation a consultant, and he chose to come back “home” as his company has participated in major projects on to ENMU. five continents. “The classes I took at Eastern were very influential,” While the size of these projects can be massive, Roz’s Roz said. “The academic environment was not natural company is small. His primary goal today is to keep to me, but I worked hard and learned things that working hard and keep the company going through helped me eventually complete my Doctoral studies.” the economic downturn as a result of the global He later earned that Ph.D. at Texas Tech University in COVID-19 pandemic. Lubbock, Texas, but rather than go into the academia, “The pandemic has changed everything,” Roz said. “We Roz was offered a full-time consulting job with GRL need to adapt personally and professionally to stay Engineers in Cleveland, Ohio. He later started RBM in business.” Consulting Group Inc. in San Antonio, Texas, and The pandemic has also taken its toll on Roz personally, as his brother and two sisters are surgeons. “We are very close, even though we live apart,” Roz said. “I am extremely proud of my siblings and certainly appreciate what they do every day during these unprecedented times.” Left: Rozbeh B. Moghaddam at his graduation in 2011. Below: Roz in his mother’s arms at her 1979 graduation at ENMU.
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Green & Silver | December 2020
Lukas Cash
Uniting New Mexico’s Soccer Fans By Desiree Cooper and Todd Fuqua
Lukas Cash, left, shares a laugh with a fan during a New Mexico United home game at Albuquerque’s Isotopes Park in December 2019.
As director of innovation for the professional soccer
“I love that I am a part of something that is truly uniting
team New Mexico United, in Albuquerque, Lukas Cash
our state,” Cash said. “These are contentious times we live
(MA 09 BA 06) has made it his mission to find new ways
in, and it seems that too often, people look for reasons
to “elevate and inspire the state of New Mexico.”
to disagree, not come together. You can come to one of
His job is now more challenging with the rise of COVID-19, but he continues to do what he can to keep New Mexico United at the forefront of New Mexicans’ minds. New Mexico United is Albuquerque’s professional soccer team, playing in the United Soccer League Championship (USL). Founded in 2018, the team has called Isotopes Park home, but hasn’t played a game there for some time due to COVID-19 restrictions. “Ninety percent of my work usually revolves around preparing game day activities,” Cash said. “Without that, a big part of my day went away very quickly. Now my focus has shifted to broadcasting. I’m much more involved with the production elements.”
our games and see folks who speak different languages, pray to different gods, earn vastly different salaries and believe wildly different things about the world, but for 90 minutes, they are all on the same ‘team.’ The fans are in perfect harmony as they cheer on the team.” Cheering for New Mexico United has been done virtually, with the nominal home team playing exclusively on the road. There hasn't been a home match in Albuquerque since the 2019 season. However, they have had at least one home broadcast, with local sponsors and broadcast talent getting air time via the internet. Additionally, 880 United fans made the trip to Colorado Springs on Sept. 19, cheering on their hometown United just as loudly as if they were still in Isotopes Park
Producing live broadcasts of games, which was the
in Albuquerque. The team’s hard work and the fans’
only way New Mexico United fans could watch their
enthusiasm was rewarded with a trip to the Western
team in action in 2020, aligns with Cash’s ENMU degree
Conference semifinals against the El Paso Locomotive
in communication.
FC, but United lost on penalty kicks to bring its season
“The ENMU broadcast facility, KENW-TV, is the best in
to a close.
the state and one of the best in the country,” Cash said.
Still, Lukas remains busy with his job.
“When I discovered the broadcast production emphasis and realized that I could study in a dynamic, hands-on way, I was sold.”
“I manage the team social media accounts, serve as a producer for our broadcasts on TV and radio, and I am tasked with figuring out solutions to complex problems. I
Being dynamic is exactly what’s needed as the
am a bit of a Swiss Army knife,” Cash said. “I’m still very
innovation director for New Mexico United, a member of
busy, and I haven’t had a lot of time to scour the internet
the United Soccer League Championship since 2019.
looking for cat memes.”
Green & Silver | December 2020
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Graduate Student Receives Fish Research Grant By Desiree Cooper Current graduate student Rick Raymondi (attending) was awarded the New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI) Student Water Research Grant, which provides funds for water-related research throughout the state. Rick said the application process alone was challenging. He had to convince the grant committee in just three pages, giving enough background on his research objective, his methodology, and the significance of this research. Rick discussed his plans for the grant and what the award means to him. “I will be using this reward to improve our wet lab located in the Behavioral
Ecology Laboratory at ENMU by
and uninterrupted flow, which is
purchasing equipment that will improve
required to advance to the juvenile
Eastern’s fish husbandry practices
life stage.
and to monitor water quality during research,” Rick said. “My project relies on being able to artificially spawn fish in the lab as their larvae are the subject of my experiment.” Rick is performing a study to test the effects of high discharge released from reservoirs on pelagic-spawning minnows of the Pecos River in New Mexico. Pelagic-spawning minnows are a group of fish whose females release eggs directly in the water column to be fertilized by males. The fertilized eggs
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He explained that dam construction on the Pecos River has fragmented the river, so it no longer resembles the historical conditions in which these fishes thrived and evolved. “My ultimate goal is to work with anadromous fish in the Northwest U.S.,” explained Rick. “Because my research project involves desert fishes and not salmonids, I am learning techniques every professional needs when pursuing a career in the sciences.”
drift downstream, where they hatch and
Rick added that his coursework and
continue drifting as larvae. The fish rely
the mentoring he received from ENMU
on water temperature and streamflow
faculty helped him become familiar
as environmental cues to initiate
with the grant writing process and its
spawning behavior with a continuous
associated technical writing aspects.
Green & Silver | December 2020
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Green & Silver | December 2020 11
In the Spotlight
Michelle Tomlinson By Owen Crowlie and Todd Fuqua Michelle Tomlinson (BFA 00), Hollywood actor, director, producer and writer, started her lifelong love of acting as an undergraduate in the ENMU Theatre Program. In February 2020, she was excited to return to the campus as a keynote speaker for the 65th Annual Dramafest. The popular event brings students from high schools across New Mexico and West Texas to perform plays, submit film shorts, and participate in workshops led by the Department of Theatre and Digital Filmmaking faculty. “My passion for acting began here, so it’s a big ‘full circle’ thing for me to be back,” Michelle said. “It’s an incredibly humbling experience to be asked to come back for something as sacred as Dramafest.” In her keynote address, she aimed to teach visiting high school students about the realities of working in Hollywood. Since graduating from ENMU, Michelle has explored every facet of television and film, with more than 30 acting credits, bolstered by her experience as a director, producer and writer.
“It was great to shoot and super challenging, because everybody had just one camera and one microphone on their laptops. We had to play with everyone coming into and leaving the frame,” Michelle said. “The actors had several pages of dialogue, with nobody to react to them. It was such a
In 2020, the ENMU thespian alumna won a Third Quarter Bronze Award for Best Director from the Queen Palm International Film Festival for her work with the situationcomedy television pilot “Deeply Superficial.” This fall, Michelle has been deep in production for the documentary “Edge,” addressing the importance of Native American language preservation.
wonderful experimental project, and I’m really inspired by it.”
Currently, Michelle is in post-production on a drama film titled “Redemption,” shot and directed via the Zoom meeting app.
California, Michelle knows how to pursue the dream of
“I know the Los Angeles experience. I know the business side of this industry, which is a completely different bag,” she added. “I know the experience of ‘how do I audition’, or what the difference is between all the subgenres of TV and movies. What I have to offer these kids is experience with Hollywood.” Having taken her acting experience from New Mexico to making it in acting while remaining practical in her approach. By talking to young students about working with an agent, accepting losses, and being persistent, Michelle said she hoped to encourage young actors to invest in themselves and not become discouraged. As an example of using this mindset, Michelle told the story about how she landed a part in ENMU’s first produced film, when, at the time, they were only auditioning men. After attending the auditions and speaking to the director, she managed to impress the writer with her reading, so he wrote a part into the film specific to what Michelle could bring to
Photo by Rein Carrasco
the production. “Just audition. Always audition. My entire career, my whole entire life, is based on that principle of kicking down doors,” Tomlinson addresses
Michelle said. “I don’t mean kicking down doors by being
students at the 2020
nasty, but kicking down doors with love. Never with anger, just
ENMU Dramafest.
reaffirming myself.”
John Coinman Making Beautiful Music By Todd Fuqua
Where would you start when telling the story of John Coinman (MA 70, BA 67)?
Costner wasn’t just interested in acting; he was also interested in
You could talk about the time he spent in California, attending acting workshops and recording music. Then there’s the friendship he had with fellow ENMU student Michael Blake (attended) and the future success they would have together when they worked to create the Oscar-winning film “Dances With Wolves.”
Among the people working to get Costner more exposure was
You could also just look at what John is doing these days, creating music videos online to compliment the 2019 release of his latest album, “Under the Sun.” Wherever you start his story, or wherever you end up, there’s no denying John has had a remarkable life and career. “I’m a New Mexico guy, born and raised in Clayton,” John said of his earliest days. He moved to Roswell, and then eventually attended ENMU in the mid-60s. After graduation, John moved to California to teach but didn’t find it to be his cup of tea. He was scheduled to be drafted to serve in Vietnam, but then received word his brother had been killed in a jet crash during training, so he was given a deferment. John felt that deferment was a sign to quit teaching and do what he really wanted to do.
the music scene. He and John soon formed a band called Roving Boy. The band had a 1987 hit single in Japan, “The Simple Truth.” writer and fellow ENMU student Michael Blake, who wrote the screenplay for the 1983 film “Stacy’s Knights,” which starred Costner and contained a bit part for John. That same trio would collaborate seven years later on the Western, “Dances With Wolves.” Blake wrote the screenplay based on his novel, Costner made his directorial debut and had the lead role, and John served as the music supervisor. Seven Academy Awards later, it was clear the three friends had an undisputed hit. But the music scene remained a large part of John and Kevin's careers. “Kevin always asked for songs for movies he was making, so we kept in touch that way,” John said. “I moved to Tucson (Arizona) and had contracts with record labels in Japan and Europe. Then, in 2005, I got a call from Kevin. He said he wanted to put another band together.” “We caught on; the band (Kevin Costner and Modern West) toured the world and recorded extensively for about 15 years,” John said. “Our last show was in Las Vegas (Nevada) in September of 2019. We
“I decided I was going to write songs and play music for the rest of my life,” John said. “It was risky for a 25-year-old, and my dad wasn’t happy with it, but I knew if I didn’t do it then, I wasn’t going to do it at all.”
intended to book more shows to support the new album, ‘Tales from
John eventually found himself in Los Angeles, California, playing clubs and writing songs for United Artists Records. While there, he started attending acting workshops, which is where he met a young actor named Kevin Costner.
Tucson, writing songs and producing music videos for release
“He was unknown at the time, but he had a lot of charisma, and a lot of people were working to find him jobs that would showcase his talent,” John said.
Yellowstone,’ but COVID changed all of that.” Costner has since returned to Montana to film the fourth season of his Paramount network show, “Yellowstone,” while John is in online to promote his album “Under the Sun.” Through it all, John sees ENMU as his touchstone, an experience he treasures. “I made lifetime friends, most of whom are gone now,” John acknowledged. “I have a lot of fond memories of my time there.”
Green & Silver | December 2020
13
In the Business of Good Vibes Greyhound grad Breanna Smith (BFA 19) is
jewelry, stickers and wood
the owner and creative force behind Digital
burned art.
Vibes, an online shop offering a variety of New Mexico-themed apparel, accessories and more.
“All of my stuff is Southwest/New Mexico themed, which was not
Breanna got the idea to create the business
something I was planning
while designing T-shirts to sell and raise
to continue to do at first,”
funds so she could study in Europe. “I started
Breanna said. “During
to design and print T-shirts out of my garage, and I was so shocked at the amount of support I gained from it,” she said. “I still had no idea that this was something I wanted to do long-term.”
my first year, I struggled with trying to make a “brand” for myself, which is crucial when starting a business. Once I realized
Breanna graduated and moved to
how important it was to
Albuquerque, but there were no graphic
have a constant theme and
design jobs that interested her. That’s when
niche for my products, I
she decided operating her own business full
stuck with the Southwest
time was the way to go.
vibe, and it has made
T-shirts are still her bread and butter, but she
everything much easier to
has since branched out to other items like
sell and expand.” Her small business is a big success, and Breanna is enjoying that success while she has it. “I could go on all day about how rewarding it is to own a successful business at 23 years old,” Breanna said. “My customers are simply amazing. The amount of support I receive from them is something that I still can’t get over.” The business is entirely online, with both a Facebook page (Facebook.com/Digital. Vibes.Create) and Instagram account (Instagram.com/ Digital.Vibes.Create).
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Green & Silver | December 2020
By Desiree Cooper
ENMU ATHLETICS NEWS Introducing the ENMU Athletics Mobile App
Help support ENMU athletics today! The baseball and men’s basketball programs are looking to alumni support to help their programs achieve success and recognition in this challenging age of COVID-19.
Brent Owen ENMU Men’s Basketball Coach
Brent Owen, the new men’s basketball head coach, said he’s excited about the opportunity to lead the Greyhounds on the court, quite possibly this spring, and is also excited to offer alumni and fans a chance to support the program through the fundraising initiative, Fast Break Club. “Our level of success is be determined in large part by our ability to raise money that can fund needs we have on an annual basis,” Owen said. “Additional scholarship money is at the top of the list.” Alumni are encouraged to donate at enmu.edu/FastBreakClub. Likewise, the ENMU baseball team is running a fundraiser, with donors receiving vintage Eastern baseball jerseys from past Riley Price ENMU Baseball Coach
seasons. To secure your jersey, give at enmu.edu/BaseballJersey.
The ENMU Department of Athletics is proud to announce the launch of the official ENMU Athletics mobile app. The brand new app that gives Greyhound fans access to a one-stop-shop location for team information, schedules, multimedia content, live stats and video along with gameday information. Fans can download the free ENMU Athletics app from both the App Store and Google Play. “We want to continue to increase the access our fans have to information regarding our athletic programs.” Athletic Director Matt Billings said. “This app will allow fans to access all of the information they need to stay up-to-date with Greyhound Athletics, and will also serve as a means to stay informed during these unprecedented times.”
Athletes Cleared to Return to Campus and May Compete in Spring Eastern New Mexico University recently approved the return
and spring schedules while adhering to strict COVID-19 safety
of student-athletes to campus in order to prepare for potential
guidelines outlined by the state of New Mexico, the Lone Star
winter and spring competitions. All
Conference and the NCAA.
student-athletes will be tested for COVID-19
All coaches and staff members were encouraged to
once they arrive on campus, and
invite student-athletes who chose to live in Portales
must document a negative test
or the surrounding areas for their Fall 2020
result prior to participating in any
semester for this initial resocialization
team activities. Both men’s and women’s basketball
TM
teams returned to campus in October, while the other programs returned during the first week
phase. A full return for all athletic programs is expected to occur in early January 2021.
of November.
More information regarding potential winter and spring
Teams began a resocialization phase, preparing for the winter
schedules will be announced as information becomes available.
For more news, please visit GoEasternAthletics.com or download the ENMU Athletics app Green & Silver | December 2020
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Class Notes People You May Know Dwyatt Gantt (BA 53), remains as the executive
Nate Williams (BS 93) made the move across
director for Children’s Hope International, a
the country from California to Maine, where he
charitable organization with ministries in
accepted a position as the director of collective
China, India, Cambodia and Ethiopia. The
bargaining for the Maine Education Association.
organization contributes to the digging of wells for clean water, offering counseling to victims of abuse, feeding under-served children and lifting communities out of poverty worldwide.
Chantel Reynolds (MA 96 BA 94) recently
Lanny Schwartz (MA 72) is now retired following a 30-year career of
completed her doctorate in community
substance abuse counseling and administration in the Miami, Florida,
college leadership from National American
area, and now resides in Ocala, Florida. He cites his ENMU education
University. Dr. Reynolds is now with Cambridge
as augmenting the success and luck he’s received in his life.
Assessment International Education, a part of the University of Cambridge in the U.K., and
Ron Harkey (BBA 74) recently retired after a
works with colleges and universities around
45-year career in the agricultural co-op industry,
the U.S. on learning policies and practices for
stepping down as president and CEO of Farmers
domestic and international students.
Cooperative Compress (FCC) in June of 2020. Ron was president of FCC, located in Lubbock,
Col. Mike Kirkpatrick (BUS 95) recently retired from the U.S. Army
Texas, for 23 years.
following a 25-year career, serving in several assignments including air defense, tank command, cavalry squadron and border defense. He
Gary Tonjes (BS 78) retired after working as president of Albuquerque Economic Development (AED) for 25 years. He worked hard to ensure college graduates would have a wider range of job opportunities in the Albuquerque area. Under his direction, AED was able to bring technology giants Netflix and Facebook to the area and generated more than 100,000 jobs. Gary was also honored in 2020 by Albuquerque Economic Development with a Lifetime Leadership Award. Joel Hahn (BSD 91) has stayed busy as a production director for ViacomCBS PGA Championship golf broadcasts, working from his home in Spring, Texas, while coordinating production efforts with other homebound colleagues across the country. It’s a system made necessary by COVID-19 protocols, but one in which Hahn has thrived, being able to connect to multiple production sites in seconds. He also works on college football broadcasts and will be part of the team that works on the Tokyo Olympics next year.
for U.S. Army Forces Command Leader Development, Col. Kirkpatrick was influential in developing the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) and Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) used by the entire U.S. Army. Vanity has its rewards. Rob Moser (BBA 95) shows off his vanity license plate, the first one he’s ever purchased, which shows off his ENMU pride in Green, Ohio, where he is a financial advisor with TCF Investments. He spends most of his free time coaching and watching his sons play baseball. Chandra (Garrett) Crane (BSE 01) recently published a book, "Mixed Blessings: Embracing the Fullness of Your Multi-Ethnic Identity," while working with the Mississippi School of Law
Pete Phillips (BS 92) recently made the switch from community revitalization to director of worldwide operations and compliance for Amazon.com in Austin, Texas, managing 10 global programs and 1,000 people. Pete’s job is to ensure quality across all products Amazon sells to customers around the world.
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held command positions in Afghanistan and Iraq. Later, as director
Green & Silver | December 2020
in Jackson, Mississippi, serving in ministry with the faculty and graduate students there. She anticipates graduating this month with a master’s degree in seminary from the University of Mississippi.
Sylvia T. Gonzales (BBA 01, BA 01) worked her way to become Texas State University’s director of Project Maestros, in San Marcos, Texas. Project Maestros is a program designed to better prepare teachers for a professional educational career. Additionally, Sylvia is currently working on her Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Abilene Christian University. Jose (MBA 18 BA 13) and Adriana Guzman (BS 15) were married in June 2018 in Portales, New Mexico. James Idsinga (BSW 16), Megan (Merrick) Hamilton (BS 05) and Cassidy (Merrick) Self (BBA 07), hosted a virtual wine tasting (above) at Enchantment Vineyards during Eastern’s virtual Homecoming in September. At left, ENMU grad Wesley Malcolm (AA 19) sports an Enchantment Vineyards T-shirt designed by Breanna Smith (BFA 19). See Page 14 to read more about Breanna.
As of November 2019, Jose is a staff accountant for the ENMU-Portales Business Office. Adriana is the academic specialist for TRIO Talent Search at Eastern since June 2016. They welcomed their first baby, Miguel Adrian Guzman, on May 23, 2020. Xiaochan Zhang (BS 17) serves as the director of quality control at Bajaj Medical, an antiseptic manufacturing company in Chicago, Illinois. Anthony Dallago (attended) is a principal mechanical
Brett Trembly (BA 05) has reported that the
engineer at Mercury Systems
Trembly Law Firm, representing businesses in
in Chandler, Arizona. He
Miami, Florida, made the Inc. 5000 2020 List,
has 25 years of manufacturing experience
signifying it is one of the 5,000 fastest-growing
developing components, packaging and tooling for
businesses in the U.S.
micro-electronic mechanical products.
Gibson Rises to the Challenge to Become Head of School Timothy Gibson (BUS 94) was named the head of school at St. George’s Independent School, an Episcopal school in Memphis, Tennessee, for students kindergarten through 12th grade. Tim, who has taught and guided students for the past 11 years at St. George’s, was selected by the board of trustees after having served a year as the interim head of school. He guided the institution through the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and impressed faculty, staff and trustees with his dedication and leadership.
“Stepping into a school leadership role midyear is challenging, even when it is at a place where you have worked for years. Layering in the everchanging reality of COVID-19 makes everything that much more complex,” Tim said. “Thankfully, I work with an invaluable team of educators who operate with the common goal of providing the most meaningful academic experiences for all of our students.
“The ability to be nimble in the midst of a crisis is a skill that I developed while at ENMU. I can vividly remember my time as a member of Associated Students Activities Board, and having to pivot when events did not go as planned,” he said. “I was taught to think on my feet, and to understand that you have to be prepared for moments that are out of your control.” Before being named head of school, Tim was the director of college guidance and student life at St. George’s. He also served eight years in admissions at Rhodes College in Memphis and five years in student affairs at Lawrence University
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Submit your story ideas, news and memorials to us at alumni.affairs@enmu.edu
in Wisconsin.
Green & Silver | December 2020
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Class Notes In Memory 30s Cyrena (Carman) Boggs (AA 38), age 102, died Sept. 26, 2020, in Odessa, Texas. Between earning her ENMU degree and getting her bachelor’s degree at N.M. Highlands, Cyrena taught at one- and two-room schools in Roswell and Dexter, New Mexico. She and her husband, Harry, were married for 72 years, and both taught in the Hagerman school system.
40s Madie Evelyn (Yeates) Krizan (BS 49) died Sept. 3, 2020. Born in Plains, New Mexico, Madie was the youngest of several children and taught school in multiple locations throughout the state.
50s Earl Robinson (BA 50) died Sept. 10, 2020, one month short of his 95th birthday. Earl grew up on a ranch outside of Melrose, New Mexico, and was inducted into the U.S. Army upon graduating high school in 1944. He was injured in the "Battle of the Bulge" during World War II but remained in active fighting until the war's end. After being discharged, Earl attended ENMU, where he met his future wife, Mona (Ribble) Robinson (BS 51). Earl eventually had his own certified accountant business and retired after 41 years. Ray Ann Wright (MA 65 BME 53) died July 24, 2020, after a short illness. Ray Ann was born in Gainesville, Texas, July 8, 1932, and moved with her family to Portales, New Mexico, as a young girl. Ray Ann worked as an adjunct professor at the College of the Southwest in Hobbs, New Mexico. During her career, she also taught elementary school music for 25 years in Lovington, New Mexico, and was the principal of Jefferson and Lea elementary schools for 11 years. Dr. Jacob Moberly (BS 55) died Oct. 22, 2020, after a brief illness. Jacob and his wife Janie (Elliot) Moberly (AA 55) were devoted to promoting and fundraising as members of the ENMU Alumni Association and Friends of Eastern (now ENMU Foundation) for many years. Dr. Moberly served as a member of the board of directors, president and secretary of the ENMU Alumni Association, earned the Oustanding Alumni Award in 1970 and the Distinguished Service Award in 1987. He and Janie were named Volunteers of the Year by the ENMU Foundation in 2019. Duane Shook (BA 56) of South Hutchinson, Kansas, died Sept. 5, 2020. Duane served in the U.S. Army, later working as a high school shop teacher and antique firearms trader. He was a major benefactor of the Fort Hays University Foundation for the Benefit of the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, Cheyenne Bottoms and ENMU. Joseph Rose (BA 57) died Oct. 13, 2020, in Abilene, Texas. Before attending ENMU, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1951 and served in Korea in support of the 1st Marine Division. After marrying Anne Howard in 1954, Joe created a career as an entrepreneur, serving as a leader for the Republican party, Boy Scouts of America, the National Park Historical Association and various community and professional organizations. John Lathrop (MA 58 BA 56) died Aug. 5, 2020. John enjoyed a 50-year teaching career at Roswell Community College and New Mexico Junior College in Hobbs, New Mexico, teaching courses in economics, accounting, finance and other business subjects. John was also an accomplished leatherworker and silversmith.
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Green & Silver | December 2020
Don Tate (BA 57) died Sept. 17, 2020, in League City, Texas. Don played basketball at ENMU and earned a degree in industrial arts. He later worked as an area supervisor for Marathon Petroleum in Texas City, Texas.
Floy “Woody” Wood, Jr. (BA 56) died at his Portales home on March 20, 2020. He worked from an early age at his father’s grocery, Wood’s Grocery, and attended ENMU for a semester before joining the U.S. Army, and was stationed at Fort Ord, California, in 1947. He later graduated from ENMU and worked as a salesman, teacher, manager of Turner’s Department Store, and owner of Woody’s Department Store, both in Clovis, New Mexico. Charles Phillip “Phil” Gore (MA 62 BA 58) died Sept. 5, 2020, in Kansas City, Kansas. Phil was born in Elida, New Mexico, where he was a member of the 1951 State Championship basketball team. After graduating from ENMU, he taught and coached in Farmington, New Mexico and Durango, Colorado, later employed by the Colorado State Department of Education. Before his retirement, he served as the extended studies director at Adams State College.
60s Donald (Donn) Stringer (BA 61) died Sept. 9, 2020, in Meadowlakes, Texas. Donn had a lifelong career in education as a teacher, coach and superintendent in schools throughout Texas. G.C. Ross (EDSP 70, MED 64, BA 60) died Aug. 21, 2020, at his home in Clovis, New Mexico. G.C. taught in Lovington, Portales and Clovis elementary schools before serving as principal at schools in Albuquerque and Clovis. He was also the assistant superintendent and interim superintendent for Clovis Schools. Ronald Griffith (MME 63) died April 1, 2020, at his home surrounded by family. After earning his master’s degree at ENMU, Ron served on the music faculty at Abilene Christian College before returning to ENMU as an associate professor of music and opera director. Byron Crego (MBA 64) died Aug. 21, 2020, at his home. After serving in the U.S. Air Force in Japan and Korea, Byron returned home to New Mexico to earn an education. He later went to work as an accountant and was recruited by ENMU to teach in the College of Business. While there, he also dedicated much of his time to volunteering at the Baptist Children’s Home. He later taught accounting at Albuquerque Technical Vocational Institute before retiring. Patricia (Woods) Bass (MED 68, BA 64) died Sept. 21, 2020, in Lubbock, Texas. Born in El Paso, Texas on April 9, 1940, she moved to Portales, New Mexico, with her family and graduated from Portales High School in 1957. She later earned degrees in home economics and education from ENMU, and had a 36-year career teaching for the Clovis Municipal schools. Joyce (Mullins) Cone (BS 64) died Aug. 31, 2020, at her home, surrounded by family. Born in Clovis, New Mexico, and raised in Forrest, New Mexico, Joyce married Terry Cone (MA 65 BA 65) and the two enjoyed 57 years of marriage together. When her son, Mike, was old enough to join 4-H, Joyce jumped in and gave her time, serving on the Roosevelt County Fair Board in Portales, New Mexico. She created a statewide stock show newspaper and founded the Jingle Bell Classic, the largest steer/heifer jackpot in New Mexico. Anna (Jenkins) Foster (attended) died in her home in October, 2020. She attended ENMU in the 1960s and was preceded in death by her husband, Richard "Mac" Foster (MBA 66, BBA 65). Anna was a talented and published writer, whose work
appeared in the Hobbs News-Sun, Portales News-Tribune, and the Mach Meter on Cannon Air Force Base. She was also the recipient of several Associated Press awards for her work. Norma Baird (attended) died Feb. 20, 2020, in San Antonio, Texas. While at ENMU, she was a twirler with the Greyhound Marching Band and loved that she formed several lifelong friendships at Eastern. After a whirlwind courtship, she and Raymond Baird (BA 65) were married in 1964. They endowed a program supporting undergraduate student research excellence at ENMU, and helped the University start a second semester learning community program designed to increase retention of freshman students. Lonnie Jarrett (MA 66) died March 8, 2020. Lonnie taught at Tulia High School in Tulia, Texas, and Clovis High School in Clovis, New Mexico, before moving to Alamogordo, New Mexico, to teach at New Mexico State University-Alamogordo. He retired from fulltime teaching in 1990 and taught part-time until 1998. Don Wickard (MED 68 BME 67) died July 24, 2020, after a brief illness in Lubbock, Texas. After one year teaching band at Crosbyton High School in Texas, Don began working for Texas Tech University, eventually retiring as registrar in 2008 after a 39-year career. Gertrude Schwartz (AA 69) died at her home, July 28, 2020. Getrude owned a successful bookkeeping business in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for several years and was involved in numerous charitable organizations and committees.
70s Allen “Wess” Wells (BS 72) died July 1, 2020, at his home near Gran Quivara, New Mexico. Born in Mountainair, New Mexico, he was raised in Gran Quivara and returned there after graduating from ENMU, where he was an entrepreneur. He worked multiple jobs and ran many successful businesses, including Hail Equipment Gas, Oil and Feed, and his own Wells Insurance Agency. Pete Villalba (MED 72) died Aug. 31, 2020, at his home. Born in Fort Stockton, Texas, Pete enrolled at Sul Ross State College to play football, but later enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1958. He served two tours before being honorably discharged in 1962 after which he returned home to continue his education. He dedicated 44 years as a teacher, coach, referee and administrator for schools in Texas, New Mexico and California. Marilyn Maness Mehaffy (BA 84 BA 73), of El Cajon, California, died Aug. 1, 2020. After graduating with a Ph.D. in English from the University of California at Riverside, Marilyn served as an assistant professor of English at ENMU.
Michael King (BS 74) died at his home in Carlsbad, New Mexico, June 17, 2020, after a long career of self-employment as a contractor. After earning his degree at ENMU, he was employed for a short time with Intrepid Potash and Penzoil. Donita (Culpepper) Woolfolk (BS 73) died Aug. 6, 2020, at her home in Farmington, New Mexico, where she had lived for 32 years. While earning her degree at ENMU, she met the man who would be her husband for 50 years, Carl Woolfolk (MS 74 BS 72). Donita was a dedicated kindergarten teacher in Farmington for 25 years before retiring in 2011. Lecil Richards (MS 75) died April 14, 2020. Lecil was a standout football, basketball and baseball player at New Mexico’s Roswell High School. After earning his master’s, he taught and coached at Dora and Lovington high schools in New Mexico. Lecil was also a principal, assistant principal, and assistant superintendent of
schools in Lovington, and was superintendent of schools in Fort Sumner and House, New Mexico. Peter Hahn (BBA 79) died May 11, 2020. Born March 17, 1950, in Brooklyn, New York, Peter served in the U.S. Air Force. When stationed at Cannon Air Force Base in 1973, he met his future wife, Becky (Smith) Hahn (BA 79). Peter continued working for the Air Force before being honorably discharged in 1978 with the rank of staff sergeant. He was also a teacher and banker in Los Lunas and Clovis, New Mexico.
80s Robert Windenweder (BBA 85) died Aug. 6, 2020, in Aurora, Colorado. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Robert served 24 years before retiring in 1984. He was a founding member of Crime Stoppers of Curry County. Colonel Hubert Carron (MBA 89) died April 26, 2020. He served two tours in Vietnam as a pilot, then was assigned to Cannon Air Force Base in Clovis, New Mexico. After marrying Mona Rae (Campbell) Carron, Hubert was assigned to numerous air bases and deployments before retiring with more than 30 years of military service.
90s David Danforth (BS 97) died May 16, 2020, in Mesquite, Texas. He worked as a photojournalist for many years, eventually taking an education job at Collin County Community College in Dallas, Texas. He was later named program coordinator at Eastfield College in Mesquite, Texas, where he taught digital media for two decades.
2000s Jeremy Taylor (BBA 2005) died May 31, 2020. Jeremy was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on June 2, 1978. After graduating from ENMU, Jeremy worked as an assistant housing director at Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado. While there, he created the E-Sports Student Program, designing their logo and gear. Lynda Marsinkavage Chandler (BAAS 18) died October 18, 2020. Lynda had a passion for skiing, spending winter days in Taos, Santa Fe and at Sandia ski areas with family and friends. Her hobbies included running, biking, hiking and RV trips. She was known for her special holiday meals and had a warm and kind spirit with compassion for all she met. Marvin McCutchen (staff) died August 6, 2020, at his daughter's home in Broken Arrow, Arizona. He served with the U.S. Army, stationed in Yuma, Arizona, where he met his future wife, Mary. Marvin worked as a computer manager for 25 years at ENMU. Vivian Ray Archuleta (Staff), died July 23, 2020. Vivian was a police officer for the City of Santa Fe, New Mexico, counselor for New Mexico Boys State, and teacher and coach at the Institute of American Arts/BIA, before commencing an 18-year career as an Admissions Counselor for ENMU in Santa Fe. Elizabeth Ann Galligan (faculty) died August 29, 2020, in Los Angeles. Dr. Galligan was born in Oklahoma, but raised in New Mexico and considered that state her home. She spent many years teaching writing and English to the underpriviledged across the world and taught at New Mexico Highlands and the University of New Mexico before finding her way to ENMU. While at Eastern, Elizabeth taught English as a Second Language, Bilingual Education and Multicultural Education before retiring in 2007.
Green & Silver | December 2020
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Thank You, Duane! You Have Forever Impacted ENMU! This December, we would like to thank ENMU alumnus and dear friend Duane Shook (BS 56) for his visionary estate plans. Duane enjoyed his career as an industrial arts educator. Over the years, he never lost his love for ENMU or his interest in geology. In 2008, Duane reached out to ENMU Foundation Executive Director Noelle Bartl to learn about and establish his first Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA). He continued to work with Noelle over the years founding three more CGAs. After receiving fixed income for life, the remaining CGA balances totaling $497,000 will now benefit causes Duane most loved. His support established the new Duane Q. Shook Environmental Science Endowed Scholarship, provided funding for the Miles Mineral Museum, located in ENMU’s Roosevelt Science Center, and contributed a significant gift to the University Fund.
Duane Q. Shook (1933–2020)
Ways YOU Can Give
There are as many giving opportunities for ENMU as there are avenues of interest. The ENMU Foundation welcomes gifts of all sizes. You can find helpful resources online at enmugift.org.
888.291.5524 | noelle.bartl@enmu.edu | enmugift.org