MAGAZINE EASTERN NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITY
Judy Scharmer The Art of Accounting
MAY 2021
Green&Silver
Green&Silver Features
MAGAZINE EASTERN NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITY
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Judy Scharmer: CFO by Day, Artist by Night
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Richard Means: A Life Spent Fighting for Democracy
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Steven Michael Quezada: Working for the People and Working for Laughs
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Young Alumni Success Stories
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Alumni Promote Gigabit Internet in Eastern New Mexico
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Get Involved or Give to ENMU
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Howard Melton Is a Man of Many Interests
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Brothers Share a Nuclear Family Connection
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ENMU Athletics News
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Class Notes: People You May Know
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Class Notes: In Memory May 2021 Publication Managing Editor Noelle Bartl Design Editor Todd Fuqua Contributing Editors Desiree Cooper, Jennifer Poyer, Christy Ruby Writers and Contributors Desiree Cooper, Bryan Hahn, Trevor Fleeman, Rachel Forrester, Todd Fuqua, Nicolle Holcomb, Jeremy Leaton Cover Photo Jeremy Leaton 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 | May 2021
FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear ENMU Family and Friends, It’s a pleasure to send you a message of warming weather, improving health, increasing access to vaccines in our area, and buoyant optimism about in-person classes and an open campus in fall 2021. As this issue goes to press, New Mexico’s 55th legislative session has concluded. Once again, Eastern is grateful for our legislators’ support, especially Senator Stuart Ingle, who always watches out for our University and our community. We gratefully acknowledge all of our legislators who supported ENMU and higher education as they kept their eye on the needs of our K–12 schools and strategies to protect and strengthen New Mexico’s businesses and economy. Thanks to our senators Gregg Fulfer, Cliff Pirtle, Liz Stefanics, Pat Woods and especially Gay Kernan, and representatives Phelps Anderson, Cathrynn Brown, Jack Chatfield, Zach Cook, Randy Crowder, alumna Candy Ezzell, David Gallegos, Greg Nibert, Larry Scott, James Townsend and Martin Zamora. They care, they listen, and they worked long hours on tough issues for all of us. Because of your support and theirs, New Mexico’s commitment to the value and importance of higher education remains strong; therefore, ENMU can continue to achieve its mission. Always, we are driven to enhance the success of students and the quality of their educational experience. The entire ENMU System — Portales, Roswell and Ruidoso — is committed to serving its communities, its partners, and New Mexico’s future. After one of my monthly Facebook Live “Coffee with the President” chats, a listener asked for my email. So I am including it at the end of this letter. It is my pleasure to hear from you, respond to your concerns, and to ponder and act on your affectionate criticism. Thank you for your care and support. Stay safe and well. You and I have a date in the fall for Homecoming, theatre and music productions, art exhibits, and hundreds of student events that showcase their boundless promise, energy and creativity. I look forward. Sincerely,
Patrice Caldwell ENMU President patrice.caldwell@enmu.edu
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Photo by LTC Jeremy Leaton/NMMI
Green & Silver | May 2021
CFO by Day, Artist by Night by Todd Fuqua
Judy Scharmer (MBA 02, BBA 87), who is retiring from her position this summer as the chief financial officer at the New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) in Roswell, New Mexico, has worked hard to help ensure the institute’s financial future. With her career at NMMI coming to an end, she’s ready to embark on another adventure in another area that’s brought her success: fine art. When Judy wasn’t behind a desk crunching numbers at the Institute, she was in the studio, using her talent to create oil paintings. She’s ready to merge her two areas of expertise (financial management and fine art) into a second career as the chief financial officer at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico. “I am retiring from NMMI, but I am not retiring from exploring new adventures,” Judy said. “I can’t think of a better place to learn and be inspired to continue working on my art.” While she’s spent most of her career at NMMI, Judy started in public service on the ENMU-Roswell campus, where she also began her academic career. “I am so grateful for ENMU and ENMU-Roswell. I would not be where I am today without both campuses,” Judy explained. “As I was a first-generation college student, ENMU provided me the opportunity to earn my bachelor’s in accounting.” Judy’s first job after graduating wasn’t with ENMU-Roswell. She was initially a CPA working for a national firm representing oil and gas companies, farmers, the Mescalero Apache Tribe and NMMI. “That’s how I became interested in the Institute,” Judy said. “Their accounting structure was so clean, and they had a great process. As soon as there was an opening, I jumped at it.” That opportunity, however, didn’t present itself until she finished her MBA while working full-time for the ENMU-Roswell Business Office and taking courses for five years. But once she joined the ranks at the prestigious military school, she knew the time spent getting there was worth it. “I was impressed with the mission, what this school does for young men and women,” Judy said. “The education and opportunity for leadership is part of this structure.” Judy said, “NMMI is the fourth-oldest institute of higher learning in New Mexico; it may be a military school, but it also has a small-school atmosphere that makes everyone feel personally invested in its success.”
Photo by Jeremy Leaton/NMMI
“I have the same feeling with those I graduated with at ENMU,” she added. “My best friend and ENMU roommate (Karen Lush, BS 87) is still my best friend, 40 years later. “I am a strong proponent for going on and furthering one’s education,” Judy said. “It is very gratifying to know that more than 90% of NMMI grads continue with their education. I’ve observed that transformation as the former students grow from children to adults. (continued Page 6)
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“Heading Home,” a painting that Judy says shows “one of the many reasons I enjoy living in the Southwest...Cowgirl Up!”
(Scharmer, continued from Page 5)
Judy’s job at NMMI is an important one, as the very foundation of the Institute requires a steady flow of funding and a balanced budget. “Fiscal soundness comes from leveraging every dollar available from varying sources and allocating those resources to the institutional priorities,” Judy said. “I like to simplify the process by saying the strategic plan drives the budget. The budget does not drive the strategic plan.” Judy has worked hard to create a nest egg for the institute that would cover any shortfalls, but the COVID-19 pandemic pushed NMMI’s budget to the limit. “We had built a healthy reserve for that ‘rainy day,’ but my colleagues and I had no idea that ‘rainy day’ was going to be a year-long pandemic,” Judy said. “Between the cash reserves and funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, we have been able to survive the financial challenge.” Judy is honored to paint the Institute’s annual holiday cards.
“La Puerta”
When balancing the budget, Judy must consider the Institute’s operational needs, construction projects and reserves. Planning for the future and growing a campus can mean saying “no” to many requests. “NMMI is 130 years old, which creates significant building and infrastructure challenges. Planning for that funding does not happen overnight,” Judy said. “It takes a systematic, steady approach to save funds. I feel rewarded when I walk through one of the renovated old buildings.” Of course, you don’t just have to take Judy’s word for it when it comes to her job. Maj. Ma Eva Heacox (BBA 08), an internal auditor at the Institute, had glowing things to say about her colleague. “It is not by accident that NMMI has accomplished much and remains fiscally sound. Judy’s stewardship of funds has been vital,” Maj. Heacox wrote in an email to Institute staff commemorating Judy’s retirement. “Col. Scharmer sets a great example. When she gives you advice, I recommend you take it.” When Judy is not balancing NMMI’s budget and ensuring its financial future is secure, this alumna spends time painting. She has painted the NMMI holiday card for the past five years. “I simply enjoy painting,” Judy said. “Painting is inherently solitary. However, I never feel alone while painting in my studio. I become completely engrossed in the conversation between myself and the canvas with the story that I am sharing through composition, brush strokes and colors.” Judy, inspired by her mother’s artistic abilities with watercolors, taught herself oil painting. “Life provides us so much beauty in so many ways,” she said. “I hope my paintings can ‘speak’ a positive feeling as creating it has done for me.” With her time at NMMI nearing an end, she can look back with satisfaction on her career and her ability to leave a tangible legacy. “I want to allow someone else to have that same opportunity,” Judy said. “I am also thankful to ENMU. If I can be a model for someone and show you can attend ENMU and have a progressive career afterward, that’s important.”
A Life Spent Fighting for Democracy by Todd Fuqua The late Richard Means (BS 65) came to ENMU from Champaign, Illinois, and was determined to return to his home state to make the world a better place, one vote at a time. His anger at Chicago’s history of voting corruption prompted him to be one of the top election lawyers in Illinois, committing himself to fair elections free of fraud and corruption for his entire career until he died Dec. 17, 2020. Being from Chicago didn’t preclude him from attending college more than 1,000 miles away in Portales. His big-city heritage made him something of a celebrity on the ENMU campus. “There were no big cities in New Mexico at the time,” said ENMU graduate and fellow Chicago lawyer Howard Melton (BBA 65). “Albuquerque wasn’t that large, and Richard was from a city of 10 million people. It was a different dynamic for him and all of us.” Richard’s different perspective affected his fellow students in the early 60s, and Howard figures Richard’s exposure to the rural high plains of eastern New Mexico influenced his late friend as well. Richard spent a year abroad at the University of Stockholm, where he was exposed to more liberal ideas.
He was a Democrat, but Richard looked out for all candidates in any race, regardless of party. In his 50-plus year legal career, he represented candidates for mayor, judge, alderman, Illinois state representatives and senators from all parties. He consulted with presidential candidates, including independent Ross Perot’s 1992 and Democrat Joseph Biden’s 2008 presidential runs, regarding ballot access in Illinois. Richard looked out for minority voters, serving with Americans for Democratic Action and Independent Voters of Illinois. He was past chairman of the Chicago Bar Association’s Election Law Committee and was the past executive director of the Chicago Council of Lawyers. Richard also helped organize a political action committee for the American Middle East Voters Alliance (AMVOTE) in 2004, dedicated to strengthening the Arab-American vote.
Photo compliments of Means Family
While most might think that degrees from small colleges like ENMU might not have the clout on the big stage, Richard returned to Illinois and studied law at Northwestern University, eventually practicing law while keeping a sharp eye on the voting process.
“Rich contributed his time to many community-based organizations (and candidates) to give minorities a voice in government,” wrote retired judge William Haddad in a post on the AMVOTE website. “He was generous to more groups and individuals than anyone I know. He was highly ethical while being practical in his advice and guidance.”
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Working for the People and Working for Laughs
When his time on the popular series “Breaking Bad” came to an end in 2013, Steven Michael Quezada (Attended 81–83) figured he’d go back to what gave him a start in the first place – standup comedy. “During the day, I was working for Youth Development, Inc., at night, I was doing my comedy act for chicken wings and a couple of beers, maybe an extra $20 or $50,” he said. “I was able to raise my three daughters by telling jokes.” He was getting steady work, but then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, curtailing any further work in that vein. It’s hard to get audiences to laugh when audiences aren’t allowed to gather. Steven has found a different purpose – public service. He ran and won election to the Albuquerque School Board in 2013, later trading that position for an elected spot on the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners in 2016.
by Todd Fuqua Steven initially got into public service when he started a gang intervention program in Albuquerque, using theater as a way to involve youth. Eventually, he moved the program into film production and began winning awards for his work. Steven continues his acting work, which includes a number of appearances in independent films (the most recent being 2019’s “Wish Man”) and a pair of appearances in his role as Steven Gomez in “Better Call Saul,” the prequel to “Breaking Bad.” He’s also shopping around a comedy special he created. While education and behavioral health care inspired him to serve in local government, it’s the business of a functioning government that keeps him busy, particularly when representing his constituency in the South Valley. “There are so many things we have to be concerned with, like infrastructure, roads, water. I’m the voice to keep government accountable,” he said. “Once you’re elected, you can’t be political. You have to do your job.”
“I’ve been looking at education and figuring out what works and what doesn’t. I remember my experience at ENMU, and I learned a lot,” Steven shared. “Dr. Patrick Rucker was the theater Steven Michael Quezada, right, reprises his role as Steven Gomez (along with fellow professor then, a great guy that gave me a few good roles for actor Dean Norris as Hank Schrader) in the AMC television show “Better Call Saul.” my skill set. He prepared me for my acting journey.” While at ENMU, Steven gained insight to how education doesn’t work for some, which is what prompted him to get into public service. “There’s a huge gap in education in Albuquerque, New Mexico,” Steven said. “Standardized testing shows where the student is in development, but it doesn’t tell you how they learn. I was successful in theater, but that’s because it was a group thing. I was unable to learn well in a solo environment, and the system in Albuquerque has to take that kind of learning into account.”
Young Alumni Success Stories Doctoral Candidate Publishes HIV Research Merissa Bruns (BS 2015) is part of a research team with an article titled “A Quantitative Live-Cell Superresolution Imaging Framework for Measuring the Mobility of Single Molecules at Sites of Virus Assembly,” published in the medical science journal, Pathogens. Merissa, currently pursuing a Ph.D. in biophysics at the University of Denver,
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Green & Silver | May 2021
said her research traces how HIV-1, the virus known to cause AIDS, assembles itself inside a human host cell. “I use two fluorescently labeled markers to label the assembly proteins,” Merissa said. “One marker is an antibody fragment, known as BG18. That is my pride and joy, as I was the first to microbially reproduce and purify the potent fragment proven successful in labeling HIV-1 during assembly. “Having this paper published brought me joy, as we have now contributed information and a powerful tool in the fight against the AIDS pandemic.”
Alumni Promote Gigabit Internet in Eastern New Mexico By Rachel Forrester Large cities and businesses of every size have taken a major hit this year. In response, Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ernie Kos (BBA 79) and her team at the Chamber have partnered with Clovis Industrial Development Corporation (CIDC) and Plateau Telecommunications, Inc. (headquartered in Clovis, New Mexico), promoting eastern New Mexico as a viable, safe option for anyone seeking a change of pace or home for their next business venture. Fiber internet is surprisingly absent in many urban/metropolitan cities, so the fact that eastern New Mexico is a rural area with ‘better than urban’ connectivity is extraordinary when it comes to the foundation of what this team is building for the future. “Economic innovation doesn’t have to occur in only large metropolitan areas,” Ernie said. “Whether starting a business, relocating or looking to expand, locations like Clovis and Portales offer a safe, laid-back atmosphere and affordable cost of living, while still having access to the affordable, high-speed internet critical for businesses, employees and schools.” ENMU alumnus Daniel Brashear (MBA 12, BBA 09) started working at Plateau while completing his studies in computer information systems. Now the network operations manager, Daniel described Plateau’s efforts to develop a “gigabit city,” explaining, “we first started building out a fiber network around 2004 and then in 2014 started registrations for what are called ‘fiberhoods.’ With two service plans of 100Mbps and 1Gbps, gigabit internet is 40 times faster than the FCC’s definition of sufficient broadband speed. “It provides an experience in which the speed of your connection is no longer something you consciously think about.” The Chamber and Plateau hope more people will tap into this rural lifestyle with reliable, high-speed internet; however their
Pacheco Aspires to Help Budding Musicians Cristian Pacheco (BS 17) is now a production supervisor at KFDA NewsChannel10 in Amarillo, Texas, and has co-created beknownposts.com, a website designed to get aspiring hip-hop artists discovered. Cristian serves as the newscast director for Live at Five, News
Ernie Kos, left, and Daniel Brashear survey the infrastructure which contributes to a fast and reliable fiber optic network in Clovis and Curry County.
goal isn’t to create the next Silicon Valley. Instead, these two alumni are hoping eastern New Mexico can find its own place in the innovation economy by welcoming a thriving technological community that embraces their small-town feel. “Recently, new shops, restaurants, breweries and even a winery have brought new life to these High Plains communities, alongside our beloved antique shops and historic theaters,” Ernie stated. “We encourage alumni to come back and see for yourself why eastern New Mexico is the community you desire, with the technology you deserve.”
at Six, and News at Ten broadcasts at KFDA and assists with photography and editing for the newscasts. He hopes to eventually advance his career to larger markets. He and business partner Alberto Solis created beknownposts.com in 2014. “I help upcoming hip-hop artists get their music out to new listeners, writing about the song and promoting it through social media,” Pacheco said. “I’ve assisted many artists from across the United States. I enjoy helping them because I genuinely love music.”
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Get Involved or Give to ENMU There Are Many Ways to Support Your Alma Mater!
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Need ENMU Gear? Shop Online ENMU Bookstore’s official page: enmu.bncollege.com ENMU athletic gear: enmu.edu/greyhoundgear
Only 13 Engraved Bricks Left at Greyhound Stadium This is your last chance to order a brick. Each 8x8-inch brick is $250, and displayed on the home side Honor Walls. To order a brick, please call Kourtney Paiz at the ENMU Foundation at 575.562.2412.
Save on Insurance Enjoy special savings on your auto and home insurance from Liberty Mutual Insurance thanks to the ENMU Alumni Association. Get your insurance quote at enmu.edu/insurance.
Get More Purchasing Power with an ENMU Credit Card Apply now for an ENMU Visa credit card from UMB Financial Corporation. Get access to perks, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and events. You’ll earn rewards points redeemable for merchandise, travel and account credits. Apply at enmu.edu/creditcard.
Show Your School Pride with a Plate New Mexican residents can order specialized collegiate plates at enmu.edu/licenseplate. A portion of annual registration benefits the ENMU Alumni Association.
Sponsor or Play in ENMU Alumni Scholarship Golf Tournament The tournament is scheduled for Friday, July 9, 2021, at the Santa Ana Golf Club in Bernalillo, New Mexico. Cost is $500 for a team of four, and the field is limited to 180 golfers. Entry deadline is May 28, 2021. Sponsorships range from $100 to $7,500. Proceeds provide scholarships for students of alumni. Register online at enmu.edu/golf.
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Green & Silver | May 2021
SUPPORT THE UNIVERSITY FUND Show them you care. Make a donation today at enmu.edu/donate. Your alma mater and our current ENMU students need your support now more than ever.
! e t a D e h t e Sav
888.291.5524
enmu.edu/foundation
ENMU Homecoming
Oct. 1-2, 2021
View event schedule at www.enmu.edu/homecoming
MAIN EVENT: 100-Round Sporting Clay Course Entry fee: $150 per person · $125 per person for ages 17 and under First flight is at 8:30 a.m. All registrants will automatically be entered to win a Beretta A-400.
BANQUET:
Sporting Clay Fundraiser
Cash Bar · Dinner · Dance · Awards Banquet only: $40/person · $70/couple 100% refund if the event is cancelled.
Saturday, June 26, 2021 Inn of the Mountain Gods · Mescalero, NM
Rhonda Vincent, Director rhonda.vincent@enmu.edu · 575.937.1475 ruidoso.enmu.edu/foundation/aim-high/
Green & Silver | May 2021
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A MAN OF MANY INTERESTS by Todd Fuqua Dr. Howard W. Melton (BBA 65) considers himself fortunate to have attended an Art History class at ENMU that introduced him to modern design and everyday objects’ functionality. He saw that even the most mundane things could be imbued with beauty, which fostered future careers and hobbies. This experience is partly why this longtime Chicago-based lawyer developed a side publishing career. He writes on various topics, including social accounting, tax law and toy vehicles. His new book, “American Compacts of the Art Deco Era,” showcases his long fascination with design. Howard explained, “I was introduced to modern design in college. An advantage of living in a city such as Chicago is the fact that modern architecture and design exist everywhere around us. It continuously intrigues me.” At an antique show, Howard and his wife, Jo Anne, were introduced to the world of powder compacts, those little containers designed to be kept in purses that have a small amount of makeup and an applicator for touch-ups throughout the day. These particular compacts reflected the Art Deco design movement from the 1920s and early 1930s. Howard and Jo Anne were fascinated by these small artistic objects and began collecting them. Ultimately, he collaborated with fellow enthusiast, Michael Mont, to write their recently published book on the subject. “American Compacts of the Art Deco Era” is one of seven books authored or co-authored by Howard. He has an eclectic publication list that demonstrates a mind that is always exploring. This comes from his family’s belief in and love for life-long learning: Howard’s father, Dr. Howard B. Melton was a longtime member of the ENMU faculty and administration. After graduating from ENMU, Howard received his J.D. in Law from the University of Texas at Austin. Subsequently, he earned both his M.S. in Management and his Ph.D. in Accounting and Information Systems from Northwestern University. Professionally, Dr. Melton’s background includes being a university professor, senior business executive, entrepreneur and author. Beyond legal experience, he has organized, built and managed several multi-million-dollar businesses, including national consulting organizations and a nationally recognized retail chain. He also continues to be very involved in civic affairs in Chicago. Top and middle: Two of Dr. Melton’s books on collectibles. Bottom: Example of an art deco makeup compact.
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The Nuclear Family Connection Brothers Mark (BBA 88) and Michael Padilla (BS 92) took different routes to achieve their careers within the Department of Energy (DOE). They are each on opposite ends of the U.S. Michael primarily works in the west and Mark mostly in the east, but they are bound by the ties of family and of their alma mater.
by Todd Fuqua
They’ve also found great rewards in working for the DOE in their various capacities. “I have enjoyed my career with the federal government,” Mark said. “Along the way, I have been fortunate to have received many tangible awards and recognition, but they do not come close to compare with the reward I’ve received from having met so many wonderful people throughout my career.” “I have to agree with Mark,” said Michael. “Nothing compares to the people I have met and worked with during my nearly 18 years in the National Security Enterprise (NSE) and 10 years with the University of New Mexico.” Mark’s federal government career began shortly after his time at ENMU, starting with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in Washington, D.C. After two years, the Greyhound Grad had found himself on what he calls a “fortuitous” path that led him to work on various governmental reform initiatives under the Clinton administration. This included serving as the executive officer for NSE, the nation’s nuclear weapons complex. The NSE consists of eight contractor-operated sites across seven states, including the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oakridge, Tennessee (a manufacturing facility that provides key material for the Navy’s nuclear propulsion and a key component of nuclear weapons) and the Pantex weapons complex near Amarillo, Texas, the center for assembly and disassembly of the nation’s nuclear weapons. Mark’s team is responsible for formulating and executing these two plants’ budgets, and overseeing their mission’s responsibilities.
Mark, left, and Michael Padilla pose together with a model of the Fat Man bomb which was dropped on Nagasaki near the end of World War II.
He later took a job at Sandia National Laboratories, then joined the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) in Washington, D.C. He currently works for Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California and lives in Washington, D.C. Both brothers were complimentary of ENMU’s role in giving them a leg up in their professions. “The single greatest impact was the investing fundamentals I learned in my corporate finance courses,” Mark said. “The investing marathon versus sprint mentality provided a sound methodology that I have followed. That is what will allow me to retire at a young age.” For Michael, it was the practical experience he got while working for The Chase, the ENMU student newspaper.
Currently, Mark is in Albuquerque, New Mexico, having telecommuted to do his job since March of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I owe much gratitude to Dr. (Tim) Ashmore and his wife, Sue, who inspired me to get into public relations,” Michael said. “Dr. Ashmore had me talk with Sue at The Chase, and she put me to work right away. I have never forgotten the encouragement they gave me and the push I needed as a young college student.”
While Mark is busy making sure things are running smoothly, Michael is busy interacting with the public on behalf of the NSE, utilizing his public relations degree and training.
Michael and Mark are part of a larger family that all became ENMU Greyhounds, including sisters Alice Pino (BA 78) and Percy Padilla-Gurule (MED 80, BS 77) and niece Lisa Sanchez (BSE 00).
“I began working for UNM in Los Alamos, New Mexico, as a public relations executive. I then transferred to Albuquerque and helped promote the School of Engineering,” Michael said. “I discovered I enjoyed writing about science and the people that made it happen.”
“We all received guidance and a push from our family matriarch,” Michael said. “Our mother (Rita Padilla), who still lives in our family home in Puerto de Luna, New Mexico, made sure all eight of her kids were successful in everything we did.”
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ENMU ATHLETICS NEWS
Greyhound Teams Back in Action
All Student Athletes Continue to Train By Todd Fuqua
Photo by Trevor Fleeman/WTAMU
As health officials administer vaccines across the country and the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be subsiding, there are still uncertainties about the future, particularly regarding the re-opening of campuses such as ENMU.
Jude Perea at bat during game against West Texas A&M in February.
One program at Eastern that is already in full swing is the baseball team, which is playing a schedule comprised entirely of road games due to New Mexico travel restrictions.
“Ever since the shutdown in March 2020, we’ve yet to be able to practice or compete as a team here in New Mexico,” said ENMU Baseball Coach Riley Price. “Compared to the other Lone Star Conference teams, all of whom are outside of the state, we were set back the most due to the stricter state mandates.”
this time of year in regards to their fitness.” According to Coach Price, “the absence of a fall season, with so many new incoming players, was extremely challenging for our entire program and took a huge toll on our athletes both physically and mentally. With the limited access to weight rooms, baseball facilities or equipment, the team development ENMU Track Coach Jeff Kavalunas this fall was difficult to achieve without them being here in person to practice together.” The spring sports teams aren’t the only ones present on campus. Indeed, most students this semester are athletes from all programs, working out and training even when there isn’t a competitive season. “When student-athletes could report back to campus this spring, it was a huge relief for our program,” Price said. “Although we are off to an expected slow start, I’m extremely proud of all our players who have stuck it out and who have continued to commit to the sport every day.”
The baseball team isn’t the only squad of Greyhounds in active competition. The rodeo team opened its season at Odessa, Texas, in March and hosted the annual ENMU College Daze Rodeo, albeit at the Mallet Event Center and Arena in Levelland, Texas.
The softball and track teams’ schedules started in early March. All these programs are on campus, but there are hurdles to overcome. “Coming in late has been a challenge. We missed the fall, which we usually use for conditioning,” said Track and Field Coach Jeff Kavalunas. “Our athletes aren’t where they are typically at
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Green & Silver | May 2021
ENMU Rodeo team member Jorie Harwell practices at Lewis Cooper Arena.
Photo by Bryan Hahn
“This is a great thing for our program,” said Rodeo Coach Albert Flinn (MBA 70, BBA 68). “This is the 55th anniversary of the rodeo, and it’s important we get to host it.”
Kelley Lee Steps Down as Football Coach By Nicolle Holcomb
Kelley Lee (MS 03) announced in March that he would be stepping down as the ENMU football program’s head coach after four years at the helm and nine years total with the team. “We are sad to see Coach Lee go as he led our program to new heights in his time as head coach. He leaves some big shoes to fill, but we wish him and his family the best moving forward,” said Athletic Director Matt Billings. Lee leaves as the school’s all-time leader in career win percentage (.636, 21-12). He also guided the Hounds to the program’s first-ever Division II bowl win after defeating Southern Arkansas in the 2019 Heritage Bowl. “It has been a great privilege to be a part of the ENMU Greyhound
football program the last nine years and a true honor to lead the program as the head coach for the last four years. My family and I have been blessed to have been but a small piece of the great Greyhound football tradition,” Lee said, “Above all, we want to thank the student-athletes and coaches for all their hard work and dedication. We are forever grateful for all the Greyhounds who invested so much heart and soul in this program.” Lee’s next venture will be as the athletic coordinator and head football coach at Veterans Memorial Early College High School in Brownsville, Texas. Andrew McCraw is the Greyhounds’ interim head coach while the search for the next head coach continues.
Volleyball Alumna Serves as Firefighter and EMT
By Desiree Cooper
Lauren Frye (AA 17) is a firefighter and EMT for Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department in Virginia. “Each call is different, and I never know what it’s going to be, but I always know I’m going to be the one who’s helping someone during the scariest moments of their lives,” said Lauren when asked what she enjoys most about her work. “It’s both rewarding and emotional on many levels, but it’s what I signed up for. I’m blessed to have been offered this opportunity. “I’ve always had a passion for the human body, and at the same time, human connections. Looking back now, I know the passions I have are rooted in the same passions my mom has. My mom was a volunteer EMT when I was younger, for the small department in my hometown.”
For more news, please visit GoEasternAthletics.com or download the ENMU Athletics app Green & Silver | May 2021
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Class Notes People You May Know Dr. Lawrence Minks (MBA 70, BBA 69) recently
Doug Defoor (BBA 95) was recently promoted
published his fourth Amazon Kindle/paperback
to chief credit officer for Ag New Mexico Farm
book, titled “Back to Basics: A Guide to Practical
Credit, shortly after which he retired. Doug had
Organizational Developement.” Dr. Minks
been with Ag New Mexico since March of 2019,
has been involved in higher education and
when he was named the association’s chief
management for more than 40 years, including
appraisal officer. Before joining Ag New Mexico,
serving as president of Southeastern Oklahoma
Doug was the head of MetLife Agrigultural
State University from 2009-14. He continues
Finance’s appraisal department, where he
work as an online counselor for business and
reviewed reports on agricultural properties in the United States, Brazil,
education management.
Canada, Peru and Chile.
Terry Bender (MBA 71, BBE 70) can look back
Amy Scrivner (BA 95) is a fundraising
on a long career of marketing education and
professional, currently serving as development
investment service after his time at ENMU.
and communications director for BikeWalkKC,
In 1971, he started the DECA and marketing
a member-supported organization that works
education program at Ruidoso High School
to make the Kansas City, Missouri, area a safer
and the following year was inducted into the
and more accessible place to walk, bicycle,
DECA Hall of Fame. Later, he taught marketing
live, work and play.
education for Boulder Valley Schools in
Jane Thompson
Colorado, qualifying students to national DECA competition for 11 years
Hassenmueller
and serving in the school administration for 12 years. After retiring from
(MA 98, BS 92) recently
teaching, Terry started an agency with Horace Mann Insurance in 2003,
published a new novel,
selling it in 2007.
“The Grief of Wisdom.” Randy Hanrahan (BBA 80) recently retired
Jane has also written
after a 40-year career with ExxonMobil as
the book “Choosing
a measurement advisor, responsible for all
Happiness After
domestic upstream measurement activities
Divorce.” She lives in
in the U.S. Randy has traveled anywhere in
Santa Fe, New Mexico.
the nation where hydrocarbons are produced.
Jim Siedlecki (BS 96) has capped a 24-year
Randy and his wife, Madeleine, plan to
career in broadcast and communications with a
retire in Wyoming.
position as deputy county manager for Adams
Richard Taylor (BS 88) was recently promoted
County in Colorado. His career includes nine
to senior cloud infrastructure engineer at
years as a producer and anchor at WOWT in
Carvana, an online car purchasing website. In
Omaha, Nebraska, and as the communications
his new position, Richard provides assitance
director in Adams County.
to the company’s cloud services, including
Carrie Elder (BBA 97) recently completed
security, patching and troubleshooting.
her capacity as meeting planner for The
(BS 93) Flores are hard
Event Lounge, a meeting and event planning
at work in their respective
agency located in Richardson, Texas. Carrie
careers in the Los Angeles,
has more than 15 years of experience in
California area. Renée
meeting planning.
is a local sales manager for Lazer Broadcasting, overseeing markets in Oxnard, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo. Phillip is the field training supervisor for the Los Angeles office of Securitas, a private security firm.
16
her pandemic on-site protocol training in
Phillip (BS 90) and Renée
Green & Silver | May 2021
Joe Garcia (BS 97) is currently assigned as the security advisor to Special Operations Command (SOCOM) in Tampa, Florida. He provides security expertise to the commander of SOCOM and is on his final tour with NCIS. Keith Knowles (BA 99) was part of a team that recently received the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Assocation National Group
Achievement award for 2019. In 2016, Knowles and his team worked
Chase Bryant (BS 17) is living and working in
to investigate a complex labor trafficking case in Southlake, Texas, that
Arvada, Colorado, as a wet chemical analyst for
resulted in heavy prison sentences and restitution for the victim.
Eurofins Environment Testing TestAmerica. The company recieves water and soil samples from
Kelli Morrison (BME 06) was recently listed as a
around the United States to test for various
finalist for Top Band/Music Director of the Year
environmental factors.
for 2020 by the National Society of High School Scholars. Kelli has been director of the band
Amanda Eavenson (BS 17) is a hydrologist with
program at Portales High School in Portales,
the Bureau of Land Management in Carlsbad,
New Mexico, and is president of the ENMU
New Mexico, managing water rights on public
Alumni Band.
lands and navigating the challenges that come with the oil and gas industry in the Permian
Desirée Markham (MA 10, BS 08) graduated in February from Texas
Basin of eastern New Mexico and west Texas.
Tech University with a Ph.D. in Media and Communication, and is currently the director of development at KENW-FM. Desirée is also
Brianne (Willis) Carter (BS 17) is a realty specialist for the Bureau of
a member of the United States Air Force Reserves and serves as
Land Management in Carlsbad, New Mexico, dealing with right-of-ways,
an intelligence officer at Cannon Air Force Base in the 56th Special
roads, powerlines and anything surface-related on public lands. Brianne
Operations Intelligence Squadron.
is also involved with land exchanges, film permits and land sales.
Sandy Turner (BS 07) is a licensed clinical
Dani (BBA 18) and Kimberly (BSN 17) Martinez recently celebrated
social worker with her own private practice in
their second anniversary together
the Albuquerque area, serving on numerous
in December. The couple lives in
boards and committees in New Mexico dealing
Lubbock, Texas, where Dani is a
with social work and counseling for those
district parole officer and Kimberly
needing behavioral counseling. She has also
is a registered nurse at Covenant
been a certified brain injury specialist with the
Medical Center.
Brain Advisory Counsel to the Governor for the past 12 years. Tyler Lucas (BBA 18) is a financial
Chipper Moore (MED 12, BOE 08) is the department chair of
adviser with Edward Jones in Clovis,
Architechture and Construction Technologies and interim division dean
New Mexico, and is on the boards of
of Advanced Technologies at Doña Ana Community College in Las
directors for United Way of Eastern
Cruces, New Mexico. Chipper also continues to serve as a professor in
New Mexico and Clovis Main Street.
the Drafting and Design Technologies program.
He is also pursuing an MBA at ENMU,
Christy Waite (BS 12) is currently the morning
seeking to graduate in December
and noon anchor and producer for KXII-TV, the CBS/Fox affliliate in Sherman, Texas,
of 2021. He and his fiancé, Marissa Waters, are planning to be married in October of 2021.
hosting the area’s top-rated morning show. In addition, she serves as sideline reporter and photographer for area football games, all while working on her master’s degree in communication from ENMU. Mariah Barnes (MS 15, BS 13)
CORRECTION The recent book by alumnus Chandra (Garrett) Crane (BSE 01) is titled “Mixed Blessing: Embracing the Fullness of Your Multiethnic Identity.” Chandra graduated with a Master of Ministry from Reformed Theological Seminary.
is currently a student in the Physician Assistant Program at University of New Mexico, working toward graduating in September of 2021. Her husband Travis (attended) is a firefighter
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
Submit your story ideas, news and memorials to us at alumni.affairs@enmu.edu
with Albuquerque Fire Rescue.
Green & Silver | May 2021
17
Class Notes In Memory 50s
Dr. Richard “Dick” Walsh (MA 69, BBA 65) died Jan. 13, 2021. He married Deanna “Dede” (Kriegshauser) Walsh (MED 83, BS 77) in 1963. Dick served at ENMU for 25 years in student affairs, later working as regional director of Mental Health and Human Resources in New Mexico. He finished his educational career at South Plains College in Lubbock, Texas. Dick was also a member of the ENMU Alumni Board from 1994 to 2006 and received the ENMU Alumni Distinguished Service Award in 2008.
Joyce (Laing) Solazzi (BME 53) died Oct. 13, 2020. She taught music in elementary and high school, directing choirs and musicals at Palma and Notre Dame high schools in Salinas, California. She also directed youth choirs at First Presbyterian Church in Salinas. James Hopkins (EDSP 65, MA 59, BA 54) died Feb. 7, 2021. James served 30 years in education as an assistant principal at principal at Gattis Junior High School in Clovis, New Mexico. He finished his career as the principal of Portales Christian School.
Vivian Wheeler (BA 67) died Nov. 3, 2020. After graduating from ENMU, Vivian taught in Dallas and Levelland, Texas, spending more than 30 years as an educational diagnostician and the director of South Plains Educational Co-Op.
J.H. “Buster” Hodges (BA 57) died Sept. 6, 2020. A native of Fritch, Texas, Buster was awarded the Hardest Running Back Award while a student at ENMU and was inducted into the ENMU Athletic Hall of Honor in 1996. He coached football at Hereford and Sanford Fritch high schools in Texas before leaving to co-found Fritch State Bank in 1965.
Patricia Jo “PJ” Shannon (BS 68) died Oct. 30, 2020. As a Fullbright scholar, PJ received her master’s in social work from the University of Oklahoma, and then worked at the University of Belize, where she helped develop and write the curriculum for a social work program. After serving many years in Belize, she returned to New Mexico and continued in social work with the Mescalero Apache Tribe and in northern New Mexico.
Dr. Bill Engman (BS 63, BS 57) died March 6, 2021. His educational career included teaching high school in Aresia and Clovis and university teaching at the University of Wyoming, University of New Mexico and Fort Lewis College in Colorado. He was the dean of the College of Education and Technology and executive vice president of Academic Affairs at
60s
ENMU before retiring In 1992.
Dale Brown (BS 61) died Dec. 27, 2020. After graduating from ENMU, Dale continued his studies at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, before becoming an agronomist with Custom Farm Services in Iowa. He later came to Milnesand, New Mexico, to enter into a farm and ranch partnership with his father-in-law, Ben Fuller, staying there until 1994. Travis Foster (MED 65, BA 61) died Jan. 13, 2021. He served in the Marines from 1954-57 and returned home where he married Janelle (Skinner) Foster (MED 65, BA 61). He taught junior high social studies and math in Tracy, California for 29 years before retiring in 1990.
Clyde Powell (MED 69, BS 62) died Dec. 23, 2020. Many remember Clyde as an original member of the staff at KENW-TV and served for several years as the director of educational television. In retirement, he ran a flourishing engraving business, Sport Lab.
Thurman “Buddy” Babb (BS 62) died Aug. 22, 2020. Buddy was a patrolman with the New Mexico State Police before embarking on a career as a special agent with the United States Secret Service. Dr. William Atchley (BS 64) died Nov. 9, 2020. In his career as a professor of genetics, statistics and biomathematics, he held teaching and research positions at the University of Kansas, Texas Tech, University of Wisconsin and North Carolina State. His devotion to science and research earned him many awards in his long career.
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Larry Willard (BBA 68) died Feb. 24, 2020. Larry was the longtime president and chief executive officer for Wells Fargo New Mexicoa and West Texas. In 1997, he received the Governor’s Distinguished Public Service Award and ENMU’s Outstanding Alumni Award in 1989.
Green & Silver | May 2021
Jacqueline Harman (MA 69) died Dec. 27, 2020. Jaqueline taught in Portales public schools for 25 years before retiring to assist her husband, Jim, managing his insurance agency in Portales.
70s
Kathy (Gilliland) Daily (BBE 73, AA 70) died Dec. 2, 2020. She married Paul Daily (MED 72, BA 71) in 1970. After graduating, they settled in Las Cruces where she taught English until they relocated to the Dallas area in 2000. Allen Hamilton (MBA 75, BBA 71) died Nov. 24, 2020. Allen was active in banking throughout his life after graduating from ENMU, mostly employed at banks in Santa Fe, New Mexico, before retiring in 2012 and moving to Portales. Johnny Cope (BBA 71) died Dec. 13, 2020. After earning his degree from ENMU, Johnny returned to his hometown of Hobbs, New Mexico, to work in the oil and gas industry, eventually branching out to real estate investments. Mildred Creamer (MED 76, BS 73) died Jan. 17, 2021. Mildred worked in shipyards in Washington state during World War II, moving with her husband to Lovington, New Mexico, at war’s end. They moved to Portales in 1959, where Mildred owned The Yardage Shop with her husband and where she worked for the Portales News-Tribune and, later, ENMU. She also taught reading in Elida, Clovis and Portales public schools. Patrick Beckett (MA 73) died Nov. 20, 2020. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Patrick was an archaeologist and head of the contract archaeology program at New Mexico State University.
Donald Holden (BS 73) died March 4, 2021. He earned a career of helping others in need, working for Deaf and Blind Children of New Mexico, the Arthritis Foundation in Taos, New Mexico, and Child Protective Services. Later, Don was county office manager in Carlsbad, New Mexico, and Portales before retiring in 2010. He also worked at the Guidance Center in Hobbs before fully retiring in 2015.
homemaker. She worked on and off as a bookkeeper and retired from civil service at Cannon Air Force Base in 1989. Nico (Steelman) Frances (MED 86) died Nov. 24, 2020. Nico worked at Sacred Heart Elementary in Clovis, New Mexico, while she finished her master’s. She was then a grant writer and director of the ENMU TRIO College Success Program, serving and the local, regional and national levels before retiring in 2006.
Agnes Dent (MA 73) died Feb. 16, 2020. Agnes was an advocate for those with intellectual disabilities, owning and operating the Agnes Dent Homes since 1977 for the underserved population in Lubbock, Texas. She also actively served on the board of Lubbock Christian University for 20 years. Laura Dianne Johnson-Frame (BS 76) died Nov. 4, 2020. Laura held many positions in community leadership and government in Pierre, South Dakota, eventually taking the position of Title I, Homeless Children and Juvenile program coordinator, holding that job for 15 years. Charles Wood (MED 78, BS 76), USAF Retired, died Nov. 14, 2020. Charles was a pilot with the United States Air Force for 20 years before retiring and earning his degrees at ENMU. He was then a teacher and small business owner in Clovis, New Mexico. Ronnie Warmuth (MBA 79) died Oct. 25, 2020. Ronnie served 5½ years in the United States Air Force, serving at Headquarters Civil Air Patrol as Chief of Cadet Training, Air Intelligence Officer at Tan Son Nuet, South Vietnam and Wesbaden, Germany. He later taught high school in Logan and Texico, New Mexico, and part-time at Clovis Community College.
80s
Paul Stevens (BBA 80) died Dec. 6, 2020. Paul was a professional photographer and art broker after graduating from ENMU, later working in the oil fields of the Permian Basin before creating a career as a human resources professional in Roswell, New Mexico, Abilene, Texas, and Hobbs, New Mexico. Nicholas Richter (BS 81) died Nov. 5, 2020, in Lake Forest, California. Always fascinated with insects, Nicholas turned that hobby into a career, working as a public servant with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, retiring as an Entomologist with the Food and Drug Administration in 2017.
Ron Obenhaus (MS 84, BS 82) died March 8, 2021. Ron had a long and fruitful career as an Information Technology analyst for ENMU, eventually being named the administrative manager and security officer for Information and Technology. Ron is survived by his wife Lisa Obenhaus (AA 79). Sally Arnold (BBA 83) died Dec. 10, 2020. Sally served in the U.S. Air Force. After numerous transfers, she and her family settled in Clovis, New Mexico, in 1968. She later embarked on a career with Clovis Community College that lasted until her retirement in 2005. Bettye Lee (Williams) Mouser (BBA 85) died Jan. 27, 2021. Bettye was born near St. Vrain, New Mexico, and lived most of her life as a
Norman Patterson, Jr. (BBA 89) died Jan. 5, 2020. Norm worked at Texas Tech University as a coordinator of irrigation design before taking a job as a conductor/engineer for the BNSF Railway while based in Sweetwater, Texas.
90s Chris Eubank (MM 97, BME 92) died March 28, 2020. Chris spent a lifetime in music and was the choral director at Lovington High School in New Mexico. Steven Griggs (BS 93) died Feb. 19, 2021. After earning his degree in sociology from ENMU, Steven worked in Member Services at Costco in Anton, Texas. Patrick Chavez (BS 96) died Nov. 2, 2020. Patrick was a biology teacher at many schools in New Mexico and was most recently employed with the City of Portales. Heath Husted (attended) died Nov. 25, 2020. Heath spent 20 years as a youth director at various United Methodist churches, during which he met his wife, Pam (Henry) Husted (BS 99). The couple worked together at Methodist churches in Roswell and Alamogordo, New Mexico. Heath later pastored at San Jon, and Grady, New Mexico, and Friona, Texas.
2000s
Ana Bertha Acosta de Jauregui (BUS 14) died March 7, 2021. Ana immigrated from Mexico to attend ENMU and pursue her dream of being an educator, enjoying a career as a Head Start teacher.
Kip Hookstra (BUS 19) died Oct. 14, 2020, in Portales, New Mexico. He had a lifelong love of learning and reading books, and his “perfect job” would have been in a library surrounded by fields and forests. Donations in Kip’s name with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention can be made at afsp.donordrive.com/campaign/ kip-hookstra-s-memorial-fund. Mozelle (Lowe) Hamlett (attended) died Nov. 25, 2020. Mozelle met her husband, Dale Hamlett (faculty), in college at Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri, eventually moving to Portales when her husband began teaching art at ENMU. Mozelle continued her studies at the Art Institute in Chicago, New Mexico Tech in Socorro and at ENMU. She taught elementary school art and music in Socorro and Portales before retiring in 1987.
Green & Silver | May 2021
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