Roberto is a principal electronics technologist at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico, working alongside “brilliant individuals” from across the globe to bring new electronic concepts to life. Born in Belen, New Mexico, to parents who were not fluent in English, he had a difficult upbringing, learning English while attending elementary school in Portales, New Mexico. His work ethic began at home, where money was tight and everyone was expected to do their part.
Photo by Roberto Jimenez
From a first-generation college graduate to an “irreplaceable” team member on the frontier of electronic technology, Roberto Jimenez (BS 10) is leaving his mark on the world.
by Desiree Cooper and Todd Fuqua
A Greyhound on the Cutting Edge
“I grew up in a small home full of family members that loved one another,” Roberto said. “It never felt like we lacked anything, as long as we had each other.” He began schooling at Clovis Community College, where he discovered his love for electronics. He later enrolled at ENMU to continue studying in the electronics engineering technology program.
From there, the sky was the limit. Roberto worked two jobs to finance his bachelor’s degree at ENMU, then went to work in his field and eventually earned his position at Sandia National Laboratories. There, he helps enhance the nation’s security. “I’m inspired to work with new cutting-edge technology that can one day revolutionize the way we do things in the future,” he said. “After all, who wouldn’t want to work at the same place where Albert Einstein left his legacy for those after him to expand on his efforts?”
ENMU Professor Creates Symphonic Magic It was in October of 2019 when PARMA Recordings approached Mark Dal Porto (faculty) to compose a short orchestral fanfare for the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO). No stranger to symphonic composition, Mark humbly accepted the offer. The result is “Bucolic Celebration,” depicting a commemoration and salutation of the joys of country life in the United Kingdom. “It begins with several playful statements in the woodwinds meant to evoke pastoral images and feelings from the listener,” Mark said. “It then gradually increases in volume, energy and speed with more dynamic statements from brass, strings and percussion, ending in a virtuoso and whirlwind display of delight, pleasure and exultation.”
By Todd Fuqua
Other albums featuring his music are Peace, Nature & Renewal, Dances of Eternity, and Figments (Vol. 1). All are available at novanarecords.com and other retail outlets. “Bucolic Celebration” is one of many pieces composed by 11 composers from around the world who were contacted to participate in this project. The final edit is set for a CD release in October 2022.
Mark has eight works recorded by PARMA Recordings available to the public, including the piece “Romance for Oboe and Piano,” recorded by Mark at the piano and his wife, Tracy Carr (faculty) on oboe.
Photo by Tracy Carr
Mark didn’t need to travel to London for the rehearsals or recording. Instead, he met with the production team, symphony conductor and musicians online to work on tempo, pitch, rhythm and other musical concerns. The recording was postponed many times due to the COVID-19 pandemic before the LSO finally recorded the piece in February.
Mark Dal Porto worked remotely with the London Symphony Orchestra from his home in Portales to record his composition “Bucolic Celebration.”
Green & Silver | August 2022
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