Br eaking 35
G ood 64
By Desiree Cooper
The actor is known for his role as Steven Gomez on the five-time Emmy-winning series “Breaking Bad.” “The show was not bad for me. It was like ‘Breaking Good’ for me,” the Albuquerque father of four said with a laugh.
Steven’s act was presented by the ENMU Department of Multicultural Affairs as the kickoff event for Hispanic Heritage Month. The show was co-sponsored by the ENMU Theater Department and the ENMU Alumni Association.
“I spent three years as a student at ENMU. It was a great experience with great people and great professors. It was a good introduction to life,” Steven explained. “I learned a lot and increased my skill set. I became a writer, which made my transition to stand-up comedy easier.
Earlier in the day, he visited with digital film and media students, fielding questions and offering industry advice.
“I suggest ENMU to people. You don’t get lost like you do at larger universities. You’re going to get a quality education without
owing a lot of money,” Steven continued. “I had plenty of support there.
Photos by Avery Pelzman
F
ormer ENMU student Steven Michael Quezada (Attended 81-83) returned to the Portales campus Sept. 15 for a comedy act in the ENMU Theater. About 300 people came to enjoy the performance.
“I want everyone to Top: Steven Michael Quezada know that no with ENMU Department of Multicultural Affairs. matter what university you go to, it’s about what you do with the education you get there. ENMU helped me get to the point where I wanted to be in this business.”
Portales Native Travels the World
By Maurissa Munoz
education,” Lisa said. While completing her undergraduate degree, in University Studies, she was heavily involved in music, choir, theater and was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha.
L-R Randy Woods, Kai Woods, Lisa Woods, Don Criss, and Maya Woods at the Colosseum in Rome, Italy.
L
isa Woods (BUS 94), a lifelong greyhound, was raised blocks from ENMU. Her father, Don Criss, worked on campus at KENW; Lisa was practically raised at ENMU. During childhood, she and her family acted in ENMU productions. In high school, she started playing with the ENMU orchestra. Growing up around ENMU made her college selection easy. “It was a natural thing to be an ENMU student., Lisa explained. Lisa gives ENMU credit for all of the success she has experienced. “I couldn’t have had a better
After completing her bachelor’s degree, she returned to ENMU to complete a teaching licensure. As a graduate student, she worked at the Child Development Center teaching classes. “Eastern is about hands-on and actually doing it; not just reading about it,” Lisa exclaimed, “I received a fabulous teaching education. I was so prepared.” After completing the program, she could walk into any classroom confidently, ready to teach. Lisa and her family lived out of the country for the last six years, traveling with her husband Randy’s job. While living in England for two years, Lisa worked at ACS Cobham International School tutoring, substituting, and helping teach writer’s education. Next, they moved to Africa and lived in Angola’s capitol city, Luanda. Lisa worked at Luanda International School tutoring, substituting, teaching and helping with writing techniques. She was part of a school performance group
and coached singing. Additionally, Lisa and her family volunteered in a local orphanage. While abroad, Lisa visited 24 countries. “I was a small town girl that lived in the same town from kindergarten through college. I didn’t think I would move farther than a couple hours away.” Her experiences taught her that she could live, survive, and thrive in any place. “Education at Eastern can prepare you to go all around the world,” Lisa said. “It gave me a good foundation.” She feels ENMU was instrumental in shaping who she is, and what she has experienced.
Lisa, Maya, and Kai visiting Monica (left) and Ladislau (second from the right), children the Woods and Criss families sponsor at the Irma Domingas Orphanage.
Green & Silver | November 2014
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