ENMU Foundation 2015 Honorees

Philanthropist of the Year Michael F. Shaughnessy

Dr. Michael F. Shaughnessy

Michael F. Shaughnessy is a vital part of ENMU through his academic contributions and his philanthropic generosity. He is the professor in Educational Studies and serves as professor of special education at ENMU. Dr. Shaughnessy’s commitment to his students goes far beyond the classroom.

Dr. Shaughnessy started contributing to the ENMU Foundation in 1990 to the Scholarship Campaign and the Psy Chi Scholarship. Since that time, he has established eight scholarships and always in honor of someone else special to him. It is Dr. Shaughnessy’s philanthropic goal to honor the various people who have aided him in different ways. He also seeks to honor those who show their care for ENMU by caring for students, faculty and staff.

Those who have been honored by Dr. Shaughnessy with scholarships in their name include Billy and Phyllis Gaedke, Dorla McCoy, Dr. Kathy Peca, Dr. Stephen Durand, Dustin Seifert, Jack Greathouse, Kellie McGarrh, and Lauri, Kurt, Kaaron and Travis Mahan. Dr. Shaughnessy is also committed to honoring ENMU bull riders Rojo Ellsworth and Irvying Urquijo who died doing what they loved. He has been a longtime supporter of KENW TV and FM. Most recently, Dr. Shaughnessy honored even more friends with his Stadium Campaign contributions. These are all people he wants to thank from the bottom of his heart.

Dr. Shaughnessy serves on several committees in his department and the University, serves on editorial boards for national and international journals and serves on boards in Santa Fe relating to brain trauma, head injuries and developmental disabilities. He offers in-services and workshops in local schools and schools across the state. His students value his teaching style because it is apparent that he truly cares.

Business of the Year Cattle Baron Restaurants, Inc.

Cattle Baron Restaurants, Inc. is a privately held company founded in 1976 in Portales, New Mexico by founder and CEO of the company, Jeffrey W. Wilson. After completion of his service in the United States Air Force at Cannon Air Force Base, Jeff purchased Bob’s Steak House in Portales and renamed the location to Cattle Baron Steak and Seafood Restaurant. Eight years later, Jeff began an expansion program to now eight locations. Cattle Baron Restaurants also has a presence in Hobbs, Roswell, Ruidoso, Las Cruces, Lubbock, Midland, and El Paso. Before Jeff’s passing in 2010, he added Farley’s Food & Pub and Pasta Café to the Cattle Baron family.

Cattle Baron’s inspiration for giving to and supporting ENMU as well as the local community originated from Jeff. He believed it was the team of people who made the difference in Cattle Baron’s success and that success comes from education and higher learning.

Cattle Baron management believes private initiatives for public good to be the cornerstone of supporting those who support you. Cattle Baron’s proven recipe for success is, “A great menu and great service in a great setting all for an enormous value.” Supporting those communities who support them continues to insure a bright future for Cattle Baron Restaurants, Inc. and continued growth for people in their communities.

Volunteer of the Year Charles Bennett

Charles Bennett

The Bennett family has a strong connection with ENMU. Charles Bennett double majored in agriculture business and finance and met his wife, Beverly, at ENMU. Charles’ mom, three sisters, and two of his children also graduated from Eastern.

Charles’ desire to volunteer comes from Christian conviction to do God’s handiwork. He selflessly gives back to the community by investing in youth. He had many people help him when he was growing up, and many people helped his children. Charles wants to return the favor and invest his time and energy into other people’s children through his volunteerism with ENMU’s nationally-renowned Rodeo Team.

Charles began volunteering for the ENMU rodeo team in 2003 when his youngest daughter was on the ENMU Rodeo team. Charles started by helping out with the arena grounds, and now he is a part of something bigger—a Christian ministry called Catch the Vision, which is involved with numerous aspects of the rodeo. The team assembles goodie bags for all 500 rodeo contestants competing in the College Dayz Rodeo. This year, Catch the Vision is expanding to providing bags to each ENMU student-athlete across all sports. Last year they raised approximately $3,500 for the rodeo team through various efforts including managing the concession stand. Catch the Vision is also involved in the community and coordinates the local National Day of Prayer ceremony.

Catch the Vision is grateful for the opportunity to raise money for the rodeo team, but Charles explained it’s not about the money, it’s about the kids. Charles and Beverly’s philanthropic goal is to change the destiny of the kids with whom they come into contact.