ENMU Foundation Awards
2016 Homecoming Honorees Business of the Year Rooney Moon Broadcasting Rooney Moon Broadcasting’s fundamental philosophy is having “community commitment.” Owners Steve Rooney and Duffy Moon recognize that the legacy of local media is in servicing the local communities, and the station group donates thousands of dollars’ worth of airtime to community issues and events. Rooney and Moon believe it is their obligation to be as supportive as they can to the University—the cornerstone of Portales. Their flagship station, KSEL-FM, broadcasts local sports for ENMU. Their support also extends to the other educational institutions in town, including the Portales Rams and all the smaller local schools for whom they broadcast a large number of post-season athletics and state championship games. Rooney Moon Broadcasting believes that supporting the community in general is where the future of radio is, and
although radio faces challenges with other competitive mediums, the one thing that local radio can do that the others can’t is be supportive of the community. In addition to their support of local education, Rooney Moon Broadcasting is involved with many local organizations, including United Way, Food Bank and Meals on Wheels, giving both financial contributions and donation of airtime. In 2002, Rooney Moon started their annual Secret Santa program to help families in need by providing gifts, Christmas trees and food during the holiday. To date, the program has helped 133 struggling families, and Mix 107.5 and the company’s listeners have donated more than $272,000. The company has also funded trips to Iraq, Japan and Guam to visit local service members stationed in those countries.
Philanthropist of the Year Sandra Matteucci Sandra Matteucci (BA 60) is known for her longtime giving spirit and supports Eastern because she wholeheartedly believes in the University’s mission for student success and appreciates the education she received. Sandra began contributing to the ENMU Foundation’s University Fund in 1989, and since then, she has actively invested in the future of ENMU through Starter Scholarships and more. Realizing the increasing cost and challenges associated with attending college, Sandra is directly impacting generations of
ENMU students, helping them to achieve the quality education that she so greatly values. In addition to her philanthropic generosity, Sandra tries to promote Eastern in every way that she can. She uses her ENMU license plate in the Arizona where she is one of many ‘Greyhounds in the desert.’ She also shares alumni bond with her son, James (BBA 89) who followed in his mother’s footsteps three decades later. Sandra loves Eastern—and loves people to know she loves Eastern.
Volunteers of the Year Thurman and Alta Elder Math and computer science professor Dr. Thurman Elder (MA 66, BS 64) spent more than 30 years as an ENMU faculty member. He served as department chair of Mathematical Sciences from 1981-97, ENMU’s Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences from 1997-2006 and briefly as the interim Dean of the College of Business. The Faculty Athletic Representative for 13 years, Dr. Elder acted as liaison between ENMU, the NCAA and the Lone Star Conference. Now retired, Dr. Elder’s love for ENMU has not faded. He currently serves on the Greyhound Club board, ENMU Foundation board and ENMU Athletics Hall of Honors committee.
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Green & Silver | November 2016
Alta Elder (MED 83, BSE 81) joined ENMU in 2004. As the College of Education’s Outreach Coordinator, she acts as liaison between ENMU and all public school districts. She has served on the Alumni board since 1994 and is a part of the ENMU Educators’ Hall of Honor committee, ENMU Women, and the Golden Apple Nomination committee. She is also a dedicated basketball mom. For both Thurman and Alta Elder, their thoughts became words, and their words became deeds. As proud alumni, they are active supporters of ENMU students and programs. Their generous volunteerism demonstrates their belief that it’s better to give than receive.
