General News

New Business Affairs Vice President Arrives from Michigan
(Scott Smart replacing Danny Earp)
by Tracy Henderson
Communication Services

The new vice president for Business Affairs at Eastern New Mexico University had a long way to
travel from Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. After a 38-hour drive with his son to Portales, Scott Smart's days soon filled with meetings and training from soon-to-be former vice president Danny Earp (who will retire July 31).

Scott says that a combination of the weather and location of ENMU intrigued him to submit his application. Though this is the first time that he has lived out of Michigan, Scott embraces the change.

“I love the climate and atmosphere of New Mexico, and the friendliness of Eastern. The transition has been quite smooth and enjoyable.”

He first stepped foot on Eastern’s campus in the middle of May for his two-day interview. He spent his second day on Eastern’s sister campus in Roswell. At this time, Scott was captivated by Eastern’s mission statement and friendly people.

“I got a strong positive vibe from Eastern’s employees. Everyone understood the mission and were all working together to move forward,” Scott said. “The mission is close to the institution that I just left. It is a great success to attract a first-time college student. That often leads to other family members attending college.”

“Mr. Smart was the ideal candidate; he had the experience we were looking for and had really good references,” said Dr. Steven Gamble, ENMU president. [more]
(photos by Tracy Henderson)

Toy Library Educates Children, Prepares Teachers
by Tracy Henderson
Communication Services

For most parents finding educational toys that your children like can be difficult and expensive. But Eastern New Mexico University offers free toys through the Toy and Resource Lending Library.

The Toy Library is filled with thousands of educational toys dealing with math, science, literacy, fine motor, gross motor, games, puzzles, CDs, children’s books in various forms, ethnic play food items, and resources for adults. The toys range from infant to school-age children.

A picture ID and the willingness to sign a simple form stating one will take care of the toys and return them on time is all that is required to check out an item. Any parent, grandparent, childcare provider, teacher, ENMU student, or anyone in the community can check out approximately four items at a time for two weeks. Daycare providers can check out items for one month.

“We never have had a problem of people bringing the toys back; they come back cleaned and in good condition,” said Shannon Bowens, childcare training and technical assistance program coordinator. [more]
(photo by Tracy Henderson)

New Regent Member Has Served Eastern in Many Capacities
by Britt Hochhausler
Communication Services

College experience doesn’t always last four years; sometimes, it can last a lifetime. Just ask Dr. Jay Gurley, one of Eastern New Mexico University's new members of the Board of Regents.

His involvement in student government, student organizations, alumni supporting roles and other activities that have aided Eastern have kept him involved with ENMU since he first stepped on campus as a freshman in 1958.

Jay graduated from Eastern New Mexico University in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in 1967. Although he went on to receive a doctorate degree from Texas A&M-Commerce (formerly East Texas State), his involvement with Eastern New Mexico University has been steadfast.

He has served in many positions for Eastern, including director of Upward Bound, faculty member, and director of the School of Education before he was named provost for the former ENMU-Clovis campus. “I have had the good fortune to meet and/or serve with every Eastern president since its beginning,” Jay noted.

Jay has received many awards from Eastern, including the Outstanding Alumni Award in 1996 and the Distinguished Service Award in 1999. He was also inducted into the ENMU Athletic Hall of Honors in 2002 for his achievement as a Greyhound basketball player. This year, he was appointed by Governor Bill Richardson to serve on Eastern’s Board of Regents for six years.

ENMU Professor Publishes Opinion Piece on Clean-Coal Technology
by Dr. Jim Constantopoulos
ENMU Associate Professor of Geology

(Editor’s Note: The following opinion piece by ENMU’s Dr. Jim Constantopoulos has appeared in a number of newspapers around the state.)

Mounting evidence that global climate change is caused in large part by rising concentrations of man-made greenhouse gases has inspired efforts on the part of some states to slow the growth in emissions from power plants and motor vehicles. None of the efforts, however, are as bold – and hold as much promise – as Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham's far-sighted plan to build an xperimental power plant within 10 years that runs on coal but releases no carbon dioxide, the principal greenhouse gas.

Using new advances in clean-coal technology, the plant will extract nonpolluting hydrogen from water, which could be used to generate electricity or to power fuel cells for motor vehicles. The carbon dioxide produced as a waste byproduct in burning coal would be sequestered underground.

Those skeptics who scoff at the idea of an emission-free coal plant ignore the huge strides in clean-coal technology that have led to the development of such advanced processes for producing electricity as fluidized-bed combustion and coal-to-gas systems. Since 1980, power plants using clean-coal technology have played a key role in achieving significant reductions in overall emissions of sulfur dioxide, which produces acid rain, and smog-forming nitrogen oxides, even as the amount of coal being burned to produce electricity has doubled. [more]

Rodriguez Family Is Dedicated to College Education at ENMU-Roswell
by Donna Gutierrez
ENMU-Roswell

For Ismael, Erminia, Sara, and Diana Rodriguez, the desire to get a college education runs in the family. For them, Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell is a home away from home. Sara is a recent graduate and now employee of the university. Diana just began her college career this summer. Dad, Ismael, and mom, Erminia, are also both ENMU-Roswell students. You could say the Rodriguez family knows the value of a college education.

Ismael Rodriguez worked at Roswell’s bus manufacturing company for 24 years before the business shut its doors. At Nova BUS, he worked as an electrical technician, making good money with good benefits. When the job ended, he was forced to leave his comfort zone. At the urging of his daughter, Sara, he turned to ENMU-Roswell to learn some new skills and pursue a degree. He said he immediately felt comfortable on campus.

“I see a high level of professionalism that the teachers here exhibit,” he said. “I’m very appreciative of the help I’ve received from (staff members) Bob Bowman and Mary Lou Hightower. They have been very supportive and helpful.” [more]
(L-R – Sara, Erminia, Ismael and Diana Rodriguez)
(photo by Donna Gutierrez)

ENMU-Ruidoso Scholarships Available for Fall Semester
by Dr. Jim Miller
ENMU-Ruidoso

Scholarships and other types of financial aid are available for fall 2003 semester classes at Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso. Scholarship applications are due at the College office, 709 Mechem, Aug. 1 for classes beginning Monday, Aug. 25.

“With the enormous variety of financial assistance available today,” stated Center Director Dr. Jim Miller, “cost rarely prohibits a student from attending college. Tuition rates are increasing in Texas on the order of 20% or more, making beginning college attendance within Lincoln County more cost effective for middle income families,” said Dr. Miller.

Assistance in applying for federal financial aid is also available during regular office hours for Eastern or for any college or university. Lottery “bridge” scholarships are available for May 2003 high school or GED graduates who are required by law to attend college in New Mexico in August. Mescalero and other Native American students can access several additional forms of financial aid through their tribal education office.

For more information, contact Ms. Cheri LaCounte at 505.257.2120 or toll free at 1.800.934.3668.

Candid Camera

From 'The Chase' – Sept. 16, 1977

Secretary Carries Through with Threat on Monday Memo Editor (photo by Tracy Henderson)

The jab landed, but at least the uppercut missed – The secretary who had threatened the Monday Memo editor with bodily harm if he ran her photo in the June 23 issue carried through. As soon as the editor returned from a two-week hideout in the wilds of East Texas, she got in a nice left jab. The editor reports that he didn't even hear the bell ring until after the punch.

The Photo That Caused It All (photo by Wendel Sloan; digital remastering by Dave Ortega)

To protect the editor from further harm, we have digitally obscured the pugilist's face. (Rumor has it that she still owns the icing-covered cake knife.)

And the Winner of the Patriotic Picnic Basket Is (((photo by Dave Ortega)(photo by Tracy Henderson)

Gail Crozier – Alma Lyle Bilberry (right), president of AEOP, presented Gail Crozier the keys to this patriotic basket. Betsy Chavez, one of those riverboat-gambler types that seems to always have lady luck on her side, sold the winning ticket. AEOP uses its fundraisers to provide two fall scholarships for ENMU employees. The AEOP Web site is at www.enmu.edu/AEOP. Don't forget AEOP's picnic this Tuesday at noon between the computer center and liberal arts buildings.

Community Band Concert at ENMU-Roswell (((photo by Donna Gutierrez)(photo by Tracy Henderson)

Formal Shoes Not Required – The Community Band performed on campus at ENMU-Roswell on July 3. Its musical fireworks were reportedly as brilliant as any in the skies over the July 4th holiday.

President Gamble Meets with CHE at ENMU-R (((photo by Donna Gutierrez)(photo by Tracy Henderson)

Facilities Meeting – President Gamble recently met with the Commission on Higher Education in a meeting about facilities. The meeting was held on the campus of ENMU-Roswell.

Employee Briefs

Mrs. V.K. Bussen, Title V: Math Plus Coordinator, is currently attending the Kellogg Institute for The Training and Certification of
Developmental Educators at Appalachian State University in North Carolina. This is the nation's oldest continuous advanced training
program for developmental educators and learning skills specialists. The programs consists of two components: (1) an intensive, four-week summer residency and (2) a supervised practicum following the residency and carried out at the participant's home campus.