General News

Business Affairs VP Taking Permanent Vacation
(will be remembered for always taking time for everyone)
by Tracy Henderson
Communication Services

For the last seven years, vice president for Business Affairs Danny Earp has filled the halls of the Eastern New Mexico University Administration Building with a pleasant smile and friendly manner.

If you have not had the chance to catch up with Danny, your chances are running out. He will retire on July 31.

Danny came to Eastern in July 1996. Before that, he worked closely with Eastern during his job as deputy directory for the Commission on Higher Education for the State of New Mexico. As he began to know the people of the University, former President Frost and many others at ENMU caught his eye. “I always thought ENMU had a pretty campus and good people,” said Danny.

It was not until Ruth Moore, former vice president of Business Affairs, retired that Danny had the opportunity to add to the personality of Eastern. Over the last seven years, he has achieved many accomplishments and supervised much-needed projects, which include the Campus Master Plan, renovation of Roosevelt Hall, the Education Building, Lea Hall, Eddy Hall, Curry Hall, Campus Union Building, dining hall, and patio, the University Computer Center parking lot, Zia Softball Field, and the track for the newly reestablished track program, and the CUB Dining Hall.

Danny supervised the implementation of the Banner System – the administrative computer system, purchasing cards which have simplified employees’ ability to make purchases, and the campus card programs which enable employees and students to put money on a card for on-campus purchases. [more]
(photo by Tracy Henderson)

Resolution Presented to Danny Earp at Saturday's Board of Regents Meeting

WHEREAS, Danny Earp has served Eastern New Mexico University as vice president of Business Affairs since 1996; and

WHEREAS, Danny oversaw numerous major projects, including the completion of the Campus Master Plan, renovation of Roosevelt Hall, the Education Building, Lea Hall, Eddy Hall, Curry Hall, the Campus Union Building dining hall, parking lot and Dallan Sanders Memorial Plaza, the University Computer Center parking lot, and construction of the Zia Softball Field and the new track, and

WHEREAS, Danny supervised implementation of the technologically-advanced Banner System, and the Purchasing Card and Campus Card programs; and

WHEREAS, Danny brought statewide honor and respect to Eastern by his professionalism in serving as the higher education representative on the New Mexico Finance Authority and the New Mexico Land Trust Advisory boards, and represented Eastern at the Commission on Higher Education and the New Mexico Legislature; and

WHEREAS, Danny managed Eastern’s fiscal affairs in a prudent and efficient manner during a time of declining budgets; and

WHEREAS, Danny served higher education in New Mexico for 28 years with unwavering energy and expertise; and

WHEREAS, Danny treated employees, students and those outside the University with kindness, patience and respect; and

WHEREAS, Danny’s hard work, integrity and sense-of-humor represent the highest ideals of Eastern New Mexico University;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Regents of Eastern New Mexico University does this day of June 21, 2003, approve this resolution expressing our gratitude to and admiration for Danny Earp in recognition of his immeasurable contributions to the advancement of Eastern New Mexico University.

Signed,

Blaine Hess, President, ENMU Board of Regents
Steven G. Gamble, ENMU President
(photo by Tracy Henderson)

Student Regent Came to Eastern Because of Reputation of Department of Communicative Arts and Sciences
by Britt Hochhausler
Communication Services

Eastern New Mexico University students become leaders, even before they graduate. Just ask Tracy

Henderson, secretary/treasurer for the Eastern Board of Regents, the governing body for the University.

Tracy, a 1999 Tucumcari High School graduate, came to Eastern because of the reputation of the Department of Communicative Arts and Sciences. "I came to Eastern because I knew I wanted to major in public relations, and I heard Eastern had an outstanding communication program," Tracy noted.

She has been involved in many activities at Eastern, most for which she has excelled and received well-deserved awards. This year, she won the award for Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Public Relations and was appointed by New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson to the Board of Regents, an honor given to only one student every two years.

"Hands-on experience is what you get when you attend a smaller school like Eastern," Tracy said. "I know the generous opportunities I've taken advantage of at ENMU will give me an edge when I'm competing with other new graduates for positions." [more]
(left photo by Britt Hochhausler; right photo by Ronnie Birdsong)

ENMU Offering On-Line Course on 'Power Games: Politics and Media'
by Tracy Henderson
ENMU Communication Services

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Eastern New Mexico University has added a new team-taught on-line class: Communication/Political Science 330: Power Games: Politics and Media. The class will focus on political uses of the mass media to shape social values, and will begin with the second four-week summer session on June 30.

The class will be taught by Dr. Janet Roehl, professor of journalism, and Dr. Sue Strickler, associate professor of political science. According to Dr. Thurman Elder, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the course will satisfy the upper division requirement in general education-global diversity. [more]

ENMU Graduate Working for Naval Air Systems Command
by Tracy Henderson
Communication Services

Personal touch and concern for student success are not just slogans to the students of Eastern New Mexico University. Amy (Braskamp) Behrman, a 1991 graduate with a B.S in communications with an emphasis in public relations, learned these are genuine attributes of the faulty and professors at Eastern. Upon her graduation, she left with a quality education, great learning experiences, and the best of friends.

"Eastern provided a great atmosphere for building friendships; the diversity of students' backgrounds gave you a chance to learn about the nature of people and what motivates them," said Amy."The relationships I built while at Eastern helped define who I am today and left a lasting impact on my life."

Today, Amy is a Communications and Public Affairs Director at the Naval Air Systems Command Headquarters (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Md. NAVAIR is an organization of approximately 27,000 military and civilian personnel at eight operating locations across the U.S., as well as two abroad. NAVAIR supports the Naval mission by developing, acquiring, testing, and supporting all naval aircraft and related weapons systems and operates on an annual budget of approximately $22 billion. [more]

Professor Becoming Local Celebrity with Newspaper Column
(Just Lookin' Around)
by Britt Hochhausler
Communication Services

Eastern New Mexico University has a new local celebrity: Dr. James Lee, news and public affairs director of KENW-FM, has recently created a column for the Portales News-Tribune. The idea for “Just Lookin’ Around” started over a year ago when Dr. Lee mentioned it in passing to Dr. Dan Pilon, assistant professor of health and physical education.

“I procrastinated and, frankly, pretty much forgot all about it, until Dr. Pilon prodded me about it around six months ago,” Dr. Lee said.

The professor then wrote a few sample columns and sent it to the newspaper. However, the News-Tribune was in the process of changing managing editors, so there was a delay in their response. The new managing editor, Mike Linn, passed the columns to David Stevens, editor for Freedom Newspapers of New Mexico. Then, the column became a reality.

“I signed the contract, bought a new box of crayons, and began writing a regular column,” Dr. Lee said.

The first actual column was published on March 16. In it, Dr. Lee discussed an assortment of issues that arise when he is “just lookin’ around” the environment in Portales.

Dr. Lee likes to discuss ENMU in his column, as well as other aspects of the Clovis and Portales area. He is very active in community service activities, such as being a board member for the Kiwanis Club and Habitat for Humanity, and a volunteer for Teen Court.

Since its inception, Dr. Lee has received a lot of feedback about his column, including some from as far away as Maine. These responses give him ideas as well.

“We are surrounded by wonders every instant of our lives. We should take the time to appreciate them. After all, a life without wonder is a trip without scenery,” Dr. Lee opined.
(photo by Britt Hochhausler)

Summer Choir Camp Held at ENMU
by Britt Hochhausler
Communication Services

The Department of Music at Eastern New Mexico University held their annual summer choir camp for students in 9th through 12th grades from June 15-19.

This year's event included students from high schools in Los Alamos, El Paso, Roswell, Capitan, Anthony, Clovis, Raton, Las Vegas, Grants, Las Cruces and Portales.

The non-profit camp was started 18 years ago. High school directors from the area and ENMU music students serve on staff for the camp. Dr. David Gerig, dean of the College of Fine Arts, serves as director.

The students stayed at the residence halls and were able to enjoy many of the amenities ENMU provides, including the use of the natatorium, volleyball courts and basketball courts. The students also enjoyed a movie and a talent show.

For more information, call Dr. Gerig at 505.562.2373.
(photos by Britt Hochhausler)

Golden Library Featuring Two 'Farm' Artists
by Cheryl Black
Golden Library

The Golden Library at Eastern New Mexico University will feature two artists, Joyce Fraze and Zillah Fraze, July 3-Aug. 1.

Joyce Fraze came from Texas to this area in a covered wagon when she was four years old. While attending school in the Rogers community, she met and married Earnest Leslie Fraze. The Frazes purchased a large farm near Dora, and began raising two children.

In the 60's, she began painting lessons from Dr. Merrick and later with Mrs. Wallace. Joyce prefers oils to other mediums, and concentrates on still-life and scenic views for her artwork. She enjoyed painting and found it therapeutic. Mrs. Fraze said, "I don't paint anymore because my arthritis is so bad. I get started on a painting and can't quit until it is done. That's not good for my hands."

Zillah Fraze's history is very similar to that of Joyce Fraze. She, too, came to this area from Texas, and became a part of the Rogers community. It is here she met and married Ralph Fraze, the brother of Leslie Fraze. They purchased a farm in the Dora area as well, and raised three children.

Upon retiring from farming, Zillah moved to Portales and took painting lessons from Nelda Wallace. Mrs. Fraze takes pleasure in painting landscapes and windmills, and is even known to paint horse, cattle and wildlife. She said, "I never thought I was good enough for others to enjoy or appreciate it. I am so excited and look forward to this exhibit."

All exhibits in Golden Library are free and open to the public.

ENMU-Roswell Hits Record Summer Enrollment
by Donna Gutierrez
ENMU-Roswell

The growth trend at ENMU-Roswell is continuing, with summer enrollment now hitting an all-time high. The number of students on campus is currently 1,547, which is a 49.6 percent increase over last summer. The summer session began June 9 and classes will continue through Aug. 1.

The record summer headcount follows record enrollments for the fall 2002 semester and for the spring 2003 semester, when the student population reached 3,850. Previously, the highest summer enrollment on campus was 1,343 in 1998.

University officials cite various reasons for the enrollment increases, including the expansion of on-line courses, which has attracted students from across the country. ENMU-Roswell now offers an accredited University Studies Associate of Arts degree completely o-nline. A number of partnerships have generated additional students and targeted retention/recruiting efforts have also had a positive impact on enrollment.

ENMU-Roswell Presents Grant-Writing Workshop
by Donna Gutierrez
ENMU-Roswell

Area residents are invited to participate in a grant-writing workshop next month offered through the ENMU-Roswell Customized Training Program. Designed for beginning grant writers, the workshop will be taught by Jane Batson, RN, MA, and Chairperson of the ENMU-Roswell Division of Health. Batson has more than 20 years' experience in writing grant proposals to secure funding for numerous community and university programs in Chaves County.

The workshop will be held on Thursday, July 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Occupational Technology Center on campus, Room 124. The cost is $75, which includes a comprehensive notebook and examples of grant materials. Those interested can contact Merry Jarm at 624.7219 to register and make payment arrangements. [more]

Read the latest issue of The Grapevine from ENMU-Roswell – edited by Linda Whitehead
[more]

New to Eastern
Kevin Blaskowski, Head Softball Coach
Christina Gregg, Admissions Counselor
Terri Pickard, Temporary ITV Facilitator
Charles Stockwell, Police Officer
Scott Smart, Vice President for Business Affairs

No longer at Eastern
Rhonda Campbell, Recruiting Scholarship Clerk

Candid Camera

From 'The Chase' – Sept. 16, 1977

Where's the Beef? Scenes from Friends of Eastern BBQ (photos by Wendel Sloan)

All ages eagerly await overnight-buried BBQ to be excavated.

(L-R) Cooks Steve Doerr, Bill Joy and Buck Wilson trim bounty.

Chatting minimizes hunger pains until buried treasure is served.

At last...and it is finger-lickin' good!

John wonders, "Should I pile it on now, or can I have seconds?"

New VP Was There: Scott Smart (right), ENMU's new vice president for Business Affairs, was at the BBQ with his son, Russell. Scott comes to us from Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste Marie, Mich. – not yet a hotbed for buried BBQ.

Kay Shumate Moves On (photo by Wendel Sloan)

Someone Left the Cake Out in the Rain – Kay Shumate, Business Affairs Grant and Contract Accountant, recently moved on to work for the City of Portales.

Monday Memo Editor Threatened (photo by Wendel Sloan)

In Line of Duty – At Kay's farewell party, the Monday Memo editor was threatened with bodily harm – or at least vandalism of his newly-painted house – if he took a photo of this cake-serving gladiator.

Witnesses Were Present... (photo by Wendel Sloan)

And Can Be Subpoenaed – However, so far the ladies are sticking together like icing on a cake, claiming that at one time or another they have all been victims of the photog's camera-abuse. They even protested that the editor's previous claims of "I promise I will not use it" have been – at best – untrustworthy.

Elvira, Elvira... (photo by Wendel Sloan)

My Heart's On Fire – Charcoal paintings, including this one of the Mistress of the Dark, by local artist Lonnie Black are on display in the foyer of the Golden Library through July 3.

Win a Patriotic Picnic Basket (((photo by Tracy Henderson)(photo by Tracy Henderson)

Suitable for Conservatives or Liberals – Chances are $1 for the newest AEOP basket. Valued at over $30, this Patriotic Picnic Basket contains all you need (except ants) for a July 4 picnic for you and your family. With tumblers, plates, napkins, bowls, table cloth, condiment dispensers, plastic cutlery, cookie cutters, 3-Liter of Dr. Pepper, chips, flags, fireworks and a tub for all your goodies, you can’t go wrong! Proceeds for this fundraiser go toward the AEOP scholarship for ENMU employees. Tickets can be bought by any AEOP member. For more information, or to see who members are, go to the AEOP Web site: www.enmu.edu/AEOP.

Takin' It To The Streets ((photo by Wendel Sloan)(

Not Exactly the Doobie Brothers – But Ground Zero has been making morning house calls around campus with their addictive blend of drinkies and munchies.

Precocious Prospect (photo by Richard Salas)

Went Through Grades K-9 in Record Time – This prospective student, Doggie Howareyousir, recently took a campus visit in one of the new University vehicles designed for prospects from unincorporated communities. After flying through grades K-9 in little more than two years back home in Kennel, Texas – which is still trying to qualify for a microplex designation with the neighboring communities of Spade and Groom – he is currently using dog-eared study guides to cram for his GED, ACT and RINGWORM tests. He says that although he was attracted to ENMU by reports of cute greyhounds being recruited for the new track program, if he just gets the runaround from them, he may transfer to ENMU-Roswell (thanks to the articulation agreeement) to check out their building and ruffing program. Doggie notes that while many vocational teachers have a reputation of being somewhat gruff, he knows that their bark is worse than their bite. He also says that despite the thick chains he favors around his neck, they are just for style points and that he is more interested in four-stepping than gangsta rap – although he does like Snoop Dog.

Professional Senators Leaving Office (photo by Wendel Sloan)

Without a Hint of Scandal – As their terms expired, ENMU Professional Senators (left) Geralyn Million and (right) Becky Lopez were recently honored for their service to the Professional Senate. Bernita Nutt (center), president of the Professional Senate, presented them appreciation plaques, as well as purple hearts for being wounded in the previous Merit Pay War.

Support Senators Leaving Office (photo by Wendel Sloan)

Same Awards As Above – Support Senators honored by their president, Bill Greenlees, as their terms expired were: (L-R) Bonnie Sink, Dorothy Bulls, Donna Shelley and Deborah Bentley.

Employee Briefs

Dr. Julia Rosa Lopez-Emslie has been appointed by the Board of Trustees of The Higher Learning Commission-NCA to the Institutional Actions Council. Each year the staff of The Higher Lerning Commission identify members of the Peer Review Corps whose distinguished service makes them eligible to serve the Commission in other capacities. The 26-member Institutional Actions Council is made up of twenty peer-reviewers who are recognized for their knowledge, experience and understanding of the accreditation process. Six public representatives also serve as IAC members.