General News

Welcome to 2004 Homecoming!

'Spirit-Pride-Tradition – 70 Years'

ENMU Homecoming Set for October 4-10
by Wendel Sloan
ENMU Communication Services

Eastern New Mexico University will celebrate Homecoming on Oct. 4-10. This year's theme is "Spirit-Pride-Tradition-70 Years."

Activities will begin at 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 4, with the 14th Annual Songfest in the Campus Union Ballroom. ENMU students will showcase their acting, singing and dancing talents.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 6, students will be able to make their own music videos in the Campus Union Lobby.

The Department of Theatre will present "Blithe Spirit" at 8 p.m. in the University Theatre on Oct. 7-9. The play is directed by Dr. Anne Beck, assistant professor of theatre. For ticket information, call 505.562.2710.

The Homecoming Golf Experience will be held from 8 a.m.-noon and a separate group of participants will play between 1-5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 8 at the Portales Country Club. The entry fee is $50 per player. For more information, call 505.562.2153.

A Campus Cookout and Pep Rally will be held that evening from 5-6:45 p.m. at the Dallan Sanders Memorial Plaza at the Campus Union Building. A bonfire will follow at Greyhound Arena.

From 6:30-10 p.m. there will be a Friday Night Alumni and Friends Social at The Roosevelt restaurant in Portales.

The Homecoming Parade will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday through downtown Portales. From 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. there will be a pre-game buffet in the Campus Union Dining Hall. Tickets are $8 at the door.

The Hall of Honors Homecoming Football Game against West Texas A&M University will be at 2 p.m. that day at Greyhound Stadium. Hall of Honors recipients are: Brenda (Worley) Gomez in basketball; Dr. Thurman Elder in the Support category; Conrad Hamilton, Furmin Haney and Wayne Calhoun in football; and Stacy (Tapper) Sparks in volleyball.

The Homecoming King and Queen and their court will also be announced at halftime of the game. Immediately following the game, there will be a Post-Game Alumni Social at The Roosevelt.

Other Homecoming activities include a reception by the Council of Professors Emeriti from 3-5 p.m. on Friday at the COPE Center at 1700 S. Ave. I in Portales; an "Aussie Tailgate Party" for business graduates at 11:45 a.m. on Saturday at Dr. Gerry Huybregts' home at 1331 W. 17th lane in Portales; and The Friends of Eastern Foundation 29th Annual Breakfast at 8 a.m. on Saturday in the Campus Union Ballroom. The ENMU Board of Regents will meet at 9:30 a.m. on Friday in the Administration Building.

Additional activities include a book sale in Golden Library, special reunions for the classes of 1954 and 1994, and a downtown merchants' window decorating contest, sponsored by the Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce.

Alumni registration will be from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday in the Campus Union Lobby.

For more information, call Alumni Affairs at 505.562.2125, or e-mail janice.cowen@enmu.edu.
(photo by Susan Lee)

To see the complete Homecoming schedule, click [here].

2004 Alumni Awards Announced
by Janice Cowen
Director of Alumni Affairs

Outstanding Alum	Outstanding Alum	Distinguished Service	Distinguished Service	Honorary Lifetime Alum

Outstanding Alumni Awards

Dr. John D. Kiker

Dr. John D. Kiker graduated summa cum laude from Eastern in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and math, and from the University of New Mexico Medical School in 1978. After completing an internship in surgery at the University of Texas San Antonio in 1979, he returned to Albuquerque to complete a residency in urology at UNM in 1983. Dr. Kiker moved to Roswell and entered private practice as a urologist. He is board certified by the American Board of Urology and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, serving as New Mexico state president for this organization. Dr. Kiker has over twenty medical publications and enjoys teaching UNM residents-in-training and ENMU-R nursing students. In 1999 he formed Abundant Life for All (ALFA) Ministries in Yelahanka, India. He has since traveled there to help in ALFA’s orphanage, trade school, and Christian training center. Recently, a renewed interest in painting has led him to become an understudy of landscape artist Irby Brown of Santa Fe. He has exhibited his work in several juried shows and profits from the sale of his paintings are used to help bring encouragement and help to the lives of those in need.

Sara Mitchell
Dr. Sara Mitchell graduated from Eastern in 1966 with a bachelor’s degree in French and English. In 1971, she returned to Eastern and earned a master’s degree in secondary education, and an educational specialist degree in education administration in 1981. Sara graduated with a doctorate degree in education from the University of New Mexico in 1996. She has clearly distinguished herself in the field of education and with many contributions to her community. As the director of the Clovis Alternative School, Sara worked with community agencies regarding special needs of students and families. She served as internal coordinator for district-wide strategic planning and coordinator of staff development for Clovis Municipal Schools. While an instructor at Clovis Community College, Sara was responsible for implementing the first campus interactive television course for the English department. She received the Woman of the Year Award at Eastern in 1966 and Clovis Educator of the Year Award in 1985. Sara resides in Albuquerque and is C.E.O. of Hardly Dogs Greeting Card Company, works as an educational consultant, and has authored several publications.

Distinguished Service Awards

Albert E. (Al) Whitehead
Al Whitehead enrolled at Eastern in 1948 after being awarded a football scholarship. In 1950, his junior year, he was called to serve in the U.S. Army. Al served in Korea with the Combat Engineers and was discharged in February of 1953. He returned to Eastern to complete his education, and in 1954 was elected student body president. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1955, he started a life-long career in the oil business with Union Oil of California in Midland, Texas. His career led him to Canada in 1959, where he was vice president of Altair Oil and Gas Company. He has founded and co-founded several oil companies and is currently chairman and C.E.O. of Empire Petroleum Corporation in Tulsa, Okla. Al has been a dedicated member of the ENMU Alumni Board since 1985, serving on many important committees and supporting the alumni scholarship program. As a former Greyhound, he remains active in the ENMU Bench Club and helps with many fundraising activities. He is very instrumental in encouraging others to volunteer, whether it is for membership on the Alumni Board or support for various programs on the Eastern campus. Al’s leadership on the board and “bleed green” loyalty to Eastern sets a great example for other alumni to follow.

Earlene Price
Earlene graduated from Eastern in 1960 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education, history and English. She taught 16 years in the Aztec School District, most of those years teaching English at Aztec High School. Before retiring in 1993, Earlene served as the government counselor at New Mexico Girls’ State, site director for New Mexico Association of Student Councils Workshop, and taught part-time at San Juan College in Farmington. Earlene serves as president of the board and interim director of the Navajo United Methodist Center in Farmington, a transitional living facility for survivors of domestic violence, and is a writing consultant for Safer New Mexico Now, an advocate for child safety in the state. Since 1989 she has been a member of the Alumni Board of Directors. Earlene’s participation, leadership, and experience on the board are invaluable, and she has served as president, vice president and treasurer of the organization. As a member of the ENMU Legislative Affairs Committee, she speaks with state legislators and officials about the distinctive role Eastern plays in higher education and the needs and priorities of the institution. In 1988, Earlene and her husband, Joe, established the Jay Price Memorial Scholarship in memory of their son who attended school at Eastern. This scholarship has benefited twenty Aztec High School students and led them to various career fields including education, law, nursing, and journalism.

Honorary Lifetime Alumni Award

Kim Sanchez Rael
Kim Sanchez Rael is a venture partner of Flywheel Ventures, a Santa Fe-based seed - stage venture capital firm. She has a tech industry operational and financial background along with a strong entrepreneurial history, and expertise in university and laboratory commercialization. Kim was a founder and investor in Qynergy Corporation and served as chief operating officer and chief financial officer. Qynergy, based in Albuquerque, is backed by In-Q-Tel, the venture capital arm of the Central Intelligence Agency. Before Qynergy, Kim was employed at Intel Corporation for seven years. As a native New Mexican, Kim has invested heavily in the public sector and nonprofit community. She began her public service career as a Legislative Aide to United States Senator Jeff Bingaman in Washington, D.C. She is currently a member of the New Mexico State Board of Finance, a director of the Albuquerque Public Schools Foundation, and an advisory board member for the Arts Alliance. In 2002 and 2003, Kim was named one of the state's top 40 "Power Brokers" by New Mexico Business Weekly. Kim holds a bachelor's degree from Harvard University and a master’s of business administration degree and certificate in public management from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Friends of Eastern Foundation Announces Awards
by Noelle Bartl
Director of Development

Business of the Year	Philanthropist of the Year	Volunteer of the Year

Business of the Year

Comb's Properties
Larry and Joyce Combs, along with Larry’s mother, Ida Lou Combs, established Comb’s Properties in 1985 in Portales. Their business services include purchasing and remodeling homes for resale as well as building and managing rentals in Clovis and Portales. Larry and Joyce’s son, Christopher, is about to graduate from ENMU in December and is also the assistant manager for both their Clovis and Portales offices. As members of the Faith Christian Family Church in Clovis, they have a firm belief in giving back to their community. Comb’s Properties is one of only two businesses supporting the Starter Scholarship Program via Foundation Flagship giving club at the $10,000 Stellar Level annually. “We are a small business in a community that values the economic impact of ENMU,” stated Larry. “The University and its students and staff are the ‘core of Portales’ and it makes our community unique and attractive.” Larry and Joyce are also members of the Chamber of Commerce and ENMU Bench Club as well as generous supporters of numerous charitable events and fundraisers in the community.

Philanthropist of the Year

Gene Shirley
Gene and Anne Shirley met each other for the first time in the third grade at a roller skating event, and then were reunited as freshmen at ENMU in 1951. Married as students, the two graduated in 1954: Gene as a business major who later (1955) earned his MBA with a specialty in marketing; Anne’s degree was in business education. Gene was a member of the ENMU tennis team from 1950-1954 and Anne was involved in the Pep Club and president of her sorority. “We have many fond memories as ENMU students, especially the two years we lived in Vetville,” remembers Gene. “Even early in my career at GE, we believed in helping ENMU because it was our way of giving back.” Anne passed away October 24, 2001. Gene continues to support the University by giving to the Bench Club, the scholarship fund and the 2023 Endowment. In 1998, the two established the Gene and Anne Shirley Charitable Remainder Unitrust and have included the Friends of Eastern Foundation in their will as the primary beneficiary of their estate. In August of 2004, Gene established two charitable gift annuities that will also benefit ENMU as well as provide income for him for life.
Volunteer of the Year

Lee and Sandi Black
“I had a couple of part-time jobs as a student,” remembers Lee Black (BS72), “and we want to make it easier for current ENMU students by giving back with our time, talent and treasure.” Sandi (BS71) is currently the superintendent of Hope Christian School in Albuquerque and is on the ENMU Alumni Association Board of Directors. Lee is the president of the New Mexico Baptist Foundation, helping individuals identify their philanthropic interests. In this role as a philanthropic “facilitator” he has worked with families that have remembered ENMU in their estate planning and most recently facilitated a $65,000 gift annuity benefiting ENMU from an Eastern alumna. Together they are on the Campaign Eastern Presidential Committee volunteering to raising $25,000 in pledges/donations in two years. Besides being active members in Hoffman Town Church, Lee is also president of the New Mexico Planned Giving Council and sits on the Committee on Order of Business for the Southern Baptist Foundation that plans their annual meetings. “Dr. Gamble and staff have impressed upon us their desire to provide a quality education for everyone,” explained Lee, “and we wanted to be apart of this positive trend and do our part to help.”

ENMU Presenting 'Blithe Spirit' During Homecoming
by Scarlet Smith
College of Fine Arts

Eastern New Mexico University will present “Blithe Spirit” during Homecoming activities. The curtain on the play by Sir Noel Coward will rise at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 7-9, in the University Theatre Center, Mainstage. Tickets are: $7 general admission, $6 senior citizens, $5 pre-college, and $4 ENMU students with current activities sticker.

The British playwright described his most popular play in 1941 as an “improbable farce in three acts” which only took six days to write.

Dr. Anne Beck, director and assistant professor of theatre, says, “This play has a wide appeal with sophisticated humor and wit.”

"Blithe Spirit" takes place in the living room of successful novelist Charles Condomine, played by ENMU senior John Moore and his wife, Ruth, played by ENMU student Heather Maez.

The Condomines have invited their friends, Dr. and Mrs. Bradman, to join them in a séance led by the village medium, Madam Arcati, played by ENMU student Jennae Pinnell, whose methods Charles will study for his new novel, “The Unseen.”

Ms. Pinnell says, “My character is an enthusiastic medium and an eccentric character. She believes in her profession and the quality of her work.”

During the séance, Charles’ first wife, Elvira, who died tragically young, materializes – seen and heard only by Charles. Chaos ensues until Madame Arcati, summoned again, makes Elvira disappear.

“Charles is a very witty character, sometimes irrelevant, but well spoken with much intelligence. The women in his life push him around, with the Madame as no exception, but he refuses to believe he is dominated by these women in his life,” says Mr. Moore.

A delightful comedy of manners replete with Coward's wit, the play is suitable for a general audience.

For more information, call 505.562.2711.

First Native American Astronaut to Visit ENMU This Morning
by Helena Rodriguez
ENMU Communication Services

The first and perhaps the only Native American in the country to rocket into space will blast onto the Eastern New Mexico University campus to deliver a motivational presentation this morning, Oct. 4, at 10 a.m. in the University Theatre. Seating is limited to the first 400.

Once a college dropout and now a highly-respected NASA astronaut and Navy commander, John Bennett Herrington will share his inspirational story of success. A question and answer session will follow his presentation.

“John is really well known amongst Native American communities because of what he has accomplished. He is very well respected,” said Utahna Livingston, student director of Eastern’s Office of Native American Affairs. “I think he will also be an inspiration to other students when he comes to talk at Eastern, to the science majors and anyone else who has had to work hard to accomplish their dreams. He has been through a lot of hardships.”

Herrington is currently doing some work in Russia. He was a member of the sixteenth Shuttle mission that visited the International Space Station from November to December of 2002. And it was during this famous voyage when Herrington, who was born in Wetumka, Okla., honored his Native American heritage by carrying six eagle feathers, a braid of sweet grass, two arrowheads and the Chickasaw nation’s flag.

To date, Herrington has logged more than 3,800 flight hours in more than 30 different types of aircraft. He grew up in Colorado, Wyoming and Texas, graduating from Plano High School in Plano, Texas. After an unsuccessful first attempt at college, Herrington worked on a survey team in the mountains of Colorado, where he discovered he had an aptitude for math and real-life problem solving. He then returned to college at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs, earning a degree in applied math in 1983.

Herrington then joined the Navy and was designated a naval aviator in 1985. In 1995, he earned a master’s degree in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. He was selected by NASA in 1996 to join the Johnson Space Center where he has served as a member of the Astronaut Support Personnel Team responsible for Shuttle launch preparations and post-landing operations.

During his visit to Eastern, Herrington is expected to have lunch with ENMU President Dr. Steven Gamble, along with some math and science professors, and to have dinner with Native American students.

President Gamble said that Herrington is as high in stature as any speaker Eastern has had in the three years he has been here. “I heard of him (Herrington) when he was doing his space mission,” Gamble said. “I saw the names of the crew that went and read things about him in his biography, but I never thought we would be fortunate enough to have him at Eastern. I encourage everybody that can come and hear his talk to come. He ought to be a wonderful speaker.”

Seating will be a on a first-come, first-served basis and several elementary and secondary students from Portales Municipal Schools are also expected to attend. For more information, contact Native American Affairs at 562.2470.

ENMU Enrollment Most Since 1993
Enrollment for the fall semester at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales is 3,959. This is the highest enrollment since 1993 when 3,973 students were enrolled, and the second most in 20 years.

Enrollment is up 6.3 percent from the 2003 fall headcount of 3,725. Total semester credit hours has increased from 43,398 to 45,454.

During the last year graduate students have increased from 701 to 718, and undergraduates have increased from 3,024 to 3,241. New freshmen are up from 543 to 576.

Students in residence halls have increased from 852 to 875, and the average ACT score of incoming freshmen has increased from 19.1 to 19.3. Overall, 253 new freshmen have an ACT score of 20 or above compared to 237 a year ago.

Ronnie Birdsong, vice president for Enrollment Services and University Relations, says that she attributes the growth to the efforts of Eastern’s faculty and staff, including the Graduate School, in showing prospective and current students personal attention, and Eastern's affordable tuition and academic reputation. In addition, Ms. Birdsong said that Eastern's recruiting efforts have also been successful in attracting a number of students from Texas, who can attend Eastern for in-state tuition if they live within 135 miles of the school, as well as other out-of-state and international students.

ENMU Chapter of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society and the Sigma Xi Distinguished Lecturer Program Presenting Talk on October 14
by Dr. David Batten
Department of Anthropology

Dr. Gordon Orians of the University of Washington, Department of Zoology, will speak in the Becky Sharp Auditorium in the College of Business at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 14 about "Industrial Development and Alaska’s North Slope Environment."

The lecture, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by Eastern's Chapter of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society and the Sigma Xi Distinguished Lecturer Program.

Dr. Orians recently chaired an National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council committee on "Cumulative Environmental Effects of Oil and Gas Activities on Alaska's North Slope," whose report was published by the National Academy Press in 2003. The team’s analysis indicates that “the effects are much more complicated than one would surmise from reading accounts in the press.”

Now Professor Emeritus of Zoology at the University of Washington, Dr. Orians has focused his work primarily on problems of habitat selection, mate selection and mating systems, selection of prey and foraging patches (foraging theory) and the relationships between ecology and social organization. Primary subjects of study have been blackbirds of the Family Icteridae, a group of birds noted for the diversity of their social systems.

Dr. Orians is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. His honors include the Eminent Ecologists Award from the Ecological Society of America and the Distinguished Service Award from the American Institute of Biological Sciences.

For more information, contact Dr. David Batten at 562.2750

ENMU Recruiter from Hobbs First in Family to Attend College
Story and photo by Shelley Gilmore
Communication Services

Reyna Nunez, a 1998 graduate of Hobbs High School, has been hired as a recruiter at Eastern New Mexico University.

As an ENMU student, Ms. Nunez was a President’s Ambassador—a student group that helps recruit students to Eastern. A Spanish major with a minor communication, she was also involved in numerous other activities on campus. She was a senator in student government, Student Body President in 2002-2003, and a residence hall advisor in Bernalillo Hall.

Ms. Nunez comes from a background that didn’t stress going to college. She recalls never being influenced or pushed to attend college. The oldest of five children, she was the first in her family to attend college. She feels that a lot of Hispanic women think that college is not an option for them, but says, “If I can do it, it’s not impossible for anyone else.” That is one area that Ms. Nunez plans to target as a recruiter: being an example and mentor to other Hispanic women to guide them to attend college.

She is very excited about her position as a recruiter and has set goals which she expects to accomplish. She feels that her competitive nature will serve her well in the competitive business of recruiting students to college.

Of her days as a residence hall advisor, Ms. Nunez says, “It was very rewarding, helping freshmen adjust in that transition from high school to college.” As a President’s Ambassador, Ms. Nunez was able to interact with high school students and participate in many campus activities, including the “Carol of Lights” program in December.

Ms. Nunez will be recruiting in the Albuquerque area and parts of the Texas panhandle. “I’ve driven through these towns but never stopped. It will be interesting getting to know these students and their families,” she says.

At Hobbs High School, Ms. Nunez was very involved in student activities, including the French Club, Debate Team, Student Council, and the Acappella Choir. She still attends football and basketball games at Hobbs High School, “I’m proud to be an Eagle; I like going home and supporting my former high school,” she says.

Ms. Nunez plans to take a year off from school to work. Of her future plans, she says, “I love Eastern and eventually want to go back and get my master’s in public relations.

Tutoring Services Encourages Students to Get Help Before Midterms; Intervention Program to Begin
by Helena Rodriguez
Communication Services

Before students get to the point of no return, get help fast. That’s the advice of Melissa Chavez, one of 20 student tutors at ENMU Tutoring Services. And when’s the best time to get help with a class? Right now, before midterms fast approach, says Ruthann Madrid, the new tutoring coordinator and interventionist for ENMU Tutoring Services in The Alley. Midterms are the week of Oct. 18-22.

Tutoring Services has launched a publicity campaign this semester to let people know help is only a short walk “down under” in the CUB basement and will also begin an aggressive Academic Intervention Program in October.

The awareness is paying off. Ms. Madrid said Tutoring Services has already seen an increase in students this semester. In the few weeks school has been in session, Ms. Madrid said Tutoring Services has already logged 125 hours of tutoring and many tutors are already beginning to fill up their schedules with standing appointments. Standing appointments are regular weekly appointment times students can arrange in a specific subject. That’s another reason Ms. Madrid said students should come in early for help, before the midterms crunch.

Ms. Chavez echoed the sentiment, saying, “If a student has a paper due, it’s nice if they come in two weeks instead of two hours before it is due. I always tell people, ‘Before you get to the point of no return, it is best if you anticipate problems and come in as soon as you start having problems.’” Ms. Chavez, who is in her third year of tutoring, helps students with English and statistics.

Tutoring Services also has a Nontraditional Students program under its umbrella. Ms. Madrid said there is also a specific push to get more nontraditional students into tutoring. “Students tend to feel that there is a stigma attached to receiving help. Even for adult students, seeking help can be an adjustment.”

Free tutoring is available in math, English, chemistry, biology, Spanish, French, psychology, anthropology, computer information systems, accounting, economics, business, marketing, study skills, history and music theory. Students can get up to two hours of tutoring per week per subject or three hours if they are enrolled in the College Success Program. Students can also form study groups with tutors if more than one student wants to be tutored in the same subject at the same time.

Ms. Madrid said that tutors are highly qualified and certified in their subject areas. As for the Tutoring Services itself, she said it is accredited by the College Reading and Language Association (CRLA). Tutors also go out and meet professors in the subjects they are tutoring in and Ms. Chavez said it’s not uncommon for her to go in and sit in on a class, such as statistics, just to make sure she is not getting rusty. “There are a lot of formulas in statistics which can be overwhelming for students, so I try to break it down for them and soon they realize it is just adding and subtracting,” Ms. Chavez said.

To optimize tutoring sessions, Ms. Madrid said students should come prepared with questions for the tutors and should have already looked over and attempted the work.

Shortly after midterms, students who are experiencing academic difficulty will be referred to Tutoring Services through the new Academic Intervention Program. “There are strong retention needs among freshmen students and others with special circumstances who are also at-risk,” Ms. Madrid said. “Through this intervention program, we also want to work more with disabled, multicultural and nontraditional students. We will cover many topics with them, from reading and study skills, to time management and organizational skills.”

The Tutoring Services staff includes Ms. Madrid along with Denise Hobbs, head tutor and Kelli Richerson, department secretary. Tutoring is offered from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. For more information, call 562.2286 or 562.2454.

Annual Peanut Valley Festival Slated for October 23-24
by Helena Rodriguez
Communication Services

It’s just about peanut harvest time and that means it’s almost time for the 31st annual Peanut Valley Festival.

The arts and crafts extravaganza takes place from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 24, inside of the Campus Union Building on the Eastern New Mexico University campus. Admission is free.

For more than three decades, arts and crafts and food vendors from all over the country have flocked to the Peanut Festival to peddle their homemade, original crafts, jewelry, garments, knickknacks, art and food. About 115 vendors are expected in this year’s festival that often serves as a sort of kickoff for the local holiday shopping season.

Train rides for kids may be offered again, and according to Jeff Blake, Student Activities and Organizations program coordinator, a campus fraternity may also offer tethered hot air balloon rides. As always, food vendors will sell popular delights such as funnel cakes, roasted corn, turkey legs, fried bread and cowboy taters.

For more information, contact Mr. Blake at 505.562.2227.

Music Graduate Returns to Visit with Students
by Marc Schoder
Communication Services

When Dr. Lynn Brinckmeyer came to ENMU at the age of 30 as a non-traditional student, she craved the stimulation of a university campus.

“I was older than most people around me and had children. I also had a real thirst for knowledge,” says Dr. Brinckmeyer, professor of music education and associate chair of the music department at Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Wash. She has also been elected to be the national president of the Music Educators National Conference.

When she recently returned to Eastern's Music Building to speak to current students about music careers, she said, “I don’t know about others, but as I got into other parts of my world, I realized what a valuable education that I had here. I felt like it was almost my duty to give back to Eastern.” adds the Lovington, NM native.

Dr. Brinckmeyer, a native of Lovington, N.M., said that the reason she chose Eastern was because it is a great place to get a music degree. “At Eastern, the faculty get to know your name, they get to know you as people, and you’re in a classroom situation where you’re allowed to have a conversation and interact with other people.” She added, “The faculty here bent over backwards to help me; they helped me believe in myself.”

When Dr. Brinckmeyer was ready to begin her student teaching, Dr. Bill Wood, former ENMU music professor, gave Dr. Brinckmeyer the opportunity to get teaching experience by teaching in front of some of his classes. “Dr. Wood put me in teaching situations where I had to fly,” said Dr. Brinckmeyer. "That is the perfect example of the personal attention I received here.

“I believe that the faculty at this university can hold their own with any university in the United States. They are not just known in eastern New Mexico, but are respected and known nationwide because of their talent and professionalism."

In her closing remarks to the students, Dr. Brinckmeyer said, “At Eastern, you are not just a number--you are a human being and treated like one.”

(photo by Richard Salas)

ENMU Presenting Trio Encantada in Faculty Recital on October 12
by Scarlet Smith
College of Fine Arts

Trio Encantada will present a faculty recital titled "From Commission to Performance: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Creative Process" at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct.. 12 in Buchanan Hall in the Music Building at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales.

Trio Encantada features ENMU music professors Drs. Tracy Carr, oboe; Jeanie Ornellas, lyric soprano; and Mark Dal Porto, pianist and composer. The group will perform Dr. Dal Porto's "Song of the Night for Oboe, Voice and Piano."

"Dr. Dal Porto composed 'Song of the Night' for the specific talents of Trio Encantada – oboe, voice, and piano. He found the unique, plaintive sound of the oboe especially fitting for the melancholy and pastoral quality of the text," Dr. Carr said.

Dr. Dal Porto will discuss how he came to compose the piece, highlight each movement, and then demonstrate at the piano the cyclic structure of the work as a whole.

For more information, call 562.2377.

(courtesy photo)

Upcoming Events from the College of Fine Arts
by Scarlet Smith
College of Fine Arts

Jazz Ensemble Concert
Eastern New Mexico University in Portales
Thursday, Oct. 14, 7 p.m., University Theatre Center, Mainstage
Admission is free and the public is invited.
The concert will feature the 17-piece ENMU Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Chris Beaty, assistant professor of music.
For more information, call 505.562.2377.

Choral Concert
Eastern New Mexico University in Portales
Tuesday, Oct. 19, 7 p.m., Buchanan Hall, Music Building
Admission is free and the public is invited.
The University Singers, conducted by Dr. David Gerig, dean of the College of Fine Arts and professor of music, will be in concert. The singers will perform works by Faure, Vaughan Williams, Fine, Morley and Wilberg, as well as several folksongs and spirituals.
For more information, call 505.562.2377.

Former ENMU President Warren Armstrong Dies at Age 70
(Was ENMU President from 1975-83)
Wichita State University's 10th president, Warren Armstrong, passed away at his Oklahoma home Friday morning after experiencing health problems for several months. He would have turned 71 on Oct. 16. Services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5, at All Saints Episcopal Church in Miami, Okla.

Armstrong served as WSU president from 1983-93, placing a strong emphasis on research, academics and doctoral programs.

"I credit President Armstrong with the strength and reputation of our faculty, particularly through the introduction of doctoral programs," said Jim Rhatigan, longtime and former WSU vice president of student affairs. "He overcame objections from our sister institutions about our capability to provide doctoral programs in engineering, and history shows how right he was to pursue those programs." Armstrong led the charge to add doctoral programs in electrical, mechanical and industrial engineering. Doctoral programs in psychology, chemistry, education and mathematics were also approved during his tenure.

When Armstrong announced plans to retire from WSU in 1992, then Kansas Board of Regents chairman Jack Sampson said, "Significant achievements have been made at the university since Dr. Armstrong's arrival. Highlights of his tenure include the establishment of the university's research mission focused on the business/manufacturing environment in which the university is located, the creation of the National Institute for Aviation Research, and the completion of the university's first major capital campaign, the $100 million 'Commitment to Excellence.' His many accomplishments will be appreciated by both WSU and the Wichita community for many years to come."

Specific accomplishments during the Armstrong administration include the tripling of sponsored research activities and the addition of 367,000 square feet of new facilities, including the Child Development Center, Devlin Hall, National Institute for Aviation Research, Woodman Alumni Center, and a science classroom and laboratory building, later named Jabara Hall.

He also sought and achieved membership for WSU in the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Universities, contending that WSU was an "urban grant" university serving a metropolitan area just as Kansas State University serves the agricultural community.

For many, the decision to eliminate football in 1986 was a major disappointment. Growing debt in athletics led administrators to make this move, but controversy about WSU's lack of football has existed to some degree ever since.

Following his retirement from the presidency in 1993, Armstrong returned to his self-professed "unending interest in the Civil War," teaching a class on it and publishing a book on the role of Union chaplains. When he left WSU, he was quoted as saying, "I know I will miss university life. I've been on one side of the desk or the other ever since the fall of 1939," referring to his journey from elementary school to college professor, dean and university president. "It's been a good life."
(article and photo courtesy of Wichita State University)

Groundbreaking Ceremony Begins New Construction Project at ENMU-Roswell
Story and photo by Donna Gutierrez
ENMU-Roswell

University officials, city, county and state leaders gathered on Tuesday, Sept. 28, to break ground on the new Health Sciences Center at Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell. A former Walker Air Force Base building on the south end of campus will be renovated and expanded to build the new center, which will house all of the health programs on campus under one roof.

During her welcoming remarks, Dr. Judy Armstrong, provost, said that health occupations have been a part of the Roswell campus for 36 years. Since the spring of 1968, Armstrong said the health area has grown to offer five degrees and 15 certificates in the following areas: Emergency Medical Services, Medical Transcription, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy Technology, Medical Assisting, Respiratory Therapy, Phlebotomy, Dental Assisting, Limited Radiography, and Medical Coding. A Bachelor of Dental Hygiene program from the University of New Mexico will begin in the spring of 2005.

“The new 40,000 square foot Health Sciences Center will allow us to double the number of students we take into nursing, respiratory therapy, and medical assisting—all areas with critical shortages,” Armstrong said. She thanked many people for their support in getting the project off the ground. “First and foremost, the taxpayers of Chaves County for approving the renewal of our local bond; our area legislators for securing a place for on the statewide General Obligation Bond Issue for $3 million to support the cost of this building; our congressional delegation in Washington for their on-going interest in and support of our university and the health programs; our city and county officials; the Rehabilitation Center, Eastern New Mexico Medical Center, local and area hospitals, clinics, and offices for partnering with us and for allowing us to hold the clinical portions of the program at their sites; our governing boards; our health occupations faculty and the division and instructional administrators; the students; and all of the former Roswell administrators who contributed to the strength of the programs,” she said.

A number of dignitaries also spoke during the ceremony, including Dr. Steve Gamble, ENMU President; Marshall Stinnett, President, ENMU Board of Regents; Blaine Hess, ENMU Regent; Pauline Ponce, State Representative; Dan Foley, State Representative; and Harold Hobson, Chairman of the Chaves County Commission. Representatives from the offices of Senator Jeff Bingaman and Senator Pete Domenici were also in attendance. All thanked Armstrong for her leadership and congratulated the staff on the progress and growth of the university.

The construction of the Health Sciences Center is expected to cost between $5 and $6 million. The design process with the architect and a campus users’ committee is ongoing. Mary Crites, architect with Parkhill, Smith and Cooper, said the building will be expanded to the west and north, and will include state-of-the art ‘smart’ classrooms and distance education classrooms, where classes can either be broadcast to or received from remote areas. Actual construction scheduled to begin early next year. The project is expected to take 14 months to complete.

University officials are hoping for voter approval of General Obligation Bond Issue B in the November 2 General Election. The $3 million included in this statewide bond issue will be combined with the $8 million from the local bond issue passed by voters last year to complete the construction of the Health Sciences Center and future projects, such as a new University Center. “Our enrollment continues to grow each semester, and as voters may recall from our local bond campaign last year, the campus is rapidly outgrowing the current facilities,” said Armstrong. “We pledged to match local funds with state funding to be able to complete as many construction projects as possible. This statewide bond issue is one way we can stretch our resources,” she said.

Read the October Issue of ENMU-Roswell's Monthly Newsletter, The Grapevine – [read]
(produced by editor Linda Whitehead)

State's Libraries, Including ENMU's Golden Library, Would Benefit from Bond "C" in November General Election – Library Books Acquisition Total Amount: $16.3 million. Which libraries will benefit?
• 89 Public and Community Libraries (including rural bookmobiles) will receive $5.8 million
• 684 Public School Libraries and 2 Juvenile Detention Libraries will share $6.2 million
• 26 Public Colleges and University Campus Libraries will divide $3.9 million
• New Mexico State Library and History Library, Palace of the Governors, share $324,000Bond “C” Highlights
All of New Mexico’s 33 counties will receive books bond funds.
Roosevelt County’s libraries would receive approximately the following amounts:
Portales Public Library: $ 59,146
Roosevelt County Schools: $ 84,609
ENMU Golden Library $147,750
Elida Public Library $1,500
For more information: www.nmbooksbond.org

General Comments and Compliments

"I would like to mention a matter that is extremely important to the future well-being of ENMU. On Nov. 2 (although many will vote earlier), the citizens of New Mexico will vote in the national general election. On the ballot is General Obligation Proposition “B” which, if passed, will furnish about $13 million to the Eastern New Mexico University System.

The benefits of Proposition “B” and the extremely low cost to the citizens (42¢ per $50,000 of assessed home value) are detailed in the new Eastern Magazine (now being distributed on campus), so there is no need for me to duplicate the information. Just let me add that ENMU-Portales rarely has the opportunity to receive $8,900,000 to improve the education we provide to our students.

I ask that our employees, students, alumni and friends consider the benefits to the Eastern System and to all higher education before they vote." – Quote from President Steven Gamble in the 2004 fall Eastern Magazine

Golden Library would like to thank Linda Hamrick for rushing over to set up a conference telephone for a meeting with only one hour's notice. – Melveta Walker

If you would like to publicize a special thank you to someone, e-mail information to monday.memo@enmu.edu.

Don't Forget

Homecoming begins tonight with Songfest in the Campus Union Ballroom, and continues through Sunday. The Greyhounds play their bitter arch-rival West Texas A&M University in the Homecoming football game at 2 p.m. Saturday.

In Case You Missed It

The Greyhound football team made an amazing comeback Saturday night in San Angelo, Texas, against Angelo State University. Trailing 35-12 in the fourth quarter, the Greyhounds came back to win, 38-35. It was the greatest comeback for the Greyhounds since 1984 when they trailed East Central Olahoma 46-14 late in the third quarter and came back to win, 50-46.

Quote of the Week

"If you scatter thorns, don't go barefoot." – Italian proverb

Employee Brief

On Saturday, Sept. 25, Dr. Jim Lee was installed as President of Portales Kiwanis at the annual Officer Installation Banquet in Clovis. Officers for the two Clovis clubs were also installed. Dr. Bill Wood continues another year as Secretary, and Mr. Steve Kemp, CPA, continues as Treasurer of the Portales Club. Dr. Wood is a retired ENMU music professor, and Dr. Lee is ENMU adjunct faculty, News and Public Affairs Director for KENW/KMTH-FM, and columnist for the Sunday Portales News Tribune. Lee is also a Teen Court volunteer and served on the Board of Directors for Roosevelt and Curry County Habitat for Humanity for two years.

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Candid Camera

Strike Up the ENMU Band (photo by Eric Kluth, courtesy of the Clovis News-Journal)

With the First Lady – First Lady Laura Bush had her picture taken with the Eastern New Mexico University band at the '04 Victory Rally Wednesday at the Curry County Fairgrounds in Clovis.

Get'em While They're Hot! (photo by Shelley Gilmore)

Non-Trad Picnic – The recent nontraditional student picnic at Rotary Park was sponsored by Nontraditional/Re-entry Educational Services (formerly Adult Re-entry Office). The purpose of the picnic was to welcome non-traditional students and increase awareness of services available to these students. According to Travis Husted, student assistant, the picnic was a way of "putting a face to the nontraditional student office."

A Look at Four Scenes from ENMU (Through the Roving Eye of Richard Salas)

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Please don't forget to read the "Announcements" by clicking on them at the top of this page.

The Monday Memo is published by the Office of Communication Services Editor Wendel Sloan Monday.memo@enmu.edu 505.562.2253 Staff Writers Helena Rodriguez Marc Schoder Shelley Gilmore Staff Photographer Richard Salas ENMU-Roswell Contributing Editor Donna Gutierrez ENMU-Ruidoso Contributing Editor Jim Miller Technical Support ENMU Web Team