General News

ENMU Names New Dean for College of Fine Arts
by Wendel Sloan
Communication Services

Dr. Michael Sitton, associate provost at Hollins University in Roanoke, Va., with responsibility for Hollins' graduate programs, accreditation and other duties, will become dean of the College of Fine Arts at Eastern New Mexico University on July 11.  He will replace the retiring Dr. David Gerig.

Dr. Sitton previously served Hollins as acting vice president for Academic Affairs.  He has been at Hollins in various capacities since 1991, including as professor and chair of music. 

Dr. Sitton has a 1991 doctor of musical arts degree in piano performance and literature from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, in addition to a 1982 master’s degree from the University of Kentucky and a 1980 bachelor’s degree from Mars Hill College in North Carolina, both in piano performance.

“We are very fortunate to have Dr. Sitton as our new dean of the College of Fine Arts,” said Dr. Steven Gamble, ENMU president. “He has an excellent background in fine arts and was highly recommended by his colleagues in Virginia. We greatly appreciate the contributions of Dr. David Gerig during his tenure, and look forward to Dr. Sitton continuing Eastern’s great tradition in fine arts.”

From 1987-91, Dr. Sitton was assistant professor of music at Coker College in South Carolina, and was a piano faculty member at the Conservatory of Central Illinois from 1985-87.

When asked what attracted him to the position at ENMU, Dr. Sitton said, “I see it as a great opportunity both to maintain a strong connection with the arts, where my own training and professional interests have been, along with continued development of the administrative work I have done in the past few years. Since circumstances led me into campus-wide administrative roles at Hollins University, I have been interested in opportunities that would offer precisely this combination, and the ENMU dean of Fine Arts position aligns very well with my interests, abilities, and background.

“I would add also that geography played a role as well; I've also had an interest in a change of location, with a particular attraction to the West, and after spending some time in New Mexico in the summer of 2004, the timing seemed just right.

Dr. Sitton says that his first task at Eastern will be to listen a great deal to what students, faculty members, other administrators, staff members, and people from the community have to say. “Although I began to do this during the short time I visited ENMU during my interview, I need to spend more time in this effort before I have a complete and clear sense of the resources, potential, and issues of the College. So, while I think it would be premature of me to give specifics about my own directions and goals for the College, I would say that I hope to play the kind of role that any good administrator plays--supporting strong faculty members as they do their work, pulling together their ideas with those of others and focusing a strategic vision for the College, and always keeping a central focus on student success, with flexibility to respond to the changing face of the professions embraced by the College, as well as the changing needs of the student population.

Dr. Sitton says that from what he has seen so far, ENMU’s College of Fine Arts has a strong presence in the arts in the region, and a great tradition to build on. “Clearly, there are good connections in place with schools and other arts organizations in the region, and I look forward to exploring these for even more potential. In conversations I've had already, it is clear that many in the region see ENMU as a place of leadership in the arts, and I simply look toward ways to support, enhance, and capitalize upon that leadership. When I was on campus I felt a great deal of positive energy among faculty and students in the College toward continuing to claim and enhance this kind of leadership role.”

A native of western North Carolina, Dr. Sitton has also studied at the Schola Cantorum of Paris. During his performing career, he has been active both as a solo recitalist, exploring a special interest in French piano repertoire, and as a collaborative musician. He has appeared frequently with vocalists and as a member of ensembles including the Hollins Chamber Players and Hollins Piano Quartet, has been principal keyboard player for the Roanoke Symphony, and has appeared as concerto soloist with that orchestra as well as others.

Musical honors have included the Harriet Hale Woolley Scholarship of the Fondation des Etats-Unis for study in Paris, the Leschetizky New York Debut Prize, and the French Embassy performance prize from the French Piano Institute. In addition to his work as a pianist, Dr. Sitton has been frequently commissioned and published as a composer, principally of choral music, for which he has won many Composers' Awards from ASCAP; and as a writer of articles on historical and pedagogical topics, which have been published in Clavier, The American Music Teacher, and elsewhere.

At Hollins University, he has also served as Chair of the Faculty and on numerous university-wide committees. Dr. Sitton is also a member of a number of national associations and honor societies.

After ENMU Retirement, Fine Arts Dean Heading in a Different Musical Direction
by Helen Carroll
Communication Services

Dr. David Gerig, dean of the College of Fine Arts at Eastern New Mexico University, is retiring on June 30.

Dr. Gerig’s exposure to music started very young. He was born and raised in Ohio where his father was a pastor and his mother, who held a degree in music, directed the church choir. Growing up in the church tradition of acappella singing, he says that the choral sound of the congregation and of visiting college choirs intrigued him early on.

He took piano lessons from the 2nd to the 6th grade, and also added the violin when he won a local contest in which the prize was free lessons at a nearby college. He continued playing the violin long after the free lessons ended, and was piano accompanist for his high school choir.

When it came time for higher education, he attended Goshen College in Goshen, Ind., where he earned a bachelor of arts in music education. During this time he married his high school sweetheart, Janette. After graduation in 1970, he took his first teaching position in Kuwait at the American School of Kuwait on a two-year contract. During that time, he and Janette traveled extensively, visiting places such as India, Nepal, Korea and Japan. They also traveled across Russia on the famous Trans-Siberian Railroad and camped their way back to Kuwait through Europe, Greece, Turkey, and Iraq.

After returning to the United States, Dr. Gerig taught in South Dakota for a year. Then, after a year at seminary, he returned to school to pursue his master of music degree at the University of Iowa, where he focused on choral conducting. His post-graduate teaching began at Hesston College, a small two-year college, in Hesston, Ks. He spent six years in the music department teaching a variety of music courses, from choral classes to music theory and courses in the foundation studies program. Through his experience at Hesston, he discovered he enjoyed the experience of teaching at a higher level, and decided to pursue his doctorate.

Dr. Gerig made the move to Eastern after finishing his doctoral coursework at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. He began his career at Eastern in 1984 as an instructor of music rising in rank over the years to tenured professor. During these years, he served as Graduate Committee chair as well as serving on the General Education Committee and Diversity Committee. When the position came open for chair of the music department in 1995, his colleagues encouraged him accept the position.

In 2000, the position for dean of Fine Arts became available. Dr. Gerig was asked to serve as interim dean, and after two years was offered the position permanently. During these years, he also maintained his position as director of choral activities.

Dr. Gerig says he has enjoyed his time at Eastern as well as in New Mexico. He says that living and working in New Mexico has allowed him to be involved early on not just at Eastern, but on a statewide level as well. He has served the American Choral Director Association (ACDA) as president of the New Mexico chapter, serving also as ACDA Student and Youth Activities chair and as the state newsletter editor. He has also been involved over the years with high school choral programs as guest conductor and clinician.

“There are so many things I have enjoyed about working at Eastern. I have enjoyed the level of choral music making, the energy of the students, and the support of the administration. I will miss the students and the environment as well as the supportive community. I have also very much enjoyed the collaboration with other faculty in numerous performances.”

Some of Dr. Gerig’s fonder memories are of the events he participated in with his students; for example, taking choirs over nine years to perform with the Amarillo Symphony and the Santa Fe Symphony. “Making music with others has been very satisfying.”

Dr. Gerig has definite plans for the future. “I’m too young to retire, so I am instead planning a career shift.” He has recently taken a position as Director of Music for the First United Methodist Church in Clovis. He says that ever since college he has conducted a church choir, and now will have the time to focus his energies there full time. He hopes to dabble in choral arranging and composition as well. Other activities he is looking forward to are having more time with his wife of 36 years and his four children and their families, learning to play the organ, practicing his golf game, and becoming more active in the community through charity work.

Dr. Steven Gamble, president of ENMU, says, "Dr. Gerig has been an exceptional dean and faculty member. He has provided very good leadership to the College of Fine Arts, and the result has been strong programs in art, music and theater. We shall miss David and his calm demeanor, and we wish him well."
(photo by Marc Schoder)

History 322 to Show Campus What Getting Medieval Was All About
(set for 8 a.m. to noon on Thursday outside Jack Williamson Liberal Arts Building)
by Marc Schoder
Communication Services

Students in History 322, taught by Dr. Alex Garman, assistant professor of history at Eastern New Mexico University, are getting ready to show the campus what it was like in medieval times. The return to the past will be from 8 a.m. to noon on Thursday, April 28, at the patio area next to the Jack Williamson Liberal Arts Building. The campus is invited.

“The students tell me that they enjoyed creating the projects,” says Dr. Garman. “Each of them had their own reasons and enjoyment for what they created.” Dr. Garman added that most of his students like making weapons; another built a catapult. “The catapult is three feet long by four feet high and will be demonstrated by firing water balloons,” says Dr. Garman.

In the photo, Matthew Thomas (right) is wearing a chain mail suit made by Matthew Leslie (left), with Dr. Garman, who describes himself as the "circus ringmaster," in the center.

The students will also show foods that were eaten during the Middle Ages. “The food will be on display to show what people ate during that time period,” says Dr. Garman. “The students could not afford to make enough for everyone to sample; at this point they still have not decided exactly what to make.”

Examples from the Middle Ages will also include a show of wedded bliss. “The wedding will be performed in a series of scenes with commentary made by the participants,” says Dr. Garman. "This is the first time that I have taught this class and so this is the first time that I have assigned a project like this. I invite everyone to come out for a peek at the past; it should be interesting.”
(photo by Shelley Gilmore)

ENMU Sponsoring Atlatl Throw Competition on Saturday, April 30
Story and photo by Shelley Gilmore
Communication Services

Eastern New Mexico University's Department of Anthropology and Applied Archaeology and Mu Alpha Nu Anthropology Club will host the Fifth Annual Blackwater Draw Atlatl Throw on Saturday, April 30, at the Blackwater Draw Site (not the museum as in previous years). The site is located along State Highway 467, about six miles north of Portales and one mile north of the turn to Oasis State Park, on the road to Cannon Air Force Base. Registration and practice will start at 9 a.m. with the Target Round beginning at 10 a.m. The ISAC round will take place in the afternoon.

The competition will include a WAA (World Atlatl Association) Target Round and an ISAC (International Standard Accuracy Contest). An atlatl is a device used to sling a spear with great force.

There will be categories for men, women, and children, and prizes for the top finishers in each category. No experience is necessary. Bring atlatls and darts if you have them. There will also be some available for loan and sharing. This competition is not restricted to primitive technology. Atlatls may be made of traditional or modern materials.

The first time Dr. David Batten, adjunct assistant professor of anthropology and event organizer, saw an atlatl competition was in 1994 in Montana. Batten had never seen a dart made of traditional materials (hefty cane for a shaft and a point of flaked stone) thrown by an expert. Seeing such a dart launched by an atlatl passing all the way through a bale of hay made him realize how powerful the tool was.

The World Atlatl Association facilitates atlatl competitions around the world and provides a plaque to each local winner. For the Blackwater Draw Atlatl Throw, there are three categories: children under 16, women, and men. The winner in each category will then get to compete against each other. Each winner receives a Clovis point made by Tommy Heflin.

Dr. Batten says he is excited about the competition. This will be his fifth time organizing the event. He expects about 20-25 people to participate.

“The use of the atlatl goes back to 20,000 years or more,” says Batten. “Just about everybody used this tool for hunting or warfare, from the arctic to the tropics.” According to Batten, many groups continued to use it along with the bow and arrow, even into historic times.

Dr. Batten says that throwing the atlatl is “really cool” and encourages anyone to come out to Blackwater Draw and try it out.

Some refreshments will be available for sale. Otherwise, participants should bring a lunch, or plan on a trip into Portales for food. There are restrooms on site.

There will also be a free sunset tour of the Blackwater Draw Site that same evening.

For more information, contact David C. Batten, Department of Anthropology and Applied Archaeology, Station 3, Eastern New Mexico University, Portales, NM 88130, or call 505.562.2750, or e-mail david.batten@enmu.edu.

ENMU Establishes New Major in Biochemistry

Eastern New Mexico University has established a new major in biochemistry beginning in the fall of 2005. The new degree leading to a bachelor of science is an interdisciplinary major designed to prepare students to enter either graduate school or the growing high-tech job markets in biomedical research, pharmaceuticals, and other areas combining chemistry and biology.

The curriculum is supported by modern scientific facilities in ENMU’s Biological Structure-Function Core Facility, funded by National Institutes of Health BRIN/INBRe, and housed in Roosevelt Hall. Available facilities include cell culture, fermentation, protein FPLC, single and multidimensional electrophoresis, isotope counting, UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, and state-of-the-art imaging and microscopy.

According to Dr. Newton Hilliard, assistant professor of chemistry, biochemistry majors have opportunities for hands-on training in these facilities during both classroom and student research projects. Research training opportunities exist in areas ranging from proteomics to biological electron transfer. In addition, the biochemistry major is a part of the BS/MS “fast-track” program in chemistry. This program allows qualified students to acquire both the BS and MS degrees in a much shorter time than would occur in more traditional programs.

For more information, call Dr. Hilliard at 505.562.2463.

Eastern Students Awarded Rural Sourcing Internship
by Shelley Gilmore
Communication Services

Eastern New Mexico University students Heidi Smith and Juan Banda were awarded a paid internship by Rural Sourcing Incorporated (RSI).

According to Trish Maguire, Eastern’s faculty representative for Rural Sourcing, RSI provides low-cost, high-quality, cost-effective information technology solutions by using well-trained information technology professionals in rural areas. ENMU supports this by providing internships, paid for by RSI, on campus for students to work on information technology projects.

Heidi is a CIS undergraduate major and Juan is a graduate student majoring in computer science.

Kathy Brittain-White, the founder and president of Rural Sourcing Incorporated, wanted to give back to students in rural areas and created this foundation. Trish says, “Kathy is an amazing woman who values education and has been a successful businesswoman.”

Trish adds, “This is a great opportunity for students to get work experience. Students are able to work for Dr. White and still be located here at the ENMU campus."

As faculty representative, Trish hires students and guides them through the process of the internship.

Willie Nelson to Appear in Concert at ENMU
by Wendel Sloan
Communication Services

Country singer Willie Nelson will appear in concert in the Campus Union Ballroom at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 11. Tickets go on sale Saturday, April 2. The opening act will be Billy Joe Shaver.

The concert is standing-room only, with no chairs provided.

General admission tickets are $30 each, with a limit of six tickets per person. Tickets, if available, will be $35 on the day of the show.

Ticket can be purchased at the ENMU Bookstore, at Joe's Boot Shop in Clovis, by phone at 800.462.7979, or online at www.enmu.edu/concert.

Nelson, born in 1933 in Abbott, Texas, has recorded over 200 albums, appeared in several movies, been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and received the prestigious Kennedy Center honor for preemininent performing artists. He is also known for Farm Aid, an annual concert which raises money and awareness for American family farmers.

Nelson’s latest CD is “Milk Cow Blues.” It combines the talents of Nelson, an array of special guests, and the cream of the Austin, Texas, blues community. Guest stars include B.B. King, Dr. John, young singer-guitarist Susan Tedeschi, Keb' Mo', Francine Reed (who usually duets with Nelson's fellow Texan, Lyle Lovett), and blues prodigies Johnny Lang and Kenny Wayne Shepherd.

Legendary singer/songwriter Billy Joe Shaver will open the show. Shaver wrote all but one of the songs on Waylon Jennings' "Honk Tonk Heroes" album which started the outlaw stage of country music in the '70's. Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Billy Joe Shaver and David Allan Coe were considered the outlaws of country music. Shaver's songs have been recorded by Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, The Highwaymen, The Allman Brothers Band, Kris Kristofferson, Bruce Springsteen, Joe Ely, Robert Earl Keen, Johnny Rodriquez and many others.

For more information on the concert, call 505.562.2631.

Clarification About Ticket Policy for Willie Nelson Concert

Students who purchased tickets to the Willie Nelson concert must present their ENMU Student ID at the gate for admission. ENMU students and the public will receive a stub from their ticket and a wrist band. Everyone must retain their stub and their wrist band (unaltered) to leave and/or re-enter the concert venue. No one will be permitted back into the show if they do not possess both their ticket stub and wrist band, and/or if their wrist band has been altered in any way. Also note that tickets will be scanned for authentication. The system that will be used is 100 percent accurate.

If you have questions concerning this announcement please call (432) 682-2680. Thanks.

Planning Ahead for Future Fine Arts Events

Jazz Concert
April 29, 7 p.m. in Buchanan Hall
Featured works by Bennie Goodman, Thelonius Monk, Chuck Mangione and others
Free

Spring Graduating Senior Art Exhibition Show #1
April 25-30, Participants TBA, Reception April 29 4-6 p.m.
Contact: 505.562.2778
Free

Large Works Choral Concert
Tuesday, April 26, 7 p.m., Music Building, Buchanan Hall
Contact: Joyce Stagg 505.562.2377
Free

Spring Dance Concert
April 28-30, 8 p.m., University Theatre Center, Mainstage
Contact: Jill Pribyl 505.562.2229
Gen Admission $7, $4 for ENMU students with ID, $5 for pre-college and $6 for seniors

Symphonic Band/Wind Symphony
Sunday, May 1, 3 pm, Campus Union Building, Ballroom
Contact: Dustin Seifert 505.562.2671
Free

Spring Graduating Senior Art Exhibition Show #2
May 2- 7, Participants TBA, Reception May 6, 4-6 p.m.
Contact: 505.562.2778
Free

Spring Graduating Senior Art Exhibition Show #3
May 9-14, Participants TBA, Reception May 13, 4-6 p.m.
Contact: 505.562.2778
Free

ENMU-Roswell Foundation Holds Car Raffle for Scholarship in Honor of Victim of Airplane Accident
by Donna Gutierrez
ENMU-Roswell

The Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell Foundation is sponsoring a car raffle to benefit the Joe Hudgens Memorial Scholarship Fund. Hudgens was a 2004 graduate of ENMU-Roswell, who died in a plane crash on Dec. 27, 2004. He was only 21 years old and had received an associate of science degree in Professional Pilot Training just 11 days prior to the accident. Hudgens lacked only 20 hours needed to obtain his commercial pilot’s license.

The car, which belonged to Joe, was donated by his parents, Robert and Diane, to create a scholarship fund in their son’s name. One-half of the proceeds from the raffle will be used to create the scholarship fund. The other half will go to the family. The car is a black 1977 Chevy Camaro Z28. The 2-door sport coupe has a 4-speed transmission and only 50,000 original miles. The car is in excellent condition.

Tickets for the drawing are $20 each and only 500 tickets will be sold. Individuals must be at least 18 years old to win. Checks can be made payable to the ENMU-Roswell Foundation. The winning ticket will be drawn on Wednesday, May 11 at 1:00 p.m. at the ENMU-Roswell swimming pool. A free barbeque lunch will precede the drawing. To purchase tickets or for information on ticket locations, call 624-7337 or 624-7332. Tickets can also be purchased at Primm Drug in Roswell at 711 N. Union Ave.

Joe was born on Feb. 8, 1983, in Lafayette, Ind. He was a member of Delta Company of the United States Marine Corps, set to be deployed to Iraq on Jan. 4, 2005. Joe moved to Roswell in 1999 from Montrose, Colo. He was an avid snowboarder, mountain biker, and pilot. He was a member of the Aircraft Owners’ and Pilots’ Association. Those who knew Joe said he enjoyed life, and was a wonderful son, brother, grandson, and friend.

'Touring Your Future' Video Promoting Eastern to Air on Amarillo TV Stations

The "Touring Your Future" video promoting Eastern will air on the following Amarillo TV stations at the following times (Central Time):
KAMR – April 30 at noon; May 7 at 11:30 a.m.
KCPN - May 2 at 7p.m.

Don't Forget!

President's 'Country Picnic' Set for Saturday, April 30 – The President's "Country Picnic" for employees and their families is Saturday, April 30, at President Gamble's house. The Support Senate will sponsor games for kids and the Professional Senate will sponsor games for adults beginning at 4:30 p.m. ENMU students will also be available to help keep an eye on the kids. Food serving begins at 5:30 p.m. Door prizes will also be given away. For more information, call Candy Baros at ext. 4490.

'White Elephant' Gifts Needed as Prizes for 'Adult Games' at President's 'Country Picnic' – The Professional Senate is sponsoring games for adults at the President's "Country Picnic' and needs fairly nice garage-sale-type prizes for the winners of such games as horseshoes, basketball shooting, hula-hooping, putt-putt golf, etc. If you would like to donate a prize, please contact Wendel Sloan at ext. 2253 or e-mail wendel.sloan@enmu.edu. Thank You.

Eastern New Mexico University Student Receives Goldwater Scholarship
Story and photo by Shelley Gilmore
Communication Services

ENMU sophomore Robert Crow has been awarded the 2005 Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship award.

The Goldwater Scholars were selected on the basis of academic merit from a field of 1,091 mathematics, science and engineering students who were nominated by the faculties of colleges and universities nationwide. One-hundred and sixty-five of the Scholars are men, 155 are women, and virtually all intend to obtain a Ph.D. as their degree objective.

The one- and two-year scholarships will cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board up to a maximum of $7,500 per year.

Robert’s majors are microbiology and biochemistry with a biology focus and he plans to get his Ph.D. in Immunology and Biochemistry. Robert says, “I’m interested in studying multi-drug resistant bacteria and the associated immune response to those bacteria. Specifically, I want to study resistance mechanisms from the genetic to the proteometric level and apply that knowledge to develop new treatments for infections caused by those organisms.”

His interests in mathematics, science and engineering include microbiology and biochemistry; multi-drug resistance and sugar transport. In his recent studies he completed an objective of ENMU’s lab grant to characterize resistance in bacteria isolated from dairy farms. He found significant resistance in most of the bacterial isolates, indicating a large reservoir of multi-drug organisms present in dairy farms. Robert is responsible for purifying the bacteria isolated, identifying them through a battery of biochemical test and conducting the antibiotic susceptibility assays.

Roberts say, “I have learned a great many skills in Dr. Manuel Varela’s lab including: transporter mutagenesis techniques, DNA preparation, NCCLS approved antibiotic susceptibility testing, bacterial identification techniques, rapid filtration and liquid scintillation determination of downhill sugar transport, measurement of protein binding kinetics, restriction digestion, sub-cloning and preparation of transformation competent cells.”

Aside from this scholarship Robert has received many other honors as well including: New Mexico Scholars Award, Dr. Robert G. Taylor Scholarship in Microbiology, Jack Williamson Freshmen Excellence award and Outstanding Student in Beginning Chemistry.

Robert is also involved in many activities in which he has participated in at ENMU. They include: American Society for Microbiology, Endocrine Society, and the Wesley Foundation.

The importance of education was taught to Robert by his family. Robert says, “They have taught me dedication, duty and, above all, compassion.”

Goldwater Scholars have very impressive academic qualifications that have garnered the attention of prestigious post graduate fellowship programs. The Goldwater Foundation is federally endowed agency established by Public Law on November 124, 1986. The Scholarship Program honoring Senator Barry M. Goldwater was designed to foster and encourage outstanding students to pursue careers in the fields of mathematics, the natural sciences, and engineering. The Goldwater Scholarship is the premier undergraduate award of its type in these fields.

General Comments and Compliments

A special thank you to Eva Watley and Donna Gutierrez of the ENMU-Roswell campus for their efforts in organizing the third annual "ENMU Intercampus Sports Competition" last Tuesday on the Roswell campus. Also, a special thank you to ENMU-Roswell student Joe Martinez who was recruited from the stands on short notice to referee the basketball game.

Thank you to Angel Salas and Rita Hill for donating "white elephant" gifts from their homes for prizes at the upcoming President's "County Picnic." It's not too late to donate (ext. 2253).

Quote of the Week

"You only die once." – John Kirby on Ty Walker's plans to ride a bull at the ENMU rodeo arena

Employee Briefs

Spirit of Eastern (photo by Marc Schoder)

Support Winners – Eastern recently presented its Spirit of Eastern Awards for outstanding service to the university. Winners by name, position and year they began service at ENMU in the Support category were (L-R): Shirlene Peters, department secretary for the Department of Theatre and Dance (1994); Sherrye Burleson, library assistant III at Media Services (1987); David Glass, front desk receptionist at ENMU-Ruidoso (2003); and Johnny Moring, plumber for the Physical Plant (1984).

(photo by Marc Schoder)

Professional Winners – Eastern recently presented its Spirit of Eastern Awards for outstanding service to the university. Winners by name, position and year they began service at ENMU in the Professional category were (L-R): Carol Fletcher, budget analyst in the Business Office (1995); Mike Nuckols, manager of Building Services at the Physical Plant (1998); Ginger Creighton, safety officer at the Physical Plant (1990); and John Prater, outreach coordinator at Disability Services/Testing (2002).

***

Communication Services won four awards in the 2005 New Mexico Press Women Communication Contest.

Richard Salas, student photographer in Communication Services, won First Place for a feature photo and Second Place for a sports photo (both can be seen in today's "Candid Camera" section below ) in the category of "Photography in Publications Other than Newspapers."

Competing against newspapers, the Monday Memo won two awards: Honorable Mention in the category of "Photo Captions" by editor Wendel Sloan; and Third Place in the category of "Photographer/Writer" for a feature written and photos taken of ENMU music professor John Olsen by Wendel Sloan.

***

Professors Janet Roehl and Anthony Schroeder presented a panel session on "The First Amendment and Diversity" at the spring meeting of the National College Media Convention in New York City.

***

Dr. Manuel Varela, associate professor of biology, has been selected for inclusion into the Ninth Edition of “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers” for 2005

Faculty/Staff Turn Noon-Time into Maniac-Time
by Helen Carroll
Communication Services

Just before noon every day, several faculty and staff members leave their offices and head to Greyhound Arena. Like Superman, once there they change clothes and turn from a group of unassuming professionals going about their business trying to make a living into unbridled maniacs. The core goups includes Dr. Don Elder, John Kirby, James Chacon, Mark Romero, Ty Walker, Dr. John Humphreys and Wendel Sloan. On rare occasions, Fabian Lopez and others join in – until they quickly come to their senses.

According to Elder, the games have been going on for 10 years and are a joy to be a part of. Every regular player you speak to has nothing but good to say about the others even when they lose, or even when they may have suffered an injury when the spirit of competition ran a little high. Cracked ribs, eye injuries and elbows to the head do not deter this motley crew from the game, albeit a temporary hiatus may be necessary to heal a wound or two.

Elder says that he sometimes wonders if he is not playing to “make others look good at his expense.” He adds that he also believes it has been a good experience not just for himself, but for his students as well. “Wendel ‘The Commissioner’ Sloan usually puts me on a good team, and when my team wins I’m always in a great mood in class.”

An event that stood out in Dr. Elder’s mind recently occurred when Ty Walker took a shot from more than his customary distance. “John Kirby stopped the game, walked over to Ty, and said very slowly in an extremely serious voice, 'Never, and I mean never, take that shot again!'"

Walker waxed poetic when asked about Kirby's admonishment about his long-distance shooting: "When I first began to play this game eight months ago, for the first few weeks I threw the ball into the air and where it land I not know where and that is why I sit and dream on the bench with the second team." Walker adds, "Finally, after many injuries and intense coaching, I have moved up to at least being permitted to take a few shots from as much as five or six feet away."

Kirby also loves the game. "Noontime hoops is one of my favorite perks of working at Eastern. But there is this oddity involved. I always brag that I play basketball every day with the nicest group of men and sometimes women I've ever been around. And I tell anyone who will listen that noontime hoops is also the cleanest pick-up basketball game ever. But my sainted wife thinks I'm nuts because between a badly cut eye, broken ribs and an assortment of other injuries, I've never been so beat up in my life!" Kirby added that after the noon-time hoopsters recent game in Roswell, he was even more beat up.

Sloan is known as ‘The Commissioner’ of the noontime game because he will supply the ball, help pick the teams and soothe hurt feelings and high tempers when necessary. Sloan says the age of the group ranges from the upper 40s to upper 50s. But don’t let that fool you; this group plays aggressively and plays to win.

“We have an extensive injury list," Sloan says. "Sometimes I wonder if it would be beneficial to have the fire department come out to play against us so we could have stretchers and ambulances nearby,” he adds jokingly.

The injuries are a definite drawback to the game. Both Walker and Sloan have had surgery this year because of the game; Walker for his injured eye, and Sloan for a broken nose. Kirby has recently suffered broken ribs; Chacon plays with a knee brace; and Elder had stitches on his forehead. Neither Humphreys nor Romero has escaped the injured list either; Humphreys has back spasms and Romero suffers from a myriad of leg injuries that no longer allow him to play every day.

Even with all this, they get together almost every day to play for the exercise, the camaraderie and, of course, the love of the game. If you ever need to track down any of these maniacs at noon, look no further than Greyhound Arena – or maybe the local emergency room.
(photo by Marc Schoder)

Candid Camera

The 3rd annual "ENMU Intercampus Sports Competition" was played last Tuesday at noon in the ENMU-Roswell gym between the faculty/staff teams of the ENMU-Roswell Old Stars and ENMU-Portales Golden Oldie Hippies. Under hot and muggy conditions – in fact, there were four muggings by halftime – this year's trophy was awarded to the winner of the basketball game. (An informal four-on-four flag football game followed on the ENMU-R intramural fields.)

ENMU-Portales Golden Oldie Hippies

The Visitors – Members of the ENMU-Portales Golden Oldie Hippies were: (front row) John "New York State of Mind" Kirby, Wendel "The Commissioner" Sloan and James "Electrifying" Chacon; (back row) Ty "The Shrink" Walker, "Big Bad" John Humphreys, Don "The Doc" Elder and Mark "Sparky the Sparkplug" Romero.

The Action Was Hot and Heavy...

Sometimes Ballet-Like (with no antiperspirant in sight)...

Occasionally Resembling a Real Basketball Game...

Often Chaotic and Physical...

Sometimes Merely Verbal (as when John asked the ref if he knew of any good restaurants for an after-game meal)...

Sometimes Tense (as when the home crowd sat on pins and needles, and chairs, with the outcome in doubt until the final seconds)...

Intercampus Trophy – This is the trophy, provided by ENMU-Roswell, that was awarded to the winner of the basketball game in the 3rd annual "ENMU Intercampus Sports Competition." After trailing by as much as 15, the ENMU-Roswell Old Stars made an amazing comback with deadly three-point shooting and a well-thought-out game plan to get within two in the final minute. The outcome was in doubt until Doc Elder sank four free throws in the waning seconds for the ENMU-Portales Golden Oldie Hippies to give them a 50-46 win.

There Was Also a Football Game

Following the Basketball Game – There was also an informal, four-on-four flag football game following the basketball game. Because of injuries sustained in the basketball game, the ENMU-Portales Goldie Oldie Hippies only had three bodies left, so ENMU-Roswell intramural director Eva Watley agreed to play for Portales against her own ENMU-Roswell Old Stars. Other survivors of the basketball game were (L-R): Doc Elder, Ty Walker and Wendel Sloan. Eva turned out to be a secret weapon, unleashing some twisting, turning Barry Sanders-like moves.

Familiar Face – Bill Jones, former ENMU-Portales employee and now dean of Administrative Services at ENMU-Roswell, was kind enough to man the downs marker (or as Donna Gutierrez called it – that "pop-up thing").

The Old-Stars Used Some Nifty Downfield Laterals – to score four touchdowns. Trailing four touchdowns to one, the Golden Oldie Hippies made a nice comeback with three fourth-quarter TDs to give each team four for the game.

Despite Appearances – The football game was played under much less "muggy" conditions than the basketball game, filled with intercampus camaraderie and pats-on-the-back by each team for the good plays made by the other. The Golden Oldie Hippies thank the Old Stars and everyone else at ENMU-Roswell that participated in, watched or arranged the games. We will try to be equally good hosts next year for the 4th installment of the intercampus competition.

Scenes from International Banquet (photos by Richard Salas)

Scenes from Miss Silver Rose Pageant (photos by Richard Salas)

Proceeds Went for a Beautiful Cause – The Omega Delta Phi service fraternity present the Miss Silver Rose Pageant in the Campus Union Ballroom. A portion of the proceeds went to the Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence.

First Place Winner

In New Mexico Press Women Communications Contest – Richard Salas, student photographer in Communication Services, won First Place for a feature photo (above) and Second Place for a sports photo (below) in the category of "Photography in Publications Other than Newspapers" in the 2005 New Mexico Press Women Communication Contest.

Second Place Winner

City Manager (photo by Marc Schoder)

Speaks at ENMU – Portales city manger Debi Lee spoke to Philip Gill's PSCI332-Public Administration class at Eastern New Mexico University about the inner workings of Portales city government. Ms. Lee explained one of the larger responsibilities as city manager is to deliver the budget to the Portales City Council. Mr. Gill said, "Ms. Lee visited my class to explain the structure and scope of Portales municipal government from a working and experienced public administrator's perspective."

ENMU Survivors (photo by Richard Salas)

At Relay for Life – Pictured above and below are some of the ENMU cancer survivors that participated in the Relay for Life in Greyhound Arena this weeekend.

(photo by Richard Salas)

A Close Shave (photo by Richard Salas)

At Relay for Life – Greg Hobbs (above) and Dr. Jose Villarreal Jr. (below) of the College of Business got their hair trimmed as part of a fundraising challenge at the Relay for Life this weekend in Greyhound Arena.

(photo by Richard Salas)

Top

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 Marc Schoder Shelley Gilmore Helen Carroll Oscar Hua Wen Staff Photographer Richard Salas ENMU-Roswell Contributing Editor Donna Gutierrez ENMU-Ruidoso Contributing Editor Michael Elrod Technical Support ENMU Web Team