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Announcements can be submitted to the Monday Memo by University community members (employees, students, retirees and alumni), and
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Monday. To submit an item, use the Submit
Announcements form at the lower right, or e-mail monday.memo@enmu.edu.
Announcements can only be accepted from off-campus groups that are non-profit. The Web address for the Monday Memo is http://www.enmu.edu/mondaymemo.
The Monday Memo is a weekly electronic newsletter published for the faculty and staff of Eastern New Mexico University. The editor is Wendel Sloan.
Graduating Nursing Student Recognized for Excellence
Daughters Also Earn Tassles
by Dawn Wolf-Taylor
Nursing Program
As a single mom, Michael is especially proud of her daughters’ accomplishments. |
(L-R) Michelle Racicot, Ashley Fraley, Michael Ann Hussan and Shannon Hussan |
Michael Hussan, a Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) nurse at the Raymond G. Murphy Veteran’s Administration (VA) medical center in Albuquerque and ENMU BSN Completion Program student, has cause to celebrate for several reasons in her professional and personal life.
For starters, she received the Circle of Excellence award from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) earlier this year. Fellow ENMU nursing student Lingling Du nominated Michael for this prestigious award, which is given annually to 35 nurses throughout New Mexico. The award “applauds exceptional practice in the most intimate of settings,” according to AACN guidelines.
Additionally, a rehabilitation program for open heart surgery patients at the VA that Michael designed and implemented as part of her studies at ENMU has received recognition at the national level.
As part of ENMU’s Nursing Leadership (NURS 425) class, students complete a hands-on practicum based on improving their leadership skills within the nursing profession. Michael’s project has enabled VA open heart surgery patients to leave the Surgery Intensive Care Unit (SICU) an average of 6-18 hours faster. Simple ideas are often the most brilliant, and Michael’s project is no exception.
Little stars on the ceiling every 10 feet in Michael’s SICU help patients measure how far they can walk post-operatively. Michael mapped out the entire SICU and measured the distance between several different locations that patients would travel within the hospital.
She explained, “It’s 794 feet from the SICU doors to the X-Ray and back.” The goals and visuals aid and encourage patients to walk more and longer, and their family members join them in their walks for added support. The idea from this project was inspired by the standard ‘six minute walk test’ that is used to measure the recovery rate of heart patients. Michael modified and expanded this test because, she said, “Her patients could do more.” Under Michael’s care, that is undoubtedly the case. Michael’s project has been submitted to the Washington, D.C., VA headquarters for possible implementation in all VA hospitals nationwide.
Michael still remembers the names and circumstances of the three patients that she could not save in her 25 years in the healthcare profession. She received recognition from the New Mexico House of Representatives for “exemplary tender loving and professional care given to [the patient] during the most critical time of her life” as a result of her care of one of those patients.
She attended the patient’s funeral, and she was able to keep the patient alive long enough for the patient and her family to adequately prepare for her passing. The patient’s family was instrumental in having Michael recognized for her outstanding efforts.
Michael has won many other awards for her excellence in nursing, and she doesn’t discount the importance of the October 2012 “Employee of the Month Award” from the VA because it provided $250 and a special parking place (which she gave away because she works nights and didn’t need it, her nominating director received that benefit).
Michael is also certified for many types of intensive care, including neo-natal, pediatric, trauma and medical. She worked with Life Flight for the Air Force from 1982-88 in both active duty and the reserves. This stint entailed flying patients internationally throughout the world to receive the proper healthcare. “If you were in a trauma in Japan, for instance, we would bring you back to the US to whichever facility could best manage the trauma issues,” Michael explained.
Michael has invited ENMU’s nursing program to attend the family graduation party she’s planning. She will graduate in December 2012 with a BSN from ENMU’s nursing program, and she projects a 4.0 cumulative GPA “if all goes well this semester.”
She plans to continue her education through ENMU’s MSN program starting in 2014.
Michael is joined in her 2012 graduation by her oldest daughter, Michelle Racicot, who finished a Nurse Practitioner degree from University of New Mexico in May. Michael’s middle daughter, Shannon Hussan, will also graduate in December with distinction, earning a Mechanical Engineering degree from New Mexico Tech in Socorro. Not to be left out, her youngest daughter, Ashley Fraley, graduated with honors in May 2012 from Eldorado High School in Albuquerque.
As a single mom, Michael is especially proud of her daughters’ accomplishments. She remembers telling them when they struggled with their studies, “If I can do this, work 40 hours a week and take of you, you can and will succeed in school.”
New Anthropology Professor Loves Chaco Canyon
story and top photo by Shantiana White
Communication Services
“Being a professor is a lot like being a student in many aspects because finals are just as hard for professors as it is for students.” – Dr. Samuel Duwe
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| Dr. Samuel Duwe |
The favorite National Park of Dr. Samuel Duwe, assistant professor of anthropology, is Chaco Canyon in northwestern New Mexico.
“I like that there is not a lot of people, the archaeology, and the big and open landscape,” said the archaeologist.
Professor Duwe has done much of his archaeological research in New Mexico where he has studied prehispanic Puebloan sites between Santa Fe and Taos.
“I get to do my research in my favorite state,” said the racquetball player. “I enjoy exploring the terrain and getting to know the people.”
Professor Duwe decided to teach at ENMU because it has a good graduate program and small classes. It is also less than a four-hour trip to northern New Mexico to bring his students to teach and conduct research.
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“It is nice to have no more than 20 students in a class and be able to know everyone, then seeing them at a football game,” said the college football fan.
He has had a positive teaching experience at Eastern, even as he reaches the end of his first semester.
“Being a professor is a lot like being a student in many aspects because finals are just as hard for professors as it is for students,” said the novice car mechanic.
Professor Duwe received his B.A. in anthropology at the University of Michigan. He received his M.A. and Ph.D. in at the University of Arizona because he had heard it had one of the best graduate programs in anthropology and was the close to archaeological sites in the Southwest.
“Anthropology is fascinating because it examines how people are both so different and so similar at the same time. Archaeology takes this idea into the past to understand the ways in which people started to farm and build cities, created war and empires but also sophisticated languages and art, and finally end up creating our modern world,” said Dr. Duwe. “Since I was in elementary school I knew that I wanted to be an archaeology professor. Working with Eastern was a realization of my lifelong dream,” said the Michigan native.
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His parents influenced his career choice because they would take him and his siblings to national parks, camping sites and archaeological sites.
“My two younger brothers and my dad have worked for National Park Service,” said Duwe.
Once a year, his family plans a date to visit each other and this year it will be during the holiday season.
“It is going to be nice to see my family because I haven’t seen them in awhile,” said Dr. Duwe. “A job and family are pretty important,” said the family-oriented person.
Professor Duwe looks forward to future teaching and research opportunities at Eastern, which include taking students into the field for research, working with undergraduates and graduate students on projects relating to Southwestern archaeology, and teaching students about prehistoric pottery - his specialty.
“I hope to make a positive impact to my students regardless of if they become archaeologists or not. Anthropology has a lot to offer including providing communication and critical thinking skills,” said Dr. Duwe.
“If nothing else, I hope they can impress someone at a party years from now with a fun fact about Sumerian civilization or explain how dogs were domesticated.”
| Graduate with Guilty Conscience Sends ENMU Box of Toilet Paper |
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A graduate with a guilty conscience has sent Eastern New Mexico University a box of toilet paper to repay the university for toilet paper they took from a dormitory as a prank they say they played as “a young immature college student.”
The box, postmarked Tuesday, Nov. 27, from zip code 88203 in Roswell, arrived at ENMU’s purchasing department on Wednesday, Nov. 28.
The box, which cost $13.28 to ship, contained five packages of 16 “Big Rolls” each of Angel Soft 2-ply, septic-safe tissue for a total of 80 rolls.
Taped to the front with ENMU’s address was an envelope with a Christmas card inside.
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The pre-printed front of the Christmas card read “Holy Bible.” The pre-printed portion inside read “To wish you the special gifts of Christmas…Peace, Good Will and abiding Happiness.”
The handwritten message read, “Years ago when I was a young immature college student I took toilet paper from your dormitory as a prank. I apologize for that and offer this case. Jesus Christ has made such a difference in my life and has prompted me to repay for any sins I’ve done even from so long ago...God Bless and Merry Christmas”
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ENMU is donating the tissue, which does not fit ENMU dispensers, to the New Mexico Christian Children’s Home near Portales.
“We express our admiration to the anonymous donor for their integrity and character,” said Wendel Sloan, director of ENMU Media Relations. “We never even knew that the toilet tissue was missing, but thank our graduate for doing what they thought was right.
"If they ever want to reveal their identity, we assure them that we have nothing but respect and appreciation for them and would like the opportunity to tell them. If they have a guilty conscience, we want them to know that all is forgiven.
"Since the tissue was donated as pentience, it does seem appropriate that it was Angel Soft."
| National, Regional and Local Media Pick Up Toilet Paper Caper Story |
The toilet paper caper story was picked up by the Associated Press, Yahoo News, USA Today, Albuquerque Journal, Las Cruces Sun-News, Portales News-Tribune and many other papers, including the Miami Herald and Denver Post, National Public Radio and aired by several radio and TV stations – including KOB-TV of Albuquerque which came to campus. |
| Below is Tiny Portion of Other Toilet Paper Caper Media Coverage | ||||||||||||
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| ASAB's Hanging of the Greens
(copy by Timothy McCoy; photos provided by ASAB) |
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Hanging of the Greens is the biggest philanthropy event that ASAB hosts every year. This year was the 4th Annual Hanging of the Greens. This not only gives ASAB a chance to give back to the community, but the campus as a whole. They work together to give underprivileged children a memorable holiday. All of the student organizations, departments, some of the faculty and staff, along with other individual students sponsor a child from the surrounding children's homes. ASAB reserves the Ballroom every year to decorate and bring the holiday spirit alive. With wonderful Christmas carols, delightful catered food provided by Sodexo, arts and crafts for the children, cookie decorating, and their very own Santa, Mrs. Claus, and elves to hand out gifts. This year ASAB added another fun event to the Hanging of the Greens, ASAB members performed a play for the kids. Laughs and giggles filled the room. Five hundred people showed up to this years Hanging of the Greens. One hundred children from 2 to 18 years of age were sponsored by people on campus. This year's event was a major success. ASAB and ENMU as a whole applied a hard work ethic in bringing a special smile to every child's face this year. |
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| United Way Battle of the Sexes (photos and copy provided by Janice Cowen) |
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United Way of Eastern New Mexico is the most powerful method we have to help support vital services to our fellow citizens of Roosevelt County. ENMU is a major contributing force in Portales and this region. The Chi Omega sorority and the Interfraternal Council stepped up Wednesday evening at Greyhound Arena to help achieve these goals. The students engaged in a little friendly competition by participating in ENMU’s United Way Battle of the Sexes during the men’s and women’s basketball games. |
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| News 3 New Mexico Christmas Party (photos by Shantiana White) |
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ENMU Students Visit Children's
Miracle Network at Amarillo Hospital
copy and photos by Janet Bresenham
KENW-TV News Director
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KENW-TV News Director and instructor of communication Janet Bresenham took a group of 14 ENMU students to Amarillo on Saturday, Dec. 1, to learn more about the regional Children's Miracle Network program and visit with kids and families at B-S-A Hospital.
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Thanks to generous donors, the group from Eastern was able to bring a variety of art supplies, DVD movies, gifts and holiday treats to the children in the hospital.
Several of the staff and volunteers from the Children's Miracle Network shared their stories and updated the ENMU group about the services provided to children throughout the West Texas and eastern New Mexico region.
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Bresenham and the students spent the morning doing art projects with several kids and sharing hope and joy with families who are spending their holiday season in the hospital caring for sick children.
Many of the students hope to return to help with other Children's Miracle Network projects, including a beautiful art project already underway there that involves painting colorful murals in every child's hospital room.
The project was created by Judy Lynch of Amarillo, whose 7-year-old Thomas has benefited from Children's Miracle Network services his whole life. Thomas has a rare seizure disorder.
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Judy and her husband, Barry Lynch, also founded and organize the annual Tri To Make A Difference sprint triathlon at Lake Tanglewood near Amarillo, which is dedicated entirely to raising funds and awareness for Children's Miracle Network in this region.
Bresenham has participated in the triathlon and hopes to take more ENMU students to volunteer there next September.
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Professor Doug Morris Interviewing Noam Chomsky
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| Dr. Doug Morris | Noam Chomsky |
Suggest Interview Questions for Noam Chomsky – Dr. Doug Morris will interview Noam Chomsky on Dec. 14. Chomsky is the "most-cited living person" and has been called "most important living intellectual" by the New York Times. Around the world he is often referred to as "the conscience of the United States."
Chomsky has revolutionized the field of linguistics and had a profound impact on multiple other fields, including the brain sciences, cognitive science, ps ychology, anthropology, philosophy, history, education, media studies, cultural studies, peace studies, communications, etc., and crucially our understanding of U.S. foreign policy.
It is a rare opportunity for ENMU employees and students to ask a question of someone who is listed with Plato, Aristotle, Marx, Freud, Lenin, Hegel, etc., in the top-ten of most cited people in history.
If you would like to suggest questions for Dr. Morris to ask Chomsky, email doug.morris@enmu.edu.
Editor's Note: The information below is based on a Monday Memo interview with Dr. Doug Morris about his upcoming interview with world-renowned intellectual Noam Chomsky.
It will be a live interview at MIT in Cambridge, Mass., in Chomsky's office. My long-time comrade, John Holder, who works at the University of Hartford, will join me in interviewing Noam.
A transcript of the interview will appear at www.zcommunications.org/znet. We will also videotape the interview and post it on YouTube.
We started recording many of Noam's public lectures in early September 1990 during the build-up to U.S. power's attack on Iraq which began in January 1991 (the first U.S. attack on Iraq for those unfamiliar with the history, not quite as devastating as the second in 2003 but bad enough for the victims). During that build-up Chomsky was speaking relentlessly, four or five nights a week, frequently in sessions that lasted three or four hours, and we were often recording two lectures a week for the next several months.
Over the following 11 years we recorded over 200 lectures on a wide-range of topics, with titles such as "Creeping Fascism," "The Third World Comes Home," "Crisis in the Middle East" (always a relevant topic), "Plan Colombia," "Terror US Style," "The New World Order," "Deterring Democracy," "Killing Haiti" "Contract on America," "Manufacturing Consent," etc., etc., etc., and a few linguistic lectures.
We also recorded a number of interviews starting in 1992. In 1992 I followed Chomsky around Europe recording lectures and interviews as part of what we (not Chomsky) were calling "The Dissident Ambition Tour." For roughly 12 years we distributed videotapes of these lectures and interviews to many places around the world as part of a project we called "Turning the Tide."
I have to say that listening to and recording all of those lectures (and reading many of his books) was the best education one could get. When I was teaching in high school in New Hampshire students would often come along to lectures and we also set up a few student-conducted interviews with Chomsky. Common comments from students after interviewing Chomsky were things like "I think my IQ just went up 100 points!" or "I feel as though I've been lied to my whole life and now I am starting to see reality."
I had a similar experience. I recall the first book I read by Chomsky titled "Turning the Tide." That book focused on the truly monstrous and gut-wrenching terror and violence US power was pouring on Central America, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Guatemala in particular, in the 1980s, and suddenly so much of what had been obscured and mystified came into much greater clarity. I bought copies for all of my friends. It was truly transformative.
Most importantly, the students who were reading Chomsky, discussing Chomsky, and listening to Chomsky became deeply involved and active in social struggles for peace and justice, and most of them are still involved at various levels. Once folks gain a comprehension of what is really going on, it is hard not to want to get involved to try to end the horrors.
Chomsky is not only by far the smartest and most critically brilliant person I've ever met, but also among the kindest, most generous, and most dedicated to the long-term struggle for peace, social justice, and substantive forms of equality, freedom, and democracy. I think it was Richard Peck who said "Chomsky says more in ten pages than most intellectuals say in a lifetime."
Chomsky is often maligned by intellectuals because he calls on us to be "public intellectuals," that is intellectuals wiling and able to take on the moral, social, and political responsibility to struggle against the injustices, indignities, and iniquities of power, (power, of course, does not appreciate such critiques!), and also working to address our social predicaments.
Intellectuals generally have the time, training, and resources to do so, but careerism often stands in the way, as Chris Hedges has pointed out quite astutely in some recent pieces well worth reading, for example: http://www.alternet.org/media/chris-hedges-how-careerism-big-part-our-social-predicament. That careerism is another form of what Hannah Arendt called "the banality of evil."
We are trained to serve the interests of the dominant institutions rather than challenge them, and with that kind of domestication people can too often become comfortable both with the malaise and also with serving their bureaucratic institutional role in ways that lead to what Ed Herman (he has written books with Chomsky) calls "normalizing the unthinkable." It is not to say that the people are indecent but that people will often serve the interests of indecent institutions and thus foment the horrors those institutions often perpetrate and perpetuate.
I think it is Chomsky's persistence in calling for intellectuals to take the decisions that integrity demands rather than taking the decisions that power demands that leaves many intellectuals saying, "I can't understand Chomsky." It is not that they "can't understand" but, I think, it is more that they do not want to understand, and it is not entirely irrational (though not very moral) to take that stance.
Challenging power, revealing the crimes of power, explaining the exploitative, oppressive, and destructive imperatives of the dominant systems and ideologies, and struggling for peace, dignity, justice, human rights, ecological rationality, and substantive forms of freedom and democracy means one will often face vilification, marginalization, misrepresentation, etc. And there have been vilification campaigns, some very strange, against Chomsky.
If we take the intellectuals at their word when they say "I can't understand Chomsky," it strikes me as rather peculiar to say the least. My brother is a truck driver and would not identify himself as "highly educated" in the way that many intellectuals would define themselves as "highly educated," and I think he has listened to every Chomsky lecture we ever recorded, and shared many of them with his trucking friends.
They have no problem understanding Chomsky. High school students in New Hampshire, including 9th grade students, were reading Chomsky, interviewing Chomsky, listening to Chomsky lectures, etc., and they could understand Chomsky, talk about Chomsky with friends, write about Chomsky in sophisticated ways, etc.
It may be the case that some people are unfamiliar with Chomsky's work. After all, he is only the most cited living person and up there with Plato, Aristotle, Marx, and Hegel in the list of top ten most cited people in history. In every other country I've traveled to, and that is quite a few, people know Chomsky for both his scientific work and for his political work.
I recall being in Barcelona in 1992, following Chomsky around Europe, and sitting in a cafe with a fairly large group of college students and they could not believe it when I shared with them that there are many intellectuals (and people in general) in the U.S. who are unfamiliar with Chomsky and his work.
They said, "In Spain, you could not call yourself a serious intellectual and not know Noam Chomsky." And that is true virtually everywhere you go, all over Europe, in Canada, in the Middle East, and all over Latin America, etc.
So, we might ask why so many people do not know Chomsky in the U.S., the country in which he was born and where he has taught and published over 100 books and countless articles over the last 55 years.
For those unfamiliar with Chomsky they might wish to check this recent lecture (video and transcript) at this site:
http://www.democracynow.org/2012/10/26/who_owns_the_world_noam_chomsky
Or this talk on education from last year:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_EgdShO1K8
Or go here for a wide-variety of material from Chomsky:
