Date:
11/8/2002
Contact: Wendel Sloan at 505.562.2253
Reporter: Dr. Jim Miller
Dear Editor:
With the passage of Bond Issue B in Lincoln County and across New Mexico, the residents of Lincoln and Otero Counties have taken yet another step in the long-term development of our local university, ENMU - Ruidoso. The affirmation by forward thinking voters solves the immediate leak problem for ENMU in an expansive, aging roof.
More than leak prevention, the vote completes the first of several phases of campus renovation and expansion, completing the expenditure of nearly $250,000 by ENMU and several partners, to improve the outside of the ENMU building/parking lot. Additionally, it will help leverage additional capital funds from several sources to be used for the future expansion of the local campus, allowing ENMU to provide more programs and services in workforce development, senior learning opportunities and advanced technology classes. To our many students and other supporters, we say "thank you."
It has become apparent since the start of the ENMU campus in August 1991 that in order to 'grow' a college campus in rural New Mexico, it takes a more than the ordinary effort of local residents. Rural people cannot always rely on state government or larger population centers to do what seems so imperative locally. In Ruidoso and Lincoln County, community leaders and ENMU alumni have been working on establishing and growing a college since 1982 and in some cases, prior to that. To those individuals, we say a continued 'thank you.'
The students, faculty and staff of ENMU-Ruidoso express our gratitude in the continued support of area residents in these latest votes, and pledge to continue taking ENMU, in courses and service, to the next level.
Jim Miller Jr., Director
ENMU - Ruidoso