Date:
6/20/2003
Contact: Wendel Sloan at 505.562.2253
Reporter: Tracy Henderson
PORTALES – Personal touch and concern for student success are not just slogans to the students of Eastern New Mexico University. Amy (Braskamp) Behrman, a 1991 graduate with a B.S in communications with an emphasis in public relations, learned these are genuine attributes of the faulty and professors at Eastern. Upon her graduation, she left with a quality education, great learning experiences, and the best of friends.
"Eastern provided a great atmosphere for building friendships; the diversity of students' backgrounds gave you a chance to learn about the nature of people and what motivates them," said Amy. "The relationships I built while at Eastern helped define who I am today and left a lasting impact on my life."
Today, Amy is a Communications and Public Affairs Director at the Naval Air Systems Command Headquarters (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Md. NAVAIR is an organization of approximately 27,000 military and civilian personnel at eight operating locations across the U.S., as well as two abroad. NAVAIR supports the Naval mission by developing, acquiring, testing, and supporting all naval aircraft and related weapons systems and operates on an annual budget of approximately $22 billion.
Amy is assigned to NAVAIR's Network Centric Warfare Office, which is responsible for integrating new and innovative information warfare technologies for 21st Century Naval Aviation. Essentially, the office serves as NAVAIR's "apex for transformation", and a bridge to transformation initiatives across the Services.
The small-town atmosphere brought Amy to Eastern, and Eastern's small, intimate class setting provided an excellent dynamic for learning and interaction. "I would recommend Eastern to anyone. The quality of instructors and its small size gives you the best of what college has to offer."
Since graduation, Amy has enjoyed a diverse and challenging career in communications. Since 1991, she has worked for the U.S. Navy in several communications/public affairs and strategic planning positions; and also spent a few years in the corporate world as a public relations manager for Raytheon Company.
"The PR program at Eastern is expansive and challenging," said Amy. "You learn enough to be dangerous in a variety of disciplines, which serves you well in this line of work. My PR degree allowed me to strengthen my writing and communication skills and gave me a solid foundation from which to continue to grow and succeed."
The adage that professors impact young minds is very true in Amy's case. According to Amy, Dr. Timothy Ashmore, her professor and academic advisor, brought out the best in all of his students. "He always provoked interesting discussions and challenged us to think and debate. His encouragement and belief in my abilities helped strengthen my self-confidence, both academically, professionally and personally."
Not only did Amy take advantage of the small classes, she took advantage of what the college and community had to offer. She gained a taste of real hands-on experience through Eastern's internships and community projects. Working in the University Relations office as a reporter and photographer gave her access to interesting people and experiences.
Through her career, Amy has earned many accomplishments. However, she considers her family to be her greatest achievement. Amy met her husband, Fillip Behrman, currently the Program Manager for NAVAIR's Fleet Response Center, at NAVAIR. They were married in August of 1994, and have twin daughters, Zoe Danielle and Lindsey Paige, who will turn three in August.
"The girls teach me something new every day, and provide excellent material for my two favorite hobbies, writing and photography." The Behrmans have a home in Huntingtown, Md., near Annapolis and Washington, D.C.
Amy Behrman: internship at Eastern laid foundation for future success.