Date:
12/18/2007
Contact: Wendel Sloan at 505.562.2253
Reporter: Erin Griffith
PORTALES—Dr. Cheryl Drangmeister, associate vice president of Student Services at San Juan College in Farmington, N.M., is one of eight family members who have graduated from Eastern New Mexico University in Portales.
ENMU will hold its 113th Commencement Convocation at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14.
Cheryl and her older sister, Cindy Osburn, director of Special Education in the Clovis schools, were the first people in their family to graduate from college.
“I remember my folks used to always talk about ‘when you go to college,’ and graduating changed both our lives for the better—the professional level of achievement, the socio-economic potential and the expansion of understanding,” said Cheryl, whose family lives primarily in the Clovis-Portales area.
Cheryl worked at Eastern in Admissions for approximately five years, and then worked for Adam State College in Colorado. In doing so, she dealt with many different universities, but still believes ENMU is a great school for students. She has encouraged three nieces and two nephews to come to Eastern over the years.
“I feel like for students, that more personal education, and getting your feet on the ground in a more nurturing environment, is good. I have definitely encouraged my family to look at Eastern as an option, especially with the Lottery Scholarship,” said Cheryl, who first graduated in 1978 with a bachelor’s in math and psychology, and later received a master's from ENMU..
For the eight people that have graduated from Eastern in her family, Cheryl believes that it has done a lot for each of them. They are all in professional careers, especially the helping professions. The latest graduate in their family is her nephew Kerry Osburn, who received his bachelor's in agri-business in 2007.
“So much of it is the people at Eastern. They are like a family and that makes me smile. It is life-changing for the better; I see it in my family and in lots of other people who have gone to school there,” Cheryl said.
Below is a listing of ENMU graduates from Cheryl Drangmeister’s family:
Cheryl Helmer Drangmeister—Bachelor's in Math and Psychology 1978, Master's in Psychology 1985. Currently, Associate VP, Student Services - San Juan College.
Cindy Helmer Osburn (sister)—Bachelor's in Speech Pathology, Master's in Speech Pathology. Currently, Director of Special Education - Clovis Schools.
Barbara Helmer (sister-in-law)—Bachelor's in Elementary Education, Master's in Education. Currently, teacher - Texico Schools.
Shea Osburn Madrid (niece)—Bachelor's Chemistry/Biology. Completed her medical degree from Texas Tech in 2006. Currently, in second year of residency Pediatric Medicine area of specialization.
Mandy Helmer McDaniel (niece)—Bachelor's in Speech Pathology, Master's in Speech Pathology. Currently, employed at Clovis Schools as speech pathologist.
Brooke Osburn (niece)—Bachelor's. Currently, employed at Clovis Schools as social worker.
Michael Madrid (nephew-in-law)—Bachelor's. Currently, assistant women's basketball coach at Lubbock Christian University
Kerry Osburn (nephew)—Bachelor's in agri-business in 2007.