PORTALES, N.M. — Eastern New Mexico University, the ENMU Foundation, and ENMU Alumni Association are proud to announce the distinguished recipients of the 2026 Homecoming Awards, presented at the ENMU Foundation's 50th Annual Homecoming Breakfast on Saturday, Oct. 17, in the Campus Union Ballroom.
"Congratulations to this year's honorees," said Dr. James Johnston, ENMU chancellor. "Each represents outstanding contributions in their own right and are certainly a part of what makes ENMU an outstanding University."
This year's honors represent an exceptional group of alumni, community leaders, educators, and staff who embody the Greyhound spirit through professional excellence, dedicated service, and profound community impact.
The celebration highlights individuals and organizations whose contributions extend across New Mexico and beyond. The 2026 honorees include:
ENMU Educator Hall of Honor Inductee
Brandon Boerio
Brandon Boerio (BME 05) is the Director of Educator Quality for Clovis Municipal Schools in Clovis, New Mexico, recognized for 25 years of dedicated public education and leadership in music education and human resources.
ENMU Alumni Association Awards
Outstanding Alumni Award
Annette Fazenbaker
Annette Fazenbaker (BS84) from Alamogordo, New Mexico, is honored for a lifetime of service, education, and community support, including co-founding Operation Soldier Smiles, which has delivered over 20,000 care packages to deployed service members.
Outstanding Alumni Award
Launa Waller
Launa Waller (BS 93) is the Chief Executive Officer of Plateau Telecommunications in Clovis, New Mexico, recognized for her three decades of industry leadership and vital advocacy for rural broadband and economic development across New Mexico.
Distinguished Service Award
Dr. Gerry C. Washburn
Dr. Gerry C. Washburn (BS 77, MED 06) serves as the Carlsbad Municipal Schools Superintendent and is honored for a distinguished career in New Mexico public education, coaching, and expanding local teacher education pathways.
ENMU Foundation Awards
Business of the Year
Dairy Farmers of America (DFA)
Portales Plant Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) Plant is recognized for substantial local economic investment, employment opportunities, and steadfast philanthropic support for ENMU athletics, academics, and community projects.
Philanthropists of the Year
Dr. John Montgomery and Cori Snobble
Dr. John Montgomery and Cori Snobble are celebrated for 42 years of dedication to ENMU-Portales, the Blackwater Draw National Historic Landmark, and their generous philanthropic commitments supporting interdisciplinary research and regional heritage.
Volunteers of the Year
ENMU Alumni Association Scholarship Golf Tournament Committee
The ENMU Alumni Association Scholarship Golf Tournament Committee, current co-chairs Dr. Christina Hall (BME 05) of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Sia Poyer (BS 96, MS 98) of Portales, New Mexico, along with all of the current and past committee members, are recognized for managing the premier tournament that has raised over $678,000 for student scholarships since 2010.
ENMU Advancement
Hallowed Hound
Nereyda R. Fait
Nereyda R. Fait (BS 23) is recognized as the first-ever ENMU Advancement Division outstanding team member award, named the Hallowed Hound. Fait of Portales, New Mexico, is the ENMU videographer and social media specialist, honored for exceptional teamwork, digital storytelling, and dedicated service to the entire University Advancement and Public Relations team.
For more information regarding Homecoming events and schedules, visit enmu.edu/Homecoming.
Media Contact: Shaun Banther [email protected] Chief Communications Officer Office of Communication Services | Office of Advancement and Public Relations Eastern New Mexico University
