W N M U A l u m n i M a g a z i n e S p r i n g 2 0 1 2

esternerWV o l 1 I s s u e 1

Putting life into Focus Four different paths that lead to the same place

BOARD OF REGENTSJanice Baca Argabright (designee)Charles “Randy” BriggsKelly ClarkTony TrujilloJerry Walz

ADMINISTRATIONJoseph Shepard, Ph.D.PresidentFaye Vowell, Ph.D.Provost & Vice President for Academic AffairsSherri BaysVice President for Business AffairsIsaac BrundageVice President for Student AffairsLinda Kay Jones, CEcDVice President for Institutional Advancement

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARDJack Howell, PresidentBobby Jackson, Vice PresidentOlivia Morales, TreasurerSandy Moore, SecretaryVictor Carbajal, Past PresidentGuadalupe Cano, Eugene Gomez, Ron Hall, Al O’Malley, Elisa SanchezDr. Linda Baldwin, Faculty RepresentativeAdele Springer, Staff RepresentativeJason Lucas, Student Government

CHAPTER LEADSRosina Romero, Albuquerque, NMAbe Armendariz, Mesilla Valley, NMIris Nevarez, Luna County, NMAlan Carl, El Paso, TXAbe Villarreal, Grant County, NMSteven Maloney, IndianaAlfred Ogas, Phoenix, AZ Charlie Wright, Tucson, AZBailey Noble, CA

Westerner is published each year in spring and fall by the Office of Alumni Affairs.

To receive issues or send letters to the Westerner please contact:alumni@wnmu.edu or PO Box 680, Silver City, NM 88062

Alumni Affairs OfficePO Box 680Silver City, NM 88062575-538-6675alumni@wnmu.edu

www.wnmu.edu/alumniwww.facebook.com/WNMUAlumni

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Fasten your seatbelts, we’re Great Racing into the future! It’s that time of year when students join teams, strap into go-carts, and race to WIN! As in life, we are all part of a team, whether in sports, at home, or at work. The 45th annual Great Race is happening this April. Who was on your team?

In this issue you will read a story about four WNMU alumni who find themselves part of the same Arizona high school coaching team.

You will also notice the new name for our old favorite magazine. After years of deliberation and suggestion, the Alumni Bulletin has

been re-named Westerner. I had been asked over and over “why is it called a bulletin, it seems like a magazine?” I had to agree, thanks to all of YOUR great input, pictures, and letters, it has grown! So, please join me in enjoying this first issue of Westerner and keep all the good stuff coming!

Last fall was busy with Homecoming activities, football games, the inauguration of WNMU’s 15th President, Dr. Shepard, and bus fires! Thank you to all of you that offered your support and donations to the Athletic Fire Relief Fund to help the team recover from the losses of the fire. You will read an update from the Athletics department in this issue about how things are settling down and being replaced after the fire.

In addition, Albuquerque and Grant County alumni chapters each had holiday meetings, and basketball events were held in Las Cruces and Albuquerque. There will be more to come. Keep in touch with your local chapter to find out what’s coming up next.

Planning is well underway for the 45th annual Great Race this year. Alumni events are scheduled April 20-21 and will include a reception at the newly remodeled President’s Residence hosted by Dr. Shepard and Marcela. Re-live the fun…consider being part of an Alumni Great Race team!

As we celebrate the tradition of Great Race and move into the future of 2012, I am reminded that what the future brings can be made better by who we have on our team in life, and I am grateful to be part of the WNMU team with you.

Danielle MoffettDirector of Alumni Affairs

Racing intothe Future

W N M U A l u m n i M a g a z i n e S p r i n g 2 0 1 2

esternerWV o l 1 I s s u e 1

Putting life into Focus Four different paths that lead to the same place

Westerner Vol 1 Issue 1

Great Race45th Annual

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GO MUSTANGS!

April 20-21

April 20: Welcome & Check-In, Hunter Hall

April 20: Campus Tours

April 20: Welcome Dinner & SocialPresident’s Residence

April 21: Great Race BreakfastApril 21: The Great Race!

April 21: Alumni/VIP Race

April 21: Awards CeremonyApril 21: ‘Hot Dogs & More’ Cookout w/ Students

April 21: End-of-the-Race Farewell SocialLodging Discounts for Alumni!

Holiday Inn Express1103 Superior St., Silver City

1-888-388-4515

Bear Creek Motel & Cabins88 Main St., Pinos Altos

575-388-4501

Early Registration: $25 (received before April 2)

Registration after April 2: $30

Mail to: WNMU-Alumni AffairsPO Box 680, Silver City, NM 88062

Need a ride? Call Corre Caminos

575-388-3180, $3.50 each wayRegister Online:

www.wnmu.edu/alumnigreatrace

1968 2011

April 20: One Day University

n a world of numbers, four coaches from Apollo High School in Glendale, Arizona should all be lottery winners. Jerod Aker, Chris Biesbrouck, David Devlin, and Jacob Marin were different students on

different paths on a similar journey with an even more similar ending.

“I think it is an unbelievable coincidence,” said Coach Aker about the fact that four Apollo High School coaches attended Western New Mexico University at different times and are now co-workers. “Especially considering the fact that the enrollment at WNMU wasn’t too much higher than our enrollment here [Apollo High].”

The four coaches seemed to be following each other on their way to Apollo High.

Jerod Aker is a 1994 alum who earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He grew up in Morenci, Arizona with his friend Jacob Marin who also attended WNMU and graduated in 2001. Biesbrouck arrived at WNMU the same month Devlin graduated with his Master of Arts in Teaching degree. Biesbrouck graduated four years later in 1997. After earning his Master’s degree in 1993, Devlin began his teaching career at Apollo High. Marin and Biesbrouck arrived at Apollo High in 2008 and Aker came two years later.

Like a game of chess, the back-story seems a complicated path. Today; however, the coaches’ lives are much more in focus.

Coach Aker teaches physical education and coaches basketball and baseball. Coach Biesbrouck teaches biology and coaches football and baseball. Coach Devlin teaches biology and coaches track. Coach Marin teaches physical education and coaches basketball and baseball.

“One of the really interesting aspects of this is that we not only share WNMU but also a passion for teaching, coaching and we are all very good friends,” said Biesbrouck.

That passion inside and outside the classroom is evident to the coaches’ students.

“He is a good teacher, fun, entertaining and interesting,” said Chloe Gonzales, a sophomore in Devlin’s biology class and a member of his track team. “If you need help with something, he does give you one-on-one time. He’s very encouraging.”

Coach Marin receives similar praise from his students.

“He’s always keeping us working, always pushing us to the next level,” said Jesus Cardenas, a senior and point guard on Marin’s basketball team. “With Coach Marin, you have to get better.”

Like most students who arrive to college, these coaches didn’t have a clear vision for the future.

Biesbrouck wasn’t sure what career path he would take and credits former WNMU

professor Dennis Miller with encouraging him through his studies.

“Dennis Miller helped me to a huge extent by preparing me for the world of education,” said Biesbrouck. “Dennis is my role model in education. His mentoring, advice and friendship helped me build the foundation that I use to this day to educate students.”

For Coach Aker, the decision was somewhat easier having grown up with a family of educators. His college experience is memorable for his experiences outside the classroom.

“My fondest memories are the great times we had during Great Race Week,” said Aker.

While at WNMU, Coach Marin knew that coaching was what he wanted to do once his athletic career was over.

“I knew I wanted to play ball as long as possible and when I was done I wanted to coach. I didn’t exactly see myself as a high school teacher originally but as I got going through my education I decided that it was a great option for me,” said Marin.

“I have never regretted it for a single day.”

Unlike his counterparts, Coach Devlin was a graduate student at WNMU in the early 90s. He taught at Snell Middle School and Cobre High School, both in Grant County, before arriving in Glendale.

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Coach Jacob Marin with the Apollo High School basketball team.

FINDING their own way, they are now LEADING others

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Coach Devlin credits the quality of the School of Education and his genes for his career in teaching.

“I come from a family of educators; my dad was actually a dean at WNMU during the 1980s,” said Devlin. “Even though it’s a smaller university, the quality of the School of Education is as good as any school.”

The group has earned high marks in academic and athletic achievements.

Coach Akers earned the region’s Coach of the Year award six times, led team region champions four times, coached 15 consecutive playoff appearances and has former players who went on to play in the college and professional levels.

Coach Biesbrouck received the Golden Apple award for teaching in Illinois, district Teacher of the Year in California, Teacher of the Month at Apollo High, and coaching Staff Member of the Year for football. He has also led baseball and football region champs.

Coach Devlin’s girls track team has won the 4x100 meter relay team competition at the state level for five consecutive years. A former athlete of his was also a first round draft pick in the NFL.

The Western Sky Coach of the Year recognition recently went to Coach Marin whose basketball team at Apollo High has earned region runner-up and region champion honors.

“Sports are a great way to teach some of life’s toughest lessons,” said Marin. “The most rewarding part is the teaching.”

Coach David Devlin

Coach Jerod Aker

Coach Chris Biesbrouck

Recognize this face?

It’s C oach Jarod Aker from the 1993 WNMU annual !

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Alumni Snapshots

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Pictured in clockwise order: Mustang basketball players from the 1990’s Charles Thompson, Jason Mattox, David Verdugo, Gabe Ostyn and Mike Herd (in no order) visit during Homecoming weekend; Ray Gachupin ‘79, Director of Housing and Recreation at SIPI, visiting the Alumni Affairs Office; Tom Davis ‘58 and Rosina Romero ‘83 present Dr. Shepard with a gift; Regent member Jerry Walz ‘74 with Connie Walsh ‘66 at the Albuquerque chapter meeting; alum Anthony Peters stands with his grandaughter and student Chelsea Crespin and Dr. Shepard at the President’s Inauguration; Leo Fairchild ‘69 and his wife Nancy ‘66 at a homecoming social; Cameron Clark ‘94, wife Patricia ‘92 and their children at the Marine Corps Ball in Tampa Bay; Ruben Medina ‘06, his wife Margaret ‘91 and 2010, and a student at the Bash on Broadway; Liz Ann Perea ‘87 and Natalia Quintana ‘58 at the Albuquerque chapter meeting; and Jeff Perales ‘10 holding an issue of the Alumni Bulletin in Tucson, Arizona.

Two Hall of Famers talk life, memoriesThe Alumni Affairs Office recognized Ron Hall as the Outstanding Alumnus Ambassador and J.D. Williams as the Distinguished Alumnus Ambassador for 2011 in October.

Hall is the recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Ambassador Award for demonstrating significant contributions to WNMU and donating time and talents to the University.

Hall was born and raised in Tucumcari. He attended Northern Oklahoma Junior College on a football scholarship before transferring to WNMU.

After earning a degree in academic studies, Hall’s career included 25 years with the Silver City Police Department and 16 years as a magistrate court judge. He has been active with the Grant County Alumni Chapter for many years and has recently served as president of the chapter.

Q: What is your best memory of WNMU?

A: Meeting the love of my life, my wife Jane (Max McGhee). Q: What has WNMU meant to your life?

A: I arrived on the campus of WNMU in the Fall of 1965 as a transfer student from Northern Oklahama Junior College. I had my car and a sea bag of clothes and was homeless! So, WNMU was not only an educational opportunity, but my home. I gained life long friendships at Western. My room mate Walter Mechem and I married sisters; Jane (my wife) and Janet (Walter’s wife). Jane and I chose to live within walking distance of the University. We can hear the “clink” of the bat during softball season, the gathering of the crowd for the football games and the music playing at Old James when they are having a get- together. We always visit with the Professors who walk back and forth to their classes on our street; wave to the football players going to practice and we love to hear the chimes ring out every hour. I walk through the campus every day and feel very blessed to live here. Q: How do you feel about this recognition?

A: I feel very humble to be recognized as the Outstanding Alumnus Ambassador, doing what I really enjoy doing and supporting the institution that gave me a life long home.

Q: What is your message to WNMU alumni?

A: Get involved with Western by joining an alumni chapter. If you don’t have a Chapter, start one wherever you live. Call the Alumni Affairs Office at 538-6675 and speak to Danielle Moffett. You are a part of Western’s past...be a part of Western’s future! Go Mustangs!

J.D. Williams is the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Ambassador award for demonstrating excellence in his chosen profession and excellence in his contributions to society.

Williams was raised in Anthony, New Mexico and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1964. After college, Williams began a 25-year career in the Federal Bureau of Prisons and rose through ranks from Recreation Director at La Tuna Feral Correctional Institution in Anthony, Texas, to Assistant Director of Programs in the Bureau’s Central Office in Washington, D.C. After retiring, Williams joined GEO, a private prison company and retired as Regional Vice President in 2004.

Q: What is your best memory of WNMU?

A: My best memory during my years at WNMU is being encouraged by two individuals, Athletic Director Ray Brancheau and Coach Al Johnson. They were both an inspirational source for me and I credit them for instilling the drive I needed to succeed in my choice of career. Q: What has WNMU meant to your life?

A: My years at WNMU were fulfilling in both the educational and social aspects of my life. The education I received prepared me for my future and the friends I acquired keep me stabilized so I don’t get too “into” myself! Q: How do you feel about this recognition?

A: My award is both humbling and appreciated, not to mention unexpected! I was raised to do any job to the best of my ability and I entered the prison system with that thought in mind. I was very fortunate to have good mentors who taught and encouraged me. This award means I must have learned something along the way! Q: What is your message to WNMU alumni?

A:To the alumni: Continue to support our university so that present and future students will benefit as much as we have.

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Director of Alumni Affairs Danielle Moffett, WNMU President Joseph Shepard, Ron Hall, J.D. Williams, and Alumni Association President Jack Howell during the Homecoming game halftime presentation.

Cornelius "Pat" Patterson was inducted into the Western New Mexico Athletic Hall of Fame in October at a Hall of Fame breakfast and during halftime of the Mustang homecoming football game.

Growing up in the small, segregated community in southwest Texas in the 1940s, Patterson spent his first six years of schooling in a one-room schoolhouse for black students. His education in the segregated town was cut short as there were no junior or senior high schools where black students could attend. Those who wanted a higher education were sent to cities that had opportunities for black students.

Patterson, seeing the importance of a junior and high school education, moved 50 miles away to Hobbs, New Mexico in 1952 at the age of 14, without his six siblings and parents, to attend Booker T. Washington School. His tuition, as well as his room and board, were paid by the State of Texas. Patterson excelled both academically and athletically. He played football, studied hard, worked part-time at a black recreation center, and participated in many of the school’s activities.

In spite of the distractions of having to leave his family, attending two schools miles away from his parents, Patterson defied the odds and proved to be a true success story. He was named to the all-district football team, and in his senior year, he was named honorable mention to the Southwest United States High School All-American football team. This is when he caught the eye of the WNMU coaching staff, specifically head coach Jim Fox who offered him a football scholarship.

Patterson donned the purple and gold as an offensive and defensive end on the Mustang football team from 1956 to 1960. During his junior and senior years he was named to the All-Frontier Conference football team, but shortly after his freshman season, Coach Fox convinced Patterson to run track. It was a good move. He was the team’s catalyst for the next four years. Like the 2010 WNMU Athletic Hall of Fame inductee Ron Darnell, Patterson was a member of the 1958 and 1959 Frontier Conference Championship teams.

Patterson held school and Frontier Conference records in the 100-, 220-, and 440-yard hurdles. He also shared in the school and Frontier Conference records in the 440-yard and 880-yard relay, as well as the mile relay. For his efforts, Patterson was invited to try out for the United States Olympic team in the 440-yard hurdles in 1960. After several days of tryouts and competitions, he finished third – just one spot away from qualifying. Patterson was the team’s alternate.

Patterson graduated shortly after with a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education and Political Science and a minor in Psychology. A few months after graduation, he began work on his master’s degree but was notified by his draft board that the Army would be calling him in for a two-year tour of duty. He saw action in covert missions in Central and South America as well as in Eastern Europe over his two years before

he returned to Hobbs to work in a mine. Soon after, he started his own welding and consulting firm.

After starting his own welding business and running it for several years, he has now moved on to being an oilfield tester and helping children. Each summer, he helps coach for the boys club in Hobbs.

Patterson married Maria Gutierrez in 1994. Together they raised seven children from Maria’s previous relationship. He also has nine grandchildren, going on ten.

Cornelius Patterson:

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Makes the

Hall of Fame

WNMU President Dr. Joseph Shepard, Patterson, and Athletic Director Mark Coleman during the Homecoming halftime presentation.

Patterson was named to the All-Frontier Conference

football team in 1956 and a member of the 1958-59 Frontier Conference

Championship track teams.

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The response to the football bus fire has been outstanding, with people and businesses stepping up to help in any way they could.

What was going to be a normal trip to play a conference game in Durango, Colorado, turned to be anything but normal as the team approached Bloomfield, New Mexico.

Players who had been sleeping during the long trip awoke to smoke building up on the bus. Everyone frantically exited the bus before it caught fire.

Thankfully, everyone was able to get off safely and even with the dramatic situation, the team continued to Durango to play Fort Lewis and came away with a victory. The story made headline news.

“The way that the community has responded has been outstanding,” Athletic Director Mark Coleman said. “This event touched a lot of people and it shows how much support WNMU has around the community and across the state, as people stepped up to help in a time of need.”

The Athletic Department has purchased new equipment and uniforms for the entire team and is working to completely replace all the lost items.

The list of generous donations is far and wide with 18 of the donations coming from right here in Silver City. Among them were Ace Hardware, Edna Powers, Dr. and Mrs. Charles W. Strang, Chris Jackson, Ron and Jane Hall, Elinor Ott, Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce, Murray Ryan, Vance & Susan Redfern, William & Deanne Miller, Jeanette Trujillo, Thomas Lugo, John Poe, Wal-Mart, Eugene Lewis, Samuel & Kathleen Hansen and Shirley Lacy.

“I would like to thank all of the people who made a donation to help us through this difficult situation,” Head Football Coach Adam Clark said. “It is great to see such strong support from friends and family of the WNMU football program.”

The donations to the Fire Relief Fund continued outside of Silver City. From Tyrone, Doug Shelley donated, while two in Las Cruces, Robert and Olivia Ogas and Antonio Manny helped out. David Thompson out in Fairacres, Larry B. Garley out in Belen and Wanda Ellen Lee out in Artesia also helped. In Albuquerque, John Menicucci, Sr., Rosina Romero, Jerry and Alisha Walz and Joyce Scott donated.

Neighboring states also assisted. Arizona had contributions from former WNMU Athletic Director/Softball Coach Scott Woodard, Anita and Alfred Ogas, and Deborah Nolan.

Other states that included donations were, from California Jeffrey R. Jackson, from Indiana J.F. & T.A. Moore, from Texas Don Richardson and Dwight & Belen Brown, from Virginia Aaron Mormann, and from Illinois, the State Farm Agency and Aurora Central.

To donate to the Fire Relief Fund, please contact the WNMU Athletic Department at 575-538-6223.

Fire scare brings community together

For six Western New Mexico University football players, two coaches and a trainer, the football season was extended one more game after a special invitation to participate in the Aztec Bowl in Chihuahua. The Aztec Bowl is a NCAA-sanctioned college minor division post-season bowl game that has been played intermittently since 1950 and this season featured all-stars from both Division II and III.

All but one of the games have been played in Mexico, with last year featuring an NAIA team from Central Methodist out of Missouri playing against the Mexico All-Stars in which the Mexico All-Stars won, 42-17.

Representing WNMU were players David Ingram, Jacob Cross, David Reveles, Diego Gonzalez, Sosaia Vaitai and Aaron Kleinpeter. Coaches represented included Brandon Guzman and David Hubbard and trainer Chris Mondragon.

The bowl game roster featured a total of 12 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference players, along with six from WNMU, five New Mexico Highlands players and one from Colorado Mesa.

Some of the top players ranked by the All-American/Aztec Bowl committee also participated including the top ranked quarterback in Division II/III this season Adam Neugebauer, from West Virginia Wesleyan and WNMU’s very own Ingram was ranked No. 20 at the quarterback position. At the wide receiver position, ranked No. 1 was Jon Meadows from West Virginia Wesleyan, while the No. 9 receiver in Brittan Golden from West Texas A&M also participated. On the defensive side, No. 9 ranked defensive lineman Connor Wright from Colorado Mesa, No. 6 ranked linebacker Cordelle Nugent from New Mexico Highlands and the No. 9 ranked linebacker in Cory Whitfield from Texas A&M-Commerce.

WNMU played the Mexico All-Stars in 1988, when the team traveled to Mexico to participate in the game with the Mexico All-Stars coming away with the 49-21 victory.

Top Mustang players participate in Aztec Bowl

Aztec Bowl participants included Aaron Kleinpeter, left; Diego Gonzalez, far above; and David Ingram, above.

Terry Anderson ‘96, of Silver City, NM retired in 2011 after 23 years of leadership at WNMU’s Early Childhood Programs. One of her many innovations while Director of Programs was the introduction of integrated counseling and family support services into the childcare programs, making WNMU’s early childhood program unique nationwide. Her passionate dedication to education, children and families led to her being inducted into the WNMU Alumni Hall of Fame for distinguished service in 2006.

Wilton Atkins ‘09 of Wanganui, New Zealand was named Tennis Development Officer at the Wanganui Club. Atkins attended WNMU on a Tennis Scholarship and will continue to put that experience to good use in his new position.

MaryBeth Britton 1988 & ‘90, of Pecos, NM was named the 2012 Teacher of the Year for New Mexico. She has been a teacher for 22 years, 17 of those with the Pecos Independent School District. As the NM Teacher of the Year, Britton respresented her state in the national competition and also received a $10,000 technology package. She was born and raised in Las Cruces, NM.

Paul & Virginia Cuevas ‘96 opened the Southwest School of Cosmetology in Silver City, NM November 1, 2011.

Tom Davis ‘58, and Virginia, of Albuquerque, NM, married in a private family ceremony November 23, 2011 in Bloomfield, NM. Tom is active in photography, has served as a consumer reviewer for the Department of the Army’s 2011 Prostate Cancer Research Program, and is active in Albuquerque Alumni Chapter activities.

Joan Eng ‘87, was ordained as a Deacon in the Anglican Church on October 30, 2011. As a Deacon, Eng can assist the priest with public worship, administering communion, preaching, taking communion to the sick and hospitalized, and leading in public prayer.

Morgan Lyman ‘79, of Las Cruces, NM was honored to be selected a speaker on education law in September 2011 at the Annual Conference of the National Association of Administrative Law Judiciary. Lyman has been practicing law for nearly 30 years, acting as one of four contract special education hearing officers (administrative law judges) in New Mexico since 1998. He also serves as a contract hearing officer with the Public Education Department’s Ethics Bureau and has been a contract hearing officer with the New Mexico Environment Department.

Eugene Gomez ‘73 & ‘75, of Albuquerque, NM, married the love of his life Priscilla Cabrera, also of Albuquerque, in October 2011. Gomez serves on the WNMU Alumni Association Board and is active in the local Albuquerque Alumni Chapter.

John Oilar ‘71 of Crawfordsville, IN was one of few artists chosen to present their personal paintings at the Football Invitational Exhibit. John was selected for his excellence in creating fine art and depicting emotion and motion within the American game of football. John also received first place at the 13th annual Madison Regional Exhibition. This was his third consecutive first place award in the contest.

Daniel Otero ‘80, of New Laguna, NM, was named the 2011 Boys A-AA Cross-Country Coach of the Year by the New Mexico Track and Cross-Country Coaches Association. This is the second consecutive year that Otero has received this honor. He is the Cross-Country Coach at Laguna-Acoma High School. Otero led his Boys Cross-Country team to win the 2011 A-AA State Cross-Country Championship for the second consecutive year.

Mel Romeu ‘63 of Issaquah, WA was recently featured in the Issaquah Sammamish and Beyond publication for his life accomplishments. He spent some of his life

Alumni Notes

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Terry Anderson

Tom Davis

Joan Eng

Morgan Lyman

Eugene Gomez

John Oilar

Daniel Otero

MaryBeth Britton

in Japan with the Department of Defense Dependent Schools as a high school and college teacher. He lived in Germany as well as many US cities for 27 years educating on all different levels. Romeu has completed 11 marathons, one along the Berlin Wall before being torn down. Today Mel still runs Monday through Friday, 12 miles each day. Money he finds while running, he collects and donates to charity annually.

Ellen (McFarland) Saige ‘84, serves as Executive Director of the Dyslexia Institute of Southern New Mexico, Inc. With the help of a dedicated Board of Directors, Saige applied for and received 501(c)(3) charity status for the organization, enabling donors to make tax exempt gifts so that lower income families may obtain dyslexia therapy for children with severe

reading difficulties.

Pete Shock ‘72, of Cliff, NM was inducted into the National High School Hall of Fame in July 2011. Shock has been the Cliff High School basketball and track coach for the past 33 years. During the 33 years as the head basketball coach, Cliff H.S. has 9 New Mexico Activities Association Class 1A State Basketball Championships, appeared in 23 consecutive state basketball tournaments, and has claimed 24 district championships. Currently, Shock has a record of 797-217, only second to Ralph Tasker in total victories in the state. While also serving as head track coach, Shock has helped Cliff High earn 3 NMAA State Track and Field Championships and finished as the state runner-up 3 other times. Shock has also been

the Athletic Director since 1978. In 1999 Pete Shock was inducted into the WNMU Athletic Hall of Fame.

William Terry Ulibarri ‘70 has stayed busy after retirement from more than 27 years in Education. He now serves as the Director of My Bank in Belen, NM and as Commissioner

on the Planning & Zoning Commission of Los Lunas, NM.

Marty Uher ‘54 of Monongahela, PA, was named to the Athletic Hall of Fame for Coach-ing at California University of Pennsylvania. Originally from Chicago, IL he attended WNMU on a football scholarship. Uher was an all-conference right guard and defensive end in football and team captain and catcher in baseball before graduating with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education. His exemplary career in teaching and coaching continues after more than 50 years. In track & field he coached 16 PSAC individual champions, 11 NAIA, AIAW, or NCAA Division II All-Americans and three individual NCAA champions. In cross country, Uher helped 15 Vulcans earn All-PSAC honors. Several students he coached have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. He coaches track at Elizabeth Forward High.

To Whom It May Concern,

I am always excited when the WNMU is received! (NMSTC) Rah! I was born in Silver City July 31, 1924 in the original Ladies Hospital. My father a patient in Ft. Bayard and mother a V.A. transferred from the hospital in Ft. Lewis, WA.

My Kindergarten began at the Public Schools in Silver City in 1926. Nellie Margaret Smith was my teacher. In my class was Maxine Ward (Mayor’s daughter), Archie Carrol (his dad was a barber), David Watts, Betty Jean Price, Bernice Kelley, and Pauline Betts. Dr. Robinson went to old “Normal” school (where the College is). Agee’s drugstore was popular and Howell’s. We all loved the pharmacist – Bobby Jackson!! The Silco Theater and El Sol across the street were the most important places for kids. (Also the confectionary next to the Silco.)

World War II came along and the high school class of 1941 & 1942-1943 were fighting for our County. Many of the original classmates in that era, God bless them were on the Bataan Death March. New Mexico lost the most boys in the U.S. because of our National Guard Reserve. I married, moved away and after WWII, I went back to NMSTC, plugging away toward a B.S. and M.A. in Elementary Education. The road was long and

tedious in those years, raising my family, etc… When they were of school age, we lived in California.

My parents still living in Silver City. We were all so excited (family) when my parents gave us enough land in Cliff, along the Gila River. Naturally, we left California and hurriedly built a nice place near the River and close to Mother and Dad.

I can say, I came home, we were all delighted and it was a favorable decision and experience. With two lovely friends in Cliff, I managed to complete my Bachelor’s Degree! This was the beginning of my life: I could start teaching! Sadly, I lost my husband. However, now I could go to work, immediately. I knew I could make a living for my 13 year old daughter and I.

Many years have passed, I taught school and thank you to WNMU for the great gift of acceptance and believing in me and my own classroom, 28 years. God bless all the wonderful years at The Normal School, NMSTC, and WNMU. My wonderful life and great teaching…I fully accept retirement at 87 years old.

Lovingly & Sincerely,

Jane C. Fitzke (Klinger) ‘62

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Alumni Letters

Mel Romeu

Ellen Saige

Pete Shock

William Ulibarri

When we were students, we benefitted from the support of someone, a parent, spouse, or maybe a scholarship donor. This support can make all the difference in the success of a student.

Hopefully, in your time as a student at WNMU, the support you received led you to be successful and continue that success into your life, as we hope it will throughout the lives of today’s students.

In November, the Alumni Scholarship was awarded to Mikila Crespin who is majoring in Early Childhood Education. Crespin is a native of the Laguna Pueblo in New Mexico and is full-blooded Native American. After earning her degree she plans on returning to Laguna to become an advocate for the field of Early Childhood Education.

The Alumni Scholarship is reserved for students of alumni with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Donating to the Giving Back Program supports the scholarship for students and a small percentage supports the activities of the Alumni Association.

For more information: www.wnmu.edu/alumni and click on the Giving Back Donation Form link, or contact: alumni@wnmu.edu, 575-538-6675.

Giving Back and Helping Others Alumni Scholarship2011 Donors

Wild Mustang Club Level: Robert Johnson, Florida, Class of ‘59Bailey Noble, California, Class of ‘55Tim Bell, Illinois, Classes of ‘70 & ‘73

Mustang Club Level:Al O’Malley, Illinois, Class of ‘51

Martinez-Fall Founders Level:Joe Moore, Indiana, Class of ‘62David Darling, New Mexico, Class of ‘51

Purple & Gold Club Level:Danielle & Jim Moffett, New Mexico

Gold Club Level:Thomas Davis, New Mexico, Class of ‘58Eugene Gomez, New Mexico, Classes of ‘73 & ‘75

Jimmie & Ruthelle Jones, Texas, Classes of ‘52, ‘51, & ‘55Candelario Jauregui, New Mexico, Classes of ’72 & ‘77

Purple Club Level:Connie & Matthew Walsh, New Mexico, Class of ‘66James & Barbara Lane, New Mexico, Class of ‘62Gerald & Ellen Saige, New Mexico, Classes of ‘65 & ‘84

There are a number of ways alumni can make a difference in the life of a student. Two new giving options are:

1) Thomas P. Foy Scholarship:Student recipient will be a veteran or child of a veteran.

2) Brancheau Family Scholarship: Student recipient will be a New Mexico resident, undergraduate ma-joring in Education.

For additional information on donations, contact the Office of Alumni Affairs at 575-538-6675 or alumni@wnmu.edu.

Pay itforward& make adifference

Thank You for donating & supporting future alumni

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February03: Ragbirds production 575-538-250510: WNMU Founders Day Celebration, 575-538-633611: Chocolate Fantasia, 575-538-250517: Alumni Association Board Meeting, 575-538-667523-25: Up With People performance, WNMU FACT, Ticket Information: presrub@hotmail.com24: Antje Duvekot performance, 575-538-250526: Anita Chen performance, 575-538-5862

March5-9: WNMU Spring Break23: 7:30, The Water Coolers, WNMU Fine Arts Center Theater, 575-538-5862 Thursday Decorative painting class, 575-388-1620* San Vicente Art Walk-self guided tours, 575-388-4854 or sva@gilanet.com*

April7-8: Shakespeare Ghost Town Guided Tour, 575-542-9034 (Lordsburg)13: RJ Vandergrift, The Cowboy Aint Dead Yet play, 575-538-413820-21: WNMU Great Race Alumni events, 575-538-667520: One Day University @WNMU, come back to class with WNMU faculty, 575-538-632021: WNMU Athletics Golf Tournament, Mike Rowse: 575-590-7981, Athletics: 575-538-621827-29: Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, Jr. production, WNMU FACT, 575-538-6468

2-6: Tour of the Gila bike race, 575-388-322211: WNMU Commencement25-27: Blues Festival, 575-538-2505 Silver City Farmer’s Market every Saturday, 575-536-9681*

May

June3: 24 Club Home Tour, 575-534-9484 Indiana Alumni Chapter Annual Meeting, 575-538-6675 Grant County Art Guild, 575-538-8216* Historic Mining District Tour 2nd Tuesday, 575-537-3327*

July Mimbres Farmers Market 4:30-6:30pm every Thursday through October, San Lorenzo Senior Center* Ft. Bayard National Historic Landmark Walking Tour, 575-956-3294 (every Saturday)* San Vincent Art Walk-self Guided Tours, 575-388-4854*

August

Year–Round:

WNMU Museum (Fleming Hall): Monday-Friday 9am-4:30pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am-4pm

WNMU McCray Gallery: Monday-Friday 10:30am-4:30pm

* Every month

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Calendar of Events

Athletic Hall of Fame:Deadline: March 1 annually

Contact: Brian Kortz (575) 538-6214 or kortzb@wnmu.eduhttp://wnmumustangs.com/sports/2009/2/20/_0220095145.aspx

Distinguished Alumni & Outstanding Alumni:Deadline: June 1 annually

Contact: Danielle Moffett (575) 538-6675 or alumni@wnmu.eduNomination form: http://www.wnmu.edu/alumni/

Great Teams in Mustang Sports History:Deadline: June 1 annually

Contact: Danielle Moffett (575) 538-6675 or alumni@wnmu.edu Great Moments in Mustang Sports History:

Deadline: June 1 annuallyContact: Danielle Moffett (575) 538-6675 or alumni@wnmu.edu

School of Education Hall of Fame:Deadline: March 1 annually

Contact: Spri Wheatley (575) 538-6418 or wheatleys@wnmu.eduNomination form: http://www.wnmu.edu/academic/schedu/

RecognizingOutstanding Alumni

Ft. Bayard National Historic Landmark Walking Tour, 575-956-3294 (every Saturday)* San Vincent Art Walk-self Guided Tours, 575-388-4854* Silver City Farmer’s Market every Saturday, 575-536-9681*18: WNMU Bash on Broadway (welcome back student event), 575-538-6336

Rick Allen, class of ‘78, of Artesia, NM, passed away on September 23, 2011. Allen played on the WNMU football team for 4 years before he graduated from WNMU. His career was in chemical sales in the Permian Basin oil and gas industry.

Robert Altuna, class of ‘52, of Las Cruces, NM, entered eternal life on September 1, 2011. He attended WNMU and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and a minor in biology. Altuna dedicated more than 35 years to education. He taught all around the state of New Mexico before he retired in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Filomena Benton, classes of ’54 & ‘69, of Albuquerque, NM, passed away on September 8, 2011. Filomena attended WNMU where she earned her masters in Elementary Education. After WNMU she went on to work for the Albuquerque school district for 35 years. She also worked for the federal government in the Department of the Interior for many years.

Robert G. Brown, class of ’50, of Tucson, AZ, passed away December

8, 2011. Brown enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1943 and served in the South Pacific. Brown received his BA Degree from WNMU in Education and played football. He went on to earn a Master’s of Education from the University of Illinois. While at University of Illinois he was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa (National Leadership Fraternity). After graduation from college he re-entered the Marine Corps as a Second Lieutenant and retired in 1968. During his service time he received two personal citations and 14 other service medals and decorations.

Rudolph “Rudy” Chavez, class of ‘71, of Belen, NM, passed away on November 16, 2011. Rudy graduated from WNMU with his BA in education and later earned his master’s degree in education from UNM. Throughout his life Rudy was a school teacher, principal for many different schools and Superintendent of the Belen Consolidated Schools. He also was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church.

Dr. William R. Convery, classes of ‘62 & ‘63, of Austintown, OH, passed away on November 4, 2011. He graduated from WNMU in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Secondary Education. In 1963 he received his Master of Arts, majoring in Counseling and Guidance from WNMU, and in 1967 William received his degree in National Defense Education Act Institute from San Diego State University. Later he received his doctorate from University of Wyoming. He retired as a Professor at Youngstown State University.

Donald Corda, class of ‘50, of Timonium, MD, passed away on

November 12, 2011. Donald served his country proud as a US Sergeant for the US Army Air Corps during WWII, and was also a medic, bandsman and served in the Quartermaster Corps. After the war he received his undergraduate degree from WNMU and then his master’s degree from Penn State University. For many years he was involved in orchestras in Chicago as well as in El Paso. Corda was a band/music director for Ansted and Hilton High School until his retirement in 1984.

Ruth “Dolly” M. Fields-Todd, of Pueblo, CO, passed away on August

15, 2011. She attended WNMU and then later served in the US Navy from 1956 to 1958 as a Navy Nurse. Ruth spent 47 years of her life as a caring nurse. She enjoyed gardening, camping and spending time with her family.

Thomas P. Foy Sr. of Bayard, NM, passed away on October 8, 2011. In

2004, as a result of his lifetime of achievements, Mr. Foy received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from WNMU. Foy enlisted in the 200th Coast Artillery Battery of the New Mexico National Guard; he was assigned to the Philippines in 1941. In 1942 he was captured by the Japanese. He survived the Bataan Death March and was a prisoner of war until 1945. In 1946 he was honorably discharged and received the decorated Bronze Star, Purple Heart, the Asian Pacific Ribbon and the New Mexico Distinguished Service Medal. Foy served in the NM House of Representatives from 1970 to 1998.

Faye Rabb Hallock, class of ‘50, of Deming, NM, passed away on October 9, 2011. Faye was a teacher for 27 years in Chula Vista, CA. Throughout her life Faye and her husband, Joe, enjoyed working for the National Weather Service and in 1997 Faye received a 10-year service award.

Gene “Mike” Haynes class of ‘53, of Greenwood, Indiana, passed away

on July 8, 2011. He was a basketball player at WNMU for four years and inducted into the WNMU Athletic Hall of Fame. In addition, he played on the All-Army basketball team 1953-1954. Mike dedicated 35 years to teaching and coaching, his passion. He even made a cameo appearance in the movie “Hoosiers” as a coach.

Betty R. Huxtable, class of ‘53, of Silver City, NM, passed away July 4, 2011. Betty earned her Bachelor’s degree in teaching business and physical education and a Master’s degree in guidance and counseling from WNMU. Huxtable first taught girls physical education in Artesia High School and Artesia Junior High School. In 1959, she became a counselor at Artesia High School, a position she held until her retirement in 1984. She bowled on a team for many years and worldwide travel was one of her joys. Betty is survived by a brother, James, who is a Death March survivor of the

200th New Mexico National Guard captured in the Philippines in 1942, a nephew, a cousin, and a longtime friend, Miss Wanda Lee.

Mary Kay Kostenbader of Montgomery, Alabama, passed away December 30, 2011. While at WNMU, she played saxophone in the band and was a majorette. Mrs. Kostenbader taught at the Maxwell Air Force Base Elementary School for 27 years. She enjoyed running and had completed many marathons, including the New York City Marathon.

Charles Robert “Bob” Masoner of Buckhorn, NM, passed away peacefully

on July 4, 2011. He attended WNMU and Texas Western University, and proudly served in the Air Force. He worked for Phelps Dodge for 43 years and retired as a plant manager at the El Paso Copper Refinery.

Marcos O. Mendez, class of ‘38, of Albuquerque, NM, passed away

August 24, 2011. He served as a Lt. JG in the United States Navy Reserve from 1942 - 1946. Mendez was a Foreign Service Officer for the State Department Agency for International Development for many years. He enjoyed travel and spending time with family.

Danny A. “Dan” Nyquist of Rock Island, IL, passed away on November 1, 2011. He was a WNMU graduate and later worked for Rock Island Arsenal and also worked for Miller Survey in Silver City, New Mexico for 20 years as a computer draftsman.

Robert M. Powe Jr., class of ‘49, of Silver City, NM, passed away on July 20,

2011. In 1943 Robert enlisted in the Air Force, serving as an aerial gunner for 33 missions in WWII. In October of 1945 he was honorably discharged as a staff seageant. After serving his country he attended WNMU and graduated with his degree in business. Powe retired in 1986 as Vice President of Norwest Bank.

Heather M. Rivington, classes of ‘97 & 2000, of New Mexico, passed away on September 5, 2011. She received her RN and Social Work Degrees from WNMU. She spent many years in the nursing profession starting as a nursing tech. Rivington volunteered with the Red Cross and was active in AA/NA and LGBT communities.

Daniel Rodriguez, of Deming, NM, passed away July 18, 2011. He

graduated from Deming High School in 1989 where he played football and baseball. Daniel served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Nimitz from August 1992-94 and was honorably discharged. He then attended WNMU, where he received a degree in criminal justice. Rodriguez was an officer with the Deming Police Department and later worked for the U.S. Border Patrol. He loved Harley motorcycles.

Irene Acosta Sanchez, of Kaneohe, HI,

14

Passages

(formerly of Silver City, NM), entered eternal life on November 8, 2011. She attended WNMU and UNM where she received degrees in home economics, english and counseling. Throughout most of her life she lived in California where she was an educator in Yucca Valley, and San Francisco. After many years of teaching she and her husband retired in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Denny C. Saunders, class of ‘73, of Las Cruces, NM, passed away December 1, 2011. Saunders worked for Kennecott Copper Corporation as the accounting manager. He later moved to Denver, Colorado to work for AMAX Gold Corporation.

Jerry Thomas, classes of ‘55 & ‘58, of Austin, TX, passed away on October 2, 2011. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Texas in 1970 after he graduated from WNMU. He later went on to work for the Curriculum and Instructions Department at Texas State University for 28 years.

Eloy G. Torrez of Roswell, NM, passed away on October 28, 2011. In the early 1950’s he wrote a proposal to start the first school bus route in Hondo, New Mexico. It was later approved. Torrez attended WNMU for the safety and education courses for public school bus drivers. He was Hondo’s first bus driver and continued the profession for 25 years.

Jeana J. (Simmons) Vaughn, class of ‘88, of Las Cruces, NM, passed away December 19, 2011. Jeana worked for Child Protective Services in Roswell, NM. She is survived by her daughter, Keri Vaughn; parents; a sister, Audie; two brothers, Robin and Bon; nieces and nephews; her mother-in-law; step-son, Bobby Dale Vaughn, and Justin Vaughn.

An-Jean M. Wright of Silver City, NM, passed away July 26, 2011. In 1978, she moved to Silver City, where she founded the Covenant Alternative School and worked toward her master of arts in teaching degree at WNMU. Later she taught English and Spanish at Gallup Middle School until her retirement in 1996. Her home was welcoming to all, from local residents attending her open house after the annual Lighted Christmas Parade, to U.S. tourists participating in a Bed & Breakfast Exchange program, to international students from Mexico, South America and Europe participating in International Cultural Exchange projects. She had been on the board of directors for the Grant County Community Concert Association, and was a member of the Grant County Peace Coalition, a literacy tutor, a Senior Citizen Center volunteer, and a volunteer at the Silver City Museum.

Melanie S. Zumwalt of Silver City, NM, passed away on July 30, 2011. Melanie enjoyed participating in many outdoor activities with her family. She also enjoyed photography and was ready to snap a picture at any time.

Friends of Western:

Dr. Bruce J. Hayward of Silver City, NM, passed away August 3, 2011.

He was an educator at WNMU teaching in the Biological Sciences Department. In addition to teaching, he was active in small mammal research projects with the NM Department of Game and Fish, Bureau of Land Management, United States Forest Service, the Chicago Museum of Natural History and the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. Within the community he served as President of the Grant County Community Concert Association and as a volunteer at the Silver City Murray Ryan Visitor’s Center.

Margaret E. (Ross) Hinton of Mount Pleasant, TX, passed away December 4, 2011. Margaret made a lasting contribution to archeology by promoting the multi-decade scientific excavation of an important Mimbres Indian ruin at the family’s ranch in New Mexico. The body of information retrieved from this excavation by Texas A&M University has led to numerous published scientific papers, graduate degrees, and one of the most authoritative books on the Mimbres people. Mrs. Hinton donated the many artifacts, including beautifully artistic pottery vessels, to the WNMU Museum for future generations of scientific research and public enjoyment. Northeast Texas Community College was also a recipient of Mrs. Hinton’s generosity upon her donation of her Caddo Indian Pottery Collection. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Margaret and David Hampton of Austin; son, Ross Hinton of Fredericksburg; sons and daughters-in-law David and Susan Hinton of Georgetown, and Chuck and Linda Hinton of Mt. Pleasant; eight grandchildren, Weston, Caitlin and Andrea Hinton, Elizabeth and Sarah Hinton, Travis and Amanda Hinton and Madison Hampton; two great-grandchildren, Charley and AnnMarie Hinton; her brother, Abner Alverly “Bubba” Ross III; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and precious friends.

Billie Beth (Creel) Huff of Silver City, NM, passed away on December 4, 2011. Mrs. Huff retired from WNMU as a payroll clerk. She was a problem-solver and loving wife and mother that always put her family as her first priority. She is survived by her husband of 72 years, Melvin; her daughter Judy Ward; son, Jerry Huff; 7 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, brother-in-law, and a niece.

Langford Keith, Jr. of Silver City, NM, passed away July 17 2011. Mr. Keith practiced law in Silver City for more than 40 years. In later years, he served as chairman of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Episcopal Church Foundation, and provided pro bono counsel to the High Desert Humane Society. He served as a member of the WNMU Board of Regents from 1974-80 and was secretary-treasurer for two, one-year terms. Mr. Keith is survived by his wife, Linda, four children, and four grandchildren.

Wiley E. Peeples, of Silver City, NM, passed away on November 24, 2011. Mr. Peeples established the Counseling Center at WNMU and was, for a time, chairman of what was then the Department of Education and Psychology. He was a state board certified psychologist in New Mexico and Washington. Peeples was an educator for thousands of individuals at institutions in addition to WNMU such as Auburn University, Central Washington College, as well as La Escuela de Psichologia, Universidad de Yucatan in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. Mr. Peeples is survived by his wife of 56 years, Barbara; son Michael; daughter Margaret; and sister Margaret Porter.

Roberta B. Weber Nicholson of Deming, NM, passed away on September 11, 2011. She was the Director of Nursing for WNMU for many years. She was known for taking students for hands-on training to the State Hospital of Las Vegas, N.M. She is survived by her two daughters and a son.

15

Denotes military or law enforcement service.

Donations in the memory of any alum can be sent to the WNMU Foundation. To establish a scholarship or

designate annual donations, please contact

575-538-6310 or trivizs@wnmu.edu.

WNMU Non-Profit OrganizationOffice of Alumni Affairs U.S. PostagePO Box 680 PAIDSilver City, NM 88062 Silver City, NM 88062 Permit No. 39

Tuition: $45.00Number of faculty for spring semester: 13

Fall enrollment: 455

Notable happenings on campusDrinking fountains were installed in response

to students’ concerns about the unsanitary conditions of the water bucket and dipper.

Tuition: $2,027Number of faculty for spring semester: 300

Fall enrollment: 3300

Notable happenings on campusTwo Mustang statues were erected on campus in the 2011-2012 school year. One statue donated

by an alumna, and the other by a longtime friend of the new university president

Dr. Joseph Shepard.

Happy 100th Birthday New Mexico!

WNMU in 1912:

WNMU in 2012:

Parents: If this issue of the Westerner is addressed to your daughter or son who has established a separate permanent address, please notify us of the new address: alumni@wnmu.edu 1.800.872.9668 ext. 6675 575.538.6675

Take your love of WNMU on the road! Stop by any New Mexico Motor Vehicle Department office and request a WNMU Collegiate Plate. Your purchase will benefit WNMU monetarily and you’ll be riding in your favorite purple and gold style. Order forms: http://bit.ly/edpJbP