NMSU-A News
Bookstore: Bargain Book Sale
Posted June 29, 2009 by admin
The NMSU Alamogordo bookstore will be holding a book sale June 29 to July 24 with 50% off bargain books. For more information please call 575-646-4431.
“Wounded Warriors” Visit NMSU-A
Posted June 25, 2009 by admin
On June 18, 2009, wounded veterans from the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, known as Wounded Warriors, made a trip from Fort Bliss to New Mexico State University in Alamogordo to tour the campus and learn about opportunities to use their educational benefits. The tour highlighted programs of interest that the soldiers indicated on surveys, including electronics technology and criminal justice. The soldiers also had the opportunity to speak with academic and financial aid advisors, as well as listen to a presentation on veterans’ education benefits, veterans’ support organizations such as the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) and the American Legion by Mr. Ed Summerall, Commander of the local chapter of the American Legion. Also present, were current and past NMSU-Alamogordo students who had utilized their veterans’ benefits to go to school. They also received a demonstration of the upcoming “Blackboard” program for online classes. This tour was part of our continued outreach efforts to veterans. There are somewhere between 26,000 and 30,000 service men/women in New Mexico who have returned from Iraq or Afghanistan and separated from the military. Only 3500 are using their VA educational benefits. It is a great benefit for them, and we want to do our part to assist them.
Special People, Special Visit
Posted June 24, 2009 by hpatterson
Tuesday, June 23rd, NMSU Interim President, Manuel Pacheco, visited the NMSU-A campus, accompanied by Ricardo Rel, Assistant VP for Government Relations, Vicente Vargas, Interim State Director for Government Affairs, and Ben Woods, Senior VP for Planning, Physical Resources and University Relations. The purpose of their visit was to review the NMSU-A capital outlay plans, meet the NMSU-A Advisory Board, and receive input from the community. Joining them for the day’s activities were Senator Diana Duran, Representative Gloria Vaughn, Dr. Alan Rickman and Sue Medina of the Advisory Board, and Barbara McDonald and Remick Ham of the NMSU-A Foundation.
Prior to the meeting to review capital outlay plans, the group toured the NMSU-A campus to see firsthand the progress taking place as reflected by the new Allied Health Building, the installation of the “smart crosswalk,” the one-stop shop concept implemented by Student Services, the expansion and enhancement of the language lab and its services, the impact of the new Academic Support Center on the campus and public communities, and the reconfiguration and modernization of the college library.
Although in place only a short time, NMSU Interim President, Manuel Pacheco, is already visiting each NMSU campus to meet staff, view progress, and field campus needs. “President Pacheco’s visit was an exciting moment for us. He truly recognizes the significant growth potential of community colleges in the region and nation. We are looking forward to working with him,” says NMSU-A President Dr. Cheri Jimeno.
(L-R) Representative Gloria Vaughn, Interim NMSU President, Manuel Pacheco, Senator Diana Duran, and NMSU-A President, Dr. Cheri Jimeno.
2009 Student of Merit Awards
Posted June 9, 2009 by hpatterson
Each year, NMSU-A presents the Student of Merit Award to a deserving student at each of the area high schools and middle schools. Once the student is selected by the school’s staff, his/her name is forwarded to the Public Information Office who provides the plaques and coordinates each of the school presentations.
The Student of Merit is based on several criteria, including academics, citizenship, participation in and contribution to school and community activities, daily demeanor with fellow students, faculty, and administration - in other words - a well-rounded young person who sets a fine example for all.
This year, in addition to the eight awards, NMSU-A President, Dr. Cheri Jimeno, provided the graduation Commencement Address at Holloman Middle School.
NMSU-A is pleased to recognize the following Students of Merit for 2009:
- Shelley O’Brien - Alamogordo High School
- Benjamin Rodriguez - Tularosa High School
- Caitlin Crawford - Academy Del Sol
- Montana Varbel - Tularosa Middle School
- Helena Pietrzak and Jordan Cui - Holloman Middle School
- Kathryn Cecava - Chaparral Middle School
- Zachary Barraza - Mountain View Middle School
- Jacob Shanta - Tularosa Intermediate School
Dr. Ali Mageehon Selected by HERS
Posted June 8, 2009 by hpatterson
Dr. Ali Mageehon has been selected to attend the HERS Institute in Denver this summer. This is the first time NMSU has sent a representative.
HERS Institutes offer intensive residential professional development experiences for women in mid and senior level positions in higher education administration. It provides participants with opportunities to learn from senior women leaders and higher education scholars. The curriculum prepares participants for institutional leadership roles with knowledge, skills, and perspectives for achieving institutional priorities and maximizing institutional resources.
Congratulations, Dr. Mageehon!
NMSU-A Commencement Ceremony - News & Notes
Posted May 20, 2009 by admin
The Thirty-Second Annual Graduation Ceremony was held at 7:00 pm on Friday, May 8, 2009 at the New Mexico State University Alamogordo Tays Special Events Center.
Graduates attending the ceremony received their commencement address from Dr. Nathan P. Cote, New Mexico House of Representatives. Ty Trujillo, Executive Director, New Mexico Association of Community Colleges, presented New Mexico All-USA Academic Team member, Israel Riviere with a medallion and certificate. Ann Reeser, who was also an All-USA Academic Team member, was unable to attend the ceremony.
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Tom Udall Letter to the Graduates
Posted May 18, 2009 by admin
The following is a letter written by U.S. Senator Tom Udall to the NMSU-A Graduating Class of 2009. You may also download/view the PDF version: Tom Udall Letter (PDF, 256 KB).
NMSU-Alamogordo Commencement Ceremony
May 8, 2009
Dear Graduating Class of 2009,
Congratulations!
You have put in the time and effort to earn a degree. In the process, you have developed skills that will help you throughout your life. You may not fully realize right now how valuable an investment you have made. The full benefits of higher education do not always come all at once. But trust me, they will come.
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NMSU-A Commencement Speech
Posted May 18, 2009 by admin
The following is a transcript of the commencement speech given by Representative Dr. Nathan P. Cote at NMSU Alamogordo on May 8, 2009.
Dr. Nathan P. Cote, Ed.D.
New Mexico House of Representatives
I want to thank Dr Jimeno and the board for the invitation and opportunity to speak to the NMSUA graduating class of 2009. I also want to acknowledge all VIPs, community leaders and dignitaries participating in tonight’s memorable ceremony, thank you for being here. Congratulations to all graduates for your great accomplishment, your sacrifices and commitment and the sacrifices of your families…you certainly have a reason to be proud.
An additional congratulations to Patricia Ann Reeser and Israel Riviere who were named to the All New Mexico Academic Team and Ronnie Price winner of the 2008-2009 James C. Nutt Scholarship. Also, congratulations to all of you who participated in the high school – college dual credit program.
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Summer Bookstore Hours
Posted May 14, 2009 by admin
The NMSU Alamogordo Bookstore will be open the following hours during the Summer:
- Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. - 5:45 p.m.
- Friday - Sunday: CLOSED
Other bookstores in the NMSU system will be open as follows:
- Las Cruces Campus: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Closed Saturday and Sunday
- Carlsbad Campus: Monday–Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., closed Saturday and Sunday
- DACC: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., closed Saturday and Sunday
Please visit www.NMSUbookstore.com for all your bookstore needs!
Desert Light Film Festival Celebrates Student Filmmakers
Posted May 4, 2009 by admin
Desert Light Film Festival brought over 120 film students and teachers together on the NMSU Alamogordo campus on Friday, April 24. “This is a special film festival designed for high school and middle school students,” said Joan Griggs festival director for Desert Light. “We limit the competition to students from New Mexico. This year the festival included film screenings, seminars, a reception and a grand finale out at the White Sands. It was the most spectacular festival we have ever had.
See the Desert Light Film Festival Photostream on Flickr.
The Best of Festival award was given to Anjelica Apodaca from Mayfield High School for a documentary she produced about her school. The Pro-Tech division at NMSUA, under the direction of Bryan Yancey, presented her with an IPOD and with a movie poster designed by James Scharmack. This movie theater size poster celebrates her winning entry titled “Mayfield High School.”
The winning high school Music Video, “Chemical Bonding,” was produced by Andreas Grimes and Alphonso Holden, students in Kathy Wallis’ film class at Alamogordo High School. The original rap music and lyrics made this film the clear audience favorite. “They spent a great deal of time in the sound booth creating the music note-by-note, said Ms.Wallis. “This is the first time the AV class has produced original music and lyrics. This was our first completely original project. AHS chemistry teacher Tom Hurdis wrote the original song, and then collaborated with these students for the finishing touches.”
“We are proud to have JC Penney Company Fund, Inc. as our official corporate sponsor, and we especially appreciate local Penneys manager Jesse Casto,” Griggs said. “Penneys makes it possible to produce this festival and to give out cash prizes that in turn help students fund their filmmaking. We had 63 films competing this year. The films were submitted from six high schools including Alamogordo, Chaparral, Espanola Valley, Mayfield, Texico, and the Albuquerque based Public Academy for the Performing Arts.” Middle schools participating included Sierra Middle School in Las Cruces and Jemez Valley Middle School.
Students began arriving Thursday night to attend the premiere of Michael Lennick’s new documentary, “The Land of Space and Time.” Michael and his wife Shirley Gulliford then presented a Friday morning seminar on “Making a Documentary.” The room was packed with interested students and community members. Tickets to the premiere were provided by the executive producer, local philanthropists Jerry and Judy Johnson.
Emmy award winning screenwriter Kirk Ellis began his morning seminar by showing a clip from “The Dark Knight.” Students each had the first four pages of the script, and learned to follow the screenplay while seeing it in action. Mr. Ellis entertained and educated students, leaving everyone wanting to hear more. He was available for questions and conversation during lunch and throughout the day.
Students also participated in other seminars, including Special Effects Makeup, Final Cut Pro editing program, Maya Animation, and Pyrotechnic Special Effects. Instructors for these seminars came from NMSU Alamogordo and Dona Ana CC, and included Connie Breding, Sara Irving, Hiaying Wang, and Bill McCamey.
The Awards Ceremony Friday afternoon was preceded by a reception in the Rohovec Theater lobby. “The Cloudcroft Light Opera Company was proud to sponsor the reception this year,” said Otero County Film Liaison and festival co-director Jan Wafful. “CLOC looks for ways to support youth in the community and this year they found the funds to sponsor this film education event.”
The grand finale of the festival was held at the White Sands National Monument. Education and Interpretation Ranger Kathy Denton, who wrote the rules and regulations for filming in the national parks system, arranged a perfect evening for the students. She gave a “film briefing” to cover the advantages of working with the park system. “Going through the process of applying for permits is to your advantage,” said Ranger Denton, “because the park rangers can provide valuable help, making the experience more efficient and less complicated.” Following the briefing, students had time to catch the “magic” light during the sunset hour, providing them with footage for their next production.
At 8:30, the high school students from the Public Academy for the Performing Arts wowed the audience by projecting experimental film directly on the dunes. “We’ve got the equipment and the speakers and the gorgeous films,” stated film teacher Su Hudson. The exhibition “screen” for these films was three touching dunes. Each artist used four projectors side-by-side, and introduced their own work much to the crowd’s delight. The grand finale brought this festival evening to a dramatic and colorful close.
Desert Light Film Festival is a project directed by NMSU Alamogordo and the Otero County Film Office, a division of the Otero County Economic Development Council, and supported by a committee which includes, Jan Wafful, Joan Griggs, Jesse Casto, Bryan Yancey, Bruce Martin, Ranger Kathy Denton, and Rebecca Price representing OCEDC.
Festival Directors were Joan Griggs, Coordinator of Community Services, NMSU Alamogordo, and Jan Wafful, Otero County Film Liaison.
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