NMSU-A News
“Wounded Warriors” Visit NMSU-A
June 25, 2009
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
June 24, 2009
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
June 9, 2009
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
June 8, 2009
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!
