Dear NMHU Community,

Events are beginning to ramp up on campus as we move towards graduation season–there are celebrations, galas, Social Work inductions, and all of that culminates in our three commencement ceremonies:

Thursday May 8: Rio Rancho & ABQ Commencement, Santa Ana Star Center, Rio Rancho, 6p-7p

Saturday May 10: Las Vegas Commencement, Wilson Complex, Las Vegas, 2p-4p

Saturday May 17: Farmington Commencement, 4601 College Blvd, Farmington, line-up at 8am

I’ll be attending all three commencements. Graduation is a perfect time to reflect on the accomplishments of our students. In my first year at NMHU, I have witnessed firsthand their commitment, perseverance, and dedication–as well as the enormous efforts from our faculty and staff that help ensure they are successful. Combined with the support our students receive from their families, that single moment of walking across the stage symbolizes years of hard work and consistent effort. That moment is an encapsulation of why we do what we do at Highlands.

On Wednesday, we had the Employee Recognition Breakfast. We had a tremendous turnout and honored staff and faculty for 5, 10, 15, 20, 35, and 50 years of service. Here’s a picture of us giving Dr. Romine–who has been here for that 50 years!–her own parking space:

Many thanks to those who organized the event as part of the committee: Carolina Martinez (Chair), Geraldine Baca, Joni Chavez, Irisha Corral, Alexis Duran, Kathy Jenkins, Siri Khalsa, Jennifer Lindline, Victoria Lovato, Lyla Maestas, Christina Muniz, Carlos Nevarez, Henrietta Romero, Ruth Salazar, Josephine Sena, Cheryl Trujillo, and Cin Ulibarri.

Just yesterday, I had the pleasure of hosting Patricia Pinzon Sanchez, the Consul of Mexico in Albuquerque. Consul Pinzon Sanchez represents the Mexican government throughout New Mexico and parts of Texas. We discussed potential partnerships to include: cultural exchanges, university partnerships, student scholarships, and other related possibilities. Particular thanks to Dr. Eric Romero for his participation and guidance.

On Thursday evening, we had the Student Leadership Gala. The gala recognized student leaders and acknowledged the 2024-2025 student senate for their service, representation, and dedication to the students of NMHU. Below is a picture of the Club of the Year, the Student Social Engagement Club. Pictured: Back Row; Jesus Gonzales, Cody Rivera, Adara Bustos, Dr. Neil Woolf, Princess Egoh. Front Row; Dr. Ben Bencomo (Club Advisor), Aliana Crespin, Killua Gabaldon, Daniela Rey Alvarez, Alicia Urioste, Leena Martinez, Kaitlyn Romero.

Thank you to Michelle Bencomo, Lyla Maestas, Stephanie Madrid, Yvonne Duran, and members of the student senate activities committee for planning the event.

Some Recent Highlights:

Like I said, it’s been a busy two weeks on campus. We had a Friends of Highlands event at the Santa Fe Country Club led by our VP of Advancement Paul Grindstaff and the outstanding staff he works with (Nicole Boulom, Juli Salman, and others). We are grateful for those who attended this event:

As part of the Arts at HU series, the Taiko Project was free to all our students at Ilfeld Auditorium. This is one of the many events that VP of Student Affairs Kim Blea and her team hosts on campus:

We held an NMHU Foundation event in Las Cruces, where we received a gift of $25,000 from the Karen Trujillo Foundation to support scholarships for the School of Education. Many thanks to the Foundation for their generosity:

Upcoming Events:

Along with all our upcoming graduation events, we have a big day this Saturday (April 26) in Athletics at Sanchez Stadium starting with a women’s soccer scrimmage at 10:00 AM and followed by the spring football game at 2:00 PM.

I’ll be in Washington, D.C., next week, for the HACU Annual National Capitol Forum, along with our legislative fellows and VP Dave Lepre.

Congratulations:

A big congratulations to everyone who participated in Research Day. That’s a great showcase for our faculty and students. Thanks to the Faculty Research Committee and co-chairs Dr. Jacob Avery and Dr. Norma Valenzuela for organizing such a great event:

Congratulations to Dean Mary Earick and the School of Education for hosting another successful mini-summit on campus—one of the most attended ever—and drawing teachers and administrators from across the state to discuss Yazzie/Martinez:

The English Department hosted Geek Week April 14-16. Douglas Hall was filled with performances, presentations, and readings by students. Among the highlights was an impromptu performance of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew by Dean Lekan and Students from Intro to Drama:

If you have an item or event you’d like to be featured here, please forward that to your respective Vice President.

Respectfully,

Dr. Neil Woolf
President
New Mexico Highlands University