Press Release 2014 :: UNM Gallup

UNM-GALLUP NEWS RELEASE

FOR RELEASE: December 3, 2014

Charro Carrasco and Vladimiro Pino

By Laura Binah

Although we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, most people do, so it’s not surprising that North Campus is often judged by its barbed wire fence, graffiti & litter-lined alleys, and the street people who stop in to use the restroom or grab a cup of coffee . And, in general, our student population of “drop outs” and “immigrants” is often judged as academically and socially irrelevant.

However, in New Mexico-- where the drop-out rate is one of the highest in the nation-- and in a place like Gallup with a greater diversity of immigrants than most people realize-- Adult Education is a priceless opportunity at getting life back on track, or starting a new life all together!

Starting school as an adult— maybe even in a new language—requires courage---courage to grow, to learn, and to stand up to the humiliation of being labeled a “basic skills” student when you are a mature and experienced human being. For many of our students, it also takes courage to speak up to their families or challenge dysfunctional relationships in order to continue their studies.

With all of this in mind, a few years ago, the Adult Education Program developed an arts-based curriculum, not only for teaching the academic trifecta of reading, writing, and math, but also to help students develop self-expression, self-esteem, and social skills. During this transitional phase in our program, a young man from Peru—Vladi Pino-- enrolled in our ESL class. Soon we discovered that Vladi was a professional artist and had come to Gallup for his work as a volunteer with the international aid organization, 4th World Movement ATD whose mission is to help free people from poverty using the arts and literacy. Soon, North Campus and 4th World established a formal partnership, and Vladi became our art instructor.

Vladi taught painting and paper cutting, oversaw the creation of three murals by inmates in our classroom at the McKinley County Adult Detention Center, led a drawing workshop for our program at Zuni Campus, and documented all of our projects with his photography skills. Yet his heart was set on completing a mosaic. When he proposed the idea, we were excited as well. First, because we had long wanted to brighten our boring entryway. Second, a mosaic would serve as the perfect medium to reflect our mission of helping people pick up the pieces of broken lives and put them together into something new and beautiful. And, third, what a wonderful way to engage our community!

With the help of a mini-grant from UNM-G, we launched the project last February. Vladi—along with North Campus instructors, Shawn Ashley and Bryston Bowannie—collaborated with our students to design the mosaic.

The main intention was to inspire new students as they entered the building for the first time—transforming fear into optimism. Students also wanted images that reflected the values of our Adult Education Center. Once the design had been decided, students began outlining the images on the walls. Vladi began teaching mosaic application techniques. North Campus student, Laroy Benally, served as co-artist. Throughout the summer, our students, staff, 4th World volunteers, and Youth Conversation Corps members, worked meticulously to place the tiles. Come fall, neighborhood children, participants in the North Campus AA group affiliated with Hozho Center, and even a Belgian filmmaker, Xavier Lukomski, contributed to the completion of the mosaic.

While colored tiles were used to create specific parts of the design, broken liquor bottles that are scattered throughout the alleys and vacant lots around our building were also collected. These richly tinted shards soon blossomed into flowers sprouting along the bottom of the mosaic.

As winter approached, the completion of the mosaic was in sight---and timed with the departure of Vladi and his family. 4th world had reassigned them to their homeland for a new project, so the moment was right to celebrate the mosaic before our dear friend and colleague left the country.

On Wednesday, November 26—a crisp yet comfortably sunny morning, over 100 people gathered in front of UNM-G North Campus to officially dedicate our newly completed community art project.

The ceremony began with the introduction of our community collaborators and honored guests, including Lynn Olinger and her husband Chuck from the Gallup Service Mart Quilters, and Father Abel Olivas, pastor at St. Francis Church (and former North Campus ESL student.) Vladi was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from North Campus, and the title of the art project was finally revealed, “Entrance to Opportunity.” Students Lystra John and Peggy McNeill read poems they composed for the occasion. Students Benjamin Damon presented a jar of Navajo tea and Jasmine Yazzie, a handmade Navajo doll. On behalf of the program, Bryston Bowannie offered a Zuni bear fetish carved by his father, and Laura Jijon presented a coral necklace made by Pauline Livingston, administrative assistant in Community Education.

Before returning to Europe, the aforementioned filmmaker, had brought a bottle of champagne to North Campus with the request that it be used to “christen” the mosaic. Vladi’s wife, Charo Carrasco Cuba—also a 4th World Volunteer and ESL student at North Campus—was given the honors of breaking the bottle. She asked everyone to join hands to represent our community. After several attempts and with a little help from friend of North Campus, Katie, the bottle shattered and frothy foamy champagne showered over a delighted crowd. Then Vladi—as artistic mentor and representing 4th World—Dina Dominguez, representing UNM-G Adult Education staff & Benjamin Damon representing students—John White, representing YCC—and all of the children in attendance cut the ribbon allowing everyone to pass through the “Entrance to Opportunity.”

Once inside, a homemade multicultural feast of Navajo tacos, Chinese Noodles, Mexican Beef Soup, Mutton Stew, and Chicken salad, along with Zuni oven bread, Navajo frybread, Mexican rolls, a variety of cheeses and fruits and cakes—awaited the guests. The dining area was one of our classrooms rearranged and decorated by students overseen by North Campus receptionist Loretta Yazzie. Don “Dawn” Martinez, GED Testing Site Manager and Liaison, offered a Navajo Blessing, and Barbra Telynor—North Campus Advisor-- provided harp music. While adults ate, talked, and laughed, children happily played around a room filled with aunties, uncles, grandmas and friends.

Just a few days ago, the local newspaper ran a headline that Gallup is now considered the most violent town in New Mexico according to the FBI. Violence and lack of education are intimately related. Most of our students share stories of the horrific violence of their lives with each other and our staff on a daily basis: suicides, rapes, domestic abuse, murder, gangs & drugs. . . In the last year we have mourned the deaths of students, and the family members of staff from the violence for which our area is now infamous. While we are always saddened by such tales, from our experience, we are also convinced of the power of education to transform violence and the power of art to heal.

Creating this mosaic, students learned historical, cultural, and artistic research as well as geometrical concepts. They learned color theory and the science of temperature and its impact on viscosity. They learned the depth and breadth of symbolism. They also learned teamwork, communication, patience, and persistence. They learned the value of satisfaction. They learned how community can support and encourage. They learned the worth of legacy and offering a gift to the future. And they learned pride--in themselves, in their learning, in their school. As the mosaic glistens in the afternoon sun of early winter, the barbed wire, graffiti, and litter fade in the brilliance of a courageous and creative learning community, and Hope Rises. . .

UNM-GALLUP NEWS RELEASE

FOR RELEASE: December 23, 2014

Gallup Land Partners Entrepreneurship Program

Arlinda Fatty

�鶹��Ƶ-Gallup (UNM-G) and the Gallup Land Partners (GLP) have partnered together to introduce a new internship program which teams students with local businesses to give future entrepreneurs hands-on experience in real-world work settings. During the fall 2014 semester, four students from the UNM-G business program were paired with participating business professionals to increase student awareness of community needs and to strengthen campus-community ties. Students are able to develop resume-building experiences while developing skills in the areas of interviewing, negotiating, networking and other “soft skills” that help with the transition from school to work force.

Melody Natewa

Robert Roche, President and CEO of GLP, believes very strongly in his vision to directly affect the business community by starting with students. Roche explains that “where I am today has very little to do with where I started. I wanted to give this same opportunity to these UNM-Gallup students and give them the support that I received when I was their age. All of these students were chosen because of their excellent grades and work ethic. I believe that excellence should be rewarded and the internships are our way of going about that. I also want to contribute to Gallup and look forward to a long relationship with the community. Starting in one place and finishing is another is the story of my life and will hopefully be the story of these students as well.”

The internship is offered to students who are in their second year of study, have a 3.2 grade point average and have expressed an interest in entrepreneurship. This hands-on experience comes with a $1,000 scholarship per semester which is funded by GLP. The interns receive up to 6 credit hours towards their degree by working 10-20 hours per week with their business partners.

This opportunity also provides businesses an excellent way to view and recruit new, energetic and skilled employees who bring new perspectives and fresh ideas. It is hoped that student interns may seamlessly transition to full-time employees who will require little in the way of orientation and can be immediately productive. GLP, who sponsors intern Anthony Tsosie, knows the benefit of allowing students direct experience in the work place. According to Aaron Kowalski, GLP representative, “we are creating a synergistic relationship between upcoming entrepreneurs from all departments into the community. This experience will help prepare these young entrepreneurs by showing them how successful businesses perform.”

Intern Maryellen Tom is working at Adventure Gallup and Beyond and she is “enjoying the working environment and the groups of people are excellent. I am working hard and dreaming big.” The Greater Gallup Economic Development Corporation is sponsoring Melody Natewa who feels that “the GGEDC helped me improve in greater lengths on how a business should be presented. I am seeing how perfection is the key.” The law offices of Mason and Isaacson, P.A. hosted intern Arlinda Fatty this past semester who had high praise for her experience in the legal field. “This is an awesome and amazing program because I am becoming more well-rounded and excited about the future.”

Anthony Jacobe Tsosie

GLP is scheduled to open their Gallup Energy Logistics Park next year which will be located northwest of Gallup. Local businesses who would be interested in participating in the GLP Entrepreneurship Initiative are encouraged to contact Aaron Kowalski at (505) 879-9759 or Adam Wilkey at (435) 703-4829.

UNM-GALLUP NEWS RELEASE

FOR RELEASE: November 24, 2014

UNM-Gallup is part of an 11 school consortium that was recently awarded the Department of Labor Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training Grant. The SUN PATH project was awarded to the New Mexico group as part of an application that emphasizes allied health care and cybersecurity career pathways.

The TAACCCT grant is intended to provide job training to veterans, employees who have lost their jobs due to work being outsourced internationally, and low-skilled adults. TAACCCT grants are provided to community colleges and other institutions of higher education to expand and improve the delivery of career training programs that can be completed in two years or less and prepare participants of the program for employment in high skill and high wage occupations.

The Department of Labor is helping to ensure that community colleges help adults succeed in acquiring skills, industry credentials and degrees for employment in high paying jobs. At the same time, the program helps institutions of higher education meet the needs of employers for high skilled workers. Through partnerships with local employers, TAACCCT grant recipients are able to design curriculum, hire faculty and put programs in place to accelerate the rate at which students complete their certificate and degree requirements and enter into the workforce.

UNM-Gallup, under the direction of Project Director Laura Blalock, will introduce a new curriculum that combines Health Information Technology and Information Technology into a new Electronic Health Records certificate. This program will prepare graduates to enter into the medical technology field at a time when changing federal regulations are requiring a more advanced skill set than in the past.

UNM-Gallup was awarded $867,000 over three years to roll out the EHR program. Funds are available to hire needed faculty and staff to instruct in the program and provide support to student participants. Also funded will be a new simulation lab for the nursing program. Local industry partners include Rehoboth McKinley Christian Healthcare Services, the Greater Gallup Economic Development Corporation and the Gallup McKinley County School District.

Partnering institutions in the New Mexico consortium include: Santa Fe Community College (lead institution), Central New Mexico Community College, UNM-Valencia, UNM-Taos, UNM-Los Alamos, San Juan Community College, Mesalands Community College, Eastern New Mexico-Roswell, NMSU-Alamogordo, ENMU-Ruidoso.

The UNM-Gallup TAACCCT planning team worked closely with the other partnering institutions for several months to prepare the successful grant proposal. Work has already begun to fill the grant-funded positions, submit new curriculum for approval and recruit students into the program.

UNM-GALLUP NEWS RELEASE

FOR RELEASE: September 17, 2014

Levi Romero, New Mexico Centennial Poet Laureate in 2012, is the author of Sagrado: A Photo poetics Across the Chicano Homeland, UNM Press; A Poetry of Remembrance: New and Rejected Works, UNM Press; and In the Gathering of Silence, West End Press. He is from the Embudo Valley of northern New Mexico. Romero is a bilingual poet whose language is immersed in the regional manito dialect of northern New Mexico with its 17th century archaisms and melodic registers. His work has been published throughout the United States, Mexico, Spain, and Cuba. Romero's writing is a narrative tapestry of formal poetics woven through a palette of Nuevomexicano colloquialisms and the poetic richness of vernacular language. His poem, “De dondeyo soy,” was published by Scholastic as part of a nationwide educational project and his radio interview by Taos journalist Tania Casselle won several regional and national press awards. A Poetry of Remembrance was a finalist in the Texas League of Writers’ Book Awards and listed as a Best Books of the Southwest. He teaches in the Chicana and Chicano Studies and the Community and Regional Planning programs at the University of New Mexico.

Writer Sandra Cisneros noted: “how come nothing in the great American poetry anthology/reads like the America I know?” Levi Romero asks in one of the poems from his upcoming holy and heartfelt collection “A Poetry of Remembrance. The America of Romero's poetry is New Mexico, and not the postcard New Mexico either, but the real thing spoken from the real poets--old folks in old people's homes, lowriders and farmers, the born-again and the walking wounded. Stories told with a beer at the river, “stories... bound to other stories…” This collection is a testament to the folks whose lives are poems. The workers and the women, the down-and-out and the outright foolish. He honors them all, remembers them all. So long as Levi Romero remembers, this America can never die.”

Rudolfo Anaya, perhaps best known for Bless Me, Ulitma, said that “Levi grew up steeped in the language of el norte, the Rio Arriba gente. Language is the hallmark of his poetic strength…Levi reveals family life and teenage years, in rhythmic Spanish and in-your-face bilingual Spanish—all levels of language serve the poet. Levi’s duende spirit is restless, and it smolders with true poetic intent… The spiritual essence of the Rio Grande corridor and its tributaries shines in every poem. From the loco to the sublime, Levi’s poems are a blessing on our heads.”

And Luis Alberto Urrea, said that “Levi Romero is a strange kind of wizard. He can walk up a New Mexico arroyo and come back with a mysterious object full of quotidian magic. Like a rusted tobacco can the grandfathers used to roll their smokes. And when you pry open the lid; you can hear their laughter and gossip coming out. That's what he does in poem after poem. I read his work and I learn again how to love this life.”

When: Ocotber 2, 2014
Time: 5:30-7:30 P.M.
Where: Gurley Hall 1124

UNM-GALLUP NEWS RELEASE

FOR RELEASE: July 29, 2014

The Middle College High School, a unique charter school housed on the UNM-Gallup Campus, announces it received an overall rating of “A” on its 2014 school report card as issued by the New Mexico Public Education Department. The Middle College High School serves 68 students in grades 10-12 and operates in partnership with UNM-Gallup to provide a seamless educational continuum that benefits students as they move from high school to post-secondary education.

The collaboration with UNM-Gallup allows high school youth an opportunity to self –direct their learning with the support of an enriched curriculum and individual programs of study based on their aptitudes and interests. The MCHS mission is to support the educational goals of students by easing the transition to higher education and career technical education.

According to Middle College High School Principal and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Walter Feldman, “This is the second year in a row we have received an A for our school. We would like to thank all of the UNM-Gallup faculty and staff for their hard work in teaching and providing services for our students. It is through the dedication of the UNM-Gallup branch that our students are getting a heads-up on their education and receiving a first class education.”

The Gallup McKinley County School District is the charter school authorizer for the state of New Mexico. Through a unique combination of high school and college level coursework, students are able to complete requirements needed to receive their high school diploma while working towards a certificate or degree from UNM-Gallup. One third of the graduating class of 2014 received both a high school diploma and an Associate’s Degree.

The charter school is directed by a governing board consisting of President Tony Major and members Laverne Chischilly, Lisa Bracken, Dale Buser and Tara Lucio. Mr. Feldman is assisted by Assistant Principal Connie Torres and instructors Joanne Snowdon, Francis Pawlowski, Gwen Carla, and Mike Starr.

The New Mexico Public Education Department scores all public schools based on performance indicators such as subject area proficiency, graduation rates, college and career readiness and student growth. Schools receive a grade in sub-categories as well as an overall grade. Mr. Feldman noted that in addition to an overall grade of “A” they also received an “A” in the subcategory of “Growth of Highest Performing Students.” For more information, please call (505) 722-9945 or visit the website at http://www.mchsgallup.com/.

UNM-GALLUP NEWS RELEASE

FOR RELEASE: July 25, 2012

From left, College Store manager Rose Adakai, and staff Lin Comer, Jack Askin and Angie Hood.

Nearly a year after former Borders bookstore manager Rose Adakai took over the University of New Mexico-Gallup’s bookstore, the store is reporting a profit of $111,000. Adakai, who was appointed manager in September 2011, attributes the profit to improved inventory procedures and more attention to receiving and invoicing. Adakai was hired a few months after a 2011 audit of the store revealed a large loss.

“When I went through the software training, it took a lot of time to figure out how the system works, but from that training I was able to determine steps that weren’t being taken. We needed to do a better job with receiving and invoicing, making sure everyone knows how to do paperwork correctly,” she said. “Most of the loss was because of human error, and that was from lack of training for the staff. Now they know how the system works. That, combined with my background knowledge of running a bookstore, has helped turn things around.”

A representative from Nebraska Book Company, an enterprise that offers contract services for college bookstores nationwide, provided training.

This year, the store closed the last week of June – the end of the fiscal year – so the staff could perform a thorough inventory.

“Usually the inventory was done in a couple of days, but we inventoried every item. Formerly, the staff did bulk counts, but after running my own store, I have learned you need to scan each item. Books come from different vendors, and you have to look at each book in a stack to make sure which ones are used and which are new. It really pays to take the extra time,” Adakai said.

She also watches the purchasing and inventory carefully. Sales and promotions each month have helped reduce inventory, while purchases have been planned to coincide with vendor promotions.

“For instance, you buy for fall at the beginning of the year, and in fall for next spring. The National Association of College Stores and the Albuquerque campus bookstore help us out with vendors, notifying us of vendors who will give us discounts. The challenge is also finding the right merchandise for our students and other customers,” she said.

The store was renovated last year, prior to Adakai’s hiring, and more diverse merchandise was added, as was a snack bar/refreshment area. These changes, along with the improved business practices and better training, have resulted in a more contented staff who, Adakai reports, are proud that things have turned around, and reflect that in improved customer service.

“The staff likes the changes,” Adakai says. “Our customers – the students and the customers who come here to order books and audiotapes – see it. They say the store is nice, the atmosphere welcoming, and comment on how customer service-oriented the staff is. It’s great to hear it.”

Adakai has also introduced more books for a general audience, and is evaluating what sells well as more locals learn that the UNMG store has more than textbooks. Children’s books, she says, sell particularly well.

“A lot of people don’t have access to the Internet and want to come here and order books and audio tapes. I plan to add bargain books for the holiday season this year. All of this money goes toward making a profit,” she said.

UNM-GALLUP NEWS RELEASE

FOR RELEASE: June 2, 2014

The 2014 graduation ceremony was held on Monday, May 19th and UNM-Gallup was proud to honor a total of 470 graduates. About 350 of those were in attendance and walked across the stage to receive their hard-earned certificates or degrees. The wind may have been howling and stirring up dirt on the floor of the Red Rock Park Arena, but the spirits of the UNM-Gallup Class of 2014 could not be dampened even as the graduates struggled to keep their mortarboards from blowing off of their heads.

The graduates were led into the arena by Grand Marshals Dr. Matthew Mingus and Dr. Lewis Gambill. The local Veterans Helping Veterans group assisted with the Presentation of the Colors while Executive Director Dr. Christopher Dyer sang the National Anthem. Master of Ceremonies for the event was Dr. Neal Mangham, Dean of Instruction. Commencement speakers included Dr. Dyer, Mr. Edwin Begay (advisory board chairman), the Honorable Ben Shelly (President, Navajo Nation), the Honorable Arlen Quetawki (Governor, Pueblo of Zuni), and Cody Jansen (Miss Intertribal Indian Ceremonial Queen and UNM-G student). Other platform guests included Dr. Tomas Aguirre (UNM Dean of Students), Dr. Monica Orozco-Obando (Vice Provost, Extended University), Ms. Heidi Overton (UNM Board of Regents), and Dr. Wynn Goering (Special Assistant to the President for Branch Affairs).

The students honored at the ceremony included those receiving New Mexico High School Equivalency Diplomas, Middle College High School graduates, and recipients of Certificates, Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. In his keynote speech, Dr. Dyer delivered the following words to the graduates, their families, friends and guests:

“Welcome, Kenshi, Yatahey, Bienvenidos: It is a sincere pleasure to welcome you all to our 46th graduation ceremony. It is my great honor to preside over this joyous event for so many of you who may be the first in your families, the first in your generation, first in your community to earn a higher education degree, certificate, or GED at UNM-Gallup. This accomplishment is one of many that make up the flow of life – our path from creation to creator. I would like to share with you some points of this flow – points that I think can be wisdom we can share, keep in our hearts, and pass on to others.

Being Born: your soul and where it comes from
Getting raised – parents and family
Learning your culture and language
Becoming a real person: Live by kindness, respect and trust
Being open to the teachers in your lives – parents, siblings, school teachers, coaches, friends, even nature itself. All teach us the ways and pulses of the world and life as true human beings.
Education is a life-long adventure, a journey that never ends. To quote Mahatma Gandhi, ‘Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.’
Finding your passion – do not let the ‘nay sayers’ of the world put out your life flame.
Use today as a bridge to tomorrow and thank all those who have come before. Our ancestors live in and through us.
Celebrate yourself. Let your mind and body live in happiness every day. Walk in beauty every day.

And as you seek your future remember these two quotes from two great leaders. To again quote the great Mahatma Ghandi, ‘Become the change you would like to see in the world,’ and in the words of the great basketball coach Jimmy V (Valvano) ‘Don’t give up-don’t ever give up.’ Thank you all, congratulations and live a full life!”

UNM-GALLUP NEWS RELEASE

FOR RELEASE: April 14, 2014

Corine Gonzales, Instructor in the Medical Lab Technician Program at UNM-Gallup, may be relatively new to UNM-G, but she hit the ground running and hasn’t stopped since she took charge of the MLT program. Shortly after her arrival in the summer of 2012, Ms. Gonzales was tasked with initiating the accreditation process for the MLT program. In fact, she found out about the accreditation timeline on September 27, 2012, and was notified that the self-study was due on October 1, 2012! Ms. Gonzales was able to get an extension and faced the challenge with her usual quiet determination.

Once the intensive self-study report was completed, Ms. Gonzales had to prepare her students for the site visit that occurred this past October. According to her, “the site visit was the best part of the accreditation process. It was very positive, and nearly perfect.” During the site visit, the accreditation team reviewed curriculum, lab facilities, equipment, safety procedures, and talked with the faculty and the advisory board. The team also met with MLT students and Ms. Gonzales stated that the students were able to clearly demonstrate the positive impact the program has on their lives. The team also had the opportunity to meet with local lab directors.

UNM-G received a recommendation letter from the review team recommending accreditation for five years which would be until 2019. There will be an official meeting in April which should grant final approval.

Ms. Gonzales is allowed to admit a maximum of 12 students at a time into the 3-semester MLT program. She said it “breaks her heart to reject any of the applicants as they are all great, but our current lab facilities can only accommodate 12 students.” The class size is also driven by accreditation regulations regarding student to faculty ratio. According to Ms. Gonzales, “The employment rate will drive any future increases in class size. We must be aware of the workforce needs.”

Students are in the classroom/lab setting for 2 semesters, and then are required to complete a 1 semester clinical practicum. Students then sit for the national certification exam (ASCP). The current pass rate for UNM-G students who take the exam is 100%. It is anticipated that most of the program graduates will quickly find employment. Ms. Gonzales coordinates with all of the local lab directors and says that “All hospitals are in need of lab techs. The Fort Defiance hospital is hiring most of our students. Our students are all really good and I have high hopes for them.”

Ms. Gonzales wanted to give special thanks and recognition to Michael Nye who is the Director of Laboratories for Rehoboth McKinley Christian Healthcare Services. Mr. Nye, former instructor in the MLT program, was hired to assist with the accreditation process.

UNM-GALLUP NEWS RELEASE

FOR RELEASE: April 14, 2014

Mr. & Mrs. Joe DiGregorio (right) are joined by Al Henderson, Ken Van Brott and the recipients of the Basilio Di Gregorio Business Scholarships

The Commons area of Gurley Hall was hardly recognizable the evening of Thursday, March 6th due to its transformation into an elegant banquet hall. The Donor Appreciation Dinner, the first of its kind at UNM-Gallup, was organized to recognize and thank contributors who have supported UNM-Gallup from its earliest days to current time. Since its beginnings in 1968, UNM-Gallup has benefited from the generosity of many local citizens who have provided support that ranges from the donation of land to the funding of the many student scholarships available.

Beginning in 1969, the Gallup Lions Club donated their 5000-square-foot clubhouse for use as classrooms and offices and Lions Hall still stands high on the hill overlooking UNM-Gallup. In that same year the Gurley family donated 52 acres of land to be developed as a community college. Another example of the generosity of Gallup citizens came in 1981 when John & Martha Zollinger donated $50,000 to the library (now named Zollinger Library) in honor of their daughter Mary Ann. UNM-Gallup students have been the beneficiaries of locally-funded scholarships such as the Allen and Leone Rollie Nursing Scholarship, the Mary Ann Zollinger Memorial Scholarship, the Julia Palmer RN Memorial Scholarship, the Santana Andrade Memorial Scholarship, and the Basilio DiGregorio Business Scholarship, just to name a few.

According to event coordinator, Ara Green, “Feedback from the event has been very positive. Students were honored and privileged to meet the donors and for many it was the first time they had the chance to be introduced to their scholarship sponsors. The whole purpose of the event was to convey Dr. Dyer’s vision of a true community college. The turn out from the community was a big indication of the support we receive.”

UNM-Gallup was honored to host Regent Jack Fortner, President of the UNM Board of Regents as one of the banquet guests. Mr. Fortner flew from his home in Farmington to represent the Regents at this event and enjoyed many opportunities to connect with UNM-G supporters as well as students. Also in attendance was Bill Uher, Vice President of Development of the UNM Foundation, who had the chance to visit with donors, students and community members.

UNM-Gallup was clearly represented as a “community” college in every sense of the word as past, present and future supporters and beneficiaries gathered to celebrate the successes of our students and our institution. The first annual Donor Appreciation Dinner gave UNM-Gallup the opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the philanthropy of many who share our history, our vision and our mission.

(Written by Marilee Petranovich, Marketing and Communications Officer)

UNM-GALLUP NEWS RELEASE

FOR RELEASE: March 6, 2014

The road to accreditation for the UNM-Gallup Nursing program began over 2 years ago and passed a major milestone with a visit from the accreditation site review team the last week of February. The site review team, consisting of 3 representatives from the Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing, met with members of the administration, nursing faculty, and finally community representatives in an open public forum. Dr. Camille Reese, chairwoman of the review team, noted that the purpose of the site visit was to “verify, clarify and amplify” a self-study report which was submitted by the nursing program as one of the final steps in the accreditation process. Dr. Reese felt that the self-study was well-written and she expressed her desire to present the program in the best light possible.

The process began nearly two years ago with the preparation of a candidacy application packet. The packet was submitted in the summer of 2013, and candidacy was granted in September of 2013. The next step was the construction of the self-study report which was written collaboratively by the entire faculty and staff of the nursing department. The document was divided into sections with every person taking at least a part of each section. Assistant Professor Robert Galin assisted by compiling all of the sections into one document with a consistent tone. Sally Vink, adjunct faculty member, assisted with document compilation. The large accumulation of documentation supporting the self-study included syllabi, samples of student work, CV’s and transcripts. The arduous task of preparing the self-study was done by the team at the same time they were fulfilling their fulltime teaching and administrative duties.

The visiting team conducted an exit interview with the nursing faculty as the final step of their visit. They will now complete their report and allow the UNM-Gallup nursing program the chance to edit for any errors of fact. From there, the site review team’s recommendations will be submitted for a peer panel review in Atlanta, Georgia in June. Their board of commissioners will make a final determination as to accreditation status in July. For this initial accreditation process the only two options will be “accreditation for 5 years,” or “not accredited.”

The public forum was well-attended by community members, students, parents, UNM-G board members and local nurses, many of whom were alumni of the program. Feedback from the audience was very positive and indicated the strong local need for trained nurses, as well as the importance of having a quality local program available for students. Erik Nourse, nursing program alumni, said that he happened upon the UNM-G nursing program, but it was “the best decision he ever made.” He went on to say that the training he received at UNM-G prepared him for everything he has seen and he plans to continue on with his bachelor’s degree.

Marji Campbell, Nursing Program Director, was optimistic about the results of the site visit and said “The visit went better than I dared to hope it would be. The site visit experience depends so much on the site visitors. All three were fellow nurse educators and they were all collegial and professional. We owe a big thank- you to everyone on campus from the students to the top administrators for helping with the site visit.”

Ms. Campbell went on to say that the site review team was especially impressed with the students, past and present, in the program. Their knowledge, dedication and praise for the program were noted by the site visit team members.

(Written by Marilee Petranovich, Marketing and Communications Officer)

UNM-GALLUP NEWS RELEASE

FOR RELEASE: March 11, 2014

UNM-Gallup bids a warm welcome to Jeannie Baca who joined our campus on February 24th as the new Director of Student Affairs. Ms. Baca comes to UNM-G from Central New Mexico Community College in Albuquerque where she was the Associate Dean of the School of Applied Technologies. In her new position, Ms. Baca will oversee all functions of student services including enrollment, registration, advisement, financial aid and student life.

In an effort to become acquainted with the campus, Ms. Baca has introduced herself to her staff and all those she encounters on campus and has been asking lots of questions. “Marcus Largo and a couple of outgoing and friendly student ambassadors gave me a first class campus tour and shared their perspectives on student life,” noted Ms. Baca who has also made it a point to meet with each of her direct reports, the faculty division chairs, the Dean of Instruction and the local advisory board members. In her first staff meeting with Student Services staff, she shared background about herself and used it as an opportunity to highlight “bright spots,” teamwork and customer service.

In her new role, Ms. Baca has several main goals for UNM-Gallup. “My top priority is to work with staff and faculty to ensure that students and the UNM-G community receive exceptional and efficient service and to create a welcoming and supportive environment that fosters student engagement, personal growth and student success.” Secondly, Ms. Baca would like to enhance and build positive interdepartmental relationships through collaboration and open communication. She would also like to promote UNM-G to our community through active outreach efforts by providing information about the incredible programs we offer. “Additionally, I look forward to working closely with staff to examine processes and share best practices as well as assess training and support needs to ensure we provide optimal student service. Much exciting work ahead! We will work hard and have fun!” adds Director Baca.

Ms. Baca would like potential UNM-Gallup students to know “UNM-Gallup is a great choice! We are here to help you achieve your educational and career goals. We want you to succeed and are here to lift you to new heights. We are here to serve you and provide you with an exceptional learning experience. Allow us to be your resource.”

When asked about challenges and opportunities for the campus as a whole, the answer was characteristically positive. “Staff, faculty, and students have been extremely welcoming and friendly and are sharing ideas on ways to improve departmental communication and collaboration. I am listening and will continue to seek collective input to ensure we provide exceptional customer service and information to support all aspects of student academic success, safely and student life.”

Ms. Baca’s office is in the Student Services Technology Center, Room 276.

(Written by Marilee Petranovich, Marketing and Communications Officer)

UNM-GALLUP NEWS RELEASE

FOR RELEASE: March 11, 2014

The UNM-Gallup campus provided the backdrop for the Hero Twins Workshop which was held in the Calvin Hall Center on Saturday, February 22, 2014. Approximately 200 young Navajo men and boys were instructed in native traditions through a series of workshops presented by the Miss Navajo Council, Inc. Lectures and interactive workshops were presented in an atmosphere of respect for native cultures and positive life attitudes.

The Miss Navajo Council, Inc., a non-profit group, is comprised of former Miss Navajo Nation title holders who encourage Navajo communities to become educated in their native traditions and preserve the Dine/Navajo language and culture. One of the event organizers was Dr. Jennifer Wheeler, assistant English professor at UNM-Gallup, who promotes educational endeavors both inside and outside the classroom. As a former Miss Navajo, Dr. Wheeler noted that presenters volunteered their time for the event which involved a series of workshops, demonstrations and lectures. Students, family members and other supporters were encouraged to attend to learn about their Navajo traditions and culture within a supportive environment.

Workshop Topics and presenters included:

Self- Identify of Warrior Twins – Wilson Aronilth, Jr.
Importance of Navajo Clans & Kinship – Joe Kee, Jr.
Traditional Fire-Making Methods – Gino Antonio
Life Principles in Horsemanship – Josephine Tracy & Jaime Begay
Respect within the Family & Home – Valonia Hardy, RN & Dr. Michael Tutt, MD
My First Hunting Experience – Waunekanez Wheeler
Geological Features in and around the Navajo Nation – Dr. Paula Watt

Dr. Lamont Yazzie was the keynote speaker for the morning session and spoke on “The Value of Navajo Heritage, Language & Culture in Education.” The afternoon session included a presentation by Professor Joe Kee, Jr. on the “Adaptation & Dubbing Process of the Navajo-Dubbed Star Wars Movie.” Professors Kee and Wheeler were instrumental in the translation and production of the Navajo Star Wars movie.

Life principles and Navajo traditions were woven throughout all of the presentations and demonstrations. All presenters emphasized the importance of learning, recognizing and appreciating the culture and history of the Navajo people. This is the fourth workshop conducted by the Miss Navajo Council, Inc. and the first one held on the UNM-Gallup campus.

(Written by Marilee Petranovich, Marketing and Communications Officer)

UNM-GALLUP NEWS RELEASE

FOR RELEASE: February 5, 2014

The inaugural Workforce Development Summit, hosted by UNM-Gallup on January 14-15, was organized to “improve lives and close the employment gap” by coordinating discussions related to improving the economy and the workforce landscape of the region. Event participants emphasized the importance of partnerships between the campus, the City of Gallup, the Navajo Nation, the Pueblo of Zuni, the Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments, and New Mexico Workforce Solutions. Summit organizers L.D. Lovett, Louise Lopez and Denise Silva presented attendees with a variety of speakers, panel discussions and breakout sessions to promote conversations about improving responsiveness to the workforce needs of the community.

The first panel discussion of the Summit offered attendees the opportunity to interact with representatives from New Mexico Workforce Solutions, the Zuni Education and Career Development Center and the Economic Development Division of the Navajo Nation who gave an overview of workforce needs from each of their unique perspectives.

Keynote speaker, Dr. Brigett Russell, is the State Director of the GEAR UP New Mexico program. Dr. Russell was representing Dr. Jose Garcia, Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Higher Education Department. Dr. Russell noted that education is the most important aspect of workforce development as many incoming and existing businesses are forced to recruit out-of-state because New Mexico does not have a large enough supply of qualified workers. Dr. Russell pointed out the importance of high schools preparing students for college and the responsibility of colleges to be innovative in improving remediation and career readiness programs.

The first day of the Summit concluded with a panel discussion on challenges to employment such as transportation issues, immigrant workers, incarceration, literacy and addiction. Breakout sessions were then held on each of these issues which were led by specialists in each of the challenge areas.

The second day opened with welcoming remarks by the Honorable Jackie McKinney, Mayor of the City of Gallup, the Honorable Ben Shelly, Navajo Nation President, and the Honorable Arlen Quetawki Sr., Governor of the Pueblo of Zuni.

At a press conference following the opening remarks, Dr. Christopher Dyer noted that “The directional focus of UNM-Gallup is to better synergize the link between curriculum and growing opportunities in Gallup.”

Governor Quetawki added that he found the information of the Summit eye-opening and that “We must develop capacity to address industry in the region.” He stressed the importance of collaboration and preparing people to get the education needed to get jobs.

President Ben Shelly was adamant that the “Navajo Nation policy must be amended in all departments from social services to law enforcement with an emphasis on job training…the Navajo Nation must generate revenue so there is not as much dependence on the federal government.”

Flo Abeita, Director of Human Resources for the City of Gallup, represented Mayor Jackie McKinney and noted that Mayor McKinney’s philosophy for workforce development is strongly based in collaboration.

When asked what next steps were needed following the Summit, participants emphasized the need to continue the momentum and encourage collaboration between participants. Dr. Dyer noted that “Gaps, strategies and necessary educational tools must be identified so students can fill jobs and step into the workforce.”

Governor Quetawki spoke to the importance of evaluating ourselves and making sure that all efforts are moving forward. He emphasized the importance of family molding children and encouraging education.

President Shelly would like to see a reduction in the amount of red tape involved in business development on the Navajo Nation. He would like to see the Navajo Nation become less dependent on federal dollars and more responsible for its own future.

When prompted by a question from UNM-G student April Coonsis as to what help is needed from current students, all participants encouraged students to stay in school and get their degrees. Also mentioned was the need to keep students in the area once they are trained. Dr. Dyer stated “Successful students need to stay in the region and become resources for the area. They can act as ambassadors.”

Governor Quetawki echoed that sentiment by stating “We need individuals to carry the message, advocate against obstacles and ask what can be done for the region.”

The keynote speaker for the second day of the Summit was Dr. Ian Record, Director, Rebuilding Native Nations course series Native Nations for Leadership, Management, and Policy.

The Summit concluded with a series of breakout sessions regarding future employment opportunities and challenges in the region. Topics tackled included aligning educational institutions to meet workforce challenges, local employment opportunities within the school district and the City of Gallup, and identifying untapped employee resources available to employers.

The Summit laid the groundwork for future conversations and collaborations and allowed interested parties the chance to identify assets, challenges, and opportunities for growth of the local workforce. Many thanks to LD Lovett and his team for bringing the key people together to face hard questions and propose solutions as to how collective collaboration can take place between UNM-Gallup, economic development partners and the business community.

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