Silver City, NM- Many gathered on December 11 at the Fine Arts Theater for the Western New Mexico University Fall Commencement Ceremony, hoping to support friends and loved ones who were finally receiving their hard-earned certificates and degrees.
The event started off with the singing of the National Anthem by WNMU’s Music Director, Bryant Chaffino, followed by a prayer from Pastor Joseph Gros. Afterwards, President Joseph Shepard took the stage and welcomed all the audience that was in attendance and thanked the parents for supporting their loved ones. The Board of Regents was then introduced, followed by the Commencement Addresser, Colonel Alfred J. Perez.
Colonel Perez was born in Santa Rita and raised in Silver City, where he then graduated from Silver High School. After graduating from Western New Mexico University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and University of New Mexico School of Law with his Juris Doctor degree, he joined the New Mexico Army National Guard in 1989 as a First Lieutenant. He worked for the State of New Mexico as Chief Deputy District Attorney for the Sixth Judicial District from 1993 to 1995 and from 2008 to 2009 he aided the Operation Enduring Freedom. Colonel Perez is currently serving as a Deputy State Judge in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Next up was Master Speaker Gregory George, who is from Bloomington, Indiana and attended WNMU online. He has a bachelor degree in criminal justice and sociology and after a 33-year absence of not attending college, George is back at it again trying to earn his Master Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and Psychology. In 2016, George is planning to retire and become a community activist.
Baccalaureate Speaker, Jordan Summers was next to take the floor. Jordan Summers, who also graduated in the ceremony, is from Wickenburg, Arizona and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. This year, she became part of the Student Hall of Fame and is a board member of the Learning Center for Dyslexia and Academic Success.
Over 250 students from Silver City, Deming, and all over crossed the stage. Some students, like Megan Crady, who earned her Associates Degree in Liberal Arts while balancing two jobs as a substitute teacher and a single mom, were proud to see their hard work finally pay off.
“I feel as if all my sacrifices on missing time with my daughter have finally paid off!” Megan said, “My degree is dedicated to her, for being as understanding as a three year old could be!” Megan is hard at work getting a degree in education; her ultimate goal is to become a teacher. “I can’t wait to finish strong! All that I’m doing is for her.”
For many, like Associate of Liberal Studies recipient Tanya Ruiz, this was just a stepping-stone toward a larger goal.
“[Receiving this] gave me a great feeling of accomplishment,” Tanya said. “For me it was the little push that I needed. It motivates me to keep going.”
In just three more semesters, Tanya will receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work.
Finishing off the ceremony was Amanda Moffett, Director of Alumni Affairs, and Dr. Linda Baldwin, Professor at WNMU, who closed with a final speech congratulating the students for all their hard work and dedication and thanked everyone who was in attendance.
