News from April 2024
NMSU announces 34th annual WERC Environmental Design Contest winners
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 30, 2024
Nearly 100 students from 11 universities recently participated in New Mexico State University College of Engineering’s 34th annual WERC Environmental Design Contest, held from April 7-10 at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum.Ginger Scarbrough, WERC program manager, highlighted the focus on engineering challenges addressing environmental justice issues, stating, “Three of the five tasks addressed environmental justice concerns. The tasks were stormwater management for community resilience, sodium sulfate for a circular economy – community-based solutions, and...
NMSU Announces Spring 2024 Outstanding Graduate Award Recipients
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 30, 2024
The Alumni Association of New Mexico State University has revealed the recipients of the Outstanding Graduate Award for the spring of 2024. Among the seven awardees, representing each college of the university plus the Graduate School, are standout students who have showcased excellence in scholarship, service, and leadership.The honorees for the Outstanding Graduate Award are as follows:- Sophia Fuentes, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences- Atlantis Moses, College of Arts and Sciences- Nate Mullenniex, College of Business- Guillermo...
UNM alum publishes book with racing legend
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 30, 2024
UNM alumnus Dominic Aragon has recently made headlines for his new book release in collaboration with NASCAR legend Geoff Bodine. The book, titled "All of It: Daytona 500 Champion Tells the Rest of the Story," has garnered praise and is now available in major retailers.Aragon expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work with Bodine, stating, "It has been a dream come true to have worked with my racing hero Geoff Bodine and to tell his story. It was an honor to work with the Bodine's. Of all the people he knows and could have picked, I am forever grateful he took a...
UNM Health System's Patient Experience Celebrated During Patient Experience Week
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 30, 2024
The University of New Mexico Health System is recognizing the dedication and compassion of its healthcare professionals during Patient Experience Week. According to a statement released, the week of April 29 is a time to honor the health care workers who are committed to making a positive impact on patients across the state.Among the thousands of professionals within the UNM Health System, the focus remains on providing quality patient care. As the statement highlights, teams across the system work diligently every day to ensure New Mexicans receive top-notch care with...
NMSU Global Campus Launches Youth on the Move Course for Physical Education Teachers
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 30, 2024
New Mexico State University Global Campus is set to offer a new microlearning course, Youth on the Move, aimed at secondary physical education teachers beginning in August. The course, designed to revolutionize teaching methods, will start on August 7 and focus on innovative, student-centered teaching strategies.Kim Oliver, NMSU professor of physical education pedagogy, expressed, “This course is an opportunity for educators to transform their approach to physical education.” Jackie Beth Shilcutt, another NMSU professor involved in creating the course, added, “We are...
University of New Mexico Seeks Air Quality Construction Permit for Emergency Generator
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 30, 2024
The University of New Mexico (UNM) is currently seeking an Air Quality Construction Permit for the installation of a diesel-fired emergency generator at the Domenici Center for Health Sciences Education located at 1001 Stanford Dr. NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131.The applicant, as stated in the official documents, is requesting permission to install the generator with an internal combustion engine. The primary purpose of this backup generator is to provide support in case of power interruptions, with a specific request of 200 hours of operation per year. It is...
County Launches Search for New Manager
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 30, 2024
Doña Ana County, NM - The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has announced the launch of an active search to fill the county manager position, in collaboration with Slavin Management Consultants, a well-known search firm specializing in national searches for government leadership roles."The County Manager plays a critical role in overseeing the day-to-day operations for Doña Ana County, implementing policies established by the BOCC, and working with various departments to ensure efficient service delivery to county residents," stated Commission Chair Christopher...
University of New Mexico Seeks Air Quality Construction Permit for Emergency Generator
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 30, 2024
The University of New Mexico (UNM) located at 1925 Las Lomas Rd NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106, has submitted an application for an Air Quality Construction Permit.According to the application, the university is seeking approval to install a diesel-fired emergency generator with an internal combustion engine. The primary purpose of this backup generator is to provide support for operations during instances of power outages. The generator is expected to operate for 200 hours per year and will only be used during unavoidable loss of commercial power or for necessary...
From Empty Lots to Happy Homes
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 30, 2024
Albuquerque – Today, the City’s Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency (MRA) and developer Sunlight Homes celebrated the opening of Ocotillo Ridge, a transformative housing development project that breathes new life into the community. The project is a significant step towards addressing the city’s housing crisis and providing safe living options for Albuquerque families.Ocotillo Ridge, a result of a public-private partnership between Sunlight Homes and MRA, has transformed a vacant lot into 20 multi-family townhomes, enhancing the vibrancy of the Highland Neighborhood. MRA...
Embracing cross-collaborative volunteerism: A successful staff Campus Cleanup Day
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 30, 2024
On the beautiful morning of Friday, April 26, UNM Staff gathered to participate in a Campus Cleanup Day event, organized by Institutional Support Services (ISS) and Facilities Management (FM), to mark the end of Earth Month. The initiative brought together 46 enthusiastic volunteers from various departments within the Executive Vice President for Finance & Administration umbrella.The event was spearheaded by Giovanna Archuleta, an administrative officer from the ISS Vice President’s office, who expressed her long-standing idea of promoting collaboration among departments:...
University of New Mexico Seeks Air Quality Construction Permit for Diesel Generator
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 30, 2024
The University of New Mexico (UNM) located at Economics Building #57, 1915 Roma Ave. NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, is in the process of seeking an Air Quality Construction Permit for the installation of a diesel-fired emergency generator with an internal combustion engine.The applicant has specifically requested permission to install the backup generator, stating that its primary function will be to provide backup power to support operations in the event of a primary power interruption. The generator is expected to operate for 200 hours per year and will only be used...
Santa Fe County Adopts Health Action Plan for FY 24-26
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 30, 2024
Santa Fe, NM- On April 30, 2024, the Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners adopted the FY 2024-2029 Health Action Plan which guides the County in incorporating new health priorities for the County and community providers. The plan includes new programming and policymaking plans in the areas of health, behavioral health, and senior services, as well as increasing capacity to provide support during crises.According to HPPC Chair Steven Berkshire, "Santa Fe County has paved the way in establishing groundbreaking programs such as CONNECT and La Sala that now serve as...
APD Arrests Man on Top 10 Shoplifting Offenders List
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 30, 2024
ALBUQUERQUE – The Albuquerque Police Department Organized Crime Unit has charged Brian Robinson, 47, an offender on the Top 10 Shoplifting Offenders list. Detectives were able to connect and identify Robinson through video surveillance footage from the businesses. Robinson caused more than $100,000 in damage and theft. An arrest warrant for these cases was completed and he is being charged with the following offenses.Robinson is currently in the custody of Quay County, and they have been notified of the new felony charges and arrest warrant. APD’s Top 10 Shoplifting...
NMSU Golf Course to host free 2024 PGA HOPE program for veterans
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 30, 2024
Veterans and active-duty military in the Las Cruces and El Paso community have another opportunity to participate in the PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) program this year at New Mexico State University’s Golf Course."The friendships that I have seen forged through the sessions we have been blessed to offer have been special to witness," said Jason White, director of the NMSU Golf Course and PGA member, emphasizing the community-building aspect of the program.The six-week curriculum, led by PGA professionals trained in adaptive and military cultural...
New Mexico Minority Business Development Agency Expands Reach with Two New Business Centers
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 30, 2024
The New Mexico Minority Business Development Agency (NM MBDA) has recently opened two new Business Centers in Las Cruces and Las Vegas. These centers aim to provide support and resources to minority-owned businesses in the state.The Las Cruces Center received funding through a Congressional allocation of $200,000, with support from Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Lujan. On the other hand, the Las Vegas Center began operations with a federal supplemental grant of $183,000, which required a funding match from the City of Albuquerque.Center Director Gabriela Marques...
Possible Quorum of Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board Expected at Citizen Police Academy Training
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 29, 2024
Albuquerque, NM - April 29, 2024A notice has been issued by the Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board regarding a potential quorum at the upcoming Citizen Police Academy training session to be held on May 2, 2024, at the Albuquerque Police Academy. The board members may be present at the event, although no official business will be conducted during the training.The advisory states, "A quorum of the Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board may be in attendance at the Albuquerque Police Academy, 5412 2nd Street NW, Albuquerque, NM, 87107, regarding the Citizen Police...
NMSU Learning Games Lab Receives 2024 Intellectual Property Award
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 29, 2024
The Learning Games Lab team at New Mexico State University has been honored with the 2024 Intellectual Property Award presented by NMSU’s Arrowhead Center and the Office of Research, Creativity, and Economic Development. During a ceremony held at the Bobby Lee Lawrence Wine Academy at Gerald Thomas Hall, the team was recognized for their outstanding work in developing intellectual property that brings societal, industrial, and commercial benefits.“Our team was surprised and honored to be recognized by Arrowhead with this award,” said Amy Smith Muise, Innovative Media...
2022 New Mexico Election Study Reveals Key Insights on Voting Patterns
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 29, 2024
The recently released New Mexico Election Study (NMES) for 2022 sheds light on the successful general election in the state, emphasizing strong security measures and voter access opportunities. The study, conducted by University of New Mexico (UNM) Professor Emeritus Lonna Atkeson, now Director of the LeRoy Collins Institute at Florida State University (FSU), along with UNM Political Science Professor Wendy Hansen, supported by New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, delves into the changes and advancements in election administration.Atkeson, one of the key...
State program uncovers xylazine in fentanyl samples
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 29, 2024
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) has confirmed the presence of xylazine in three fentanyl samples tested through the state’s Adulterant Checking Program.Secretary Patrick Allen of NMHealth emphasized the seriousness of this discovery, stating, “The identification of xylazine puts us on notice that an already dangerous drug supply has gotten that much more deadly.”The Adulterant Checking Program, initiated in November 2023, allows individuals to have substances tested before use as part of the Harm Reduction Program. Joshua Swatek, NMHealth Hepatitis and...
City Celebrates the Alamosa Community with a Long-Awaited Art Installation
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 29, 2024
Today, leaders from the Department of Arts & Culture and City Councilor Klarissa Peña dedicated the newest sculpture in the Public Art Program’s collection, Stalking Her Prey, by artist Reynaldo “Sonny” Rivera. The sculpture, located at Alamosa Park, emerged from a call for New Mexico artists to create a large-scale artwork to serve as a landmark for the Alamosa community and celebrate the history and beauty of the area. "Public art not only beautifies our city’s neighborhoods, it elevates the neighborhood environment, becoming a point of prestige for families who live...