By Mary Alice Murphy

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Thursday evening to celebrate the opening of the renovated Light Hall Theater on the Western New Mexico University campus.

WNMU President Joseph Shepard noted that the university was honored to have Gov. Susana Martinez participate in the ribbon cutting. "It's fitting because when the building was first opened in 1928, then-state Governor Dillon was on hand for the grand opening."

Inside the refurbished theater, which retains its historic ambience, Shepard pointed out that the theater would serve, not only as a movie and performance theater, but also as a lecture hall, with the chairs having fold-down desks on them.

He introduced the student regent, Camilla Hawkins, who is applying to medical school.

"The students are very excited for the movies," Hawkins said. "They are also excited for the lecture capture, so if it's an 8 o'clock class they can still listen to the lecture."

Regent Tony Trujillo said he grew up about a block away on A Street. "This was my playground. I also took a lot of classes in Light Hall. When the president came to us three years ago, he had the theme of Transforming to the Future Together. This fits right in with that theme."

Shepard read a letter from Regent Jerry Walz, who was unable to attend the opening. "I spent hundreds of hours in Light Hall from 1970-74. Light Hall is one of the oldest buildings on campus. My first class in Light Hall was Psychology 101. Then I had classes in the building with Dr. Dale Giese and Dorothy Blaylock."

New Mexico Secretary of Higher Education José Garcia, also on hand for the opening, said his mother attended Western and had classes in Light Hall. "She came here with a scholarship for $35 and also had to wait tables. She was born in 1914 and died just 3 ½ years ago. She had a desire to learn. This is a community of scholars, with a group of students thirsting for knowledge."

Shepard said the renovation cost about $2 million, including the theater improvements, as well as the outdoor patio and fountain. "Rep. Martinez, I thank you for your work on the appropriations committee."

"It's really exciting, because I, too, sat here for classes," Rep. Rodolpho "Rudy" Martinez said. "One memory I have of Light Hall is a class with Dr. Gates. Our computer was pen and paper. I thank Jaynes Construction. This will be a gathering place for the students and the community."

Shepard also thanked Sen. Howie Morales for his work on getting the funding. "You've been a tremendous supporter for what we're trying to do here."

Morales said he felt the "wonderful energy."

Morales also recognized the town councilors and county commissioners in attendance. "I also want to recognize the work of Rep. Martinez and Rep. (Dianne) Hamilton for their efforts to make sure this funding stayed in the budget. Congratulations to Dr. Shepard and the regents for bringing their visions and completing the project. We can now enjoy our own version of the silver screen.

Shepard noted the presence of Jean Peterson, who, when the building was but five years old, was taking elementary classes, ballet classes on the stage and high school classes on the campus. "Later, her office was in this building. She gets to see the past, the present and the future. For so many of you here, this hall is a tremendous part of your life."

Several in the audience stood to indicate that they had attended classes at Light Hall.

Shepard then introduced Regent Chairwoman Janice Baca-Argabright. "It's an honor to be part of Western and to recognize this celebration," she said.

"Gov. Martinez is supportive of Western and of the use of severance tax funds for education," Shepard said. "She is supportive of maximizing public resources for the public good."

Gov. Martinez said it was a pleasure to attend the event. "I am working together with Republicans and Democrats to make sure this university works. The concept of dual purpose is one example of cooperation between the university and the community. You can dine locally and come to the movie theater locally—that's keeping the dollars local. This is Homecoming weekend. Go Mustangs!"

Shepard also thanked his staff for organizing the event.