Pictured from left to right is Senator Howie Morales, Dr. Lorraine Morales and Alfred Ogas.

Silver City, NM - A state legislature, high education leader, and retired educator will be honored at this year's Homecoming 2015 festivities during the second weekend of October.

The Office of Alumni Affairs has announced the names of three individuals that will receive alumni awards for their leadership and contributions to the community.

New Mexico State Senator Howie Morales is receiving the Distinguished Alumnus Ambassador Award. Senator Morales earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from WNMU. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree from New Mexico State University.

Senator Morales is serving in his second term as a State Senator. He began his career in public service serving as the Grant County Clerk in 2005. A passionate educator, Senator Morales has a successful track record of leadership in the Cobre School District as a teacher and baseball coach.

Dr. Lorraine Morales is receiving the Distinguished Alumna Ambassador award. Dr. Morales earned a bachelor's degree in human services from WNMU. She currently serves as the President of Pima Community College's community and east campuses.

A lifelong educator, Dr. Morales has been a leader in higher education for over a decade. Her previous leadership roles included serving as Vice President of Student Development and Vice President of Instruction at Pima Community College. Dr. Morales is known in the Tucson community for her dedication to education and serving underrepresented communities. She earned a doctorate degree in education from Northern Arizona University.

Alfred Ogas is receiving the Outstanding Alumnus Ambassador award. Ogas earned his undergraduate degree from WNMU. For the last four years he has dedicated himself to making the annual Alumni Scholarship Golf Tournament a reality, helping raise over $60,000 in scholarship funds. He also organizes golf fundraiser events in Nevada and California.

Ogas was recognized by his peers as an exemplary educator and administrator his entire professional career and was an active alumnus within the Southern California community for decades. He is known as the "Official Placement Center" for WNMU in his community. Business owners, educators, alumni and community organization leaders know Ogas as a passionate ambassador for his alma mater.

To register for Homecoming 2015 activities, please visit http://alumni.wnmu.edu or call 575-538-6675. Alumni activities are scheduled for four days beginning October 8.