Rep. Dianne Hamilton honored at WNMU

Photos and article by Mary Alice Murphy

On Friday, July 1, as part of the Music in the Gardens program, New Mexico Rep. Dianne Miller Hamilton was honored with having a pavilion on the Western New Mexico University campus named after her. The pavilion is located at the top of the recently completed gardens at the top of the hill next to Light Hall.

WNMU President Joseph Shepard led off the event, beginning inside Light Hall, where the music performance had been moved after a rainy day.

"It's a joy to name something after someone," Shepard said. "It's truly a special moment. Not only was Dianne on the board of regents and served a term as chairman, she also received an honorary doctorate from Western.

"She had given her life to making the place better," he continued. "She had her radio program for many years, served on the regents and is just completing her legislative service.

"Thank you and we love you dearly," Shepard concluded.

Hamilton received a standing ovation from the assembled crowd.

Gabby Begay, board of regents vice chairwoman, thanked Hamilton on behalf of the university. "As students, when we went to the Legislature to support our requests, you were so kind to us and always invited us to your office."

State Sen. Howie Morales said he has worked hand-in-hand with Rep. Hamilton. "I have so much respect and regard for Rep. Hamilton. When we had little funding, she could always help with money for the university. I remember, when I was in junior high, we did a food drive and she got the information out to the public with her radio program. You are truly deserving of this recognition."

Former Rep. Rudolpho "Rudy" Martinez, who is again running for the position, said he greatly appreciated what Shepard had put together for Rep. Hamilton. "Representative Hamilton, it was a pleasure to work with you, because of your dedication to this community and education. We served together on the Transportation Committee. She helped get the Highway 180 funding back. The first phase was done outside of Deming, but we will continue it for a four-lane highway between Silver City and Deming." He congratulated her on her retirement and for what she has done for the community.

"I consider this university a jewel," Hamilton said. "This is terribly exciting for me. My whole family is here." She introduced her son, Drew; her daughter Jared, who graduated from Western; her daughter Lynn, and granddaughter, Joan Marie; and her daughter Merritt Allen and her husband, Darrell. She also introduced her first granddaughter, Blythe Hamilton, who graduated from Western.

The rest of the ceremony took place outside at the Dianne M. Hamilton Pavilion, where Shepard said: "This university is about community. No one represents our culture better than Dianne, so future generations can enjoy this place."

"This is one of the most joyous days of my life," Dianne Hamilton said. "My family is here and no one died. I appreciate everyone's nice words."

Shepard explained that Hamilton's husband, John, was not able to attend, but "has always been a supporter of his wife's endeavors."