Community News

XANTOLO: A CELEBRATION OF LIFE, DEATH AND MEMORIES
by Patricia Morales-Cano

Xantolo is the celebration of Day of the Dead of the Huasteca region of Mexico, which includes the states of Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí, Veracruz, Tamaulipas and Querétaro. Xantolo means “feast of the souls” and is usually celebrated every year from October 30th to November 2nd. The celebration includes artistic expression through music, theater, dance and painting. It is an experience of identity and profound spirituality that symbolizes the relationship between life and death, memories and the present, and the living and departed ones. 

SILVER CITY, NM — Western New Mexico University (WNMU) announces Yvette Rackley, Director of Compensation and Benefits, as its February 2026 Employee of the Month. A cornerstone of the university's administrative operations, Rackley is recognized for her meticulous attention to detail, unwavering work ethic, and profound commitment to the well-being of WNMU faculty and staff.

In a university environment, the administrative machinery often operates behind the scenes, yet its success is vital to the institution's academic mission. Rackley's role is a primary example of this essential service. She is personally responsible for ensuring that every new employee is entered into the system accurately and is fully prepared to begin their roles the moment their respective departments need them.

SILVER CITY, NM — Western New Mexico University (WNMU) recently announced a new scholarship by the WNMU Foundation in the name of Professor of Marketing Gordon Flanders, Ph.D. Flanders' tenure showcases the profound influence a single educator can have on the trajectory of a student's life.

The scholarship supports upper-division business students at Western New Mexico University who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to the field of marketing. It was established by family, friends, and colleagues to ensure that Flanders' high standards and passion for teaching would continue to inspire future Mustangs.

A previous WNMU student (right) works with Biology department instructor to load an electrophoresis gel in the university's science lab. This is a common procedure used in genetics and microbiology researchSILVER CITY, NM — In January, Western New Mexico University (WNMU) was awarded a $32,493 grant from the Freeport-McMoRan Community and Social Investment Fund. The funding will launch a transformative project titled "Enhancing Ecological and Analytical Chemistry Research Opportunities for Students in Rural New Mexico," designed to more strongly integrate classroom theory and high-level scientific practice.

This initiative addresses a critical need within the WNMU Department of Natural Sciences: the lack of specialized laboratory equipment required for advanced environmental research. Despite being in one of the Southwest's most ecologically diverse regions, students have historically faced limitations in conducting sophisticated onsite analysis. The grant will fund the purchase of a microbalance—a high-precision instrument accurate to within one microgram—and a freeze dryer.

Lordsburg, NM – February 27th, 2026 - Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS) is proud to announce the launch of its new Medical Mobile Clinic, made possible through the New Mexico Rural Health Care Delivery Funds and the committed HMS team members. This is a major step forward in expanding access to high-quality healthcare services throughout rural Southwest New Mexico.

The grant supports the Medical Mobile Clinic being integrated into communities for a minimum of one day per week, ensuring consistent, reliable access to services for patients who may otherwise face transportation or geographic challenges. Between our recent establishment of transportation services and the new Medical Mobile Clinic, a direct positive enhancement to patient access to care has been established. 

Sandy Williamson, competing in amatuer ranch trail, photo credit: Carol CrosleyThe newly formed Southwest Horseman's Horse Show Association kicked off its inaugural show in Silver City at Southwest Horseman's Park, drawing 30 exhibitors ranging in age from 3 to 83. Exhibitors hailed from eastern Arizona, Silver City, Escondido, Las Cruces and La Luz, New Mexico, coming together for a full day of competition and camaraderie.

The weekend began Friday afternoon with a schooling clinic followed by a horse judging jackpot, which brought in nine additional youth participants from FFA and 4-H. After evaluating classes and presenting their reasons, Dusty Waters emerged as the jackpot winner.

Saturday's show began promptly at 9 a.m. and ran until 6:30 p.m., showcasing a wide variety of classes. Exhibitors competed in halter and showmanship, western pleasure, western horsemanship, ranch pleasure, ranch riding, ranch trail and reining, along with crowd-favorite speed events including barrels and poles. The event highlighted both seasoned competitors and first-time exhibitors, emphasizing sportsmanship and quality horsemanship throughout the day.

Division Hi-Point winners were: Open – JD Younker; Amateur – Michele McGorky; 14–18 – Olivia McDonald; 13 and Under – Kaycee Younker; and 12 and Under Walk/Trot – Cooper Younker.

Leah Lopez at the Super Bowl, where she performed as part of the Bad Bunny half-time showSILVER CITY, NM — When the world tuned in to watch Super Bowl LX earlier this month, the Western New Mexico University (WNMU) community had a monumental reason to cheer. Leah Lopez, a former WNMU student and member of the university's prestigious mariachi program, took the global stage as a featured violinist during Bad Bunny's record-breaking halftime performance at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. 

Bad Bunny, who performed the Super Bowl halftime show almost entirely in Spanish, was a landmark cultural event designed as a sweeping tribute to Latino heritage and featuring a violin orchestra to add classical depth to the modern genre.

Lopez was among a select group of elite musicians chosen to share the spotlight with the global Latin icon. Dressed in a signature brown suit and bowtie—a visual nod to the working-class roots and traditional aesthetics celebrated throughout the set—Lopez and her violin were visible to an estimated 125 million viewers worldwide. Her soaring musical accompaniment provided the melodic backbone for Bad Bunny's hit song "Monaco," a track that masterfully blends high-energy trap with classical orchestral elements.

SILVER CITY, NM — Western New Mexico University (WNMU) announced today that Cameron Braxton Wesson, Ph.D., has withdrawn from consideration for the position of 16th President. 

The presidential search process will proceed with the remaining four distinguished finalists. The schedule for the upcoming campus visitations and community engagement sessions remains unchanged for the other candidates.

The four finalists and their public meet-and-greets: