Community News

A photo collage highlights members of the Perales family, whose multi-generational legacy at Western New Mexico University includes nearly two dozen family attendees and 17 degrees, starting with pioneer Elizabeth Perales in the 1970s and continuing through decades of student achievements.SILVER CITY, NM — For many families, higher education is a distant dream, but for the Perales family, it became a shared destiny. A single pioneer stepping onto the Western New Mexico University campus sparked a legacy spanning decades, multiple branches of the family tree, and nearly two dozen attendees. Recently, alumnus Arturo "Art" Perales highlighted that legacy in a heartfelt thank-you letter to the university, expressing profound gratitude for the generations of education and opportunities provided to his family.

The story begins with a family of 17 children raised by Depression-era parents who, despite lacking college degrees themselves, fiercely pushed their children toward higher education. Elizabeth Perales was the first family member to attend the university, graduating with her bachelor's degree in 1973. Her decision altered the family's future. Since then, 21 family members have attended WNMU, resulting in 17 degrees, with four earning dual degrees.

Deming High School student Urijah Nordorf, 16, is creating his own bright future through dual enrollment vocational training certificatesDeming High School Student Works Toward Two College Certificates

SILVER CITY, NM — As regional demand for skilled labor continues to rise, Western New Mexico University is demonstrating the vital role of higher education in rural workforce development through its dual enrollment technical programs. 

Sixteen-year-old Deming High School student Urijah Nordorf is currently blazing a trail through this institutional partnership, having already completed a full sequence of collegiate welding courses through WNMU and successfully transitioning into advanced electrical coursework. Upon his high school graduation, Nordorf is on track to earn two fully accredited college vocational certificates from WNMU, positioning him to enter the economy as a highly specialized professional.

Nordorf's trajectory into the trades began at age 14 after a summer job assisting his uncle, a general contractor specializing in steel buildings, carports, and sheet metal. Working as a laborer, Nordorf observed the distinct earning potential of certified welders. Determined to secure early financial self-reliance, he sought out professional training. Nordorf's interest was further solidified during varsity wrestling practice, where he became aware of the program.

Lila KnadlerThe 2026 Nancy Champlin P.E.O. Foundation Scholarship recipients are Dara Werber-Baiter and Lila Knadler. 

Excelling academically, Werber-Baiter has been home schooled and has earned almost 60 academic credits via dual enrollment at Western New Mexico University after attending Aldo Leopold Charter School. Dara's well valued work with the Upper Gila Watershed Alliance involved both sustainable environmental practices and teaching experiences. She has performed in multiple local theater productions, worked in food service and has volunteered at The Commons. 

Dara will attend the University of Arizona's Eller College of Management this fall. Knadler graduated with honors from Aldo Leopold Charter School where she participated in the Youth Conservation Corps and the New Earth Project. Lila was a soccer team member and varsity cheer team captain at Silver High School. She benefitted from working at WNMU's Child Development Center and enjoys employment at June June's. Lila plans on studying Psychology at Northern Arizona University.

Funds for the endowed scholarship were raised by purse auctions sponsored by Silver City P.E.O. Chapters AG and BR held annually to honor then-resident Nancy Champlin's serving as the state P.E.O. President in 2013. First awarded in 2015, the scholarship has now helped 17 Grant County women to further their educational dreams.

(Silver City, NM) – Children and teens now have the opportunity to explore drone technology and digital art for free with the Silver City Public Library, thanks to a grant from the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation. The library has used grant funds to purchase a classroom set of mini drones. Soon to come are digital drawing tablets, to enable the creation of digital artwork. 

The library has held three drone piloting sessions so far, two in the library meeting room and one at the Henry V. "La Burra" Morales Recreation Center. "Our first drone session at the library, scheduled to kick off the Summer Reading Program, was my opportunity to find out all the aspects of drone maintenance that I didn't yet know," said Lillian Galloway, library assistant director. "We weren't flying as much as I had hoped. So we scheduled another session for the following week, where piloting went more smoothly. I am learning so much along with the kids!" More sessions are happening during the school year.

University is Prioritizing Tailored Student Services and Direct Faculty Mentorship

SILVER CITY, NM — Reimagining how higher education serves rural communities, Western New Mexico University is putting student support front and center in the Gallup region by delivering one-on-one faculty mentorship, home-based technology and direct community outreach tailored to modern, non-traditional learners.

By prioritizing personalized services, home-delivered technology, and on-the-ground outreach, WNMU is keeping higher education seamless, flexible, and connected to community needs.

The historic Holy Cross Church in Pinos Altos will soon be profaned, as recently authorized by Bishop Peter Baldacchino, Diocese of Las Cruces.

According to Grant County records, the Catholic church and the adjoining Catholic cemetery were deeded to the Diocese of El Paso by John W. Fleming on March 10, 1934. Prior to that date, the United States of America, on August 23, 1926, designated the property in trust for the several uses and benefits of the occupants of the Townsite of Pinos Altos.

WNMU Associate Professor of English and the former Poet Laureate of Silver City and Grant County, Heather Frankland, MFA, MPHSILVER CITY, NM — Western New Mexico University Associate Professor of English and the previous Poet Laureate of Silver City and Grant County, Heather Frankland, MFA, MPH, is featured in the released publication, "CACTI FUR COLLECTIVE Volume 1." This volume of the poetry split (a type of longform anthology), published by Grandma Moses Press, edited by Tim Staley, forwards written by Alexis Montoya, showcases a curated selection of voices from Southern New Mexico.

Frankland's work is featured alongside contributors Susan Melinda Morée, Beate Sigriddaughter and Elise Stuart, two former Silver City Poets Laureate. The collection extends "Cacti Fur," an online poetry journal hosted by Grandma Moses Press.

In addition to this publication, Frankland is embarking on a series of professional and creative activities through the summer. In May, she served as a poetry mentor for the Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP) Writer-to-Writer Mentorship Program, a national initiative where Frankland was selected to guide an emerging poet for three months. Frankland also participated in the 30/30 Project by Tupelo Press, a fundraising effort for the independent press; she joined eight other poets in the challenge of writing one poem per day for the entire month of May.

The Historical Society of New Mexico has announced that Dr. Doug Dinwiddie, President of the Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society, will receive this year's Dorothy Woodward Award for advancement of education in New Mexico history.

The announcement reads in part "We were impressed with your tireless efforts to educate the public about New Mexico, and specifically Fort Bayard, history, through teaching, speaking engagements, leading historical tours and field trips, serving as President of the Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society, assisting in operation of the Fort Bayard Museum, involvement in community activities, and advocating for funding to support improvements at the Fort Bayard site." The award will be officially presented at the annual meeting of the HSNM in September.