Contact: Michael Padilla, 277-1816 Michael Martinez, 277-5813

September 20, 2002 SANCHEZ PURSUES ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEGREE Joseph Sanchez, Espanola native and University of New Mexico senior, excitedly anticipates his graduation from the University in December 2002. The 1996 graduate of Espanola Valley High School and son of Louis Sanchez and the late Della Sanchez will graduate this winter with a degree in systems control from UNM School of Engineering's Electrical and Computer Engineering Department. Sanchez chose a difficult degree path, he admits. "One of the biggest challenges for me is just keeping myself motivated to do the homework, the degree classes are difficult." Of his graduation, Sanchez says, "It's a very challenging degree (Electrical Engineering) and I will feel great satisfaction knowing that I got through it." Hard work is nothing new to Sanchez, who believes that his parents gave him a good work ethic. His mother passed away two years ago. "My role models would have to be my parents, because they've worked hard for everything they have today." He also credits his sister for giving him inspiration to pursue not only a bachelor's degree, but also a master's degree. "I have a sister who has her master's, it has been pretty inspiring to know that she accomplished that." Sanchez decided to call UNM his alma mater after a year and a half sampling other schools. He attended Northern New Mexico Community College in Espanola for a year and then moved on to UNM-Los Alamos for another semester until finally moving to the main campus in Albuquerque. Sanchez believes that UNM has many good qualities. "It's not too far from home and it is one of the better schools in the area." His UNM career will not be over when he graduates in December. He plans to attend graduate school at the University. When asked about his goals after UNM, Sanchez says, "I have not yet decided in what area of electrical engineering I will work, so graduate school will allow me to explore all of my options." ###

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