Contact: Michael Padilla, 277-1816

December 12, 2002 RATON NATIVE GAINS EXPERIENCE AT DAILY LOBO Raton native Ryan Floersheim, assistant news editor for the New Mexico Daily Lobo, the University of New Mexico's student newspaper, says he made a difference when he wrote a story about a woman who was not allowed into a bar because she was pregnant. The story drew attention by a local television station and many Lobo readers from both sides of the story. The woman claimed she was discriminated against. A UNM-affiliated group, The Statewide Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Prevention Project, a division of UNM's Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse and Addictions, awarded the bar with a plaque for its actions to "set a precedent for a bar taking the next step in reducing the chances of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome." Floersheim interviewed the woman, the owner of the bar, a local attorney and a law expert at UNM. He said he was impressed with how the media can show both sides of the story. He hopes that this story helps future cases of this sort. "Working for the Lobo is a blessing in disguise," Floersheim says. "It's a great learning experience." He helps decide which stories will be published in the Lobo and edits copy. He compiles news briefs from the Associated Press. Floersheim is currently working on a piece about UNM advising. He said that students need to go the extra mile to make sure that they are on track and taking the right courses on the path to graduation. He graduated from Raton High School in 1996 and attended New Mexico State University for two years. He chose UNM because of its diversity and the writing program. "UNM has a diverse crowd and I enjoy the people I meet on a daily basis," he said, adding that he is grateful for the help he has received from Greg Martin, a professor in UNM's English Department. "UNM's professors truly care about their students and they want to make a difference," he said. His advice for anyone wanting to come to UNM is to take advantage of the programs and services offered. "UNM has an abundance of opportunities for everyone," he said. "The environment here is very conducive for learning." Floersheim will be graduating next semester with a degree in professional writing. He is a member of the UNM rugby club team and competes with various schools throughout the region including Colorado State University, Wyoming University and Arizona State. His parents are Ray and Jana Floersheim of Raton. ###

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