THREE UNM ENGINEERING STUDENTS FROM SILVER MAKE DEAN'S LIST

April 1, 2003

THREE UNM ENGINEERING STUDENTS FROM SILVER MAKE DEAN'S LIST

University of New Mexico students David S. Leyba, Garrett Renon and Ryan T. Schnalzer all graduated from Silver City High School in the last few years and share a common interest in engineering - although each is pursuing a degree in a different engineering field at UNM.

They also share the distinction of being Dean's List students.

David Leyba Leyba is a 1998 graduate who chose UNM because it offered "a strong academic environment in which to study electrical engineering as well as ample opportunity for a social life outside of school," he said.

He's had family support through it all. Leyba, son of F. Robert and Diana Ingalls Leyba, studied at Lehigh University and New Mexico Tech before finding an educational home at UNM. "My family has helped a lot along the way. They have always been supportive of whatever decisions I've made and given me the emotional support I've needed to survive the engineering gauntlet," he said.

Leyba said that he's had strong support at UNM, as well. "The student body in the electrical [and computer] engineering department (EECE) at UNM is incredible. It is more like a community than anything else. Most of the other EECE students I have worked with really look out for and try to help each other succeed in our classes," he said.

He said that the electrical engineering undergraduate advisor has played a critical role in Leyba's success at UNM. "Roberta Menicucci has been a great help in getting my degree, especially in dealing with administration, other departments and having courses from my other universities transferred in," he said.

His interest in engineering wasn't always electrical. "I've always been interested in computers, math and science, so I started out in computer engineering, which seemed to satisfy all of my interests. After spending a year in engineering at Lehigh University, I found that I was more interested in the course work and areas of study in electrical engineering, so switched to that field of study," he said.

Currently finishing his third year at UNM, Leyba will graduate in May. He already has post-graduation plans. "I have been accepted to grad. school at the University of Colorado in
Boulder, and will be pursing my masters of science in electrical engineering there. Eventually I would like to pursue a Ph.D.," he said.

Renon, a 1999 graduate and son of Ray and Patrice Renon, chose UNM because the lottery scholarship made it possible. Engineering chose Renon.

"I've always liked science and math, so engineering just seemed to be the right choice. Even though engineering requires much more work than many other degrees, I like it," he said.

Renon is a fourth year mechanical engineering student. "I started out in the computer engineering program, but after talking to some of my friends in the other engineering programs, I decided that mechanical was much more my style."

Renon said that engineers are in high demand. "I have a few friends who just graduated with mechanical engineering degrees and it is nice to see they were all offered jobs right away. That helps keep me motivated," he said.

Although Renon is focusing on finishing school he does have a post-graduation plan. "I have recently found interest in high performance car parts. I think it would be cool to work on racecars," he said.

Ryan Schnalzer Schnalzer graduated in 2002. He and Renon played soccer together in Silver City and play on the same club soccer team in Albuquerque.

Schnalzer, son of Thomas and Rosemarie Schnalzer, was drawn to UNM because of its engineering program. "What appealed to me about UNM was that the engineering program was ranked among top schools, the top 50, in the nation and was not highly priced. I knew I would get a good education in the engineering field and save up to $25,000 a year in comparison to other schools with good engineering programs. This is an incredible difference especially when it comes to paying off loans in the future," he said.

A civil engineering student, Schnalzer said he likes building things and seeing how they work. "I chose civil engineering because it leads to building structures like bridges. As a freshman in the program, my long-term goals are uncertain, but I plan to work in the Southwest, perhaps starting my own engineering company when I have enough experience and knowledge to do so," he said.

Schnalzer credits his parents and grandparents with encouraging him to get the most out of his education. With that in mind, he wants to make the most of his college years by studying abroad or completing an international internship. "I'm looking at Spain at the moment," he said.

The UNM School of Engineering offers programs in civil, chemical, electrical, computer and mechanical engineering.

"We are proud of the outstanding engineering students who came to us from Silver City," said UNM School of Engineering Dean Joseph Cecchi. "They represent the high caliber of students in engineering at UNM. The School offers a wide range of opportunities for student success in engineering. It is no surprise to see that these students look ahead to pursue graduate degrees in engineering."

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