The division of Student Affairs at the University of New Mexico recently announced its student service awards for the 2005-2006 year. Awards are made to UNM people who have made extraordinary contributions over the course of the year toward serving students.
Staff members are Ken Carpenter, associate director, Office of International Programs and Studies, and Mary DeWitt, academic advisor in the Physics and Astronomy. The faculty member receiving an award is Enrique LaMadrid, associate professor of Spanish and director of Chicano/Hispano/Mexicano Studies.
Carpenter was singled out in one of his nominations for his “legendary” dedication to students who are contemplating international studies, and also for his zeal in helping student solve problems they encounter while traveling abroad – everything from health care issues and culture shock to curricular issues.
Several physics department nominators praised DeWitt for her care and devotion to her student advisees, and also for the contributions she makes to the smooth operation of the department. Both students and faculty members in the physics department nominated DeWitt.
LaMadrid was praised for his commitment to students “both on and off-campus,” according to one nominator. His work with students as a mentor and as a folklore teacher conveying the diverse cultures of the American Southwest was singled out as exemplary.
In presenting the awards to the three winners, Eliseo “Cheo” Torres, vice president for Student Affairs, praised the recipients for “delivering dedicated service to our students here at UNM.” He said the winners exemplified “all the finest qualities that we prize in student affairs as we strive to deliver the best service possible to our students, to help retain them, care for them and graduate them.”
Awardees were honored at the April 28 reception. Each received an engraved silver plaque recognizing the awardee’s accomplishment.
Media Contact: Greg Johnston, (505) 277-1816; e-mail: gregj@unm.edu