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Student Affairs Update newsletter

Celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week with Student Affairs

The Division of Student Affairs will be celebrating National Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) week Feb. 15-19, by hosting a necessities drive for Cuidando Los Niños and the Albuquerque Rescue Mission.   

The drive will run Feb. 12-19 with donation boxes for each charity located on the first and second floors of the Student Union Building.

The mission of Cuidando Los Niños is to provide high quality early childhood development and therapeutic services that meet the special needs of children experiencing homelessness; provide support services that assist their families to become rehoused and stronger; and be a community leader and advocate for social change necessary to break the cycle of homelessness.  They are in need of: diapers (especially sizes 5 & 6), diaper wipes, batteries (size AA, AAA and D are most needed), nitrile exam gloves, toiletries, copy paper, car seats, toys, clothes, books, small household items.

The Albuquerque Rescue Mission provides food, shelter, clothing, training, education, and mentoring to Albuquerque’s homeless men, women and children daily.  They are currently in need of men’s boxers and briefs, sizes 30-36, razors and shaving cream. 

For more information on volunteering or donating to Cuidando Los Niños please visit http://clnkids.org/ or call (505) 843-6899, for the Albuquerque Rescue Mission, please visit http://www.abqrescue.org/about/aboutus.php or call (505) 346-4673. 

25 Ways to Celebrate 7 Days, Random Acts of Kindness Week

1. Send someone a hand written note of thanks.
2. Make a card at home and send it to a friend.
3. Adopt a stray animal.
4. Put some coins in someone else’s parking meter.
5. Buy a coffee for a student.
6. Walk your friend’s dog.
7. Give a compliment about your server to their manager.
8. Volunteer at a shelter.
9. Give Blood.
10. Mentor a child.
11. Treat a friend to the movies.
12. Give a huge tip to someone when they least expect it.
13. Hold the elevator door open for someone.
14. Give up your seat for someone.
15. Talk to a homeless person and have a “normal” conversation.
16. Pick up some trash in the road.
17. Compliment a co-worker for their excellence.
18. Babysit for a friend.
19. Give another driver your parking spot.
20. Donate to charity.
21. Tell all your family members how much you appreciate them.
22. Buy an inspirational book for a friend.
23. Let someone go ahead of you in line at the supermarket.
24. Do something nice for yourself.
25. Smile a lot.

Click here to let someone know you appreciate them!

Introducing 2010 Student Affairs Fellows

Student Affairs is pleased to welcome the 2010 fellows to the Division!  As in the year’s past, Dr. Torres is confident that this will be a great group and the Division and the individuals will benefit positively from the experience. 

Cassandra Costley is currently a graduate student earning her Masters in Public Administration and a project assistant in the Office of Career Services.  Prior to that she worked as an executive administrator for the Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors.  When the opportunity arose to apply for the Student Affairs fellowship, she was excited because she “wanted to help the students of the University just as the University has helped her.”  Cassandra believes that education is the path to opportunity and change and believes that her service as a Student Affairs Fellow will give her the opportunity to delve deeper into the inner workings of the department while helping the community at the same time.

Lauren Haggerty is currently an accountant in the Student Government Accounting Office in the Student Activities Center.  After Lauren earned her BBA in Marketing, she opted to take a unique career opportunity as a traveling consultant for her sorority’s national headquarters.  At the end of that one year term, she returned to Albuquerque completed her MBA at Anderson School of Management and began her employment as a professional intern in the Student Activities Center.  By becoming a Fellow, she hopes to increase her knowledge of student affairs by seeing a bigger picture and gaining a greater understanding of the numerous leadership roles, and have the opportunity to network with individuals that possess different roles on campus.

Daniel Jennings is a graduate of Anderson School of Management and currently a graduate project assistant for the Project for New Mexico Graduates of Color.  One of Daniel’s main goals is to work with and embrace the underrepresented ethnic students enrolled in college courses who become overlooked and, therefore, have a higher percentage of dropout rates, low retention rates and a lower rate of degree completion at most higher education institutions.  He wanted to become a Fellow because he has gained a great respect of the professionalism that characterizes the Division of Student Affairs and the fellowship program.  Daniel is confident that the team values and objectives will fit nicely with this own strengths and enthusiasm. 

Roderick Lansing is a an Electronic Resources Specialist for the American Indian Students Services Department.  His job entails maintaining the department’s student labs, staff computers, website and other programs.  He has a BBA in Business Administration in Management Information Systems.  He is hopeful that during his fellowship with Student Affairs he will gain valuable leadership experience and looks forward to the networking aspect that the position includes.  In addition, he is looking forward to the opportunity to create and foster relationships with all the Student Affairs departments and gain first-hand knowledge of the services offered for student through the Division. 

Kate Moore is currently the financial officer for the Provost and Academic Affairs in which she has the operational budget oversight of 18 schools, colleges and vice president divisions with a total budget of approximately $350 million.  Before coming to the higher education she was a Peace Corps volunteer in Ghana, West Africa, and while serving in that capacity, she says she learned the importance of education.  She became interested in becoming a Student Affairs Fellow to expand her general knowledge of the activities within the Division, provide direct support to the students and if possible, she would like to look at developing a student/staff mentorship program as one of her projects as a way to give back to the campus community.

Lacy Rivera is a Senior Student Program Advisor in the College Enrichment and Outreach Programs and has a Master of Education in Alliance for Catholic Education from the University of Norte Dame.  Over the past five years she has gained a wide range of experiences in education including volunteering at an early childhood development center, facilitating a non-violent conflict resolution training in fifth grade classrooms, teaching at junior and high school levels and working with undergraduates in preparation for graduate school.  She hopes that participation in the Student Affairs Fellows Program will provide her the opportunity to develop as an educational leader and collaborate with other departments in the Division to more effectively serve UNM’s students, and gain the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a professional in higher education.

Celestina Torres is a senior student program advisor in the College Enrichment Program, in this capacity, among other things, she works with incoming freshmen during one of their two orientation sessions where she helps advise students as they transition to the University.  During the course of her career working with various age groups in a variety of capacities she realized that her passion is in working with students and helping them to succeed.  She was interested in becoming a Fellow for Student Affairs to gain a better understanding of the Division as a whole and says that she has realized the importance of Student Affairs through the various programs and organizations she has been involved with.

Marina Weisert is a student hall director in Residence Life and Student Housing and says that residential education is especially dear to her heart.  She says that positively impacting resident’s lives on a personal level is a rewarding and worthwhile endeavor.  Marina applied to the fellowship program as she views it as an excellent opportunity for persons interested in the student affairs professions and feels that it’s a highly useful and integral program.  She says that through teamwork with professionals university-wide, collaborative efforts enrich project success and ensure that all departments contribute toward issues affecting UNM students, and feels that the fellowship program is an important step in this process.

Senior from Las Vegas, NM Enjoys Fantastic November

November was a particularly good month for UNM Senior, Francheska Sevyllyn Gurule, a senior with a double major in  Biology and Sign Language.

Not only was she elected as a student senator for the Associated Students of the University of New Mexico, ASUNM, the undergraduate student government on Nov. 18, but a week later she was awarded the Outstanding Student Leader Award for her contributions to numerous student organizations on the UNM campus, at a reception on Nov. 23.

The Division of Student Affairs would like to congratulate Francheska on her accomplishments! You make our Division proud!

Division Holds Successful Food Bank and Giving Tree Initiatives

The Division of Student Affairs would like to thank all the departments who took part in the Roadrunner Food Bank drive to help feed New Mexico's hungry and the ASUNM giving tree initiative to benefit Albuquerque charities.

The Division had nine departments put food collection bins in their areas including:  Accessibility Resource Center, College Enrichment and Outreach Programs, Navy ROTC, Student Activities Center, Student Housing and Residence Life, Title V, The Women's Resource Center and the Vice President for Student Affairs office.  Student Affairs employees and members of the UNM community pitched in to fill five of those bins with donated food.

Associated Students of the University of New Mexico (ASUNM) Community Experience also coordinated the "giving tree" to help bring holiday cheer to Albuquerque charities.  ASUNM decorated a large holiday tree decorated with requests for presents from children and placed it in the SUB atrium. Andrea Hart, Student Activities Specialist in the department of Student Activities estimates that 150 of the 160 gifts requests were fulfilled with donated gifts.

The Division would like to thank everyone for their generosity holiday season. If you want more information on the Roadrunner Food Bank or ways to help throughout the year, please visit: http://www.rrfb.org/Donate.html.  For information about ASUNM Community Experience please visit http://www.unm.edu/~asunm/

ROTC Units Commission Nine New Officers

(Courtesy UNMToday)

Two commissionees served in Iraq before attending UNM

A joint commissioning ceremony of the UNM ROTC units was held Friday during which nine the Army, Naval and Air Force each welcomed new officers into their ranks. Major General Kenny C. Montoya was the event’s guest speaker. Montoya is Adjutant General of the New Mexico National Guard. As such, he commands the Army and Air National Guard and serves as the commander of the State Defense Force. Montoya earned his juris doctorate from UNM in 1995.

Photo: 2LT Tyler Cormier is congratulated after receiving the commissioning oath by Maj. James Cormier.

At the ceremony, each cadet took the oath of office, was pinned with his new rank, received his first salute and participated in the Silver Dollar Salute, a time-honored tradition where a new Second Lieutenant or Ensign proudly hands a silver dollar to the first enlisted member who renders him a salute.

The UNM Army ROTC program is under the command of Erik Sevigny, LTC, USA.

New Army officers:
2LT Michael P. Collins graduates with a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in military science. Collins is commissioned as an Engineer Officer and will report to Ford Leonard Wood, Mo., for leadership training. He will be stationed at Fort Carson Collins, Colo., with the 4th Infantry Division. Collins entered the Army in 2003 and served as an Infantryman in Friedberg, Germany. He served in Iraq from January 2006 – March 2007 and earned the Army Commendation Medal and a Combat Infantry Badge.

2LT Tyler Cormier graduates with a bachelor’s degree in business administration finance. Following leadership training at Fort Leonard Wood, Cormier will be stationed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, with the 25th Infantry Division.

2LT Michael Kots graduates with a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in military science. He is commissioned as an Ordnance Officer. Following leadership training at Fort Lee, Va., he will be stationed at Fort Huachuca, Ariz.

2LT Gabriel X. Montoya graduates with a degree in history with a minor in military science. He is commissioned as an Infantry Officer. Montoya will receive basic officer training at Fort Benning, Ga., and will be stationed at UNM Army ROTC.

The Naval ROTC program is under the command of Ronald Kennedy, CAPT, USN.

New Naval officer:
ENS Matthew L. Lovato graduates with a bachelor’s degree in criminology with a minor in naval science. He receives his commission as a Surface Warfare Officer. EBS Lovato will report to San Diego, Calif., to his first ship, the USS Comstock, where he will become a Division Officer.

The Air Force ROTC program is under the command of Raul V. Garcia, Lt. Col., USAF

New Air Force officers:
2d Lt Joe C. Castillo is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in occupational education with a minor in information systems technology. He is the AFROTC Detachment 510 Distinguished Graduate for 2010. His commission is as a Contracting Officer. His first duty station is at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico. 2d Lt Castillo enlisted in the Air Force in 1998. He was stationed in Louisiana, Florida, Korea and Germany as a Communications Computer Systems Control Craftsman. He enrolled in the UNM AFROTC program after separating from the Air Force.

2d Lt Kevin M. Harris graduates with a dual bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminology. He receives his commission as a Behavioral Science Entry Level Officer. 2d Lt Harris reports to Brooks AFB, San Antonio, Texas.

2d Lt Daniel S. Hutchinson graduates with a bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in aerospace studies. He is commissioned as a Student Pilot. He will report to Laughlin, AFB, Texas, for training.

2d Lt Kevin M. Hutchinson graduates with a bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in aerospace studies. He is commissioned as an Air Force Logistics Readiness Officer. He reports to Travis AFB, Calif. 2d Lt Hutchinson enlisted in the Air Force in 2001. He served in the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines in Twenty-nine Palms, Calif. He was deployed twice to Iraq, in 2003 and 2004, as a Field Radio Operator before enrolling in the UNM AFROTC program.