The University of Houston Board of Regents announced Friday that they have appointed former New Mexico State University Provost and Interim President William Flores as President at the University of Houston - Downtown.
Currently Dr. Flores is serving as New Mexico's Deputy Secretary of Higher Education and will assume his new position on July 1, 2009.
Dr. Flores, age 61, served for six-years (6) as Executive Vice President and Provost at New Mexico State University. He served as Interim NMSU President before Dr. Michael Martin was appointed as the University President in 2004.
Dr. Flores earned his doctorate and master's degrees from Stanford University. He graduated Cum Laude from the University of California at Los Angeles with a bachelor's degree in political science.
We wish Dr. Flores every good success in his new endeavor.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
NATIONAL CANCER SURVIVORS DAY
Sunday, June 7 will mark the 22nd National Cancer Survivors Day, an “annual, worldwide Celebration of Life held in hundreds of communities throughout the United States, Canada, and other participating countries“ as defined by the not-for-profit National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation (NCSD). Survivors come together as a symbol and dedication of defeating cancer.
The American Cancer Society will also join in honoring cancer survivors with celebrations to include parades, carnivals, races, art exhibits, ball games, contests, dances, inspirational programs and more.
Who is a cancer survivor? The NCSD defines a "survivor as any person with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life.”
Celebrate with someone who overcame the cancer odds...and offer a prayer for those who are battling with it today! Make a contribution to the American Cancer Society in your area today!
Together, we can make a difference.
The American Cancer Society will also join in honoring cancer survivors with celebrations to include parades, carnivals, races, art exhibits, ball games, contests, dances, inspirational programs and more.
Who is a cancer survivor? The NCSD defines a "survivor as any person with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life.”
Celebrate with someone who overcame the cancer odds...and offer a prayer for those who are battling with it today! Make a contribution to the American Cancer Society in your area today!
Together, we can make a difference.
NMSU NEWS
Manuel T. Pacheco completes his first week as NMSU interim president. Higher education has been central to Dr. Pacheco's life that it is no surprise he continues to work six years after his retirement. This week Pacheco began his tenure as interim president of NMSU.
Dr. Robert D. Moulton will leave NMSU to lead two colleges within the United Arab Emirates. Dr. Moulton, has been interim Executive Vice President / Provost and Dean of the College of Education, will leave New Mexico State University in August for a position in the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) system in the United Arab Emirates. HCT is a relatively new and rapidly growing part of the UAE national system of higher education.
NMSU ROTC Commander, LT.COL. Bradley Gavle will retire this summer. After 26 years of military service and three years as the New Mexico State University ROTC Commander.
SunLight Eagle Soars at Las Cruces Flight Test Center
The Physical Science Laboratory (PSL) of New Mexico State University announced that its Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flight Test Center successfully hosted the first flight last month of a solar-powered unmanned aircraft in the National Airspace System.
Dr. Robert D. Moulton will leave NMSU to lead two colleges within the United Arab Emirates. Dr. Moulton, has been interim Executive Vice President / Provost and Dean of the College of Education, will leave New Mexico State University in August for a position in the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) system in the United Arab Emirates. HCT is a relatively new and rapidly growing part of the UAE national system of higher education.
NMSU ROTC Commander, LT.COL. Bradley Gavle will retire this summer. After 26 years of military service and three years as the New Mexico State University ROTC Commander.
SunLight Eagle Soars at Las Cruces Flight Test Center
The Physical Science Laboratory (PSL) of New Mexico State University announced that its Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flight Test Center successfully hosted the first flight last month of a solar-powered unmanned aircraft in the National Airspace System.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
ROBERT S. WARD SPACETEC PROGRAM MANAGER SPEAKS AT MVEDA
Robert S. Ward, Programs Manager with SpaceTec, the National Aerospace Technical Eduction Center at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida was the keynote speaker for the June MVEDA luncheon today.
Mr. Ward spoke about the centers objective to try to promote student participation in the aerospace industry. He stated that Dona Ana Community College is one of twelve (12) higher education facilities to be involved with SpaceTec around the country.
Their brochure states "Dona Ana Community College has become a partner in an UP Aerospace rocket launch." Local students were involved in the April 25, 2009 launch from Spaceport America providing student made pay-loads.
Mr. Ward is an advocate for involving students in Middle School and High School to make career decisions in the aerospace field as 'aerospace technicians.'
He compared the aerospace industry today as that of the early 1930s - 1940's when airplane technology was introduced. Today, like then there is not enough trained individuals to meet the aerospace needs in the every growing industry. He said, "it is early aerospace technology for the next generation."
Our communities must invest in the educational opportunities for the advancement of aerospace training. He stated that Las Cruces was in an exceptional area for this in that it can draw from White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico State University, Dona Ana Community College and others.
The key to success in the aerospace future is to excite the new generation of students and promote science projects and camps like 'robotics.' Because of the lack in the workforce today of properly trained aerospace leaders of the future which will lead to a slower expansion into aerospace exploration.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) should be at the forefront of the public school education with early hands on training.
It was noted that the new Spaceport tax passed last year will bring approximately $1.7 million to Dona Ana County. Mr. Ward stated that this "is a wonderful opportunity to promote the aerospace technology programs and that Dona Ana Community College is a viable option for students."
He stressed the value of sending young space enthusiast to attend "Challenger Centers" to get a valuable 'hands on' experience.
For more information on the program go to: www.spaceteg.org or Dona Ana Community College at http://dacc.nmsu.edu.
Mr. Ward spoke about the centers objective to try to promote student participation in the aerospace industry. He stated that Dona Ana Community College is one of twelve (12) higher education facilities to be involved with SpaceTec around the country.
Their brochure states "Dona Ana Community College has become a partner in an UP Aerospace rocket launch." Local students were involved in the April 25, 2009 launch from Spaceport America providing student made pay-loads.
Mr. Ward is an advocate for involving students in Middle School and High School to make career decisions in the aerospace field as 'aerospace technicians.'
He compared the aerospace industry today as that of the early 1930s - 1940's when airplane technology was introduced. Today, like then there is not enough trained individuals to meet the aerospace needs in the every growing industry. He said, "it is early aerospace technology for the next generation."
Our communities must invest in the educational opportunities for the advancement of aerospace training. He stated that Las Cruces was in an exceptional area for this in that it can draw from White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico State University, Dona Ana Community College and others.
The key to success in the aerospace future is to excite the new generation of students and promote science projects and camps like 'robotics.' Because of the lack in the workforce today of properly trained aerospace leaders of the future which will lead to a slower expansion into aerospace exploration.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) should be at the forefront of the public school education with early hands on training.
It was noted that the new Spaceport tax passed last year will bring approximately $1.7 million to Dona Ana County. Mr. Ward stated that this "is a wonderful opportunity to promote the aerospace technology programs and that Dona Ana Community College is a viable option for students."
He stressed the value of sending young space enthusiast to attend "Challenger Centers" to get a valuable 'hands on' experience.
For more information on the program go to: www.spaceteg.org or Dona Ana Community College at http://dacc.nmsu.edu.
CITY COUNCIL BRIEFS
The Las Cruces City Council meet in regular session yesterday to discuss various items and resolutions.
The Council had to amend their current "Red Light Ordinance" to comply with the new State statute (SB519)which places a cap amount on fees(fines)for 'red light' violations. The amount that can be assessed for fees is now $100.00 for either a 'red light' violation or 'speeding' violation. The new state law now requires that if any disputes on a violation will be handled by the State District Court instead of the local municipal court. Also, the State will now collect 50% of the $100 fee.
As you are aware, I was opposed to the "red light cameras" installation and feel that the general purpose to deter traffic violators would not be affective as the issued violation and failure to pay the fine does not affect the drivers insurance or drivers license status. Failure to pay will result of the violation being sent to a collection agency. Most offenders don't care of they don't have to pay or be sent to collections.
Further, Councilor Miguel Silva stated that "he thought the cameras were for red light violations only and not speeding." I question if the Council understood the full impact of this ordinance and did not fully inform the public.
Director of Public Works, Michael Johnson, provided data regarding the number of violations at the various 'red light camera' locations in the city.
The following data was provided:
Intersections
Main & Solano
Red Light Violations: 356 Speeding Violations: 2592
Valley Dr. & Avenida de Mesilla
Red Light Violations: 1052 Speeding Violations: 287
Lohman & Walnut
Red Light Violations: 277 Speeding Violations: 1305
Lohman & Telshor
Red Light Violations: 187 Speeding Violations: 83
TOTAL Red Light Violations: 1852 Speeding Violations: 4267
Out of the 6,119 violations issued approximately 3,000 fees/fines have been collected. Under the new state law...will it be have been worth the time in training, leasing fees, etc. of taxpayers money?
NEW CONVENTION CENTER
City staff briefed the Council and public regarding the status of the new Las Cruces Convention Center. Construction of the center is scheduled to being in July 2009.
There will be an 'Open House' on June 16th from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for the public to review the plans and model for the center. The location for this event has not yet been determined.
Groundbreaking for the Convention Center will be on Wednesday, June 24th at 10:00 a.m. on the corner of El Paseo and University.
The Council had to amend their current "Red Light Ordinance" to comply with the new State statute (SB519)which places a cap amount on fees(fines)for 'red light' violations. The amount that can be assessed for fees is now $100.00 for either a 'red light' violation or 'speeding' violation. The new state law now requires that if any disputes on a violation will be handled by the State District Court instead of the local municipal court. Also, the State will now collect 50% of the $100 fee.
As you are aware, I was opposed to the "red light cameras" installation and feel that the general purpose to deter traffic violators would not be affective as the issued violation and failure to pay the fine does not affect the drivers insurance or drivers license status. Failure to pay will result of the violation being sent to a collection agency. Most offenders don't care of they don't have to pay or be sent to collections.
Further, Councilor Miguel Silva stated that "he thought the cameras were for red light violations only and not speeding." I question if the Council understood the full impact of this ordinance and did not fully inform the public.
Director of Public Works, Michael Johnson, provided data regarding the number of violations at the various 'red light camera' locations in the city.
The following data was provided:
Intersections
Main & Solano
Red Light Violations: 356 Speeding Violations: 2592
Valley Dr. & Avenida de Mesilla
Red Light Violations: 1052 Speeding Violations: 287
Lohman & Walnut
Red Light Violations: 277 Speeding Violations: 1305
Lohman & Telshor
Red Light Violations: 187 Speeding Violations: 83
TOTAL Red Light Violations: 1852 Speeding Violations: 4267
Out of the 6,119 violations issued approximately 3,000 fees/fines have been collected. Under the new state law...will it be have been worth the time in training, leasing fees, etc. of taxpayers money?
NEW CONVENTION CENTER
City staff briefed the Council and public regarding the status of the new Las Cruces Convention Center. Construction of the center is scheduled to being in July 2009.
There will be an 'Open House' on June 16th from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for the public to review the plans and model for the center. The location for this event has not yet been determined.
Groundbreaking for the Convention Center will be on Wednesday, June 24th at 10:00 a.m. on the corner of El Paseo and University.
Monday, June 1, 2009
NM SECRETARY OF AGING VISITS SENIOR CENTERS IN LAS CRUCES
On Friday, Cindy Padilla, New Mexico Secretary of Aging and Long-term Services Department visited Senior Programs in Las Cruces. Her visit was in conjunction with the State's Senior Olympics being held in Albuquerque over the weekend.
The purpose of her visit was a "listening tour" as she called it. She visited various Senior Centers in area with her last visit to Munson Senior Center. She spoke to local Seniors, volunteers and staff.
She stated that "The State Seniors Programs provide high quality services and of all departments in State government is the most effective and efficient." Her department continues to review and evaluate social programs and even though her budget has been impacted by the economy, she assured those in attendance that she will continue to provide quality senior programs.
Secretary Padilla's department also encompasses Adult Protective Services which investigates elderly abuse and neglect, Consumer Division that deals with Medicare/Medicaid benefits, Brain Injury Advocacy Program, Long Term Care, Elder Disability and other Senior services.
Mrs. Padilla stated that "we are trying to make positive difference in our communities." She went on to say that "volunteers who are compassionate and caring are essential in making Senior programs the success they are."
"What we do is from the "heart" we act because we love our Seniors and we should continue to learn from them as they have vast experiences and expertise that needs to be tapped into." "We have are responsibility to care for one another...we must see the 'big picture' and remember that we are all in this together no matter our ages" said Mrs. Padilla.
As a side note, I have been personally involved as a Board member of the the Las Cruces Senior Citizens Corporation (LCSCC) for the last two-years. The LCSCC has a wide variety of programs at Munson Senior Center like: Saturday Dances, Kraft Nook, Thrift Store and Voyagers Travel Group. We encourage all Seniors to participate in the great programs the City of Las Cruces provides, from lunch, meals-on-wheels, recreation and crafts, travel, etc.
If you have questions,schedule of events, menus, hours, regarding Senior Programs, please call Munson Senior Center at (575) 528-0000. Shelly Modell is the Senior Programs Director and her office is located at Munson Center as well.
The purpose of her visit was a "listening tour" as she called it. She visited various Senior Centers in area with her last visit to Munson Senior Center. She spoke to local Seniors, volunteers and staff.
She stated that "The State Seniors Programs provide high quality services and of all departments in State government is the most effective and efficient." Her department continues to review and evaluate social programs and even though her budget has been impacted by the economy, she assured those in attendance that she will continue to provide quality senior programs.
Secretary Padilla's department also encompasses Adult Protective Services which investigates elderly abuse and neglect, Consumer Division that deals with Medicare/Medicaid benefits, Brain Injury Advocacy Program, Long Term Care, Elder Disability and other Senior services.
Mrs. Padilla stated that "we are trying to make positive difference in our communities." She went on to say that "volunteers who are compassionate and caring are essential in making Senior programs the success they are."
"What we do is from the "heart" we act because we love our Seniors and we should continue to learn from them as they have vast experiences and expertise that needs to be tapped into." "We have are responsibility to care for one another...we must see the 'big picture' and remember that we are all in this together no matter our ages" said Mrs. Padilla.
As a side note, I have been personally involved as a Board member of the the Las Cruces Senior Citizens Corporation (LCSCC) for the last two-years. The LCSCC has a wide variety of programs at Munson Senior Center like: Saturday Dances, Kraft Nook, Thrift Store and Voyagers Travel Group. We encourage all Seniors to participate in the great programs the City of Las Cruces provides, from lunch, meals-on-wheels, recreation and crafts, travel, etc.
If you have questions,schedule of events, menus, hours, regarding Senior Programs, please call Munson Senior Center at (575) 528-0000. Shelly Modell is the Senior Programs Director and her office is located at Munson Center as well.
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