Southeast New Mexico College

Students participated in a Paint Party sponsored by HSI Grant Services on October 29, 2024. The students were able to express themselves and relax through the process of creating art. They unleashed their creativity and left with their own masterpiece. This was the first of three Paint Party sessions scheduled this semester. The next sessions are scheduled for November 13 and December 4. Contact Rebeca Galindo at rgalindo@senmc.edu for more information.

On November 7, 2024, students enjoyed an incredible STEM Movie Night featuring the film Gravity. The event brought together 25 attendees who enjoyed an evening of cinematic adventure and engaging discussions. The movie's thrilling portrayal of space exploration sparked curiosity and provided a fantastic platform to celebrate National STEM Day. This event was sponsored by HSI Grants Services. Contact Erick Dominguez at edominguez@senmc.edu for information about upcoming events.

SENMC students voted in the 2024 US Elections on November 5th and proudly displayed their "I Voted" stickers on campus.

Students looking to advance their careers in the Oil and Gas Industry attended the Chevron Recruitment Event presented by Sergio Urias on November 5, 2024. The students were given the opportunity to ask industry related questions and bring their resumes to interview for job opportunities at Chevron.

Student workers at SENMC participated in the Hallowpalooza event on October 31, 2024. Hallowpalooza is an annual event at Southeast New Mexico College that is highly attended by the community. Attendees show off their creative costumes, receive plenty of candy, and enjoy department decorations throughout the college. In addition to dressing up and handing out candy at the event, the student workers participated in decorating their departments.

The STEM Club Esports event on October 24, 2024, was a fantastic success. Students had a great time connecting over games, with friendly competition and lots of laughs along the way. Club members showcased impressive skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship, making it an exciting and enjoyable evening for everyone. Erick Dominguez, the STEM Program Manager, said, "Thank you to all who joined us and made the night memorable - we're already looking forward to the next event!" Students interested in joining the STEM Club can contact Erick at edominguez@senmc.edu or (575) 302-4923.

On September 20-21, 2024, the Alpha Rho Xi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) and SENMC hosted the Annual New Mexico Fall Regional Conference. This year's focus was on the Honors and Action project and leadership development. PTK students from eight different colleges across New Mexico came together to hear keynote speakers and participate in a variety of workshops. Sponsored by Western Governors University, the event was a great success. The Friday night fellowship featured a BBQ and live music, allowing students to enjoy the sights of Carlsbad, followed by a river cruise on the Pecos River.

Students attended the Mind CTRL Mental Health Seminar on October 17, 2024, given by Honor Medina. This month's seminar focused on letting go of perfectionism in life. The Mind CTRL Mental Health Seminars at Southeast New Mexico College are sponsored by HSI Grant Services. They are always free to attend and open to the community. Contact Erick Dominguez at edominguez@senmc.edu for more information.

On September 16, 2024, SENMC students, faculty, and staff, along with community members, participated in the much anticipated HSI Talent Show celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. The lively crowd enjoyed a wide range of talented displays, including music, dance, poetry, and more!

This workshop explored practical strategies for managing finances while balancing the unique challenges of being both a parent and a student. Key topics included budgeting tips for busy families, financial aid resources, time management strategies, and ways to access community support. Participants left with actionable advice on how to navigate their financial journey while pursuing their education and raising a family.

Students attended the Intro to Artificial Intelligence workshop on October 9, 2024, sponsored by HSI Grant Services. SENMC's Library Director, Samantha Villa, taught key concepts, applications, and ethical considerations of AI.

SENMC Students attended the ENMU campus visit and received program and transfer information about Eastern New Mexico University.

Students participated in a Microsoft Office Bootcamp sponsored by HSI Grant Services at Southeast New Mexico College. The three-day event, instructed by Dr. Waheeb Al-Sharaabi, began on September 23 and provided basic training in Word, Excel, and other Microsoft programs.

SENMC students, staff, and faculty participated in a Banned Books Read Off in the SENMC Libarary on Thursday, September 26, 2024, in observance of Banned Books Week. This year's theme was "Freed Between the Lines."

The 2024 Salsa Competition was held on September 16th from 11 AM to 1 PM in the courtyard. Attendees had the opportunity to sample a variety of delicious salsas, showcasing unique flavors and spice levels. The event brought together students, faculty, and community members for a fun and flavorful afternoon, as they voted for their favorite salsa entries. The lively atmosphere, combined with great food and friendly competition, made for a memorable celebration.

Students participated the Mind CTRL Mental Health Session on September 19, 2024. The presentation was given by Honor Medina and sponsored by HSI Grant Services.

Southeast New Mexico College participated in Eddy County's Second Annual Walk for Recovery on Saturday, September 7, 2024, to promote mental health and substance use awareness. SENMC students volunteered their time to talk with community members and give out information at the SENMC table.

In the second Financial Wellness Workshop, Financial 101: Mastering the Basics, students gained valuable insights into managing their personal finances. Led by Ashley Switzer from Financial Security Credit Union, participants learned the fundamentals of budgeting, saving, and smart spending habits. The session covered essential financial tools and strategies to help students build a solid foundation for their financial future. Whether attending in person in Room 153 or joining via Zoom, attendees left with a clearer understanding of how to make informed financial decisions and take control of their economic well-being.

Students and community members attended the SENMC Open House & Parking Lot Party on August 19, 2024, to celebrate the upcoming fall semester and the grand opening of the brand-new state of the art solar covered parking on campus.

HSI Grant Services, in collaboration with faculty and staff, hosted an engaging and informative bootcamp where students gained essential college survival skills. The bootcamp was an excellent opportunity for students to enhance their readiness for college life and set themselves up for success. During the two-day bootcamp, students delved into time management, exploring strategies to balance academic responsibilities with extracurricular activities and personal life. They learned study techniques designed to improve their studying, boost information retention, diversity and excel in exams. Attendees also became familiar with key campus resources that support their academic and emotional well-being. Additionally, students had the chance to connect with their peers, share experiences, and build a support system to help them thrive throughout their college journey. This bootcamp was a fantastic opportunity for ECHS students to prepare for the challenges of college life and lay a strong foundation for future success.

The new CLIFF Scholars Honors Program hosted two pizza parties on September 4, 2024, for prospective honors students. The program director, Zane Biebelle, spoke with the students about the program's values, the benefits of becoming an SENMC CLIFF Scholar, and how to choose and complete honor projects. Students enjoyed pizza and were given the opportunity to ask questions about this exciting new program at SENMC.

Southeast New Mexico College held its Fall 2024 Welcome & Orientation event on August 19, 2024. Students were welcomed with swag bags to celebrate embarking on their college journey at SENMC. The presentation provided students and parents valuable information about SENMC, including clubs, organizations, and campus resources. Participants were also given the opportunity to test their memories and win great prizes. Orientation concluded with a tour of the campus.

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation has selected Tessa Folks as one of the 60 high-achieving community college students to receive the prestigious Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. This highly competitive award allows students to complete their undergraduate degrees at four-year institutions with minimal financial burden.

Southeast New Mexico College would like to extend congratulations to the 2024 SENMC Graduates. The annual commencement ceremony will be held on Friday, May 10th at 6 PM at the Walter Gerrell's Performing Arts and Exhibition Center. Lineup will begin at 5 PM. 109 graduates are set to graduate this year with associate degrees and certificates. This will be a momentous occasion as it is the first Southeast New Mexico College commencement ceremony independent from New Mexico State University. Dr. Kevin Beardmore, president at Southeast New Mexico College said, "We are so pleased to celebrate our graduates with their family, friends, and communities. They may be leaving us, but now they will share their considerable skills and talents at universities of their choice or in the workplaces of our area. We are grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of their academic journey." We look forward to this year's lineup of speakers. Marily Sosa, SENMC Nursing Graduate, will provide the welcome, Tessa Folks, SENMC Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) President and Outstanding Associate of Science Graduate, will give the student address, and 2024 SENMC Mountain Lion Pride Teaching Award Recipient, Dr. David McIntosh, Assistant Professor of History and Anthropology, will deliver the faculty address. The ceremony will be available for live stream on the SENMC Facebook page and YouTube for family and friends to view if they are not able to attend in person.

Tessa Folks, a student at Southeast New Mexico College, has been named New Mexico's 2024 New Century Transfer Scholar and will receive a $2,250 scholarship. Tessa is the first Southeast New Mexico College student to receive the scholarship and represented New Mexico at the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Convention in Louisville, KY on April 8, 2024. To become a New Century Transfer Scholar is a competitive process. According to Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), New Century Transfer Scholars are selected based on their academic accomplishments, leadership, activities, and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom. Over 2,200 students from more than 1,300 college campuses nationwide were nominated. Only one New Century Transfer Scholar is selected from each state. The program is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, Phi Theta Kappa, and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).

On April 27, 2024, the Alpha Rho Xi chapter at SENMC inducted 26 new members into the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. Each of these students completed at least 12 cumulative credit hours with a 3.5 or higher. The advisors, Dr. Raven Anderson and Dr. David McIntosh, congratulate each of them for this academic achievement.

In a remarkable display of dedication and determination, students at SENMC have achieved unprecedented academic success, rewriting the script of excellence in education. Behind every achievement lies a story of determination, supported by the guidance of mentors and the unwavering encouragement of families. These bright minds have soared to new heights, setting a shining example for their peers and the community at large. Their outstanding accomplishments, spanning various disciplines, reflect not only their individual brilliance but also the collective support system that surrounds them. As they celebrate these milestones, they inspire us all to reach for the stars and never settle for anything less than our best.

La sesion del Taller de Bienestar Financiero de esta manana, en colaboracion con Financial Security Credit Union, fue un evento esclarecedor que proporciono herramientas practicas y consejos utiles para manejar de manera efectiva las finanzas personales. Conducida en espanol, la sesion se enfoco en llegar a una audiencia diversa y brindar apoyo a aquellos que buscan mejorar su salud financiera. Los participantes fueron guiados a traves de una serie de temas fundamentales, desde la creacion de un presupuesto hasta la planificacion para el futuro financiero. Los facilitadores compartieron estrategias para controlar gastos, manejar deudas y establecer metas financieras realistas, todo ello adaptado a la realidad economica de los asistentes. El taller no solo se centro en aspectos practicos, sino que tambien abordo la importancia del bienestar emocional en la gestion de las finanzas personales. Se discutieron tecnicas para manejar el estres financiero y cultivar una mentalidad positiva hacia el dinero, promoviendo asi una relacion saludable con las finanzas. Ademas, en colaboracion con Financial Security Credit Union, se proporcionaron detalles sobre los productos y servicios financieros disponibles para ayudar a los participantes a alcanzar sus objetivos financieros. Al finalizar la sesion, los participantes se fueron con un mayor sentido de empoderamiento y confianza en su capacidad para tomar decisiones financieras informadas. El Taller de Bienestar Financiero, en colaboracion con Financial Security Credit Union, no solo proporciono conocimientos practicos, sino que tambien sirvio como un espacio seguro y de apoyo para abordar temas relacionados con el dinero en un entorno inclusivo y accesible para todos.

Last Friday's Peer Mentoring Program presentation at the Persistence and Completion Day was a dynamic and insightful session that showcased the invaluable contributions of Peer Mentors Brittney, Delia, and Sarah, alongside Student Worker Joel. Their collective experiences and dedication to student success provided a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for attendees. Brittney, Delia, and Sarah, as seasoned Peer Mentors, brought forth their firsthand experiences in supporting fellow students through various academic and personal challenges. Their anecdotes painted a vivid picture of the impact that peer support can have on student persistence and achievement. From navigating course selections to providing emotional support during stressful times, their commitment to fostering a supportive community was palpable. Together, the presenters emphasized the multifaceted nature of student support and the interconnectedness of various campus resources in promoting persistence and completion. Through their collaborative efforts, they demonstrated how peer mentorship and student employment programs can synergize to create a nurturing environment conducive to academic and personal growth. Attendees left the presentation with a deeper understanding of the pivotal role that peer mentors and student workers play in fostering student success. Inspired by the passion and dedication exhibited by Brittney, Delia, Sarah, and Joel, participants were encouraged to further explore opportunities for mentorship and student involvement, recognizing them as integral components of a thriving academic community.

Southeast New Mexico College thanks the group of students that participated in the Territorium E-Proficiency Profile Test. This is our first cohort of students to participate in this valuable testing. Information gathered from this test will be used by faculty to improve their teaching. We thank these students for helping SENMC improve for our current students and all students that will come to SENMC in the future.