Española, NM - More than 50 Northern New Mexico College alumni, faculty and staff gathered this August for a summer alumni mixer hosted by Anthony's at the Delta in Española.
The event marked the first of a series of events and gatherings planned to bring Northern graduates together and celebrate their contributions to the community and their past achievements as Northern students. "We are excited to work with Northern Alumni to formalize our Alumni Association and create opportunities to socialize, network and grow the leadership and support for the college," event organizer Terry Mulert explained.
"This is your institution and you definite it and shape it," Northern President Nancy "Rusty" Barcelo told alumni. "It's more than just donations. You contribute by being out in the world as successful graduates of Northern."
Special guest and retired NASA Mission Director Wendy Dolci spoke about pursuing her lifelong dream of working at NASA, where she served as the first female mission director in the Airborne Science Program.
"Find your passion. Don't wait for it to come to you, go get it," she said.
Alumni also shared stories about how gaining and education at Northern benefitted them. Here is what some graduates had to say:
"I had been out of school for five years, but wanted to go back. Northern has been a family and the changing point in my life. It's not about what your community can do for you now, but what you can do for your community." - Jay Abeyta, Psychology Graduate, Class of 2012 and current Española Boys and Girls Club CEO.
“I really liked the small classes. I got a lot of one-on-one time with my instructors, which has been a huge benefit in my current career." Eugene Corrales, IET Graduate, Class of 2009 and Computer Support Programmer at LANL.
"Going back to school was hard for me while raising my little girl, but I got the best advisors at Northern who told me I could do it. I was excited to find out that the College offered four-year degrees, which really allowed me to advance my education." - Rocio Perez-Medina, IET Graduate, Class of 2010 and IT Tech at Town of Taos.
If you are interested in joining the Northern New Mexico College Alumni Association, please contact Terry Mulert, the Northern Foundation Executive Director at (505) 747-2147.
Tagged: Alumni, Foundation
