A Message From President William B. Conroy

We were most pleased to learn in April, from the chair of an accreditation review team that spent three days on campus, that the team would recommend reaccreditation by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools for the maximum 10-year period. The review team's oral report was especially gratifying because it concurred with what our own three-year self-study told us - that we are a student-centered university with remarkable faculty and staff who conduct national-quality research and teaching despite relatively low budgets. The 12-person team evaluated every aspect of the university's operations. One of the ways they learned about us was to randomly and independently interview our students. They obviously were impressed with what they heard. Among the nine areas of strength the review team noted in its oral report were our students' perception of faculty as "inspirational mentors" and our student-centered environment, in which students have significant input in university decisions. The review team's chair, Judith Powell, associate provost for academic affairs at the University of Wyoming, said the nine areas of strength "are so significant that they merit special note." The other strengths reported by the team are: Our status as a Carnegie Research I institution. The multicultural diversity and achievement of our student body. Our campus physical environs, which are conducive to learning and evidence of creative problem-solving. Our well-executed public service, especially through the Cooperative Extension Service. Our institutional commitment to low-cost, accessible higher education. Our high-quality professional master's degree programs tailored to meet state needs. The Grants Branch Campus' "exemplary" programs for preparing students to transfer to the main campus. The review team's findings affirm our basic institutional values, and that reflects well on the entire NMSU community Ð faculty, students, staff, alumni and friends. You make NMSU what it is, and through your efforts we will continue to build on our strengths.

Artful Landscape

A fine educator

Dear Aggie Panorama:

I entered NMSU in January 1946 with a few credits from previous work, a wife, two children, and the "blessed" G.I. Bill. It was financially essential that I complete my degree as soon as possible. My major was electrical engineering, and Professor (later Dean) M.A. Thomas was department head.

One semester, I simply couldn't fit one course I needed into my schedule. Professor Thomas came to my rescue. I attended his class the two hours a week I could schedule it and spent one hour a week in his office for a private presentation of what the class had that period. There was no way I could fail to devote enough time and study to earn an A in that course. Almost 50 years later, I still treasure my memories of this fine educator and his concern for each of his students.

I spent 35 years teaching electrical engineering at Texas A&M University, and I hope that Professor Thomas' concern for his students rubbed off on me.

John S. Denison, '48

800 Chisolm Trail #8

Salado, Texas 76571

Don't forget KNMA

Dear Aggie Panorama:

In Panorama's March issue, the article on Harold A. Brown, former head of the electrical engineering department, was totally in keeping with the talents of Professor Brown. But no mention is given to him for the creation of the college's first radio broadcasting system, KNMA. It was located in the play makers building. See the 1952 Swastica, page 112.

In the March Panorama, there is also a story about the "first" radio and TV broadcasting on campus, under the efforts of Harvey Jacobs. I give Mr. Jacobs full credit for his efforts, but I think the word "first" is misleading. Sorry to be a nitpicker, but I think Professor Brown should have been mentioned for his initial efforts in bringing radio to the campus.

Best Regards,
Ed Sironi, '52

Editor's note: The 1952 Swastika does indeed feature KNMA, "A Voice for A & M." According to Colin Gromatzky, general manager of NMSU's KRWG-FM radio, KNMA was a carrier current station whose reach extended to transistors in dorm rooms. Gromatzky got his start in radio with KNMA when he came to NMSU in 1958.

Barrio or varrio?

Dear Aggie Panorama:

I enjoy reading the Aggie Panorama. Thanks for your effort in publishing such an excellent newspaper and for mailing it to me.

In March's issue, I noticed something - a misspelled word: "varrio." Maybe it was just a typo. "Barrio" (with a B) is the correct spelling. In this part of the country, words in Spanish should not be misspelled.

Thanks again, and keep up the good work.

Maria A. Diaz, '85

3214 Sioux Trail

Alamogordo, NM 88310

Editor's note: Thank you for your comments. The story should have explained that the students at Gadsden High School's Panther Achievement Center deliberately chose a "v" rather than a "b" when they named their project "Cuentos del Varrio" (stories of the 'hood). NMSU linguist Daniel Villa, who works with the students, said, "There is no doubt the "barrio" spelling appears in many dictionaries (but not all)! The students are very much aware of the dictionary form of the word, but the 'varrio' spelling has a special significance for us, one which reflects a sense of pride and community. The students have engaged in the elegant process of learning to shape language to reflect one's personality, identity and social awareness, a process humankind has engaged in since the beginning of time. As a university professor, I can ask no more than this from any of my students."