September 19th, 2025
The Con Ganas Project, part of the Title V Developing Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) Grant at WNMU, focuses on implementing systemic, institutional changes that increase the capacity of WNMU to better support Hispanic/Latinx and low income students. The project hosted a Hispanic Heritage Fiesta September 19th in the Intramural Gym on WNMU’s campus that will included participation from our Dual Enrollment students from Deming, WNMU’s HSI Student Ambassadors, local Chicano Historian Javier Marrufo, multimedia reporter Mónica Ortiz Uribe, Grant County League of United Latin Citizens (LULAC) Council 8003, and Los Angeles Based art collective Kalli Arte.
The event featured performances from Deming High Baile Folklórico, Mariachi Plata and an artist platica hosted by Mónica Ortiz Uribe, and art display from Kalli Arte.
Two scholarships were awarded to promising young students at WNMU:
Makiah Granadino- WNMU Student
Makiah Granadino is a first-year Zoology student, fueled by a lifelong passion for animals and a dream of becoming a veterinarian. After taking a gap year to support herself and contribute to her community through the Silver City Youth Mural Program, where she helped beautify our surroundings with mural projects, she has returned to WNMU to pursue her undergraduate degree. It is with great joy that we announce our decision to award a scholarship to Makiah, recognizing her exceptional qualities and academic achievements. We believe in her potential and are excited to support her journey toward a bright future.
Lenea Amaya – Dual Enrollment Student Deming High
We are truly honored to award a scholarship to an exceptionally dedicated student who exemplifies hard work and commitment. Linnea Amaya, a dual enrollment student taking classes at both Western New Mexico University and Deming High School, has impressively completed 33 credit hours as a high school senior. She is an active member of the National Honor Society and hails from Columbus, New Mexico, all while maintaining an outstanding 3.8 GPA.