P.A. Feil signs to establish the Western New Mexico University Foundation's new Alma Feil, RN, Scholarship, which opens opportunities for aspiring healthcare professionals enrolled in classes at Western New Mexico University's Deming location.Silver City, NM – A Deming family recently opened an endowed scholarship in memory of Alma Barr Feil, who was a passionate nurse and an involved community member over her 61 years in Luna County. The Alma Feil, RN, Scholarship, was established with the Western New Mexico University Foundation in mid-April and will benefit Deming High School graduates enrolled at WNMU with plans to enter the medical field.

Paul Feil founded the Alma Feil, RN, Scholarship to honor his late wife’s legacy. “Her life was about giving to others. Her efforts made the community a better place to live, something we hope to continue doing in Deming with this scholarship,” he said.

The Missouri native earned her nursing diploma from the St. Louis City Hospital Program then met and married medical intern, Paul “P.A.” Feil, moving to California with him. In 1950, Alma and P.A. put down their roots in Deming, where her love of family, people, community and culture flourished. While her husband and family were Alma’s priorities, she also gave her time and talent to numerous community organizations.

For 15 years, she worked as a Deming Public Schools nurse. “She cared about the children’s health needs and also wanted them to have a loving, caring and concerned adult role model,” Paul says.

Recognized as the Deming Education Association’s Educator of the Year after her retirement, she announced that she “would not be the only Feil without a college degree” and enrolled in classes at Western New Mexico University. In 1990, Alma earned her bachelor’s in academic studies.

Alma established hospice services in Deming, never tiring of the work and earning the nickname Mother Hospice. In the early 1990s, she organized the American Cancer Society Reach for Recovery and Low-Cost Mammogram Program in Deming. The proud recipient of the Thanks Badge, Girl Scout’s highest level of recognition for a volunteer, Alma led two Cub Scout Dens with three scouts later making the rank of Eagle.

The Western New Mexico University alumna was inducted into the New Mexico Women’s Hall of Fame in 1998 and was selected by Governor Gary Johnson as one of New Mexico’s 30 Outstanding Women.

To qualify for the Alma Feil, RN, Scholarship, Western New Mexico University undergraduates must have graduated from Deming High School, be majoring in any area that may be applied to a career in the medical field, maintain a 3.0 grade point average, be in financial need and submit a personal essay describing how they intend to use their degrees and why their educations are important in a healthcare and medical career.

P.A. and Alma’s children — Paul, Nancy, David and Anita — invite those who were touched by Alma to donate in her name by contacting the Western New Mexico University Foundation by visiting foundation.wnmu.edu or calling 575-538-6310.