Western New Mexico University Foundation Receives Trust Distribution for WNMU Students 

Silver City, NM – A Western New Mexico University Foundation endowed scholarship established in 2005 has received a new injection of funds following the distribution of a charitable remainder trust founded by the family of John and Arley Reese. The John A. (Jack) & Arley M. Reese Scholarship, one of the WNMU Foundation’s largest named endowments, was created to award scholarship funds to WNMU students in the areas of criminal justice/law enforcement, social science, nursing and education.

“I witness, and am proud to be a part of the impact this scholarship has on our students each year. These additional funds will work to enhance the reach and lifechanging effect the Reese family continue to have on our campus community,” said Western New Mexico University Foundation Executive Director Jodi Edens-Crocker.   

The significant additional gift from the Reese trust will allow the scholarship to support more students over a long period of time, while having the ability to grow in size, in perpetuity, creating a legacy of educational support. The trust’s funds were presented to the University Foundation during a lunch on the WNMU campus by the daughters of Jack and Arley Reese, Katherine Eaton and Francis Day. “Supporting this scholarship endowment is very important and special to us because our father taught us that a little effort and a bit of money can go a long way,” Francis said. 

John and Arley settled in Silver City upon leaving Salt Lake City more than 40 years ago following Jack’s retirement from Skaggs Drug Stores. Upon their arrival to Silver City, Jack and Arley’s love for their neighbors, community and local culture flourished, kicking off what would be remembered as a legacy of community service throughout Grant County. “Dad displayed a lifetime of service during their time in Silver City, through participation in the Grant County Rotary Club, the Shriner’s Children Hospital and the Boy Scouts of America,” said Katherine.

Jack is most known throughout the Silver City community for his handmade plaques depicting “Jesus” carved in light-colored wood, laying across a dark backdrop. His creation is best recognized as the large sign in front of the Silver City First Methodist Church on College Ave.

“We are very proud of mom and dad and what they did to make sure that students who want to get an education, can get an education and it’s a great honor to honor them both today by helping ensure the longevity of this scholarship in their name,” said Katherine.  

To qualify for the John (Jack) A. & Arley M. Reese Scholarship, Western New Mexico University undergraduate and graduate students, including high school seniors preparing for their freshman year at WNMU, must be enrolled in the Schools of Education, Nursing, Social Sciences or Criminal Justice (law enforcement) with a 3.0 or better grade point average. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate a history of community service and good character. Recipients who meet and maintain these qualifications are eligible to renew the scholarship for up to five years upon their first award.

The daughters of John and Arley Reese officially notify the WNMU Foundation of the increased trust fund transfer to heir parent’s endowment (from left to right: Katherine Day, WNMU Scholarship Coordinator George Turner, WNMU Foundation Executive Director Jodi Edens-Crocker and Francis Eaton).

The Western New Mexico University Foundation is dedicated to raising funds for scholarships, capital improvements, programs and other activities in support of WNMU’s objectives and goals. Established in 1982, the Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit that solicits and administers donations and endowments to meet WNMU’s needs not fulfilled through state and federal assistance.