Silver City, NM – Four alumni were recently inducted into the Western New Mexico University School of Education Hall of Fame 2019 for their outstanding career achievements. The inductees Max G. Padilla, Emma V. Saucedo, Barney P. Brienza and Olivia L. Ogas.
“The WNMU School of Education Hall of Fame inductees are WNMU alumni who demonstrated a primary interest in classroom teaching and devoted most of their careers to classroom teaching. They have inspired in students a willingness to learn, imparted knowledge, instilled confidence, and maintained a respect for learning and students,” WNMU School of Education Associate Dean Dr. Debra Dirksen said.
Padilla, who graduated WNMU in 1969, is recognized for 38 years in education as an assistant principal, school principal and coach. Padilla led Jose O. Damian Elementary, a K-6 dual language school that earned designations like Outstanding Migrant Performance Campus and Texas Education Agency Exemplary Campus. The school was also honored as a top Texas school. Padilla is an active contributor to WNMU and was a founding member of the Mesilla Valley Chapter of the WNMU Alumni Association.
A 1966 graduate, Saucedo is his honored posthumously for 25 years of service teaching and coaching cheer. Saucedo was known for her sense of humor and public service. She was a role model for her students and colleagues, according to the nomination. Saucedo developed close relationships with her students and was a mentor and a source of inspiration. As a cheer coach, Saucedo built bonds that continued into her students’ adulthood. “She was said to be the type of teacher who could jump right into her students’ eighth-grade minds and teach them in a way that met their needs,” Dr. Dirksen said.
Brienza earned art degrees from WNMU in 1966 and 1968. For 39 years, his life focuses were teaching and art, both teaching and creating using a variety of media. Brienza built art programs in glass and blacksmithing, made many of the tools used in his classes, and integrated the pedagogy of art education in studio art classes. He developed collaborations between WNMU and University of Montana Western through an international craft workshop series in 1978, a faculty art exchange in 1993, and cultural exchanges later, which brought Montana students to WNMU.
Ogas graduated from WNMU in 1964 then served for 35 years as a teacher, mentor and coach. She brought people together, promoting teamwork through after-school activities, curriculum development and teacher training, according to the nomination. Ogas also participated on committees. Because of the academic changes and achievements during Ogas’ tenure as Principal, Vista Middle School in Las Cruces was named an Honor School by the State of New Mexico. She also raised funds for 500 homeless students.
“We welcome these outstanding teachers to the WNMU School of Education Hall of Fame,” Dr. Dirksen said.
The inductees were honored with a luncheon at WNMU in May. For information about the WNMU School of Education Hall of Fame, including how to nominate other Mustang alumni, call 575-538-6418.