Vol. 8 Iss. 3
Oct. 31, 2025
Luna Community College NEWSLETTER
Rough Rider Mentorship Program
LCC Joins HLC Academy Strengthening the Workforce LCC Foundation Scholarships Awarded
Editor & Designer: Amanda L. Nelson
Marketing & Events Coordinator Luna Community College / LCC Foundation
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. President’s Note pg. 2 2. College Days pg. 5 3. LCC Joins HLC Assessment Academy pg. 6 4. From Coding to Cyber Security pg. 7 5. Strengthening the Workforce pg. 8 7. LCC Foundation Scholarships Awarded pg. 12 8. Motorcycle Raffle pg. 13 6. Rough Rider Mentorship & College Readiness Program pg. 10 9. 3rd Annual Winter Fest pg. 14 10. Last Call for Muralists pg. 16
PRESIDENT’S NOTE Oct. 27, 2025
Momentum and Meaning in Our Community The energy across the Luna Campus and our extended communities—
Springer, Santa Rosa, and Mora—has never been higher. Moving through the heart of the fall semester, I am consistently inspired by the dedication of our Board, Faculty, and Staff, the success of our students, and the strong community bonds we are rebuilding. In the past month, we’ve seen remarkable forward momentum fueled by individual commitment. Celebrating Our Champions I want to extend a special thanks to Sherry Goodyear for publishing the weekly “What’s Happening” to keep the campus informed. I am especially pleased to note the successful expansion of Sherry’s Rough Rider Mentorship program across all our campuses, providing crucial student support and connections. We are also fortunate to have the CDL teaching expertise of Johnny Martinez, Contract Education Manager, who works week after week to get our students CDL certified. October was also Recruitment Month. I must recognize the excellent results reported by Savannah Vigil-Lujan for the NMCAC College Days; her detailed report in this edition of the Luna Light We clearly demonstrated our commitment to the region this month. My sincere appreciation goes out to our dedicated teams from Recruitment and Admissions, Student Services, and our satellite campuses, alongside faculty and staff from the Culinary Arts, Nursing, and CTE programs. These groups, joined by members of the LCC Foundation Board, represented Luna brilliantly at local fall festivals in Mora and Springer, and walked in the Homecoming parades for Robertson, NMHU, and West Las Vegas. I also want to recognize Raymond Baca, our Information Representative, whose consistent presence is a testament to the Luna spirit, often welcoming new employees—like those who recently walked with him—to our community culture. Our Roughrider baseball and softball teams completed over 240 hours of community service this fall including participating with the City of Las Vegas alley cleanup in the month of October. Thanks to Chris Chaves, Director of Logistics and Facilities for coordinating this effort. clearly shows the impact of focused outreach. Engagement and Outreach
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President’s Note Continued...
Looking Ahead: Institutional Milestones and Community Celebrations As October concludes, our attention turns immediately to key institutional milestones and community celebrations in November that will further define the spirit and future of Luna Community College. We invite everyone to mark their calendars for our Veteran’s Day Celebration on November 11th, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am . We extend our deepest thanks to Gloria Ortiz and Michael Montoya for organizing this important event to honor those who have served. On November 14th , we will celebrate a significant partnership milestone: the CHESS 5-Year Celebration hosted at Santa Fe Community College . This event will bring together our Board of Trustees, State and Federal Legislators, and numerous other stakeholders to recognize the success of this vital collaborative effort. The college community will soon be focused on preparation for two critical internal events. First, the Higher Learning Commission’s (HLC) Focus Visit is scheduled for November 17-18 . The dedication of our faculty and staff in preparing for this is paramount to our institutional success. We will conclude the month by coming together for our annual Thanksgiving Celebration on Wednesday, November 19th, at noon , a wonderful time for all campus community members to express gratitude before the holiday break. Thank you again to everyone for making Luna Community College a place of high standards and strong community. Go Roughriders, Carol Linder President Luna Community College
We’ve seen remarkable forward momentum...
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FUN CORNER Apple Cherry Crumble Time: 60Mins Serves: 12
Did you know?
The average entry-level IT salary in New Mexico is higher than the state’s median income.
Furthermore...
Graduates from Luna’s Computer Information Systems Technology (CIST) program enter the workforce ready for rewarding, in-demand careers that make a real impact in their communities.
Filling:
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apples, peeled and sliced thin
16 oz can of cherry pie filling 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 tsp lemon juice
Topping:
1 c 1 c 1 c
oats flour
brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 c oil
Directions:
Top Reasons Students Choose Community Colleges Save money before attending a university - 46% Earn a degree/certificate quickly - 25% Explore options before choosing a major - 17% To stay close to home - 9% Other - 3%
1. preheat oven to 350℉ 2. mix filling ingredients 3. add filling to 9x13 pan 4. mix topping ingredients by hand (clumps are okay) 5. sprinkle topping over filling (covering all edges) 6. Bake for 45-50 minutes (or until golden brown)
I always adjust my recipes as I go, this time: I mixed 2 TBSP Cornstarch and ½ Cup Brown sugar with 1 TSP cinnamon to the apples before I added pie filling. I forgot to add lemon juice and it was more on the “sweet” side than a “tart” side, but still very good. Also, 45 minutes was too long in my oven. I suggest 35-40 minutes or keeping a close eye on it. For a juicier filling, I used 2 cans of Cherry Pie Filling and topped the crumble with butter squares. Finishing up with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar to the top for good measure. I loved it. Hope you enjoy it too! -Leslie Leslieann’s Personal Touch Notes:
Submitted by: Leslieann Garcia
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Free for all to enjoy!
Friday, October 31st 3 – 5:30 pm
Location: Maria H. Paiz Administration Parking Lot at Luna Community College Ride the Casper Trolley!
COLLEGE DAYS
Oct. 20, 2025
Submitted by: Savannah Vigil-Lujan The recruitment month for the New Mexico Curriculum and Articulation Committee (NMCAC) College Days has concluded with exceptional results! The month-long campaign saw tremendous participation from LCC staff, including Savannah Vigil-Lujan, Andrea Lucero, Emily Ulibarri, Tina Gallegos and Stacy Montoya - all dedicated to connecting local students with higher education opportunities. The efforts paid off significantly, with the initiative engaging directly with over 1,000 high school students from across the area. Beyond this accomplishment, the recruitment drive was highly effective in
Prospective Luna students signing up for great opportunities!
identifying potential future enrollees. The program successfully generated nearly 100 future prospects who showed significant interest in attending LCC, providing a strong pipeline for the upcoming academic year. The success of LCC’s NMCAC College Day attendance signals a positive trend for enrollment and continues the college’s commitment to making education accessible for all New Mexico residents.
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LCC JOINS THE HLC ASSESSMENT ACADEMY! Sept 26, 2025
Submitted by: Sierra Fernandez – Director of Assessment/HLC Accreditation Liaison Officer Luna Community College is excited to have been accepted into the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Assessment Academy, a four-year program that helps colleges strengthen how they assess and improve their offerings for students. So far, we have participated in a series of roundtables designed to guide our work and enhance how we support student learning at Luna. On October 14 and 15, a small team from Luna traveled to Chicago to take part in the second roundtable session of the Academy. The experience provided an opportunity to connect with other colleges in the program, share ideas about effective assessment practices and student engagement, and bring back strategies to help us better understand how we can help them succeed as we work to strengthen our assessment processes.
Luna’s Assessment Academy team represented the college at the Higher Learning Commission Roundtable in Chicago on October 14–15. Pictured from left to right: Sierra Fernandez, Director of Assessment/HLC Accreditation Liaison Officer; Dr. Henrietta Romero, Vice President of Instruction & Student Services; Mary Frances Bibb, ACE, Workforce Development, Campus Life Coordinator; Aaron Smith, Faculty, School of Business; and Betsy Sanchez, Faculty, STEM.
Our Assessment Academy Review Collective (AARC) includes staff, faculty, and leadership. I am joined in this effort by Dr. Henrietta Romero, Betsy Sanchez, Aaron Smith, Kraig Bellows, Mary Frances Bibb, Jeff Gamblin, and Tycie Jackson. Assessment is about students and their learning. It helps us recognize what is working well in the classroom and through our co-curricular activities, identify areas where we can make improvements, and continue finding ways to support student growth and success. Everyone has a role to play, including faculty, academic directors, and those leading co-curricular programs, as we continue this shared commitment to student learning at Luna. With the roundtable series now complete, Luna will begin planning for the official launch of its Assessment Academy project, which will focus on building a stronger culture of learning and continuous improvement across the college. Stay tuned as AARC provides future updates!
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FROM CODING TO CYBERSECURITY: Luna Prepares Students for IT Careers
Sept 24, 2025
In today’s digital world, computer science drives nearly every industry, and Luna Community College is helping students turn their tech interests into rewarding careers. Through Luna’s Computer Information Systems Technology (CIST) Associate of Applied Science degree and specialized certificate programs, students gain hands-on skills and practical experience in areas like programming, networking, and cybersecurity. “The program prepares students for careers in the rapidly evolving field of information technology,” said Nichole Collins, computer science instructor at Luna. “We focus on both foundational knowledge and real-world application.”
The CIST program offers flexible learning options—students can take classes in person or online—and access to dedicated computer labs and virtual learning environments. Graduates are well-prepared for roles such as computer support specialist, systems analyst, and cybersecurity analyst. Students can also earn stackable certificates in Cybersecurity, Computer Information Specialist, and Video Game Design & Development. These credentials can be pursued on their own or alongside the associate degree, giving students a competitive edge in the job market. Luna alumna and current student, Shannon Ortiz, continues to enhance her skills and earn additional credentials while serving as a system network administrator in Luna’s IT Department.
For many, the program has been life-changing. Shannon Ortiz, a 2015 graduate, credits Luna’s computer science program and Collins’ mentorship for sparking her career. “The program opened my eyes to so much more in computers,” Ortiz said. She now works in Luna’s IT Department as a system network administrator specializing in cybersecurity. Interested in exploring the field of technology? Reach out to Nichole Collins at ncollins@luna.edu or 505-454-5371, or stop by TECH 125A. Learn more about Luna’s computer science programs at luna.edu/departments/stem. 7
Pictured from left to right: Luna alumna and current student Amberlyn Garcia, Luna alumna and current student Shannon Ortiz, and CIST instructor Nichole Collins. Together, they represent Luna’s commitment to hands-on learning and career growth in IT.
STRENGTHENING THE WORKFORCE Oct 15, 2025 ...through CTE and Workforce Development Submitted by: Karen Torres – Career and Technical Education/Workforce Development Director
Barbering programs empower students to pursue immediate licensure and entrepreneurial paths in the service and personal care sectors. Each program’s curriculum is continuously reviewed to ensure alignment with current industry standards, ensuring maximum job placement for our graduates. In a key effort to expand our reach and enhance community engagement, the Workforce Development department offers a robust array of non-credit, specialized classes. These unique offerings satisfy the community’s demand for everything from personal enrichment to concentrated professional skill-building, creating valuable touchpoints with regional stakeholders and providing an important revenue stream for the college. These highly specialized, practical short- term certifications include essential infrastructure careers in Transportation & Construction, such as the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and Heavy Equipment Operator programs, and classes in Blacksmithing and Metal Art, Trailer Building, Farm and Ranch Welding, and Automotive Snap-on Certifications. There are multiple sources of funding to assist students with tuition and related costs, including gas cards, childcare, and personal protective equipment. We encourage all faculty and staff to recognize and promote the vital role these programs play in LCC’s success, directly contributing to enrollment goals and the economic vitality of our service area. Look for more opportunities coming soon at: https://luna.edu/departments/cte
Luna Community College’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Workforce Development departments are strategically aligned with the college’s mission to be a primary catalyst for regional economic growth – providing our students with multiple opportunities! Our CTE and Workforce Development programs are a high-value proposition for students, offering a direct path to employment through hands-on training that bypasses years of debt and delivers professional salaries in just one to two years. This success is rooted in securing crucial industry-recognized credentials for our graduates, proving their readiness for immediate hire in fields that are resistant to automation and replacement by AI. Furthermore, the strategic use of our Dual Enrollment Advantage is successfully building a robust student pipeline, allowing high school students to earn free college credits and complete foundational technical courses before ever stepping foot on campus as a full-time student. The division maintains a comprehensive portfolio of credit-based programs specifically designed to meet critical labor shortages across Northern New Mexico. This includes high-tech fields like Auto Technology (Mechanics) and Auto Collision Repair, and the foundational skills taught in Welding Technology, which prepare students for AWS-standard certifications that can lead to lucrative careers with entities such as Los Alamos National Laboratories and the New Mexico Department of Transportation. Additionally, our Culinary Arts and Cosmetology/
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ROUGH RIDER MENTORSHIP & COLLEGE-READINESS PROGRAM Oct 15, 2025 Inspiring a College-Going Mindset Through Hands-On Learning and Mentorship Submitted by: Sherry Goodyear – Future Rough Riders Mentorship and College Readiness Program Director The Rough Rider Mentorship and College-Readiness Program is a relatively new program to Luna Community College. Started in 2022 funded by Research and Public Service Projects (RPSP) legislative appropriations, the program’s primary goal is helping students from our service area (Springer, Mora, Las Vegas, and Santa Rosa) in elementary, middle, and high school develop a college-going mindset through a combination of After-School and Summer Bridge Program Course offerings. The idea is to provide curriculum that is both fun and informative, allowing students to become more aware of the many types of careers that are available to them via Luna and beyond. Best of all, everything we offer is free for students. One of the program’s goals is to help foster a sense of community at all of our locations. The sociological concept of the “third place” is key to what we are trying to do – that is, provide students with a safe place that isn’t home or school in which to socialize and engage. By providing entertaining activities, a steady stream of snacks, and friendly staff, we work to provide a place where kids can feel comfortable being themselves. Because our service area is large and diverse, how we engage the students varies from location to location. In Santa Rosa we have the After-School Program on Monday and Tuesday afternoons, and Left to right: Katherine Collins, Jordan Romero, Mathew Montoya, and Colton Hyatt paint pumpkins
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on Fridays. In Springer, we have the After-School Program on Friday evenings. In Las Vegas, where we were recently provided with a “designated Mentorship classroom,” we will be offering the After-School Program Monday-Thursday, 3:30 – 5:00 P.M. In addition, we are offering a Collision Repair class on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. We also offer Children’s Theater for younger students. In Mora, though we have had a few hiccups in getting teachers to run the program, now fully staffed, we will be holding the After-School Program Monday-Thursday from 4:00-5:00 P.M. and on Friday mornings 9 – 12 A.M. With the help of some excellent people, the program is really beginning to flourish. In the summer, students come to the Las Vegas main campus for our Summer Bridge Program which allows them to really get a feel for the kinds of programs we offer. In the past, students have been able to try their hand at welding, truck driving,
Left to right: Springer students Emma, Ariel, and Maricia paint pumpkins while Teacher Assistant, Jessie (green shirt), sorts paints.
airplane flying, helping diagnose Simulation Lab patients in nursing, helping prepare lunch in the culinary arts department, and so much more. The summer program allows student to tour the campus, meet instructors, and tone down any anxiety they might feel about going to college. The goal of the program really comes down to expanding the horizons of the students who enroll and providing them with opportunities to engage with Luna employees in a way that makes Luna familiar, and the idea of pursuing a degree at Luna appealing. It has taken a lot of work and dedication to expand the program to its current level, and we hope to keep going. With the collaboration of so many people who see the value in what the mentorship program does, the sky is the limit for the kinds of opportunities we can extend to our students.
Is Your Child Interested in Participating? Sign Them Up Today!
Contact: Sherry Goodyear Future Rough Riders Mentorship & College Readiness Program Director (505) 587-3824 sgoodyear@luna.edu
Give your child the chance to explore new interests, build confidence, and discover exciting career paths—all in a fun, supportive environment. The Rough Rider Mentorship and College-Readiness Program is free and open to students in our service area. Sign up today and help your child get a head start on their future!
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LCC FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED! The Luna Community College Foundation is proud to announce this semester’s scholarship recipients! Out of 29 total applicants, 24 students were awarded scholarships , providing meaningful financial support as they continue their educational journeys at Luna. This semester’s awards include five recipients of the Helen O’Brien Nursing Scholarships, a fund dedicated to supporting nursing students as they prepare to serve their communities through healthcare. Among all awardees, five are part-time students and nineteen are full-time students, showing the Foundation’s commitment to helping learners at every stage of their college experience. These scholarships are made possible through the generosity of donors, community partners, and Foundation fundraising efforts. Every contribution directly impacts students’ lives—helping them focus on their studies, reduce financial stress, and move one step closer to achieving their dreams. The Luna Foundation congratulates all scholarship recipients and extends sincere gratitude to the donors who make these opportunities possible. Together, we’re creating opportunities for Luna students to succeed! Oct. 23, 2025
Support Our Students Through the Student Hardship Fund At Luna, we’re committed to helping students stay in school... even when life gets tough. The Student Hardship Fund provides quick financial relief for students facing unexpected challenges.
Your Donation Helps Cover
Collectively, we can ease the burden and help Luna students stay focused on their goals and dreams. • Tuition and textbooks • Transportation or childcare costs • Other urgent needs that threaten a student’s ability to continue their education
Scan the QR Code to Donate Today!
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Support Student Scholarships at Luna Community College WIN A MOTORCYCLE Oct. 23, 2025 The Luna Community College Foundation is raffling off a 2004 Honda Shadow Aero 750cc motorcycle to raise funds for student scholarship, and you could be the lucky winner! All proceeds from the raffle will go directly toward helping Luna students pursue their education and achieve their goals. By purchasing a raffle ticket, you’re not only entering for a chance to win a great prize, you’re also making a real difference in the lives of local students. Tickets are just $10 each, and every ticket helps provide opportunities for students who are working hard to create brighter futures for themselves and their families.
Not a biker? That’s okay... you could still win and sell or gift the motorcycle for something you love, either way, your participation supports a great cause! The 2004 Honda Shadow Aero 750cc is in excellent condition, with 57,000 miles, custom seats, a windshield, and several extras. It’s valued at $3,500, making this an incredible opportunity to win big while giving back. In solidarity, we can make a meaningful impact — one ticket at a time!
Photo Credit: Amanda L. Nelson
Ticket price: $10 each Contact:
Phone: (505) 454-5337 Email: lccfoundation@luna.edu P.O. Box 3977 Las Vegas, NM 87701
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The Luna Community College Foundation is proud to announce the 3rd Annual Winter Festival—a beloved and growing tradition that brings joy, connection, and celebration to our community each holiday season. What began as a simple idea to bring people together has quickly become one of the most anticipated events of the year for both community members and local vendors. Each December, the Media Education Center (MEC) transforms into a winter wonderland filled with festive lights, music, delicious food, and unique local crafts. Families, students, and visitors of all ages come out to enjoy a day packed with holiday cheer, games, and entertainment. The Winter Festival provides a space where community spirit truly shines, offering everyone a chance to celebrate the season together. This year’s festival brings even more excitement with our motorcycle raffle, where one lucky winner will ride away with a beautiful bike! The drawing will be held during the Winter Festival at 3 p.m., so be sure to get your tickets early and join us for the big moment. A GROWING TRADITION: Oct. 27, 2025 Luna Foundation’s Upcoming 3rd Annual Winter Festival
Local vendors have also come to see the event as a highlight of the year—a time to share their creations, meet new customers, and connect with fellow small business owners. Their participation adds an authentic local touch to the festival, helping it grow bigger and brighter each year. The Luna Community College Foundation is honored to host such a meaningful event for the people of northeastern New Mexico. Beyond the fun and festivities, the Winter Festival reflects Luna’s continued commitment to community engagement, creativity, and togetherness. As this cherished tradition continues to grow, the Foundation looks forward to welcoming even more friends, families, and vendors to join us in celebrating the season—Luna style!
3rd Annual
LCC Foundation Mission: The LCC Foundation Board will raise and manage private resources that will support the educational mission and priorities of Luna Community College, provide opportunities for students, and enhance institutional excellence in ways that would not be possible with state funds.
MEC Building 366 Luna Drive Las Vegas, NM 11 am - 4 pm SATURDAY Dec. 06 Luna College Community
Craft Fair Raffles & Prizes Wreath Station Cake Walk Coloring Contest Bake Sale Hot Cocoa & Cider Good Food Ugly Sweater Contest
Vendors: To participate in this event, please contact the LCC Foundation at (505) 454-5337 or email lccfoundation@luna.edu for a vendor application. *Limited to 30 Vendor Spaces. Deadline to apply: November 21, 2025 Space Fee: $25.00
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Photo Credit: Amanda L. Nelson
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LAST CALL FOR MURALISTS: Bring Your Vision to Life at Luna!
Oct. 27, 2025
Luna Community College is making a final call for artists to submit mural proposals for an exciting public art project that will transform the front of the Technologies Building into a vibrant and inspiring landmark. The mural will serve as a welcoming sight for Luna students, faculty, staff, and community members arriving at the main campus. This is a fantastic opportunity for artists to make their mark in a lasting and meaningful way. The selected artist will bring Luna’s mission, vision, and motto—“Creating
Your masterpiece belongs HERE! Mural Project: Luna Technologies Building
To submit a proposal or to find more info: Scan Here!
Opportunities for You!”—to life through art that celebrates education, community, and the power of opportunity. The mural will not only enhance the beauty of the campus but also stand as a symbol of creativity, collaboration, and pride in Luna’s role within northern New Mexico. For the chosen artist, this project offers valuable exposure and the chance to have their work permanently displayed on a major campus building—an inspiring legacy that will greet students and visitors for years to come. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this inspiring project! Scan the QR code to learn more or submit your proposal today. Deadline for proposals is Friday, November 14th 2025.
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We’d love to hear from you!
LAS VEGAS (Main Campus) Admissions & Recruitment admissions@luna.edu (505) 454–2550 366 Luna Drive Las Vegas, NM 87701 MORA (Site) Stacy Montoya – Office Manager smontoya@luna.edu (505) 587-2686 335 State Hwy 518 Mora, NM 87732 SANTA ROSA (Satellite) Emily Ulibarri – Office Manager eulibarri@luna.edu (505) 587-2687 213 South 4th Street Santa Rosa, NM 88435 SPRINGER (Satellite) Tina Gallegos – Office Manager tgallegos@luna.edu (505) 587-3825
YOUTUBE
516 Maxwell Avenue Springer, NM 87747
LUNA.EDU
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