Spring Break
Name Change for Student Memorial Building
Jack Emery
Issue date: 1/29/04 Section: News
The Student Memorial Center is one of the most convenient buildings on campus. It not only houses the bookstore, the cafeteria, the recreation room, and a variety of offices, but also provides a convenient connection to Miller Library.
Yet the building is a relatively recent addition, and might not have been built at all if not for the work of Tom McDonald, a former student who passed away late last year. A proposal to rename the Student Memorial Center in McDonald's honor is currently under consideration.
McDonald served as the president of the Associated Students of Western New Mexico University for two terms while attending WNMU. During his tenure, he was able to convince fellow students to approve fees that would finance the building's construction.
As president, McDonald's efforts also included improving child-care services and the articulation process, making it simpler for students to transfer credits to other New Mexico universities.
While McDonald attended WNMU, he served on the state's Commission on Higher Education, the student Supreme Court, edited The Mustang, and was president of Phi Eta Sigma. He graduated from WNMU in 1992.
Current President Shaina Franzoy says that McDonald is spoken of fondly to this day, and supports the proposal. "Personally," Franzoy said, "I think it would be a great idea." The suggested name change will be discussed by the Senate on the 29th. Interested parties are invited to attend.
Yet the building is a relatively recent addition, and might not have been built at all if not for the work of Tom McDonald, a former student who passed away late last year. A proposal to rename the Student Memorial Center in McDonald's honor is currently under consideration.
McDonald served as the president of the Associated Students of Western New Mexico University for two terms while attending WNMU. During his tenure, he was able to convince fellow students to approve fees that would finance the building's construction.
As president, McDonald's efforts also included improving child-care services and the articulation process, making it simpler for students to transfer credits to other New Mexico universities.
While McDonald attended WNMU, he served on the state's Commission on Higher Education, the student Supreme Court, edited The Mustang, and was president of Phi Eta Sigma. He graduated from WNMU in 1992.
Current President Shaina Franzoy says that McDonald is spoken of fondly to this day, and supports the proposal. "Personally," Franzoy said, "I think it would be a great idea." The suggested name change will be discussed by the Senate on the 29th. Interested parties are invited to attend.
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