ENMU Foundation Priorities

The ENMU Foundation has identified five funding priorities to best assist ENMU in recruiting, recognizing and retaining deserving students. These five priorities are just one way you can make a huge difference at ENMU. Every gift is appreciated.

Music at ENMU...a Sound Investment

In November 2006, New Mexico voters approved a $4.5 million bond issue to renovate and expand ENMU's 1957 Music Buidling. The building has not been comprehensively upgraded during all its decades of service. The growing music program struggles to find space, lacks adequate sound insulation and climate control, and cannot accommodate large ensembles and their audiences.

The bond will provide base funding, but additional support is needed to realize the dream of a state-of-the-art music facility. We are calling on loyal alumni, supporters and friends to leave a lasting legacy for our students, the university and the entire community.

University Fund

For the past 26 years, the University Fund has been making proud ENMU moments possible for bright, talented young men and women. Many alumni, parents and friends contribute to the University Fund each year, helping meet the University's ongoing need for flexible, unrestricted income to support our academic mission. As unrestricted gifts, these contributions are used by Eastern New Mexico University where the needs and opportunities are greatest.

As state support decreases and students' needs increase, your University Fund gifts are even more important. Last year alone, our University Fund donors provided over $210,400 in vital support that helped the University to fund scholarships, graduate student research and departmental needs.

ENMU Scholarship Fund

The ENMU Foundation and Eastern New Mexico University share a commitment to provide necessary funds to make college a reality for deserving New Mexico students. But, we need your help too!

During the 2005–2006 academic year, our supporters helped the ENMU Foundation award $187,000 in scholarships. Students today can "shop" around for the University that will offer them the best scholarship packages. The ENMU Foundation's focus this year is to increase this support so that we can compete with the bigger universities for the best students.

Please consider helping one student pay for their fall and spring tuition with a contribution of $2,000. When you make a gift to the Scholarship Fund, you have a direct impact on Eastern students who need your support. Your investment in bright, talented students today provides the creative leaders for your tomorrow.

Starter Scholarships

Starter Scholarships make the difference for many New Mexico students who want to go to college. These scholarships provide funds for high school graduates when they first enter college and become eligible to receive a New Mexico Lottery Scholarship later in their freshman year. It gives these students a start on their education.

The Foundation and ENMU began awarding Starter Scholarships for the 1997 fall semester with $101,790 divided among 174 students. Currently the ENMU Foundation assists the University with $80,000 toward Starter Scholarships. The need for Starter Scholarships continues to grow, but without additional support, the ENMU Foundation is unable to increase this $80,000 commitment. Please consider helping one incoming New Mexico freshman by donating $1,000 for his or her fall semester tuition at Eastern New Mexico University.

Bench Club

The Eastern New Mexico University booster club, called Bench Club, supports ENMU's hard-working athletes and coaches.

The Bench Club executive board has been meeting on a regular basis each Monday evening to plan events, assess expenditure needs and set priorities for next year. Each head coach was asked to make a "wish" list and we would purchase or fund as many programs as possible.

The Bench Club fund raising goal for 2005–2006 is $180,000. This money will help provide the following:

• Supplement the scholarship fund with a Bench Club Scholarship Program
• Establish a team uniform replacement program
• Continue to provide letter jackets for all athletes who letter
• Continue to provide financial assistance for the annual athletic banquet
• Provide meals to athletes after athletic contests
• Provide needed equipment for teams
• Cover play-off or other traveling costs for teams
• Provide "Meet the Players" activities

As a Bench Club Member, you will receive benefits such as a membership certificate, reserved parking, schedule cards, newsletters and media guides to stay "in the know" about ENMU athletic teams. With eight different membership levels available, you can find the one just right for you. There are also special discounted season ticket packages available specifically to Bench Club members. All Bench Club apparel is only available to Bench Club members.