One of the foundational principles for having a spaceport in New Mexico is to provide tangible evidence of what can come from a good education, and enough excitement and incentive to encourage our students to learn and go make a difference. Spaceport America can be that catalyst for many of our youth to go beyond circumstance to a great future!

The April Dona Ana County Spaceport Community Council will feature a panel of leading educators from the Southern New Mexico who will discuss how Spaceport America is impacting our local schools from those that are involved in creating the change we’ve desired.

The event’s facilitator will be Margie Huerta, CEO of Dona Ana Community College.  Panelists include:

  • Tom Burton, Department Head and Professor of New Mexico State University’s Aerospace Engineering Program;
  • Patricia Hynes, Director of the New Mexico Space Grant Consortium;
  • Jerry Welch, Division Dean of Dona Ana Community College’s Technical and Industrial Studies;
  • Stan Rounds, Superintendent of Las Cruces Public Schools;
  • Steven Sanchez, Associate Superintendent for Learning, Teaching and Research of Las Cruces Public Schools;
  • Bill Coker, Superintendent of Hatch Valley Public Schools;
  • Cynthia Nava, Superintendent of Gadsden Independent School District; and
  • Tom Burris, Superintendent of Truth or Consequences Municipal Schools.

The meeting will be held on Thursday, April 22, 2010 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Gerald Thomas Auditorium on the campus of New Mexico State University.  The meeting is open to the public and there is no admission charge.

For more information contact the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce, 575-524-1968.