Real Alumni. Real Stories.
| Derrick J. Lente, General Studies, 2002 Derrick had doubts when he graduated from Bernalillo High School that he was college material. Fortunately, however, he had heard good things about Central New Mexico Community College, then called TVI, and began taking remedial college prep courses. At CNM he quickly raised his academic abilities and self-confidence and through the teaching and encouragement he received from CNM faculty and staff, he began to dream big. He began accumulating college-level credits, setting the stage for his transfer to the University of New Mexico. At UNM, Derrick excelled and received dual bachelor’s degrees in English and Communications in 2003. He continued on to UNM’s School of Law, earning his Juris Doctorate in 2006. His drive to succeed in higher education was spurred by his desire to give back to his Sandia Pueblo community. He has worked on Federal Indian Law issues and serves as an adjunct professor in UNM’s Native American Studies program. Also owner of the Albuquerque office of Spherion, a national recruiting and staffing company, Derrick is an up-and-coming young star in New Mexico who will continue to remain active in our community. Listen to Derrick's speech at CNM's graduation! |
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 | Lauri Lineweaver, Associate Degree in Nursing, 2002 Lauri chose CNM over other nursing programs because of its distinguished reputation and would allow her to continue working while pursuing an education. Lauri serves in Presbyterian's nursing education program and the cardiac critical care unit, where she holds national nursing certifications in critical care and cardiac surgery. Since CNM, she has gone on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree with further ambitions to pursue her doctorate. |
| Earl Santillanes, Associate Degree in Liberal Arts, 2009 Earl is an alumnus who has had many different courses in life, but his education has always been his primary goal. Having lived for many years with his own personal stigma of never completing his education, Earl is now a proud graduate from CNM. At the young age of 17, he enlisted in the Navy and went to serve his country abroad. When he returned from duty he began a family and enrolled in then TVI’s welding program. Upon going into his field of work, Earl realized that he wanted to remain in Albuquerque and had a long career with the United States Postal Service. He retired and realized that he still had an unfulfilled educational dream and returned to CNM where he recently graduated with his Liberal Arts Degree. His plans include completing his Bachelors in Social Work and help vets at the VA hospital. |  |
 | Michael Voss, Associate Degree in Fire Science, 1999 For CNM alumnus and now Emergency Medical Services program instructor Michael Voss, his course has come full circle in being able to share his knowledge with future EMTs. In 1998, Michael began the Fire Science program at then TVI, and actively volunteered for the Village of Los Ranchos and later was employed by the Santa Fe Fire Department. One of the first graduates of the program, Michael continued his education to earn his Bachelor’s in EMS from UNM and is currently pursuing his Master’s in Education from NMSU. Through the encouragement of his peers, Michael accepted a position with CNM in 2004 to teach and prepare students who are training to become basic EMTs or paramedics. He enjoys this opportunity to guide students into critical positions within the workforce. Michael has also been a key player to guide the EMS program from a certificate to degree program and continuing the high standard of education for his students. |
