Javier Marrufo is a historian from Silver City, New Mexico. His interest in history was sparked by a deep appreciation for the culture and landscape of Southwestern New Mexico, where as a child he was captivated by intricately painted Mimbreño pottery, stories of Apache resistance, and the wisdom of community elders who shared memories of joy and perseverance in the face of hardship.

Javier’s passion for history led him to earn both his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in History from Western New Mexico University. He now serves as the Curator of the Silver City Museum, where his work focuses on amplifying the voices of those historically overlooked by local institutions and fostering greater understanding of the social and cultural issues that continue to shape his community.

As of 2025, Javier is pursuing a Ph.D. in Chicana and Chicano Studies at the University of New Mexico, continuing his commitment to preserving and sharing the diverse stories of the Southwest.

Born and raised in Kazakhstan, Vladimir Gnilozubov came to Silver City in 2014 to attend Western New Mexico University as a student-athlete, playing tennis for the Mustangs. From the beginning, his goal was to become deeply involved in the community. During his time at WNMU, he held several key student work-study positions and served as president of both the Delta Mu Delta International Business Society and the Rotaract Club, as well as vice president of the WNMU Marketing Club.

After earning business degrees in Accounting and Marketing, Vladimir joined the Edward Jones Financial Advisor training program in Tempe, Arizona. He later returned to Silver City, where he recognized the need to help individuals and families make informed financial decisions for their future, including preparing for retirement, saving for education, and planning for the unexpected or leaving a legacy gift. Today, his Edward Jones office partners with a select group of individuals, families, and business owners who have complex financial needs.

Vladimir and his wife, Jazmin, who grew up in Silver City, are the proud parents of four boys. He remains actively involved in the community, serving as a member of the Silver City Rotary Club, Gila Regional Medical Center Foundation Board, Grant County Prospectors, Gila Community Foundation, and the WNMU Alumni Association Board.

In 2025, Vladimir was named to the Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State list for New Mexico.*

2025 Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State for New Mexico, published August 2025, research by SHOOK Research LLC, data as of March 2025. Compensation provided for using, not obtaining, the rating. The rating is not based on quality of investment advice, investment performance, or client feedback.

Arlean Murillo was born in El Paso, Texas, and raised in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua. Proudly bilingual in English and Spanish, she is married and the mother of three children, ages 13, 19, and 23.

With a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Arlean serves as the Executive Director of Love of Rose LLC and is the founder of Love in Advocacy: Education and Employment Services, Inc. Her life and career have been guided by her commitment to creating opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. She believes everyone has a voice worth hearing and works each day to help people build the confidence, skills, and independence they need to succeed in both the workplace and in life.

Her passion is rooted in the belief that belonging and community are essential for growth. She proudly serves as President of the Gadsden Independent School District Board of Education, Hispanic Chair Council Member for the National School Boards Association, Executive Secretary of the New Mexico State School Boards Association, and as a member of the Sunland Park Chamber of Commerce and New Mexico Workforce Solutions Boards of Directors. Arlean is also an active member of her local church, giving back to her community through faith and service.

Through her leadership and advocacy, Arlean encourages students and families to view education and self advocacy as tools for empowerment. She reminds young people to speak up for themselves, dream big, and use their voices to create meaningful change.

Her guiding message is simple: “Respect my competence, do not judge me for wanting to change the world, and invite me to help solve problems. Encourage me to dream beyond what anyone believes possible.”

Dr. Margot Salas Geagon, a proud 1999 graduate of Western New Mexico University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, has built an exceptional career as a scholar, educator, and leader. A first-generation college graduate, she went on to earn a Master of Public Administration in Program Evaluation and a Graduate Certificate in Public Finance from Portland State University in 2002, a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Marylhurst University in 2003, and a Ph.D. in Applied Management and Decision Sciences
in Finance and Statistics from Walden University in 2009.

Dr. Geagon currently serves as an Associate Professor of Business: Production and Operations at Eastern Oregon University and is a member of the EOU Board of Trustees. Her academic career includes tenured appointments at New Mexico Highlands University, Saint Martin’s University, and Indiana Institute of Technology, where she also served as Department Chair, Supply Chain Management and Data Analytics Lead. She was recognized with the Leepoxy Award for Teaching Innovation for her excellence in pedagogy and student engagement.

Her scholarly work focuses on financial transparency, corporate responsibility, and student learning, with numerous peer-reviewed publications and national conference presentations. Through her teaching and mentorship, Dr. Geagon has inspired countless students to think critically, act ethically, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and professions.

Dr. Nikki May is a proud Silver City native and lifelong New Mexican with 25 years of nursing experience. From critical care and trauma to building rural health systems, Nikki has devoted her career to turning complex healthcare challenges into meaningful solutions for the communities she calls home.

She began her nursing journey at Western New Mexico University, later earning a Master of Science in Nursing from Wilkes University and a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Organizational Leadership from the University of New Mexico. She is currently pursuing a second DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing to help expand behavioral health services in rural areas.

Nikki’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing healthcare across New Mexico. She established her first cardiology practice in Silver City, helped create trauma centers including the first Level III Trauma Center in Doña Ana County, conducted statewide trauma surveys, and led COVID-19 testing and vaccination programs that served more than 20,000 people. She has also been a strong advocate for the nursing workforce, contributing to the development of new graduate residency programs.

Today, Nikki serves as an Assistant Professor at New Mexico State University’s School of Nursing and holds the title of Blue Cross Blue Shield Professor of Practice. In this role, she is building a pipeline for rural nurse recruitment and retention. Whether in the classroom, hospital, or community, she remains dedicated to improving access to care and inspiring the next generation of nurses to lead with compassion and purpose.

Christina “Christy” Horcasitas Miller was born in Santa Clara, New Mexico, in 1950 to Erminia “Minnie” Triviz Horcasitas and William “Willie” Lucero Horcasitas. One of three cherished daughters, Christy is the only surviving member of her immediate family.

A proud graduate of Cobre High School, Christy went on to earn both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Education from Western New Mexico University. During her time at WNMU, she was a spirited member of the Mustang cheerleading squad and worked as a student assistant in the Biology Department alongside professors Dale Zimmerman, Bruce Howard, and Bob Miller. She fondly recalls being a “terrible secretary,” laughing that her professors later admitted they never quite understood her filing system.

Christy began her teaching career under the mentorship of Josie Zapata at Bayard Elementary. She went on to teach as a Resource Special Education Teacher at Silver Elementary, followed by five years at La Plata Middle School, and later at Silver High School, where she completed her 26-year career in public education. Throughout her teaching years, Christy also served as a sponsor for Special Olympics, Student Council, Mock Trial, and News 101, mentoring students and accompanying them to competitions, workshops, and conferences.

Following her retirement from teaching, Christy returned to WNMU as Director of Alumni Affairs. In this role, she worked closely with the WNMU Foundation and alumni chapters throughout the country, particularly those in Grant County, Albuquerque, and Indiana, strengthening alumni engagement and university support. Her final chapter of public service came through her tenure as a Grant County Commissioner.

Christy has long been active in community organizations, volunteering with the Junior 24 Club, the 24 Club, and the WNMU University Club.

Now fully retired, Christy resides in Tucson, Arizona, with her husband, Rick Miller. Together they have four children- Jennifer (Johnson) Bair and husband Zach, Jessica Johnson, Megan (Miller) Life and husband Michael, and Jonathon (Jon) Miller, and five grandchildren. Christy enjoys traveling with Rick and spending time with her cherished family and friends.

Please note that the naming conventions for awards have evolved over time. While some awards may exhibit slight variations, they are categorized correctly as listed above.

Please note that the naming conventions for awards have evolved over time. While some awards may exhibit slight variations, they are categorized correctly as listed above.

The Alfred J. O’Malley Alumni Pioneer Award was established in 2021

The Young Alumni Achievement Award was established in 2023