ENMU's summer reading program earns an award

Portales – Eastern New Mexico University has won a top award for their summer reading support program “ENMU Reads.”

The top regional honor, the “CASE Best of District IV award,” comes from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education according to a news release from ENMU assistant vice-president of marketing and communications John Houser.

Houser wrote “ENMU Reads” is a summer reading support program where ENMU teams with libraries across New Mexico and west Texas to encourage young people to read more books.

The program provides certificates, bookmarks, coloring sheets, activity books and grand prizes to young readers in an effort to help support education in New Mexico and west Texas.

Grand Prizes for students were provided in partnership with the Albuquerque Isotopes, El Paso Chihuahuas, Amarillo Sod Poodles, Domino’s Team Bailey in New Mexico and Whataburger of west Texas and New Mexico.

ENMU president Patrice Caldwell said, “Anyone who hasn’t seen the ENMU Reads campaign is missing a treat. Great message, wonderful library partners, and our fabulous Ralph the Greyhound reading with children.”

Caldwell was not surprised the program won “Best of District IV.”

The “Best of District IV” awards are the premier recognition program for universities in a five-state area, including Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas according to Houser.

Houser wrote winners are selected based on factors including overall quality, innovation, use of resources and the impact on the institution or its external and internal communities, such as alumni, parents, students, and faculty and staff.