April 26, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Donna Oracion, College Development Director, 575-624-7403
ENMU-ROSWELL TO OPEN AND DEDICATE NEW DAVID GONZÁLEZ KENW-TV BROADCAST STUDIO
ENMU-Roswell will hold a grand opening and dedication ceremony for the new David González KENW-TV (PBS) satellite studio on Thursday, May 5. The studio is being named in honor of former local TV anchor and news director, David González, who passed away three years ago. The dedication ceremony will begin at 4 p.m. in the Instructional Technology Center (ITC), 23 W. Mathis. ENMU communication students from Portales will utilize the studio for the first time to record a segment for the KENW-TV newscast that will air on May 6 as part of their final broadcast of the semester. News 3 New Mexico airs at 5 p.m. on channels 3-1 and 3-2.
ENMU-Roswell has collaborated with ENMU in Portales for the past year to renovate and equip classroom and office space in the ITC for the new studio. In addition to broadcast programming, the studio space will be utilized by students to prepare them for careers in film technology, journalism, broadcast production, or communications. “We look forward to the David González studio being open on our campus,” said Dr. Shawn Powell, President, ENMU-Roswell. “Through our partnership with KENW and our main campus in Portales, this studio will increase our students’ broadcast media opportunities.”
“KENW and the Portales campus are excited to partner with ENMU-Roswell to create this new studio and expanded broadcast opportunities for Chaves County,” said Dr. Patrice Caldwell, ENMU System Chancellor. “I look forward to seeing the work of our students and their talented KENW mentors.”
González passed away at the age 63 on May 6, 2019. In December of last year, Jacob and Angelica Rodriguez made a $20,000 gift to the ENMU-Roswell Foundation, after receiving approval from the ENMU-Roswell Community College Board and ENMU Board of Regents, to name the studio in honor of David González, Angelica’s father.
González was a Goddard High School graduate and received a degree in broadcast journalism from ENMU. Known in the community as “The Golden Voice,” he helped create and was the original host of the KENW-TV program, Cultura, Orgullo, y Herencia, now called Cultura. He was a reporter and anchor with KBIM/KRQE-TV for over 20 years and also served as news director and station manager. González loved providing unbiased journalism to the community and enjoyed teaching and developing others to do the same. He would say to upcoming journalists, “Always meet your deadlines.” When he passed away, González was serving as the branch manager of Cable One, now called Sparklight.
KENW-TV is a Public Broadcast Station (PBS) that broadcasts from the campus of ENMU. The Department of Communication works closely with KENW which gives ENMU communication majors the opportunity to gain real, hands-on experience in their chosen field.
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