HOUSE MEMORIAL 26

57th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2025

INTRODUCED BY

E. Diane Torres-Velásquez

 

 

 

 

 

A MEMORIAL

DECLARING FEBRUARY 17, 2025 "VIOLA FLOREZ TIGHE DAY" IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

 

     WHEREAS, Viola Florez Tighe, the former secretary of higher education and a titan in the field of education in New Mexico, died in Albuquerque on January 21, 2025; and

     WHEREAS, Vi was born in Bloomfield on July 30, 1947, one of twelve children born to Jose Merced Florez and Florence Hancock Florez; and

     WHEREAS, Vi received a bachelor's degree from Fort Lewis college and went on to receive a master's degree in education from the university of Colorado; and

     WHEREAS, after several years of teaching in elementary and middle schools, Vi received a doctor of education in curriculum and instruction from Texas A and M university-Kingsville; and

     WHEREAS, Vi joined the faculty of Texas A and M university, where she received the outstanding new faculty award in 1985 and the distinguished teaching award in 1987; and

     WHEREAS, after serving as interim dean and acting vice president of Texas A and M university, Vi returned to New Mexico in 1997 to teach at the university of New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, at the university of New Mexico, she was the dean of the college of education from 1997 until 2008, served twice as provost, held the PNM endowed chair in 2009 and was named dean emerita in 2019; and

     WHEREAS, in 2008, Vi was appointed secretary of higher education by Governor Bill Richardson and served until 2010; and

     WHEREAS, Vi was a mentor and advocate for countless students, faculty and employees of the university of New Mexico and served as the first Latina provost in the state; and

     WHEREAS, Vi served as a member of the board of directors of the university of New Mexico retiree association and chaired its legislative committee, securing the rights of all to pension and retirement benefits; and

     WHEREAS, Vi was a member of the Hispanic women's council from 2006 until 2021, serving as president in 2014 and receiving the las primeras award in 2008 and the estrella brillante award in 2015; and

     WHEREAS, Vi received numerous awards during her storied career, including the university of New Mexico alumni lobo award in 2007 and the New Mexico distinguished public service award in 2008; and

     WHEREAS, Vi held a lifelong passion for education, and her contributions to the field, including numerous publications, have left a lasting legacy throughout the state; and

     WHEREAS, Vi enjoyed gardening and spending time with her grandchildren; and

     WHEREAS, Vi was preceded in death by her father, Jose Merced Florez, and her brother, Reverend Marc Florez; and

     WHEREAS, Vi is survived by her husband of forty-four years, Girard Tighe; her children, Kathryn Ramsey and partner, Matthew, and Joseph Tighe and partner, Veronica; her mother, Florence Florez; her grandchildren, Dominic, Cecilia, Michael and Nicholas; and her siblings, Steve Florez and partner, Dolores, Louella Florez Evans and partner, Jesse, Frank Florez and partner, Gloria, Katrina Florez Fitt and partner, Jeff, Bill Florez and partner, Abby, Kenneth Florez and partner, Joanna, Corine Florez, Susan Florez Chavez and partner, Ken, Robert Florez and partner, Charrise, and Carmen Florez Mansi and partner, Tom;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that February 17, 2025 be declared "Viola Florez Tighe Day" in recognition of her distinguished career and innumerable contributions to higher education in New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to Kathryn Ramsey and the board of regents of the university of New Mexico.

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