Pages past - May 2

On this date ...

1983: Toney Anaya made his first official visit to Clovis since being sworn in as governor of New Mexico on Jan. 1.

Anaya was in town to serve as guest speaker of the spring meeting of the Clovis Chamber of Commerce, but also used the visit as an opportunity to announce the appointment of Clovis resident Bob Lydick to serve on the state board of educational finance.

"I had no idea he was going to make the appointment," Lydick said. "It was a surprise."

Anaya said Lydick was the first of several appointments he planned to ensure that eastern New Mexico had "a daily voice in Santa Fe."

1973: New Mexico Secretary of State Betty Fiorina was the first woman to address a commencement at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales.

She encouraged the 700 graduating seniors to become involved in their communities and participate in politics.

In her remarks to the near-capacity crowd in the physical education complex, Fiorina noted that in 1953, 31 percent of the work force was female. In 1963, that number had increased to 34 percent, and by 1973, it was up to 38.2 percent.

"They're even letting women speak at university commencements these days," Fiorina said at the conclusion of her speech.

Pages Past is compiled by Betty Williamson. Contact her at: [email protected]