Christina Swanson Little

I was admitted to the Honors College in 1966 as a student of Dr. James Donohoe, Professor of World History, who excited my intellectual thinking and turned me into a history student. The Honors College was a different program in those days. Students were accepted after they had already started at the University. The Honors College promoted broad and critical thinking and exposed me to many exciting people. Without it, I might have completed four years of college without knowing or talking to any professors at all. It made all the difference.

In my adult life, I discovered that my personal passion is public policy. In my 40’s, I went back to college and earned a Masters of Public Administration from the University of New Mexico. I have taken my passion seriously. Among other things, I have served as president of the League of Women Voters of Austin Texas, Albuquerque New Mexico, and the State of New Mexico.

Currently, I serve as the Vice Chair of the Housing Authority of the City of Las Cruces; organize and operate the Interagency Council, which provides support services (networking and information clearinghouse) to social service providers in southern New Mexico; and serve as the Information and Referral Coordinator for the United Way of Southwest New Mexico.

I have learned (and observed) that individuals can make a big difference in their communities by being actively engaged. My call to all young participants in the Honors College is to never underestimate the difference that you can make in your communities. Use your educational background; raise your hand when new opportunities are presented to you; and involve yourself in helping your communities.