Spotlight: Danny and Myrna Villanueva

The first trip that Danny and Myrna Villanueva made to Las Cruces was in January 1959. Danny was transferring from junior college to play football for Warren Woodson at New Mexico State University. The newlyweds were driving from California in a ’48 Ford with one oversized tire on the back, a fraying fan belt for the final 60 miles and only limited cash in their pockets.

Sutherland Village was still under construction so their new home would be a sparsely-furnished section of a Quonset hut designated as “Married Student Housing.” Despite this somewhat humble beginning to their Aggie days, Danny and Myrna remember the warmth and friendliness they found right from the start. “This open, friendly spirit helped us build a strong foundation for our family,” he states.

Danny graduated in 1961 with a degree in journalism and an opportunity to play professional football. After 8 years in the pros, he began his broadcasting career as an anchor for Channel 34 in LA. Villanueva became a leader in Spanish language television in Los Angeles and then in the formation of Univision and Telemundo networks. Now he heads Bastion Capital Corp.

“We have been blessed,” he states “and it is important that we support programs that will help others achieve the success we have enjoyed.”

Villanueva is actively involved in fund raising endeavors for New Mexico State University, heading the steering campaign of the comprehensive campaign and making a lead gift of $2.5 million. Of that, $1 million has been designated to the Children’s Village pre-school in the College of Education as a surprise birthday present for his wife Myrna.

Previously he established the Danny Villanueva scholarship endowment for Hispanic students with leadership potential and donated funds to create the Villanueva Victory Room in the Stan Fulton Center.

“We continue to be grateful for all that we learned during our time in Las Cruces and New Mexico State.” Villanueva concluded. “This is our spiritual home."