[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 139 (Friday, August 25, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E793]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF DUANE RYAN

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. TERESA LEGER FERNANDEZ

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 25, 2023

  Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life of 
Duane Ryan--a veteran, a family man, a broadcaster, a visionary, an 
educator, and a legend in Eastern New Mexico. Today, we also remember 
the lives he touched with his broadcasting from his students to 
listeners and all of his accomplishments.
  Duane Ryan was the eldest child of Donald and Evelyn Ryan. He was 
born in Hermosa Beach, California and raised nearby in Hawthorne. He 
attended El Camino Junior College and was elected student body 
president. He later transferred to Brigham Young University earning 
both a BA and Master's Degree in Speech and Dramatic Arts. Duane served 
in the Air Force for 2 years.
  After marrying his wife, Martha Ann Christensen, in 1959, Duane 
taught at Snow College in the Theatre Department. Duane and his family 
later moved to Portales, New Mexico where he began as an assistant 
professor in theater and speech. He combined his technical savvy and 
his love of the arts to create KENW-FM. In 1967, KENW-TV began 
broadcasting via the cable company in Portales. Broadcast hours were 
Monday through Friday from early afternoon until 9 pm. Mostly airing 
local programming and children's programs, the station quickly became a 
local favorite.
  In the 1970s, under the directorship of Duane Ryan, KENW began its 
quest to become a Public Broadcasting Station for Eastern New Mexico. 
With the help of federal and state sources, KENW-PBS-TV signed on the 
air in September of 1974.
  Because of his vision, Duane Ryan knew that the age of digital 
television would be part of the future. Under his leadership, KENW 
began the transformation from analog to digital broadcasting. In 2006 
KENW-TV moved from its metal building into a `state-of-the art' digital 
broadcast center located on the campus of Eastern New Mexico 
University. With digital transmitters placed in various communities 
throughout Eastern New Mexico, KENW expanded their coverage area to 
include all thirty-three counties in New Mexico, as well as coverage in 
West Texas, and Southern Colorado.
  Duane Ryan also served at Eastern New Mexico University as the 
Director of Broadcasting for 55 years. He cultivated a welcoming 
environment for staff and students, many of whom have gone on to 
successful careers. Indeed, employers often seek out Eastern New Mexico 
University graduates with a Degree in Broadcasting because of the 
program's excellent standards.
  Duane Ryan was elected to the New Mexico Broadcasters Association 
Hall of Fame in 2015. He had just retired from his distinguished career 
and left us much too soon thereafter.
  We thank Duane's wife Martha, and his children Tamara, Michael, 
Marla, John, and David for sharing him with us. We'll miss him dearly.

                          ____________________