Agustin Armendariz, Menaul School class of 1995, is a Senior Data Reporter for the ICIJ (International Consortium of Investigative Journalists) in Washington DC. When asked what brought him back in Albuquerque:
“The pandemic. I needed to be in driving distance from my folks (in town) and my wife’s family (San Diego).
We had a great community of people in New Jersey and wanted to get our son through high school out there before coming back to look after our elders. (The) pandemic moved that timeline up a bunch.”
Augie Armendariz
We are thrilled that on a tip from Menaul Alum, Kim Sanchez, we were able to get in touch with Armendariz and find out what he is up to now. Enjoy!
Prior to joining ICIJ (International Consortium of Investigative Journalists) Agustin was a reporter at The New York Times, contributing data analysis to investigative stories and the daily report. He’s also worked for the Center for Investigative Reporting, San Diego Union-Tribune and the Center for Public Integrity.
Agustin has contributed to projects that won the Investigative Reporting and Editors (IRE) Gannett Award for Innovation, the Investigative Reporters and Editors medal, the George Foster Peabody award, the Scripps Howard public service award, the George Polk Award and the Casey Medal.
A native of Austin, Tex., he received a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of New Mexico and a Master’s degree in Journalism from American University. Most folks know Agustin by his nickname “Augie.”
– Taken from the ICIJ website.
WHICH TEACHER OR STAFF PERSON AT MENAUL SCHOOL HAS HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOU?
I can’t pick just one. Just a great community to be a part of. I am eternally grateful to have learned from all of them.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE CLASS?
English. I love to read.
AN UNFORGETTABLE MEMORY OF MENAUL SCHOOL
Winning the state football championship, at home, on a bitter cold day. I think I just collapsed in exhaustion but I’m sure I did a fair amount of celebrating, too. I remember it (Menaul School) as a small, tight-knit community. Good people.
WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING SINCE GRADUATION?
After graduation I went to UNM and got a degree in History. Then, after a couple years roaming the deserts and mountains I moved to DC and I got my Master’s in Journalism at American University.
MY ADVICE TO STUDENTS
High School is tough. Hang in there. It goes quick and you have the rest of your life to figure things out. Pay attention to your studies so you don’t have to go back and relearn it all on your own!
I was never the best student and didn’t get the best grades. But I still managed to find a fulfilling career. It just took me a little longer than most to figure it out…
Want to read more Menaul School stories? Visit our Stories page.