NMSU Panorama-Spring 2022 by Panorama

PANORAMA New Mexico State University Alumni & Friends Magazine

Volume 79 Spring 2022 • FREE

BRACKET

BUSTER Aggies upset UConn in NCAA Tournament first round

+ALSO INSIDE:

Grand in the Stands returns

Gateway to campus Following nearly two years of construction, the Interstate 25 and University Avenue interchange project was completed in fall 2021. The project added two roundabouts to aid with traffic congestion during NMSU events. The south roundabout provides direct access to the Pan American Center parking lot. Collette Marie ’01 designed the public art commission, “Cultivo y Cultura,” featured at the new interchange. The nearly $34 million project was a partnership between NMSU, the New Mexico Department of Transportation and City of Las Cruces. PHOTO BY JOSH BACHMAN

Spring 2022 | New Mexico State University | Panorama

Hello, Aggies!

t’s been an exciting spring at NMSU on several fronts, especially for Aggie athletics. We got a head start to the spring welcoming the arrival of our new football coach, Jerry Kill, in fall 2021. He held his first spring practice in March 2022 with a great spirit and energy. Later that month, our successful men’s basketball team made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, marking our first NCAA Tournament win in quite some time. We also welcomed our new men’s basketball head coach Greg Heiar and women’s basketball head coach Jody Adams-Birch, and we look forward to seeing many, many more wins in Conference USA in 2023, which you’ll read more about in this issue. You’ll also read more about the completion of our 10,000-panel Aggie Power solar array, which has the potential to create enough clean energy to power half of our 900-acre Las Cruces campus. I’d like to thank El Paso Electric for working with NMSU to make this possible. Construction is also progressing on our GO Bond-funded Agricultural Modernization Education Facilities project on our Las Cruces campus, and we’re looking forward to the first phase being completed sometime in summer 2022. We’re also gearing up for the proposal of a new GO Bond project that will improve our engineering and nursing facilities. Finally, construction on the I-25 and University Avenue entrance and roundabout has been completed, adding a beautiful new element to our campus. It truly is a sight to see the artwork created by local artist Collette Marie ’01 that celebrates our agricultural roots and desert landscape. It truly is an exciting time to be an Aggie!

Dan Arvizu, Ph.D. ’73 NMSU Chancellor

pringtime at NMSU is special, as the desert springs back to life and the colors of southern New Mexico become vibrant. This year is particularly abundant as we emerge from the pandemic and begin a long-awaited return to normal operations. Students and faculty weathered the changes of the last two years like true Aggies, strong and resilient, echoing our alma mater: “With hope and courage, faith and joy, we face the future bright.” With the spring semester coming to a close, the class of 2022 is about to begin the journey of a lifetime. Their accomplishments are made even more noteworthy after achieving so much under the extraordinary circumstances created by COVID-19. We send off these exceptional young alumni with our very best wishes. At the NMSU Foundation, our future is indeed bright as we continue to work with donors to strengthen our financial position. From grants made possible by generous corporations and foundations, to scholarships and gifts given by caring individuals and families who want to make a lasting difference, we have much to celebrate. In fact, we just completed our secondmost successful year of giving in the history of the university. We at the Foundation salute everyone who has given of their time, treasure, and talent to achieve these outstanding results. As our beloved former board member, the late Ed Foreman ’55, once said, “Believe that good things will happen. Expectations have a way of coming true.” Go Aggies!

This issue of Panorama is produced by the office of Marketing and Communications, New Mexico State University, 575-646-3221. Correspondences may be sent to Marketing and Communications, MSC 3K, New Mexico State University, P.O. Box 30001, Las Cruces, NM 88003-3590 or panorama@nmsu.edu. Panorama is published two times annually. ISSN 2470-0649 New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and educator. The magazine can be found online at panorama.nmsu.edu. Editor Tiffany Acosta Assistant Editor Adriana M. Chávez ’19 Art Director Gerald Rel Contributors Vladimir Avina ’18, Josh Bachman ’07, Baylee Banks ’19 ’21, Minerva Baumann ’13, Tatiana Favela ’15, Linda Fresques, Nora Hahn, Billy Huntsman ’16, Denise LaFrance-Ojinaga ’03, Carlos Andres López ’10, Cassie McClure ’06 ’08, James Staley ’02 Chancellor Dan Arvizu ’73 President, NMSU Foundation Derek Dictson ’98 Senior Associate Vice President External Relations Lynn Schlemeyer Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications Justin Bannister ’03 ’13 Executive Director of Marketing, Web and Brand Management Melissa Chavira ’03 ’05 ’11 Director of Communications and Media Relations Amanda Bradford ’03 ’21 NMSU Alumni Association Board of Directors Executive Council President Michael Law ’05 President-Elect Paulo Tomasovich ’02 Secretary/Treasurer Kim Archuleta ’96 ’03 Past President Carol Smallwood ’83 NMSU Foundation Board of Directors Executive Council Chair Kyle Louvar ’98 Vice Chair Christian Hendrickson ’97 Past Chair Bobby Lutz ’73 Treasurer Aaron De Los Santos ’04 Secretary Raquel Bone ’91

Derek Dictson ’98 President, NMSU Foundation Vice President, University Advancement

2 Panorama | New Mexico State University | Spring 2022

2022© New Mexico State University POSTMASTER: Send address change notifications to Panorama, MSC 3590, New Mexico State University, P.O. Box 30001, Las Cruces, NM, 88003-88001

ALUMNI

CONTENTS

Volume 79 Spring 2022

NEW PERSPECTIVES University Art Museum grant to support growth, improve operations

PANORAMA New Mexico State University Alumni & Friends Magazine

Volume 79 Spring 2022 • FREE

BRACKET

BUSTER Aggies upset UConn in NCAA Tournament first round

14 LUCKY DRAW

NMSU Foundation sponsors scholarship giveaway at basketball games

+ALSO INSIDE:

Grand in the Stands returns

COVER IMAGE BY NICHOLAS T. LOVERDE

20 LASTING IMPACT

Hunt scholarship boosts successful outcomes for more DACC students

26 TAKING FLIGHT

CAMP program celebrates 20 years

ALSO 22 16 SOAKING UP THE SUN A BEAUTIFUL PICTURE INSIDE NMSU engineering students help NMSU unveils Aggie Power develop innovative art station solar project 4...............Around Aggieland 30......... Alumni Connections 24 18 DIGITAL DOMAIN HIGH NOTE 35......... Pete's Corner NMSU joins Grow with Google Music professors hit the road on HSI Career Readiness Program public school tour 36.........Aggie Pride Spring 2022 | New Mexico State University | Panorama

Young Women in Computing program celebrates 15 years

Pandemic-inspired film wins festival awards

n 2006, women made up just 18 percent of college students enrolled in computer science majors nationwide. At NMSU, only 8 percent of computer science students were women. That was the climate in which College of Arts and Sciences Dean Enrico Pontelli, then a Regents’ Professor in computer science, launched the Young Women in Computing program. In 2021, the program celebrated its 15th anniversary. Over time, YWiC steadily increased the number of high school and middle school students participating in the program. By 2019, the NMSU computer science department was YWiC Summer Camp participants in 2018 serving about 21 percent women and ranked 22nd among four-year public universities in the U.S. for enrolling and graduating women in computer science, according to data compiled and analyzed by the Chronicle of Higher Education. “The trend right now is artificial intelligence, and data analytics are bigger than computer science,” Pontelli says. “We’re in the process of shifting the focus of the program away from strictly computer science to AI and data analytics. If we can engage students in those topics and get them interested, then whatever field they decide to go into – medicine, sociology, criminal justice – they have those very important tools and the skills to solve problems.” Billy Huntsman ’16

“Fowl,” a poignant 21-minute film by Creative Media Institute professors Ross Marks and Mitch Fowler, guides viewers through a day in the life of two elderly men in an assisted living hospice facility during the COVID-19 pandemic. The film took eight months to complete and started the film festival circuit in February 2021. “Fowl” has earned awards at the Berlin Shorts Festival, San Francisco Indie Short Film Festival, Phoenix Shorts Film Festival and the Niagara Falls International Film Festival. It took top honors in the Studio City Film Festival in Hollywood. It also was featured during the 2022 Las Cruces International Film Festival. Marks and Fowler have made 12 films together. They invite CMI students to crew their films as part of the handson educational experience. “I teach in the classroom, directing and screen writing and then put my students on an actual film set and let them see firsthand how I do it,” Marks says. “I’m not just in teaching theory, I give them opportunities to work on a film and do jobs they can put on their résumé.” The film is available to view at nmsu.link/fowl. Minerva Baumann ’13

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Pioneer NMSU horticulturalist recognized with hall of fame honor

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A 4 Panorama | New Mexico State University | Spring 2022

fter two years of delays, in 2021 Fabián García was finally inducted into the National Agricultural Center’s Hall of Fame in Kansas. García was a Mexican immigrant and horticulturalist whose research at NMSU helped influence agriculture nationwide. In 1894, García became a member of the first graduating class of New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts, now known as NMSU. García joins the ranks of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and Eli Whitney, among other notable contributors to agriculture. García is the first Hispanic and first New Mexican hall of fame inductee. New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte nominated García for the distinction. “It was a great honor to be present and witness the induction ceremony recognizing a true agriculture icon,” Witte says. “His influence on agriculture and our cuisine continues today, over 100 years since his legacy began.” Adriana M. Chávez ’19

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AROUND AGGIELAND

fany Santos, the collection’s director. “We took this time to do some major renovations to the exhibits. If you have visited us in the past, the museum has become a whole new experience.” Minerva Baumann ’13

Officially licensed product lineup expands

Faculty honored for excellence in research, creativity at spring 2022 convocation NMSU bestowed its top academic awards to a group of eight faculty members, including two filmmakers, at the spring 2022 convocation. Ehsan Dehghan-Niri, civil engineering assistant professor and mechanical and aerospace engineering affiliated faculty member, received the Early Career Award. Jessica Houston, chemical and materials engineering professor, and Elba Serrano, Regents professor of biology, each received the Distinguished Career Award. Raena Cota, program manager in the computer science department and connector for the Computing Alliance of HispanicServing Institutions, received the Research Recognition Award. Keith H. Mandabach, professor in the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management, and Dawn VanLeeuwen, who has a joint appointment in the Department of Economics, Applied Statistics and International Business and the New Mexico Agricultural Experiment Station, won the first Team Research Award. Mitch Fowler, Creative Media Institute associate professor, and Ross Marks, Creative Media Institute assistant professor, received the second team award. Carlos Andres López ’10

HEATHER

SALOPEK

n fall 2021, the Aggies’ collegiately licensed collection grew its ever-expanding list and branched out with collaborations with Legacy Pecans, a Mesilla, New Mexicobased retailer, for the Pistol Pete’s Pecans, and Bosque Brewing Company for the 1888 Hard Seltzer. Launched in October 2021, the roasted, salted pecans are grown exclusively in New Mexico, and are available at Legacy Pecans in Mesilla and on LegacyPecans.com. Nationwide shipping is available for all orders placed on the Legacy Pecans website. On campus, Pistol Pete's Pecans are available at concession stands for Aggie home athletic events and at the NMSU Golf Course. The second collegiately licensed hard seltzer in the nation, 1888 Hard Seltzer is available in all Bosque Brewing Company taprooms across the state. Launched in November 2021, 1888 Hard Seltzer is a cranberry teaflavored hard seltzer that complements Bosque Brewing Company’s line of New Leaf hard seltzer. In 2017, the first collaboration resulted in Pistol Pete’s 1888 Ale. To date, licensing revenue for Pistol Pete’s 1888 Ale has helped the Aggies haul in more than $50,000 for its athletics programs and student-athletes. NM State Athletics

JOSH BACHMAN

ttention museum lovers: the Zuhl Museum at NMSU has reopened its doors to the public. The museum reopened in February 2022 after being closed to the public since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The museum’s hours are from 12 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and every second Saturday of the month. COVID-19-safe procedures will be in place for the safety of the public and staff. The Zuhl Collection includes more than 1,800 fossils, minerals and petrified wood donated to the university by Herb and Joan Zuhl in 2000. “We promise it is worth the wait,” says Tif-

JOSH BACHMAN

Zuhl Museum reopens doors after nearly two-year closure

Elba Serrano (from left), Dawn VanLeeuwen, Keith H. Mandabach, Ross Marks, Raena Cota and Mitch Fowler accepted awards at the spring 2022 convocation ceremony.

Spring 2022 | New Mexico State University | Panorama

AROUND AGGIELAND

Kevin James Comerford joins NMSU as Library dean

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ollowing a national search, NMSU selected Kevin James Comerford as the next dean of the NMSU Library. He began his new role in March 2022. “NMSU has a dedicated team of library employees, and I’m honored to join them as the new dean of the library,” says Comerford. “I’m also very excited to be at NMSU when the university is working toward new goals and an expanded role in New Mexico higher education.” Comerford holds a Master of Information Science degree from the University of North Texas and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Texas Christian University. He also has a bachelor’s degree in studio art from Texas A&M. Comerford has a wide range of experience involving implementation of extensive resources and programs, projects, teaching and publications. He says the NMSU Library will significantly increase its role in supporting student success and faculty research. Tatiana Favela ’15

Comerford

ichard Leza ’73 was named the third inductee in the NMSU Entrepreneur Hall of Fame by NMSU’s Arrowhead Center and the Research, Creativity, and Strategic Initiatives office. Born in Laredo, Texas, his family moved to Placitas, near Hatch. He was the only member of his family to finish college, earning a degree in civil engineering from NMSU. He was later recognized with an honorary doctorate, also from NMSU. He received the 2021 James F. Cole Award for Service to the university, and has served on department and college advisory boards. Leza has more than 40 years of experience in finance, manufacturing, engineering, medical devices and application software. He was a co-founder, president and chairman of Leza Hispanic-Net, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a network of successful Hispanics that would improve and enhance entrepreneurial opportunities for Hispanics in high-tech. “Be determined and believe in yourself – it may take many years, but it’s sweet when you are holding a winner,” he says. Cassie McClure ’06 ’08

6 Panorama | New Mexico State University | Spring 2022

JOSH BACHMAN

Leza named to NMSU Entrepreneur Hall of Fame

STEM Outreach Center awarded $26.5 million to continue after-school programming COURTESY PHOTO

he STEM Outreach Center at NMSU received a five-year grant totaling $26.5 million to continue and extend support for much-needed after-school programs in school districts in Doña Ana, Grant and Hidalgo counties. The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center grant, offered through the New Mexico Public Education Department, increased the number of learning centers the STEM Outreach Center serves from 26 to 47. As part of the grant, Hobbs Municipal Schools received funding from the STEM Outreach Center for their out-of-school-time programs, serving an additional 17 schools. “This grant speaks to our history of providing good-quality systems and programs,” says Wanda Bulger-Tamez, director of the STEM Outreach Center. STEM Outreach Center programs provide academic and enrichment opportunities to support literacy and science, technology, engineering and math learning, and reinforce topics introduced during the students’ traditional learning day. The STEM Outreach Center is partnering with school districts and organizations such as Ngage New Mexico, Cruces Creatives, STEAMing Ahead for Success and La Semilla Food Center to provide a wide range of community resources. The STEM Outreach Center is the largest consortium in the state receiving 21st CCLC funding, and is among the largest in the nation to receive a 21st CCLC award. Adriana M. Chávez ’19

Students participate in the STEM Outreach Center's Readers Theater program. The center was recently awarded $26.5 million to continue its programs in three New Mexico counties.

Journalism, engineering receive support from NBCU Academy collaboration

s one of 13 new academic partners to receive grants from the NBCUniversal News Group in January 2022, the collaboration involves internships, training and development programs focused on diversity, equity and inclusion. NMSU was awarded funding as part of a $2 million investment from NBCU Academy to support scholarships and equipment purchases in the College of Engineering and the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Journalism and Media Studies. NBCU Academy is an innovative, multiplatform journalism training and development program. Along with scholarships and equipment, the program includes journalists, executives and managers from NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC

and Telemundo as guest lecturers and mentors. The new 2022 cohort includes accredited engineering programs for the first time and expands the NBCU Academy’s reach to 30 campuses and beyond journalism to involve business, engineering, technology and sports programs. “The gift from NBCU Academy will have an immediate impact, propelling more of our students into the fields of journalism, media studies and engineering,” says Derek Dictson, NMSU Foundation president. “We are so grateful for the NBCUniversal News Group, their commitment to NMSU, and their commitment to providing equitable access among communities historically underrepresented in the news industry.” Tiffany Acosta

Spring 2022 | New Mexico State University | Panorama

AROUND AGGIELAND

NMSU student, professor launch effort to support Afghan refugees in NM

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JOSH BACHMAN

iba Muhyi never imagined leading a coordinated effort to support Afghan families resettling in southern New Mexico, but that’s where she found herself during her senior year at NMSU. Muhyi, an English major, is the driving force behind the NMSU Afghan Refugee Response project, an initiative she launched in 2021 with her mother, Rajaa Shindi ’06 ’14, to aid refugees who fled Afghanistan after the Taliban seized control of the country. Shindi is an assistant professor of accounting and information systems in the College of Business. The project started as a one-time call for volunteer translators but has since morphed into an ongoing, more ambitious undertaking to leverage community partnerships to assist long-term Afghan refugees in southern New Mexico. “I had no idea it was going to turn into this whole project,” Muhyi says. “But I’m happy to do the work.” Last fall, about 80 volunteers from NMSU and beyond came together to support the project. Many served as cultural mentors and translators, and others donated much-needed clothing and furniture items. By the start of 2022, the number of volunteers exceeded 100. In February 2022, Muhyi and Shindi introduced new outreach efforts, including a clothing closet where refugees can pick up free clothes, and weekly classes and workshops designed to empower participants through education. The classes aim to teach English to women and young girls, while the workshops cover basic technology skills. Students from NMSU’s chapter of the Association of Information Technology Professionals – a student organization advised by Shindi – also volunteered over several days in spring 2022 to help refugees create résumés. “This to me is a way for students to build their soft skills – communicating, learning about different cultures, helping others,” Shindi says. “Of course, at the same time, we’re supporting our Afghani guests who came to Las Cruces – and we want to continue to support them as much as we can going forward.” Muhyi says she plans to continue to lead the project for the foreseeable future. She says the experience has brought her great joy and allowed her to engage with dedicated volunteers and support families at their moment of most need. After graduating in May 2022, Muhyi hopes to find a career involving her three passions: community service, education and English literature. “If there’s a way to combine those things, that’d be perfect,” she says. Carlos Andres López ’10

Top: Rajaa Shindi (left) and her daughter, Hiba Muhyi, launched the NMSU Afghan Refugee Response project in 2021 to help Afghan refugees resettling in southern New Mexico. Shindi is an assistant professor of accounting and information systems in the College of Business, and Muhyi is a senior majoring in English. Bottom: In February 2022, Hiba Muhyi established a free clothing closet at the Southern New Mexico Islamic Center for Afghan refugees as part of the NMSU Afghan Refugee Response project.

8 Panorama | New Mexico State University | Spring 2022

AGGIE

Milestones 105 years

In 1917, the College of Arts and Sciences was founded as the School of General Sciences, one of three schools at the New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. John H. Vaughn was the first dean. Today, the college is the largest at NMSU, featuring departments in fine arts, humanities and social sciences.

85 years

Clara Belle Williams became the college’s first African American graduate, earning a bachelor’s degree in English at the age of 51 in 1937. She took summer courses at the college while working as a teacher at Booker T. Washington School in Las Cruces. In 1961, NMSU named Williams Street on campus in her honor. She received an honorary doctorate Williams

degree from NMSU in 1980. She died in 1994, and in 2005, NMSU renamed the English Building as Clara Belle Williams Hall.

75 years

Ralph B. Crouch began his career at NMSU as a member of the Department of Mathematical Sciences faculty in 1947. He later became the department’s head and associate dean of the Graduate School. Today, the Crouch Award recognizes a current or former living employee of NMSU for their outstanding contributions to the life of the university community.

70 years

In 1952, Branson Library opened on the NMSU campus. It was constructed in 1951 and named for John William Branson, NMSU president from 1949-1955. The university’s oldest Crouch

library is still in use today, and has been expanded several times over the years. It also underwent a renovation from 1993-1994.

50 years

The first section of the International Mall was dedicated a year after the NMSU Alumni Association began collecting donations from alumni to construct a pedestrian mall as part of a campus beautification project. The university matched the donations, and formally dedicated the first section between Hadley Hall and Milton Hall in 1972. It was named International Mall to reflect the more international focus of many of NMSU’s programs at the time. International Mall

Spring 2022 | New Mexico State University | Panorama

AGGIE BRAGGING

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Arrowhead Center receives Small Business Administration award

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Arrowhead Center was one of eight winners awarded $150,000 in the Small Business Innovation Research Catalyst competition, administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The award was part of a $5.4 million initiative from the SBA to promote inclusive entrepreneurship in the innovation ecosystem, which included the SBIR Catalyst competition and the Growth Accelerator Fund. Arrowhead Center is collaborating with the University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Idaho and TechLink at Montana State University to provide support to diverse clients, such as womenowned and minority-owned businesses, and businesses located in rural areas.

Students help hotel earn elite ranking The Courtyard by Marriott Las Cruces at NMSU has been recognized as one of the top 15 hotels and top 1 percent in the nation of all Courtyard properties, as well as the No. 1 Courtyard property in New Mexico. Scores and rankings were calculated based on customer feedback, which consisted of praise for staff, including current and past NMSU Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management students.

10 Panorama | New Mexico State University | Spring 2022

Student information technology group takes national honor NMSU’s Association of Information Technology Professionals chapter was awarded a top national prize at the 2021 U.S. Information Technology Collegiate conference. The chapter was recognized for its achievements during the 2020-2021 academic year and earned the USITCC’s Premier Student Organization Award. The AITP team continued to host regular events throughout the year during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PGA Golf Management Program earns reaccreditation The NMSU PGA Golf Management Program has earned a five-year reaccreditation from the Professional Golfers’ Association of America. The program prepared for reaccreditation more than two years ago, but due to COVID-19 the process was delayed until late 2021. The program received glowing feedback from the evaluators and was praised for the supportive network from NMSU administration.

Faculty

Engineering professor receives NASA grant NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Project has awarded NMSU Civil Engineering Associate Professor Douglas Cortes a two-year, nearly $500,000 grant. His project, titled MUREP Advancing Regolith-related Technologies and Education or MARTE, aims to meet the critical needs facing many Minority Serving Institutions’ research and educational efforts in three key areas of importance to NASA: access to reliable and affordable regolith simulants, which are commercially available mixtures that mimic lunar soil, along with testing facilities that simulate relevant environmental conditions and analog testing sites. The MUREP Space Technology Artemis Research, or M-STAR, awards are intended to help NASA support the Artemis mission’s promise to send the first woman and first person of color to the Moon and have a robust human and robotic presence there. “We’re looking at the technologies that are going to be needed to effectively have a human presence on the Moon and Mars, and I believe this is the beginning,” Cortes says. “I don’t see it as an end, I see it as a beginning of something much bigger.” Tiffany Acosta

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Three-time Fulbright Scholar attends COP26 Sam Fernald, director of the New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute at NMSU, was among thousands of scientists and activists who converged on Glasgow in fall 2021 to attend the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP26. Fernald served as a delegate for Queen Mary University of London – where he’s a Fulbright Scholar – and was part of the Research and Independent Non-Governmental Organizations constituency, representing scientists and universities in the climate talks. Fernald says he came away from the talks having learned more about the impacts of climate change on the water cycle. In 2021, Fernald earned his third Fulbright Scholar award and relocated to London to join a research team at Queen Mary University of London working to examine biogeochemical, hydrologic and water-quality processes on rivers in the U.K. Fernald says the group’s research aims to guide the management of groundwater pumping for healthy rivers and inform appropriate adaptation to climate change. Carlos Andres López ’10

Biology professor recognized for efforts to increase diversity

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VLADIMIR AVINA

Successes

Biology Assistant Professor Adriana Romero-Olivares received the Mycological Society of America Interchange Ambassador Award in fall 2021. The MSA Interchange Award is for members committed to increasing diversity, equity and inclusion in the field of mycology and MSA membership. Romero-Olivares also is active in the Ecological Society of America, where she is a mentor in strategies for diversity in ecology education. Her research focus is on cell microbes and how they respond and adapt to environmental stressors. She was recently awarded $5,000 from that organization. “Ecology is one of the least diverse areas of research,” Romero-Olivares says. “There are not many researchers of color or first-generation researchers or LGBT researchers. This award is looking at being the bridge between those things: ecological research with an emphasis on climate change and incorporating social justice issues while involving people from historically excluded groups.” Both awards will support RomeroOlivares’ efforts to connect with and encourage young researchers from underrepresented groups. Minerva Baumann ’13

Spring 2022 | New Mexico State University | Panorama

AROUND AGGIELAND

New DACC nursing program to address statewide shortages

12 Panorama | New Mexico State University | Spring 2022

DACC NURSING PROGRAM

ynthia Olivas has envisioned what the future of the Doña Ana Community College Nursing Program would look like for some time: increased enrollment, continuing happy students and a full nursing program built to serve students living in southern Doña Ana County. Olivas is DACC’s nursing program director. The program announced plans to expand to DACC’s Sunland Park Center, with classes beginning in fall 2022. A move Olivas has been working hard for, “expansion is important as it serves multiple purposes.” “One reason is it increases enrollment, and increases graduation and completion rates. Two, there is a nursing shortage not only in our community, but across our state,” Olivas says. The Sunland Park Center, located at 3365 McNutt Road in Sunland Park, New Mexico, is roughly 40 minutes away from DACC’s Espina Campus, where nursing classes are held. With approval from the New Mexico Board of Nursing, the Sunland Park Center can begin its Career Ladder Program, which offers licensed practical nurse certificates and registered nurse degrees. According to the New Mexico Health Care Workforce annual report by the University of New Mexico in 2021, there is a shortage of 6,223 registered nurses in New Mexico. Of that number, Doña Ana County faces a shortage of 747. “With nursing shortages, it ultimately affects the people, our patients. Nurses advocate for health promotion, educate the public on the prevention of illness and injury, and provide care,” Olivas says. Students enrolled at Sunland Park will receive hybrid instruction including online and in-person clinicals. The Texas Board of Nursing is allowing students to complete clinical training at El Paso hospitals. The next step for the program is to bring in a stand-alone licensed practical nurse program, which will allow students to graduate in less time since it doesn’t require training to become a registered nurse. DACC has accepted students from the former Vista College, which closed its doors in fall 2021. The program growth, Olivas says, is what’s been needed. “The community college’s mission is to be a responsive and accessible learning center for the community,” Olivas says. “The expansion helps bring communities together by offering what the community needs.” For more information on the DACC Nursing Program and/or to apply, visit dacc.nmsu.edu/nurs/. Denise LaFrance-Ojinaga ’03

Top: DACC nursing student Ryan May works with an infant mannequin. Bottom: DACC nursing student Aryanna Smith (left) gives Melinda Hickmon, a DACC faculty member, a COVID-19 vaccine.

Former NMSU president was dedicated to student success, Aggie spirit

NMSU PHOTO ARCHIVE

DARREN PHILLIPS

uring William B. Conroy’s tenure as NMSU’s president, he developed a love for the university, especially those students who showed a passion and drive to succeed. Conroy was president from 1997 to 2000, when he retired. In 2002, the university named the NMSU Honors College and its historic Henry Trost-designed building after him. Conroy passed away in February 2022 at the age of 90. He also previously served as NMSU executive vice president and provost. Originally from New York, Conroy and his late wife, Patty, embraced Las Cruces as their home. They were avid supporters of Aggie athletics as well as all NMSU students. William Eamon, Dean Emeritus of the NMSU Honors College, met Conroy when he selected Eamon to become director of the university’s honors program in 1995. Eamon says he knew immediately that Conroy “had a deep and genuine regard for bringing out the best in NMSU’s most talented students.” “Working with him, and under his mentorship, was without question the most enjoyable and rewarding experience of my career in academic administration,” Eamon says. Conroy was instrumental in renovating the former YMCA building into what is now NMSU President William B. Conknown as the William B. Conroy stands outside of Hadley Hall. Conroy served as president from roy Honors College building. 1997 to 2000. He passed away in “And he was enthusiastic February 2022. about our plan to transition the program to New Mexico’s first Honors College, which happened a couple of years after he retired,” Eamon says. “I know he took great pride and satisfaction in the development of NMSU’s Honors College, which is fittingly named after him.” Following his retirement from NMSU, the Conroys split their time between Las Cruces, New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and traveling the world. They were frequently seen at NMSU events and Aggie games, and spent time with their five children, 12 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. The Conroys were married for 63 years. Patty passed away in May 2020. Adriana M. Chávez ’19

Retired NMSU President William B. Conroy speaks at a dedication ceremony renaming the Honors College in his honor in 2002. Conroy passed away in February 2022 at the age of 90.

Donations in honor of Conroy may be made to the William B. Conroy and Patricia Conroy Honors College Endowed Scholarship. Gifts may be sent to the NMSU Foundation, P.O. Box 3590, Las Cruces NM 88003-3590. For assistance, call 575-646-1613.

Spring 2022 | New Mexico State University | Panorama

Lucky draw

NMSU Foundation sponsors scholarship giveaway at basketball games

JOSH BACHMAN

By Nora Hahn

housands of NMSU students attend men’s and women’s basketball games each year, rooting for the highly successful Aggies in the Pan Am Center. It’s natural, given that the men’s team won this year’s Western Athletic Conference Tournament, and the women have reached the WAC title game four times since 2015 – we all love a winner. But imagine you’re a student trying to balance books and bills, and you have a chance of winning a $1,000 scholarship just by virtue of being at the games. Talk about a bank shot. That’s the idea behind “A Grand in the Stands,” a series of scholarships worth $1,000, created by the NMSU Foundation and awarded to seven lucky students during select men’s and women’s basketball home games.

McKenzie Nunez won the "Grand in the Stands" scholarship at the NMSU vs. University of New Mexico men's basketball game in November 2021.

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JOSH BACHMAN

Dictson (from left), Scott Rescigno, Arvizu and Matty Burns celebrate after Rescigno's name was selected during the "A Grand in the Stands" scholarship giveaway.

The NMSU Foundation has continued this tradition since 2018, giving every student a chance to offset tuition costs without having to fill out the usual paperwork associated with academic or sports scholarships. “A Grand in the Stands” was originally established to award one $7,000 scholarship, but was quickly augmented to instead spread the wealth among more students by presenting seven checks worth $1,000 each. The Board of Directors at the NMSU Foundation made it all possible as a way to support a few deserving Aggies, while also involving a wide segment of the student body in a new and upbeat way. “Right before they called my name, I had a tingly feeling in my fingers. It was like I knew they were going to call my name,” says Alyssa Magana, a chemical engineering major. “To the NMSU Foundation, thank you for this opportunity. Because of you, I am one step closer to being an NMSU graduate.” The scholarship registration process was designed to be simple and fast, so students can get to their seats quickly to enjoy the games. Attendance at games where the scholarships are given typically rises around 15 percent. “It’s so fun to see all the students come up to our table to register for the scholarship, and then wait at halftime for the spinning wheel at center court to shuffle the entries around, hoping their name will be called,” says Lynn Schlemeyer, NMSU Foundation senior associate vice president for external relations. Since all full-time students on the NMSU Las Cruces campus are eligible, the drawing attracts students from many backgrounds and majors. “It really electrifies the crowd when we’re about to announce the recipient,” Schlemeyer says. “When the excited winner comes down to the floor, we take their picture with a giant check and share the happy news of this $1,000 scholarship from the NMSU Foundation. It’s a win-win situation for everyone because it allows us to demonstrate a spirit of philanthropy on campus, and a lucky student gets to leave the game with a scholarship in their pocket.” Students must be enrolled in both the fall and spring semesters, must be full-time students and must be present to win. Students must swipe their Aggie ID at the Foundation table on the south Pan Am concourse and be in their seats at halftime. Winners are chosen via a random drawing at halftime. “‘A Grand in the Stands’ is like a 3-point shot,” says Derek Dictson, president of the NMSU Foundation and vice president for University Advancement. “It encourages attendance by students, up to seven students can benefit from the scholarships in one year, and it demonstrates the great opportunities made possible by the NMSU Foundation.” Students cannot be a direct dependent of any University Advancement employee or a direct dependent of any NM State Athletics employee. Other than that, it’s a slam dunk. “I think this is an awesome way to encourage students to attend both the men’s and women’s basketball games, and also for the for the community to see NMSU in action, supporting students while we support our Aggies,” Magana says. Learn more at nmsufoundation.org/a-grand-in-the-stands or contribute to the fund at nmsu.link/give.

The Big Dance

ith the 70-63 win over fifth-seeded UConn, the 12th-seeded Aggie men’s basketball team won its first NCAA Tournament game since 1993 on March 17 in Buffalo, New York. Redshirt junior guard Teddy Allen led the crimson and white with 37 points. Officially, this year’s victory is the first in the big dance for the Aggies since the 1970 Final Four run, because the NCAA vacated three NCAA Tournament appearances in the 1990s. In the second round March 19, fourth-seeded Arkansas edged the Aggies, 53-48, who were vying for their first Sweet 16 appearance since 1992. Las Cruces native and redshirt senior forward Johnny McCants recorded a team-high 16 points and 12 rebounds in his Aggie farewell. NICHOLAS T. LOVERDE

Derek Dictson (left), president of the NMSU Foundation and vice president for University Advancement, and NMSU Chancellor Dan Arvizu prepare for the "A Grand in the Stands" scholarship giveaway.

Redshirt senior forward Johnny McCants led the Aggies with 16 points and 12 rebounds in the Aggies' NCAA Tournament secondround game against Arkansas.

Spring 2022 | New Mexico State University | Panorama

JOSH BACHMAN

Aggie Power is a three-megawatt solar photovoltaic facility with about 10,000 solar panels on NMSU’s Arrowhead Park. It also houses a one-megawatt/fourmegawatt-hour battery energy storage system.

NMSU unveils Aggie Power solar project

Aggie Power will generate enough clean electricity to power about half of NMSU’s 900-acre Las Cruces campus and serve as a state-of-the-art living laboratory for NMSU faculty and students.

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JOSH BACHMAN

By Carlos Andres López ’10

once-vacant lot of undeveloped land on the southern-most end of NMSU’s Arrowhead Park is now the site of the university’s largest source of renewable energy. It houses an installation of 10,000 solar panels known as Aggie Power. As NMSU’s most ambitious renewable energy project to date, Aggie Power will generate enough solar electricity to power about half of the university’s 900-acre Las Cruces campus and serve as a living laboratory for NMSU students and faculty in electrical engineering. Aggie Power was born out of a collaboration between NMSU and El Paso Electric to advance mutual goals on renewable energy, climate action and micro-grid development. In 2018, NMSU and EPE entered into a memorandum of understanding that cemented their partnership and outlined the details of what would become Aggie Power. After a rigorous review and approval process by the New Mexico Public Regulatory Commission, NMSU and EPE signed the final rate agreement and land-lease documents, allowing construction on Aggie Power to begin in December 2020. But several pandemic-related delays slowed the project throughout 2021. The site – which consists of a three-megawatt solar photovoltaic array and a one-megawatt/four-megawatt-hour battery energy storage system – underwent a two-month testing phase

JOSH BACHMAN

NMSU Chancellor Dan Arvizu (left) and El Paso Electric President and CEO Kelly Tomblin participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Aggie Power in September 2021. Aggie Power is a collaboration between NMSU and El Paso Electric to advance mutual goals on renewable energy, climate action and micro-grid development. JOSH BACHMAN

soon after construction wrapped up at the end of 2021. The project’s contractor, Affordable Solar of Albuquerque, performed final performance and capacity testing before the site began supplying power into NMSU’s electrical grid through a central energy hub by April 2022. Under the agreements, EPE will operate Aggie Power for the next 30 years, and NMSU has agreed to buy power generated from the facility over that period. “NMSU is excited with our strategic partnership with EPE. These partnerships are critical to our goals to support a balanced and sustainable energy economy within and external to the NMSU system,” NMSU Chancellor Dan Arvizu says. “Our partnership with EPE moves us forward in a leadership role and is a perfect example of our ability to balance investments in infrastructure while providing a state-of-the-art living laboratory to complement our educational programs.” Arvizu led a ribbon-cutting celebration for Aggie Power in September 2021. Wayne Savage, executive director of Arrowhead Park, says research operations at Aggie Power will likely get underway by the fall 2022 semester after an NMSU committee identifies educational priorities. Savage oversaw the development of Aggie Power for NMSU. Savage says the site also features a microwave link that transmits real-time data to a receiver atop Tortugas “A” Mountain. “That link is connected to our campus network,” Savage says, “and we will receive real-time operating data in terms of output and other parameters that will be a baseline for research operations that will take place.” Aggie Power is one of several solar power projects on NMSU’s Las Cruces campus and one of three energy sources powering facilities across the campus. Savage says the project aligns with NMSU’s longterm commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. NMSU has joined international efforts to become carbon neutral by 2050. The university has decreased its carbon emissions by 61 percent since 2007, according to Second Nature and the University of New Hampshire’s Sustainability Institute, which track carbon emissions of entities that have signed the Race to Zero global initiative. “Aggie Power will help us achieve our carbon goals,” Savage says. “We are one of a growing number of university campuses in the country that are choosing to be powered by renewable energy.” Savage says future plans for Aggie Power will center on evolving research endeavors. While there is no land to expand the installation, he hopes it inspires other renewable energy projects throughout the NMSU system. “Eventually, I’d like to see more electric vehicle chargers and other renewable energy systems on our campus,” he says.

NMSU Chancellor Dan Arvizu and El Paso Electric CEO and President Kelly Tomblin, along with other dignitaries, cut the ribbon on the new Aggie Power Solar Array in September 2021.

Spring 2022 | New Mexico State University | Panorama

JOSH BACHMAN

NMSU music professors Jake Taylor (left) and Steven Smyth have been traveling around New Mexico to visit with students and music teachers at school districts and share their knowledge.

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igh note

By Minerva Baumann ’13 COURTESY PHOTO

lthough they aren’t hearing audiences chant their names or light up darkened venues with flickering smartphone lights, Steven Smyth and Jake Taylor are a well-known music duo in demand in New Mexico music classrooms. Since pandemic restrictions have lessened, Las Cruces Public Schools and other districts around the state are inviting the two NMSU music professors to share ideas with students and music teachers. “We’re another set of ears for these music directors and we talk to the students – it’s just a matter of encouraging them for music,” Smyth says. “Both of us were public school teachers. We’re able to bring our own experiences or even lend an ear to our colleagues and strategize with them on what we have done or what we’ve seen in different areas of the country to support their music education programs.” Las Cruces Public Schools fine arts specialist Joseph Flores describes the music professors’ professional development session as “articulate, engaging and personable,” and filled with many valuable resources and take-aways. Flores says “It is clear, in every possible way, that they are both master educators.” The professors say they gain just as much from the exchange with music teachers who may support band, choir and orchestra as well as mariachi guitar ensembles. “All those activities from elementary through high school, they’re back and they’re performing and rehearsing in class,” Taylor says. “That’s one of the main reasons why it’s so important that we get out into those schools where they’re making music in person.” Smyth and Taylor take their NMSU music education students with them, providing the students an opportunity to network and build relationships in public schools that will eventually

Music professors hit the road on public school tour

NMSU music professor Steven Smyth (center) speaks to music educators at a public school. Smyth and fellow NMSU music professor Jake Taylor have visited with teachers at Las Cruces Public Schools and other school districts in New Mexico to share their experiences and allow NMSU students to network.

get them hired. “We take our future music educators with us to observe and we take our ensembles to either perform for the students or perform at their concerts for their families and the community,” Taylor says. During the pandemic, NMSU continued to support public school music programs, but in different ways. “Especially in that situation, they needed resources,” Smyth says. “We would provide adjudication for individual lessons and solos and we made videos for students to stay involved.” Smyth encourages students by telling them employers want to hire graduates who can work within diverse groups and music can help them gain those skills. For example, he says NMSU’s marching band, the Aggie Pride Band, has 235 students. About 25 are music majors while as many as 60 percent are engineering majors. “Employers want diversity,” Smyth said. “The

band, the choir and the orchestra have not only the standard kinds of diversity but diversity of personalities. Music gives them an opportunity to mingle with all types of people and to build the collaborative skills they’re going to need.” Numerous studies have demonstrated that students engaged in music programs outperform their peers on every indicator from grade point average to graduation rates. The studies also show the more a student participates in music, the more positive those benefits become. Taylor agrees, but stresses that music can have benefits beyond school or work success. “When I was a public school teacher, the thing that made me the most proud was when a student left my program, went on and majored in engineering or agriculture, but kept singing or kept playing,” Taylor says. “We try to demonstrate to the students that you can keep making music for the rest of your life.” Spring 2022 | New Mexico State University | Panorama

Lasting impact JOSH BACHMAN

Since 2013, the Hunt Family Foundation Scholarships have helped 158 associate degree and 62 certificate recipients.

Hunt scholarship boosts successful outcomes for more DACC students By James Staley ’02

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DACC

She added that the scholarship’s consistency — it was recently renewed again for another four years — gives students something to count on. The impact of the Hunt scholarships isn’t just measurable with institutional data. Based on thank-you letters from some of the most recent scholarship awardees, that influence radiates from the recipients who benefited from them, those around them and the greater community. In her letter, Maria Antonia Herrera says she wanted to “set an example for my little brother and show him no matter how old you are it’s never too late to get a new dream.” Herrera had been struggling to balance school and working two jobs through the pandemic, particularly when she lost one job and had to search for another. For Herrera, the “scholarship means so much because I don’t have to worry about the stress of paying for school,” she writes. “I can work less and focus more on my education.” After receiving a Hunt scholarship, many of the students expressed a newfound desire to pay it forward by helping others in some way, whether that be in their new careers, as a mentor to another future student or even as somebody who donates money for such a scholarship in years to come. For Nadine Yudith Calderon, the Hunt scholarship provided hope. Calderon writes, “I’ve never had this kind of support system and it gives me hope that people out there are willing to help students like me.”

DACC

ach of their journeys follows a path as unique as their fingerprints. Some of these students have taken a traditional route, pursuing a degree right after high school. For others, education was always on the horizon but unreachable — for numerous reasons — until many years later. Within this group are preschool teachers and nurses. Future graduates hope to work in the fashion industry, law and fields in between. They all, however, are the recipients of the Woody and Gayle Hunt Family Foundation scholarships at Doña Ana Community College. Since 2013, thanks to the Hunt Family Foundation, nearly 250 DACC students have earned the scholarship, propelling them to their educational goals. Those funds are matched by the Jon Wynne scholarship endowment at the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico. “It has been really dramatic, the impact,” says Kristi Martin, who has worked at DACC for many years and is now serving as interim vice president for external affairs. For the Hunt family, that’s the goal, just as it has been for decades. “Expanding higher education opportunities in our region is one of the main pillars that our Foundation has supported for over 35 years to ensure that students from the Borderplex have the ability to pursue and complete a college education,” says Woody L. Hunt, chairman of the Woody and Gayle Hunt Family Foundation. “There are many talented students in Doña Ana County that are deserving of a pathway to college that is not impaired by financial constraints. We are incredibly proud to create scholarship opportunities that allow them to achieve their college dreams and create a more competitive region.” That impact manifests itself in many ways. First, there are the numbers. When compared to the general population of DACC students, the Hunt scholarship recipients are twice as likely to have a successful outcome, which means they completed their degree program, are progressing toward it, or have transferred to NMSU in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. Further, they were more than three times as likely to earn their associate degree than the rest of DACC students. “The completion rates for the associate, that’s really amazing,” Martin says.

Hunt Family Foundation Scholarship: BY THE NUMBERS • 158 associate degree and 62 certificate recipients since 2013. • About 80 students awarded each year. • $200,000 disbursed to students through the Hunt Family Foundation and CFSNM from 2021-2024. To apply for this or any NMSU scholarship, go to scholarships.nmsu.edu.

To qualify for the Woody and Gayle Hunt Family Foundation scholarships, DACC students must major in business, information systems, health and public services or technical studies, which includes programs such as water technologies, automotive technology and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Spring 2022 | New Mexico State University | Panorama

A beautiful

picture

NMSU engineering students help develop innovative art station

VLADIMIR AVINA

By Linda Fresques

NMSU engineering students Amanda Stoyanoff (from left), Joshua Santana and Sami Naser with Sam Cueto (seated), show off the new art station that was created specifically for Cueto as part of their senior engineering capstone class.

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would support a brush and help to position the canvas, enabling the canvas to be positioned closer to him. The student group and Hernandez met with Cueto on Zoom to discuss the project. Sami Naser served as lead engineer for the project, Micheal Rivera, team manager; Amanda Stoyanoff, documentation engineer; Joshua Santana, Andres Caballero and Sam Torres made up the rest of the team. The students designed a free-standing art station, outfitting it with mechanical arms and other parts. They were assisted by fellow students Veronica Gurrola, Kelsey Hayes and Reyes Lucero in the Aggie Innovation Space, who created parts using 3D printing and other methods of fabrication. “Our first goal was to identify the needs of the client,” Naser says. “It needed to be light and comfortable, have a lighter mouth piece and we wanted it to be fully customizable. It consists of an easel mount, painting pallet and cupholder – it rotates and moves up and down. We also made paint-brush adapters for three different brush sizes.” They also wanted it to be affordable. The total cost, provided by the College of Engineering, was $731.65, well below their $2,000 budget. They delivered the art station in August 2021. “I’m impressed with the effort that the students put in to make it specifically for him. They thought it out just for him,” Hernandez says. “I can be painting even more than I used to,” Cueto says. “It’s awesome. I like the way it looks. I like how I’m sitting here in a perfect little spot for me to paint. I love how they added the Superman decals because that’s one of my favorite heroes. It’s great.” Painting is just one of Cueto’s ambitions. He earned an associate degree in government from the Doña Ana Community College in spring 2021 and started classes as a junior at NMSU in fall 2021 pursuing pre-law and psychology. He hopes to become an attorney. “I am so grateful to everyone that helped with my art station,” Cueto says. “It will give me the freedom and creativity to paint more independently.” VLADIMIR AVINA

am Cueto likes to paint, mostly landscapes and abstract paintings. It has been a difficult interest for him to pursue – Cueto is a quadriplegic. His drive, a compassionate therapist’s search for a solution and the technological help of engineering students at NMSU led to a uniquely designed art station that makes it easier for him to engage in his creative pastime. Cueto lost his mobility due to negligence during a surgery when he was 8 years old. “Sam had been painting for quite some time. Some of his therapists tried to jimmy a way for him to hold a paintbrush in his mouth with a head array,” says Erika Hernandez, Cueto’s occupational therapist. Former therapists encouraged Cueto to paint as a method to strengthen his neck and increase head control. “It was like a head gear that I used to use and it put a lot of stress on my jaw and my neck,” Cueto says. “We just had a little stand so I had to be repositioned a lot. I had to lean forward and it wasn’t independent as I would have liked to be painting.” Cueto had success with his work. His family’s veterinarian uses his paintings on postcards. Hernandez set out to find painting adaptations for people with physical limitations but found there were not many options. “I just thought outside of what I could do and looked at the resources around us that might provide something outside of traditional things,” Hernandez says. “I cast that line and got a bigtime bite and it was phenomenal.” The big bite came from Gabe Garcia, associate dean of experiential learning and student success for the College of Engineering. In the spring 2021 semester, Garcia gave the idea to a senior engineering capstone class, the culmination of an engineering student’s degree program when students design and manufacture a project. Hernandez, Sam’s mother, his physical therapist and speech language pathologist provided Garcia with insight for the design to meet Cueto’s needs. He needed a device that

Lead engineer Sami Naser holds the paintbrush sleeve and mouthpiece designed to hold a paintbrush for Sam Cueto.

Spring 2022 | New Mexico State University | Panorama

JOSH BACHMAN

NMSU faculty and staff from across campus are supporting students in the Grow with Google Hispanic-Serving Institutions Career Readiness Program, which helps students at more than 20 HSIs prepare for the workforce.

DIGITAL NMSU joins Grow with Google HSI Career Readiness Program By Tiffany Acosta

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JOSH BACHMAN

ven though a large percentage of the NMSU student population may not remember a time before mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets, it doesn’t mean they are all technology connoisseurs. A new initiative at NMSU is helping students gain the digital skills and knowledge they need to land their dream job or internship. In spring 2022, NMSU became a member of the Grow with Google Hispanic-Serving Institutions Career Readiness Program. This initiative supports students at more than 20 HSIs and prepares them for the workforce Herrera through digital skills training and career workshops. As a Grow with Google participant, Valeria Sianez says she was pleased with the easy-to-use platform that offers modules on a broad variety of topics. “I worked on the module ‘How to track monthly expenses’ because I had no budget and had no idea where my money was going,” says Sianez, a May 2022 speech and hearing sciences graduate. “I wanted to be able to track my expenses and create a budget, but I Marin didn’t know where and how to start, let alone how to even categorize it. But after finishing the module, I came out with my monthly expenses. This truly helped me as I have had a better idea of where my money goes and

what my budget looked like.” The program expects to train 200,000 Latino students by 2025 as a result of a $2 million investment in the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. “To fulfill the mission as a HispanicServing Institution and land-grant university, the NMSU system supports the diverse needs of the state through learning, inquiry, diversity and inclusion, social mobility, and service to the broader community,” says Spencer R. Herrera, Spanish associate professor and Grow with Google faculty member. “By partnering with Grow with Google, we can better position our students to meet the workforce challenges with digital tools and skills that will serve our local communities and make our graduates more competitive in the global market.” The program isn’t just for students approaching graduation. Journalism and Spanish sophomore Cesar Hernandez found Grow with Google beneficial. “It’s a good way to learn about professional and collegiate skills that are necessary to succeed, such as creating and perfecting a résumé.” Sianez says the trainings also helped her learn more about tools such as Google Docs and Google Sheets. “Grow with Google is for anyone, because we are not all adept on technology,” Sianez says. “We sometimes need help or guidance on how to begin or how to make something better.” The Grow with Google HSI Career Readiness Program, in collaboration with HACU, provides HSI career centers with funding and a semester-long in-person and online digital skills program. The initiative combines career workshops, career counseling and programming on design thinking, project management and professional brand building. Institutions also will create additional material tailored to student needs. “Partnering with HACU and Google, NMSU’s student success staff and faculty will deliver to our Aggies additional resources to strategically prepare for their careers,” says Tony Marin, assistant vice president of student affairs. To learn more about the initiative, visit grow.google.com.

“By partnering with Grow with Google, we can better position our students to meet the workforce challenges with digital tools and skills that will serve our local communities and make our graduates more competitive in the global market.” SPENCER R. HERRERA,

SPANISH ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AND GROW WITH GOOGLE FACULTY MEMBER

Spring 2022 | New Mexico State University | Panorama

JOSH BACHMAN

Taking flight CAMP program celebrates 20 years By Billy Huntsman ’16

NMSU CAMP student Pedro Betancourt helps set up an art installation by artist and CAMP alumnus Jesús Del Río.

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JOSH BACHMAN

n a grassy area west of Milton Hall, 300 special butterflies landed to honor borderland farmworkers and two decades of NMSU’s College Assistance Migrant Program. The installation, “Mariposas Campesinas: Love Letters to our Farmworkers,” stemmed from a project for the J. Paul Taylor Social Justice Symposium. The installation was on display to the public in fall 2021. For 20 years, CAMP has served students who are the children of migrant and seasonal farmworkers or students who have been farmworkers. To help them transition to the college environment as freshmen, CAMP students receive a $1,500 scholarship, book stipends and meal allowances as well as peer mentoring and support. NMSU CAMP was among eight programs in the nation awarded a five-year, $2.1 million grant in 2017 from the United States Education Agency’s Office of Migrant Education. The program’s funding will be up for renewal again in 2022. For the 2020-2021 freshmen cohort, NMSU CAMP students had a 93% retention rate after their first year at NMSU, and 70% of NMSU CAMP bachelor’s graduates stayed in the New Mexico workforce. “Justice for Farmworkers” was the theme for the J. Paul Taylor Social Justice Symposium in 2020. Although the symposium was postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions and hosted virtually in 2021, plans for the art installation continued. A collage of Monarch butterfly cutouts decorated with art by middle-schoolers at the J. Paul Taylor Academy, and with personal messages written by the students to farmworkers, would have been exhibited at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Museum, then delivered individually to farmworkers in the borderland. The pandemic cancelled those plans. Instead, the work was displayed in front of the CAMP offices at Milton Hall. More than 300 butterfly pieces were contributed and collected by Las Cruces-based artist Jesús Del Río, a firstgeneration immigrant, former farmworker, CAMP alumnus and NMSU art major. The butterflies included submissions from schools around the region, and from as far away as the Philippines, thanks to Cynthia Bartow, CAMP’s administrative assistant, who was raised there. “Growing up in a third-world country, I have seen poverty and lack of opportunity to grow and be successful in life firsthand,” Bartow says. “My parents worked hard for all of us to go to a university and to graduate with a degree, so we can

Artist and NMSU CAMP alumnus Jesús Del Río (right) chats with J. Paul Taylor about his art instllation, "Mariposas Campesinas: Love Letters to our Farmworkers," an art installiation showcasing more than 300 butterflies made by NMSU students and sent in from around the community, including students from Anthony Elementary School and the J. Paul Taylor Academy.

“Working with CAMP gave me the opportunity to help kids going through the same hardships of missing their family, being alone in a totally different environment.” – CYNTHIA BARTOW have a better life. But even if you have a degree, there’s just not enough jobs for everyone. I learned to work tirelessly day and night and take every opportunity for work, regardless if I have to travel far from home.” Bartow started working with CAMP in January 2021. She originally moved to Las Cruces from the Philippines in 2016 and says she can relate to the challenges that farmworker families face. “They try to get every opportunity they can and would take any farm job regardless of how far and hard it is. If they need to be far from their family or under the scorching sun, they still do it,” Bartow says. “Working with CAMP gave me the opportunity to help kids going through the same hardships of missing their family, being alone in a totally different environment.” For Del Río, the opportunity to build the

structure gives him the chance to channel his identity as both the son of a migrant worker and a queer Latino artist. “I started working in agriculture when I was 16,” he says. “This project is about paying homage to farmworkers, and I’m able to do that because of my background.” The decorated butterfly cutouts used in the installation have a symbolic meaning. “A lot of immigrant rights activists use the butterfly to symbolize the natural flow of migration,” says Ricardo Trejo, CAMP recruitment and outreach coordinator. “But just as butterflies are important to the environment, migrant farmworkers are important to our community and economy.” After the installation ended, CAMP students and staff delivered the butterfly messages to farmworkers. Spring 2022 | New Mexico State University | Panorama

JOSH BACHMAN

Marisa Sage (left), director of the University Art Museum, and Jasmine Herrera, art museum coordinator, submitted a proposal to the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation that resulted in an award of $300,000 for museum operations for the next two years.

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New perspectives University Art Museum grant to support growth, improve operations

By Minerva Baumann ’13

he largest supporter of the arts and humanities in the nation awarded more than $500 million in 2021 to a range of projects across the United States and Puerto Rico. The University Art Museum at NMSU was among those invited to apply for the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation’s Art Museum Futures Fund. NMSU’s art museum received a $300,000 grant for museum operations over the next two years. “These funds make it possible for us to take the next step toward our vision of growth, including improving operations and hiring a collections curator,” says Marisa Sage, director of the University Art Museum. “With this support, we can expand public access to collections and holistically support artists throughout the creation and exhibition process.” Sage’s proposal, completed with the help of Allison Layfield, NMSU Foundation development officer, details the art museum’s efforts since 2016 to “shape public understanding of the intrinsic value of art in our diverse community, both on and off campus, by presenting exhibitions and acquisitions that more accurately reflect this region.” The University Art Museum introduced more inclusive practices and programs to welcome all members of the community to engage with art. Sage also acquired new works by femme-identifying, LGBTQ+ artists as well as artists who are Black, Indigenous and people of color. Projects and acquired commissions by Wendy Red Star, Christine Nguyen, Justin Favela, Las Hermanas Iglesias and Lenka Clayton exemplify how Sage and Museum Coordinator Jasmine Herrera worked to collect diverse perspectives that engaged with people and topics important to the borderlands. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the University Art Museum transitioned to an all-online exhibition format, reaching 8,000 people worldwide through webbased galleries, live performances and free interactive

workshops created by regional artist mothers. “The College of Arts and Sciences is proud of the work Marisa, her team and the Department of Art have accomplished over the past five years and especially their creativity in expanding outreach by sharing their exhibitions with a national and international audience during the pandemic,” says Enrico Pontelli, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. The Mellon Foundation works with artists, curators, conservators, scholars and organizations to ensure equitable access to excellent arts and cultural experiences, reaching out to colleges, universities and other organizations that embrace equity in higher learning, with a focus on historically underserved populations, including nontraditional and incarcerated students. “To create a more inclusive and equitable arts ecosystem in the borderlands region, the UAM recognizes its need as a museum to play a larger role in supporting a diversity of artists and museumgoers who face a myriad of health, financial, housing and other systemic injustices,” Sage says. “Using funds awarded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the UAM commits to increasing our role in racial and gender equity by mitigating institutional barriers to sharing artwork by underrepresented artists in our collections, exhibitions and programming.” Examples of the art museum’s commitment to supporting a diversity of perspectives that impact the Southwest include the exhibitions, “Four Sites of Return: Ritual, Remembrance, Reparation and Reclamation,” which features works by Nikesha Breeze and ran from January 2022 to March 2022, and “Contemporary Ex-Votos: Devotion Beyond Medium,” curated by Emmanuel Ortega, set to open in September 2022. The NMSU Art Museum is free and open to the public and all aspects of these exhibitions will be available online and in person, including programming. Learn more about upcoming exhibitions and the NMSU Permanent Art Collection at uam.nmsu.edu.

Spring 2022 | New Mexico State University | Panorama

ALUMNI CONNECTIONS

Alumni

Michael L. Connor ’86 In November 2021, Michael L. Connor was sworn in as the assistant Army secretary for civil works. As the principal adviser to the Army secretary on all matters related to the Army’s Civil Works Program, Connor creates policy direction and provides supervision of Army functions relating to all aspects of the United States Army Corps of Engineers’ Civil Works program. Prior to his confirmation, Connor was a partner at the WilmerHale law firm. In addition to experience in the private sector, Connor has served in many positions in the federal government. He served as Department of the

Interior deputy secretary, where he was the chief operating officer. A Taos Pueblo tribal member, Connor was the first person of Native American descent to serve in that position. He served as commissioner of the U.S Bureau of Reclamation, counsel to the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and director of the Indian Water Rights Office. Connor earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from NMSU and a law degree from the University of Colorado Law School. Tiffany Acosta

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Successes

Jesus Escobar was selected by Great Minds in STEM as one of the 2021 Luminaries. He is a Supplier Quality Manager at Cummins Inc. GMiS Luminary honorees represent professionals in science, technology, engineering and mathematics who initiate, collaborate and lead key programs and research within their companies. They have made significant contributions to the Hispanic technical community as leaders and role models. Escobar has spent more than 11 years as a member of Cummins’ Supplier Quality

organization. He is known for his ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders and suppliers and his ability to solve challenging manufacturing problems with a relentless drive. Escobar earned his bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of Texas at El Paso, master’s degree in industrial engineering from NMSU and Master of Business Administration from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Tiffany Acosta

Megin Nichols ’04 Since graduating from NMSU, Dr. Megin Nichols has dedicated her career to public health at the state and federal levels. Nichols, who hails from Cerrillos, New Mexico, serves as a veterinary epidemiologist for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where she’s worked since 2015. As the CDC enteric zoonoses activity lead, she investigates nationwide outbreaks of enteric zoonotic diseases linked to contact with animals. In July 2021, Nichols received the American Veterinary Medical Association Public Service Award, which honors outstanding public service or contributions to the practice or science of public health 30 Panorama | New Mexico State University | Spring 2022

and regulatory veterinary medicine. She has investigated numerous multistate outbreaks, including the 2020 outbreak of salmonella infections linked to contact with backyard poultry and outbreaks linked with hedgehogs and reptile contact. More recently, she established a CDC team working to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the food system. She has a bachelor’s degree in animal science from NMSU, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University and a Master of Public Health in food safety and biosecurity from the University of Minnesota. Carlos Andres López ’10

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Jesus Escobar ’10

JOSH BACHMAN

Beloved horticulturist helps develop chile grown in space

As an NMSU graduate research assistant, Frank Matta (pictured) worked with Roy Nakayama to develop a hybrid chile pepper called the NuMex Española Improved. The chile was grown on the International Space Station in 2021.

rom an early age, Frank Matta ’68 ’74 knew he had a future in horticulture. As an undergraduate biology student at NMSU, he was eager to understand how plants are cultivated and managed. His curiosity and hard work in the classroom marked the beginning of a lifelong career in agricultural science. “I like biology and when I started working with plants, fruits and vegetables, I got hooked and said ‘well, this is the route I want to take,’ so I continued,” he says. After earning his bachelor’s degree in biology, Matta chose to pursue a master’s degree in horticulture at NMSU. During this time, he also worked as a graduate research assistant under the supervision of Roy Nakayama ’48, one of New Mexico’s leading chile research scientists. Together, Matta and Nakayama developed a hybrid chile pepper called the NuMex Española Improved, which was released in 1984. The chile pepper was grown aboard the International Space Station in 2021 as part of NASA’s Plant Habitat-04 experiment. In 1974, Matta was hired as a full-time staff member at Texas A&M University while in pursuit of a doctorate degree in horticulture. After graduating in 1977, he returned to NMSU where he worked as an Extension horticulturist and superintendent of the Sustainable Agriculture Science Center at Alcalde for eight years. During this time, Matta managed 200 acres of university-owned land where agronomic crops, fruits and vegetables were grown for research purposes. “I worked a lot with grapes, apples and of course, chile,” he says. “We also introduced cut flowers called statice flowers that we grew in the field to make floral arrangements.” In 1986, Matta re-located to Mississippi State University where he began working as an associate professor and Extension horticulturist. A year later, he became a full-time professor, and traveled to Bangkok, Thailand, every summer to teach graduate-level courses at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonbur. Matta continued teaching overseas for 17 years. Near the end of his career at MSU, Matta was appointed interim department head for the university’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences. He remained in this position until his retirement in 2016. Throughout his 32-year-long career at MSU, Matta became a beloved mentor to the many graduate students he advised. “I was an adviser to about 68 students,” he says. “Fifty percent were international and 50% were domestic graduate students who I worked with mostly on theses and dissertations. It was very rewarding.” Upon retirement, Matta was appointed emeritus professor. He continued offering his services and expertise to MSU for several years. Baylee Banks ’19 ’21

Spring 2022 | New Mexico State University | Panorama

ALUMNI CONNECTIONS

Former dean influenced alumni, established prominent programs

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32 Panorama | New Mexico State University | Spring 2022

NMSU ARCHIVES AND SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

n his 15-year tenure as College of Business dean, Curtis Graham became known for the impact he made on student success, program growth and development and infrastructure. Graham, who passed away in December 2021, leaves a legacy filled with leadership and remarkable accomplishments. In 1979, Graham began his career at NMSU as dean of the College of Business Administration and Economics. Career achievements as dean included many successful projects such as the acquisition and construction of the Business Complex North building, initiating substantial growth in the number and quality of programs, significantly increasing student enrollment, and receiving national recognition and Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accreditation in the college’s accounting department. He also was part of the commission and creation of the unique and business-appropriate sculpture known as “The Traders,” which can be found at the plaza area outside of the Business Complex. Many NMSU alumni and faculty say Graham had a larger-than-life personality who made a difference during their Fuchs experience at the College of Business. “The College of Business flourished under his leadership, and I’m blessed to have been a student in those days,” says Paula Fuchs ’91 ’93, college associate professor. “Dean Graham left a lasting legacy, one that we still feel today. It’s an honor for me to strive to support our students and continue to provide our students a sense of home here in the Cordova College of Business.” For others, like John Cordova ’81 ’83, Graham provided faith and opportunities for him to earn the best education he could after completing his undergraduate work in the College of Business, and Cordova says he owes much of his success to Graham’s guidance. “I completed my MBA and have gone on to a 40year career in sports business, with stops at Major League Baseball, Miller Brewing, the Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club and 27 years at The Coca-Cola Company,” Cordova says. “I do not know if those type relationships exist any longer between students and faculty, but I am grateful they did during my time.”

Former College of Business Dean Curtis Graham (right), walking on campus with Eddie Groth, played a vital role in projects such as construction of the Business Complex North building and commission and creation of "The Traders" sculpture.

While representing stability and consistent leadership for students in the College of Business, Graham also was involved with the establishment of the PGA Golf Management program at NMSU. “Dean Curtis Graham was instrumental at NMSU in being selected as the third accredited PGA Golf Management Program back in 1987,” says Pat Gavin ’87 ’91, director of the PGA Golf Management Program. “He worked with Guy Wimberly and Herb Wimberly to make a dream a reality. Curtis was a big supporter of the program.” Graham stepped down as dean in 1994, but continued at NMSU as an accounting professor until his retirement in 2001. Tatiana Favela ’15

JOSH BACHMAN

Ask

Erica Marin ’14

Why is it important for people to know their history? “

hen I was growing up, K-12 social studies and history only included a master narrative about the great, predominantly Anglo-Saxon, men who created the United States. There were smatterings of other histories: Sacajawea, Harriet Tubman, Clara Barton, Frederick Douglas, Jackie Robinson, and if we were lucky, Cesar Chávez and Dolores Huerta. As a kid from the El Paso/ Juárez border, there was very little to help me understand my own place in history and in the world. Not the least of which, any criticism of the Founding Fathers was discouraged. The old narrative that the school systems adhered to did not help us understand the nuances of history, race, class or gender. Therefore, working class struggles, disparity among sexes and racial discrimination were completely left out in any significant form. I truly believe this is why we live in a society where if you say Black Lives Matter, it becomes a point of contention for many, rather than a call to solidarity with the Black community. It is the reason for why we live in a society that privileges few and discards many. People need to know their own history to break cycles of oppression, to feel their lives matter and that their history is just as important as any founding father’s.” Marin earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts/museum conservationism from NMSU. In 2021, she became the first El Paso native and Latina to be appointed as a director of the El Paso Museum of History. She is a National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures Leadership Institute Fellow. Before joining the El Paso Museum of History, Marin served as an exhibits curator for Las Cruces Museums, and an independent curator for Purple Gallery in El Paso. She is active in the community as an artist, focusing her creative work primarily on identity and memory.

Spring 2022 | New Mexico State University | Panorama

ALUMNI CONNECTIONS

From City Hall to the Business Complex, Las Cruces mayor shares experience

“I’m trying to share with them real-life

examples and real-life solutions that can’t be found in a textbook.”

–KEN MIYAGISHIMA

34 Panorama | New Mexico State University | Spring 2022

JOSH BACHMAN

en Miyagishima ’85 keeps busy, with his dual income. But if they don’t know how to save for retirement in roles as a business owner and mayor of Las Cru- the future when the time comes and they’re ready to retire, ces, but still finds time to share his experience they’re not going to have it there. My goal is to teach them. in the insurance and personal finance industry with “I’m trying to share with them real-life examples and students in NMSU’s College of Business. He taught a real-life solutions that can’t be found in a textbook,” he says. course in the principles of personal finance during the “I enjoy it. It’s fun, and if I can help change and increase spring 2022 semester. their awareness of it, that’s all I’m hoping to do.” “I’ve always been a big advocate of financial literacy,” says Miyagishima, who earned a bachelor’s degree in real estate and finance at NMSU and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Texas at El Paso. Miyagishima teaches personal financial planning and investing in a global economy in the College of Business. Students are learning some of the core principles of personal finance, including taxes; credit; consumer, home and auto loans; insurance; and retirement planning. Miyagishima is no stranger to the classroom. He previously taught personal finance at Doña Ana Community College from 1990-96. He says he wanted to use the knowledge Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima teaches a principles of personal finance course in spring 2022 to NMSU students. Miyagishima has also taught courses at Doña Ana Community College. and experience he’s gained over the years to benefit NMSU students and the community. Miyagishima says he would also love to explore teachMiyagishima’s class is a “viewing a wider world” ing a government or political science class and hopes to course at NMSU, meaning any student has the opportuteach the course again in fall 2022. nity to take the class without prerequisites. There were 45 Tatiana Favela ’15 students enrolled in spring 2022, and many of them from outside the College of Business. He says it’s crucial for all students to learn about the importance of planning their financial future. “My students are engineers, wildlife sciences, criminal justice majors,” he says. “They haven’t been exposed to budgets, money, investing, things of this nature; and it’s important for them because they’re going to be making a good

AGGIES TO JOIN

fter being affiliated with the Western Athletic Conference for nearly 20 years, the Aggies will be bearing a new conference flag beginning July 1, 2023. In November 2021, the Aggies accepted a Conference USA invitation to join the league. The Aggies, along with Jacksonville State University, Liberty University and Sam Houston State University, will join the ranks of Conference USA beginning in 2023-24. The announcement meant the Aggie football program, which is currently one of seven FBS independent teams, will be affiliated with a conference for the first time since being a part of the Sun Belt Conference from 2014-17. “We’re delighted to be counted among the outstanding universities that make up Conference USA,” says Chancellor Dan Arvizu. “Finding a home for all of our athletic teams, in a league that sponsors FBS football, has been a priority for us for many years. This agreement puts our university in the best position for success and we are looking forward to the bright future ahead of us.” Members of the WAC since 2005, CUSA will become the Aggies’ sixth conference

in the history of the university including the Border Conference (1931-62), Missouri Valley Conference (1971-83), the Pacific Coast Athletic Association/Big West Conference (1983-2001), Sun Belt (2001-05) and the WAC (2005-23). “Ever since our last football game we played as a conference member, the 2017 NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl win in front of 25,000 members of Aggie Nation, my primary goal for that program was to return to a conference,” says Director of Athletics Mario Moccia. “That goal has become a reality. Becoming a member of Conference USA is a significant day in our athletic department’s history. “Conference USA is a founding member of the College Football Playoff and will provide access to funding that will help all our athletic teams and 400 Aggie studentathletes,” Moccia says. “We look forward to all of our teams competing for Conference USA championships in the not-so-distant future, and our fans becoming acquainted with new conference opponents.” NM State Athletics

JOSH BACHMAN

Conference USA IN 2023

JOSH BACHMAN

PETE'S CORNER

Top: Director of Athletics Mario Moccia speaks to the media after announcing the Aggies will be joining Conference USA in 2023. Moccia shakes hands with Chancellor Dan Arvizu at a news conference announcing the move.

Spring 2022 | New Mexico State University | Panorama

AGGIE PRIDE

Foreman leaves behind storied lifetime, legacy of optimism

36 Panorama | New Mexico State University | Spring 2022

JOSH BACHMAN

“Although in the early days we didn’t have a lot of material things, we were indeed rich,” he said in a past interview. “Over the last few years, we’ve been able to accumulate a little money, and we are pleased to contribute, in whatever way possible, to help people grow.” Ed and Barbara’s principal gifts and continuous annual giving support a chair and several family scholarships at NMSU, plus a range of other college programs. The Ed and Barbara Foreman Endowed Scholarship ensures NMSU’s ability to produce highly qualified civil engineers. The couple’s children, Preston Kirk ’79 and Rebecca Lynn ’07, continued the Aggie tradition. Ed also gave his time, serving on the NMSU Foundation Board. “Ed was an extraordinary board member, NMSU alum and friend,” says Derek Dictson, president of the NMSU Foundation and vice president of University Advancement. “His passion for our NMSU community was palpable, and his family’s generous philanthropy has helped shape the lives of countless Aggies.” Nora Hahn

DARREN PHILLIPS

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self-made millionaire by the age of 26, a U.S. Congressman by the age of 28, and named to two Presidential cabinet positions by 38, Edgar “Ed” Foreman Jr. ’55 continuously made the world around him better. Foreman passed away in February 2022 at the age of 88. His focus on health, blessings and joy leaves a rich legacy for everyone he touched. Foreman was born on a peanut farm in Portales, New Mexico, and grew up in Roosevelt County. He started college at Eastern New Mexico University, but later transferred to NMSU, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and met and married his wife, Barbara ’55. He received an honorary doctorate from the university in 2008. Foreman began his career at Phillips Petroleum Company, but enlisted as a sailor in the U.S. Navy in 1956. In 1962, he decided to run for Congress, representing Texas from 1963 to 1965 and New Mexico from 1969 to 1971. He was the last congressperson to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives for two Foreman states, and later served in the Department of the Interior and Department of Transportation for the Nixon administration. His rise to success came quickly, but he never took it for granted. Foreman then became a private citizen, working as a civil engineer, executive development leader and motivational speaker. He inspired hundreds of businesspeople with his Successful Life Course retreats and “Successful Daily Living” speeches. A lifelong supporter of NMSU, Foreman was a generous donor and namesake, along with his brother, of the Ed and Harold Foreman Engineering Complex.

Spring 2022 | New Mexico State University | Panorama

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Homecoming 2022 Oct. 21-22

A tradition since 1926 On campus events include Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner, Homecoming Parade, and more Golden Aggies 50 year recognition luncheon for Class of ’72 Celebrate at the Alumni & Friends tailgate prior to the Aggie football games vs. San Jose State Learn more

Visit nmsualumni.org/homecoming or call 575-646-3616 Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @NMSUAlumFriends Download the NMSU Alumni app, available on iTunes and GooglePlay