New Mexico State University (NMSU) revealed six new recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Awards on Sept. 6, recognizing the most accomplished alumni across various fields, according to a press release. Furthermore, NMSU's Alumni Association announced the awardees of the James F. Cole Memorial Award for Service and the Young Alumni Service Award during this recognition event.
The 2023 Distinguished Alumni Awards recipients encompass a wide range of accomplished individuals, including Jeanne Gleason from the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, Gustav Seligmann Jr. from the College of Arts and Sciences – Fine Arts and Humanities, Heather Whitley from the College of Arts and Sciences – Sciences and Social Sciences, Charles R. Rogers from the College of Business, John Yates Jr. from the College of Engineering and Christopher Kazanjian from the College of Health, Education and Social Transformation. Furthermore, Barbara Hubbard, the recipient of the James F. Cole Memorial Award for Service, distinguished herself as the director of special events at NMSU from 1968 to 1996, credited with organizing the first concert at the Pan American Center. The Young Alumni Service Award recognizes Lea Wise-Surguy, a graduate under 40, who has made significant strides in her professional and philanthropic endeavors, notably as the co-founder of Cruces Creatives, shaping her community's future through service.
“It is always humbling to see the full impact of our graduates after they leave New Mexico State University, and this year, we are once again amazed and moved by the accomplishments of this class of distinguished alumni,” said David Strong, NMSU Foundation interim president and chief financial officer. “These Aggies are changing the world in communities across the globe, and despite their varied career paths and diverse lines of work, each alum shares one thing in common: They all received their academic foundation at NMSU.”
The honorees, hailing from diverse fields such as higher education, mental health, high energy density science, educational technology, oil and gas and consumer product manufacturing, will be celebrated at the upcoming 2023 Distinguished Alumni Awards Gala scheduled for Nov. 3. Additionally, they will participate in the NMSU Alumni Association trolley during the homecoming parade and receive recognition on the field during halftime at the NMSU Homecoming football game on Nov. 4, where they will face Middle Tennessee.
