As my first calendar year at the helm of New Mexico State University draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the many new beginnings I’ve had the privilege to witness and be a part of, as well as all that I’ve learned about the beauty and resilience of New Mexico. I’ve gotten to know so many people from all over the state – people who care deeply about the work they do for NMSU, the learning opportunities we provide for our students, and the positive impact they have on their fellow New Mexicans. It’s easy to see why U.S. News and World Report has ranked NMSU as the top national university in New Mexico.
This summer, I spent weeks on the road getting to know the triumphs and challenges of our Cooperative Extension Service faculty and staff who engage every day with their communities in every one of New Mexico’s 33 counties. I hope you’ll enjoy reading about our journey in this issue. It opened my eyes to the tremendous work that is already being done, as well as the rich opportunities we have to expand on our engagement – and I’m excited to dig in and get to work.
Valerio Ferme, Ph.D.
NMSU Incoming President
Fall has a special way of bringing us back together. The scent of green chile roasting in the air, cooler evenings, football games, Homecoming, tailgates and the traditions we hold dear all remind us of what it means to be part of the Aggie family.
At the NMSU Foundation, we keep that Aggie spirit alive year-round. Like so many, we believe in the power of education to change lives. NMSU touches every corner of our state, with a presence in all 33 counties — carrying the Aggie spirit into classrooms, communities and families across New Mexico and beyond.
This season, as we gather with loved ones, my heart is full of gratitude. I am grateful for our donors, who believe in students, faculty and staff and invest in their success. I am thankful for our board of directors, whose steady leadership and vision keep us strong, and for the passion of our team, which drives our work every day. Most of all, I am deeply appreciative of each of you and the many ways you live out your Aggie pride.
As you read through Panorama, I hope you feel a spark of your own Aggie story — whether it’s the memory of stepping onto campus for the first time, the pride of walking across the stage at graduation, the lifelong friendships made along the way, or the joy of watching the next generation discover what it means to be part of something bigger.
From all of us at the Foundation, I send you warm wishes. We are so grateful to walk this journey with you, and I am proud to call you part of our Aggie family.
With heartfelt thanks,
Sylvia Y. Acosta, Ph.D. ’10
CEO, NMSU Foundation
