$1 million gift to College of Business will support graduate fellowships

Julie Dill ’81 is giving back to the university that helped set her on a path to success. Dill, who earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration, has created a $1 million transformational gift for graduate student fellowships. Dill said the gift is a tribute to the education and experience she received as an NMSU student.

“I had outstanding professors who taught me foundational business principles, and I believe my education was every bit as good as my colleagues’ who went to bigger, more well-funded, ‘brand name’ schools,” Dill says. “As I am now able to give back to the college that gave me so much, I want to be able to assist students to achieve their goals.” 

Having previously funded a scholarship for undergraduates, Dill wanted to ensure the new funds would be allocated where they were most needed – graduate fellowships. 

“I am hopeful that by providing this gift, it will help support NMSU’s vision of achieving the highest Carnegie research status by allowing students to focus on their studies without having to worry about financial aid,” she says. 

Dill is a non-executive director at Rayonier Advanced Materials and Sterling Construction Company. With more than 35 years of corporate experience in various executive roles, she adds a broad perspective to the corporate boards she is involved with.

By providing a pathway for students to reach their highest potential, Dill hopes others who support NMSU can follow her lead and contribute as well. 

“I recently heard someone say that successful fundraising starts with the first donor – so I am hopeful that with this ‘first’ donation, other alumni and business organizations will consider making a gift to NMSU.” 

Dill also actively mentors young professionals and has a strong passion for helping young women.

With all her success, she still prioritizes and makes time for visiting students at NMSU’s College of Business. Dill was inducted into the NMSU College of Business Hall of Fame in 2000 and received the Business Distinguished Alumni Award in 2010. She has received other awards, such as Most Powerful Businesswomen in Texas in 2016. Dill created the Julie Dill Endowed Scholarship at NMSU in 2017 and is an active member of the NMSU College of Business Advisory Council.

The graduate endowment fund was created in December 2021.