Leza named to NMSU Entrepreneur Hall of Fame

Richard 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 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.