As many of you already know, when you grab a dime — or just use your fingernail — to scratch off that brightly-colored lottery ticket, you’re actually helping New Mexicans get an education.

Whether you pick numbers for a drawing game or you like the instant scratch-off tickets, part of the sale of every lottery ticket in New Mexico goes toward college scholarships at the public colleges, junior colleges or universities here in the Land of Enchantment.

As the New Mexico Lottery Web page — nmlottery.com — points out, the scholarships pay 100 percent of tuition for eight consecutive semesters of eligibility beginning with the second semester of college enrollment.

“It’s had a huge impact on freshman enrollment,” said Adriana Binns, director of marketing and communications with New Mexico Lottery.

The lottery, which is 100 percent self sufficient, CEO Tom Romero told me, has helped raise enough money so that more than 61,000 students have gone on to higher education thanks to the help of Legislative Lottery Scholarships.

Still, with the state of the economy the past couple of years, the lottery has felt a pinch.

Romero said that it started even before the recession, when gas prices shot up.

“We did see sales start to go down,” he said.

The lottery had to cut staff to save money.

“It’s been a few rough years,” Binns said.

Draw games, where you pick your numbers, have maintained a strong sales base, but the instant ticket games, what the lottery calls “scratchers,” have dropped, Binns said.

The situation highlights how lottery officials try to keep interest in games high, even during good economic times, but especially when times are tight.

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New Mexico State University’s Student Success Center has partnered up with NMSU’s Dona Ana Community College to provide workshops to guide DACC students making their transition to NMSU’s main campus.

All DACC students were invited and encouraged to attend the free workshop that will offer important tips and information for those making the move to the main campus.

“We wanted to take the mystery out of the transition,” said cross-campus advisor Judy Harmon, “We want students to know people when they get here and make sure they know where they can get information.”

The one-hour workshops will begin with a career video put together by the Student Success Center, followed by a student speaker who will share their story on making the transition from DACC to main campus. There will also be an advising presentation showing students the use and importance of the NMSU undergraduate catalog and STAR degree audit. Eileen Winfree of the Career Exploration Center will also talk to students about the selecting process for majors. The workshops will wrap-up with the Student Success Center’s Financial Literacy Program, providing information on how students can fund their education.

“Most students decide not to further their education because they think they can’t afford it,” said Assistant Vice President of Student Engagement Terry Cook, “These workshops will identify obstacles student may face and introduce them to opportunities they may not be aware of.”

In addition to the hour-long workshop, information from advising centers at all of NMSU’s colleges will be available, and students will be able to connect with the colleges through the Cross Campus Advising Program.

“The workshops will help students plan accordingly for not just their education but their career plan and help them to take full advantage of the opportunities offered both at main campus and DACC,” said coordinator of DACC Student Development Unit Frank Smith.

The workshops are sponsored by a grant through the Partnership for Retention and Improvement of Meaningful Opportunities (PRIMOS), a two year program to help Hispanic and low-income students pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).

The workshops will be held on Wednesday, March 10, and Thursday, March 11, on the DACC campus in Room 77. Students can attend either day for one hour between noon and 6 p.m. on Wednesday and between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Thursday.

Any DACC students with questions or considering a transition to main campus can contact Frank Smith at frsmith@nmsu.edu for more information.

NMSU students can explore multiple options to create the ideal plan for studying abroad, said Cindy Leichti, program facilitator of international programs at NMSU.

Semester at Sea offers a global experience the typical study abroad program does not have, said Kelly Wilkinson, Semester at Sea assistant director of university outreach. Students are taught on a ship rather than on land, traveling around the world, stopping in eight to 12 countries, Wilkinson said.

“It is a fantastic program which allows students to gain an education in a new perspective,” Wilkinson said. “Students will have the ability to see more of the world and to compare multiple cultures.”

Students live on a ship equipped with libraries, cafeterias, computer labs and a work-out facility, Wilkinson said.

“Basically, it’s like a university campus on water,” Wilkinson said.

Aggies Go Global is a NMSU program that offers global learning opportunities for undergraduate students, said Owen Cortner, a NMSU student.

Cortner, who conducted research in Kenya through Aggies Go Global, said the program strives to create a unique, international experience for each student.

Students who join the program can study for a full semester or during spring break, Cortner said.

“It is a great way to enhance your education and do volunteer work,” Cortner said. “There are also short-term programs available so students have more options.”

The GlobaLinks Learning Abroad program offers students a chance to enhance their education studying abroad during a semester, the summer and through internships.

Studying in another country opens up more opportunities, creates a better understanding of the world and also looks good on a resume, said Eric Anderson, manager of United States international relations for Globalinks.

“Students with almost any major can participate and scholarships are easily available,” Anderson said. “There are all these things to do [through the program] that broaden your horizons and can give you something to talk about for the rest of your life.”

Shannon Ostrowsky is a staff writer and can be contacted at trunews@nmsu.edu.

Many New Mexico State University students may be having a difficult time affording college, especially due to the state of the economy, but applying early for financial aid can help students get back on track, said Janie Merchant, associate director of financial aid.

Free Application for Financial Aid

FASFA plays a large role in the success of many financial aid programs. In order to receive financial aid, a form needs to be filled out after Jan. 1, or a renewal form needs to be filled out if a FASFA form must be submitted, according to the New Mexico State University financial aid Web site fa.nmsu.edu.

For more information about the FASFA, visit www.fasfa.ed.gov, or the financial aid office located inside the Educational Services building.

Merchant said it is important to fill out the FASFA because other scholarships may depend on FAFSA eligibility.

Grants

Grants are separated into two different categories: need-based and non-need-based, according to fa.nmsu.edu. Need-based grants are usually federal grants given to students based on a financial need Merchant said. Private grants are given to students based not only on the need for money but also based on various qualities of a student such as race, gender and degree aspirations. For more information on finding and applying for federal grants, visit www.Grants.gov.

Loans

Most student loans require no payment until the student completes his or her degree program or drop below half-time status said Merchant.. Loans used most often by NMSU students and parents, according to the NMSU financial aid Web site at fa.nmsu.edu, include Access Group, Chase, Citibank, Nelnet, NM student loans and Wells Fargo. Merchant said loans on the website are available to in some form based on eligibility determined by the FAFSA. For links to these lenders and information about loans, visit fa.nmsu.edu/loans.

Scholarships

Like grants, are resources that don’t have to be paid back said Merchant. Some general university scholarships for current students include:

• New Mexico Legislative Lottery Scholarship
• New Mexico Scholars
• Legislative Endowment Scholarship
• President’s Associates Excellence Scholarship
• High Achiever Leadership Scholarship
• Honors Excel Scholarship
• Regents Success Scholarship
• NMSU National Merit Scholarship
• NMSU National Merit Semi-Finalist Scholarship
• NMSU National Hispanic Scholars
• Transfer Achievement Scholarship
• Out-of-State Competitive Scholarship

Online search engines for scholarships outside the NMSU include fastweb.com and scholarships.com.

For more information about these scholarships or to apply, visit fa.nmsu.edu/sch02.html.

DeSean Payne is a staff writer and can be contacted at trunews@nmsu.edu.

LAS CRUCES – For Julissa Bustamante, dropping out of high school is not an option.

The 14-year-old has seen first-hand how important an education is. Her mom and older brother didn’t finish high school, and her sister started her family early.

“My brother, now he doesn’t really do anything,” Bustamante said. “He has a part-time job, but nothing really going on.”

Julissa, an eighth-grader at Zia Middle School, has big plans. She wants to be an orthopedic surgeon, and she knows that’s going to require a lot of college time, so she’s looking for a way to get a head start.

That’s what brought Julissa and her mom, Margaret Bustamante, to an informational meeting last week about the school district’s new Early College High School, set to take on its first class of 125 freshmen in July.

The school will be an extension of the district’s existing dual-credit program, in which juniors and seniors can attend classes at Doña Ana Community College and earn credit toward both a high school diploma and an associate’s degree, said recently appointed ECHS Principal Jennifer Amis….

Plans for a building for the school are still being developed. It will be located on the New Mexico State University campus, south of Aggie Memorial Stadium in the Arrowhead Research Park.

For at least its first year, the school will make use of classrooms at DACC. The freshman curriculum, which is prescribed specifically by the state Public Education Department, will be taught by high school teachers, but using the community college curriculum and exams.

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Excerpts from page 26

…About five years ago, visionaries from new Mexico State University and the insurance industry in New Mexico initiated discussion on developing a Risk Management and Insurance (RMI) studies program at NMSU. Most RMI programs at the time were in the Southeast and Northeast areas of the United States, with none located in the Mountain States region. After some major funding from early supporters, including a $1 million endowment provided by the Mountain States Insurance Group, New Mexico State University began offering a minor in risk management and insurance in 2006.

In addition to an endowed chair, the initial funding established the Insurance and Financial Services Center at NMSU. Al Berryman is the director of the center, and has 30 years experience in the insurance industry…. The IFSC facilitates interaction between students and the industry primarily through scholarships and internship programs….

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Cancer survivor scholarships available to New Mexico students

The American Cancer Society is giving students who have won the fight against cancer an opportunity to restart their journey on a road to success.

For up to $2,500 a year, the Cancer Survivor College Scholarship Program is available to cancer survivors who were diagnosed before the age of 21 and age 25 and younger.

John Weisgerber, Regional Communications Manager of the American Cancer Society, said the scholarships can help ease the burden of a young cancer survivor’s past hardships to pursue higher education dreams.

“With tuition rising, this scholarship can help both financially and emotionally as well,” Weisgerber said. “There are not many opportunities like this, so former cancer patients should definitely apply.”

Weisberger recalled one applicant who graduated from Sandia High School in Albuquerque and now attends college in California. Weisberger said he believes this scholarship program played a major part in the student being able to attend college outside of New Mexico.

The American Cancer Society offers other programs for patients, such as Cancer Resource Centers, which provide information to family members and friends about support tactics and proper healthcare check-ups.

Weisberger said a major issue in New Mexico is it is difficult to obtain proper healthcare insurance, making it a challenge to access suitable cancer screenings.

“Detecting cancer in its earlier stages make a huge difference,” Weisberger said, “so getting checked often is recommended.”

Applicants for this scholarship program have until Feb. 26 to apply, so Weisberger also recommended acting quickly.

“We had 14 applicants last year, and this year we hope to see more,” Weisberger said.

Application packets and further information can be obtained by calling 866-500-3272 or 1-800-ACS-2345.

Shannon Ostrowsky is a staff writer and can be reached at trunews@nmsu.edu.

NMSU student who donned gear graduating after three years as mascot; two needed to fill cowboy boots

LAS CRUCES — Think you have what it takes to be the face of New Mexico State athletics? You’ll need to know when to pump up or quiet down the crowd, how to handle a (fake) pistol and how to bust a move in your Wranglers.

If so, you could be the next Pistol Pete.

D.J. Downs, the slender, wiry man behind the moustache for many Aggie sporting events over the past three years, is scheduled to graduate with his bachelor’s degree in journalism this May, and the cheer squad is looking for the right person, or persons, to fill his size 12 cowboy boots.

Well, the size of your feet isn’t as important as a the size of your personality, according to NMSU Cheer head coach Jessica Franklin, who supervises the Aggies’ mascot.

“We need that person willing to go the extra mile to entertain the crowd,” said Franklin, who will oversee Pistol Pete tryouts. “You need to bring that charisma, that energy, that dedication to every game.” All while dressed up in a full cowboy regalia — Wranglers, boots, chaps, belt buckle, vest, two replica six-shooters and holsters, a cowboy hat, and of course, the moustache.

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LAS CRUCES — Steve Salway always wanted to work with college students.

“I was looking at a career as chief student personnel officer, like a dean of students,” he said.

But when he set foot on the New Mexico State University campus in 1974, it set forth his destiny in another career, albeit one that still allows him to help students. Salway is the director of placement and career services at NMSU, a job he has held since 1977. In fact, he’s been in the same building — the Garcia Annex — the entire time.

“I was director of the veterans education program for three years and got an elevation and went from the first floor of this building to the second floor,” Salway said with a laugh.

He said he has had various opportunities to leave through the years, and thought seriously about a few, but always decided to stay.

“I looked at New Mexico State and the multicultural environment (in the area),” he said. “And as a new father, I found this was a good place to raise a family.

“This was probably the best job in terms of bridging the university environment and the world of work,” Salway said. “This has brought me into contact with all the segments of the business industry, government, education and it still let me do what I enjoy doing: working with students.”

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Speaking before the New Mexico State University campus community during Spring Convocation, NMSU President Couture laid out five areas of focus for the university. (NMSU photo by Darren Phillips)

Spring Convocation at New Mexico State University Jan. 12 opened a new chapter for the university, not only in the form of a new semester, but also in the direction provided by new President Barbara Couture.

Speaking before the campus community at the Atkinson Recital Hall, and to off-campus faculty, staff and students via the Internet, President Couture laid out five areas of focus for the university:

1. The university’s state-aided budget:

“We all have read the initial proposal from the Legislative Finance Committee and our governor’s response,” Couture said. “To say this is not going to be an easy budget year is to be at risk of understatement. Like nearly every state in our nation, New Mexico is facing state budget shortfalls and it will be a very, very difficult session ahead for the men and women of our legislature.”

Couture acknowledged that the university, like every other state agency, will have to trim the budget and demonstrate that it is operating as efficiently and as effectively as possible. Couture emphasized the value of the university system to this state, not only as one of the major employers of the state’s workforce, but also as a leading institution of higher education in a system of public universities and community colleges that is the envy of the world. In these highly competitive times, institutions of higher education must maintain their value and role in providing a competitive edge to the state and nation, she said.

“We don’t know yet what the impact of the final state budget will be, but we do know now that if the budget as proposed by the LFC stands, we will face major damage to our instructional programs and our primary research areas,” she said. “During the 30-day session, I will work with our very accomplished university staff and our friends in the legislature to assure that the interests of our students and the teaching, research and outreach infrastructure of our university are preserved and remain strongly supported.”

2. The importance of keeping student enrollment strong

“Key to that success are the relationships between our university campus and each of our system community colleges,” Couture said. “Equally important is the work we do with our local and statewide high schools to encourage young people to go to college.”

As a land-grant institution, NMSU has the facilities, faculty, staff and locations to reach out to young people, adults, businesses, industries and governments across the state, providing general and specialized educational opportunities.

“Our great challenge is to coordinate these efforts so that all of those who interact with us have meaningful and effective ways to reach their goals,” Couture said. She noted that, as of Jan. 1, the four partner presidents of the NMSU community colleges directly report to her office.

“This structure more effectively recognizes their roles as leaders of partner institutions and, through their regular contact with me, we can focus on those critical issues that will make our system stronger,” Couture said. The university also will be looking at ways to strengthen its relationships to high schools and high school teachers across the state.

3. Strengthen and expand the academic and research core

“I am eager to learn more from you about where our departments and colleges have been building research and scholarly expertise, how this expertise has translated into academic programs that we are uniquely qualified to deliver, and how our faculty are connecting with the federal, state and foundation sources of funding that can help them continue and expand their work,” Couture said.

Following the upcoming session of the New Mexico State Legislature, Couture will hold an open forum on the Las Cruces campus for faculty and staff. The forum will give participants an opportunity to talk with her directly about their concerns, hopes and dreams. In the meantime, Couture will continue to meet with many college and department leaders in committee forums, individual meetings and at campus events, and she plans to reach out to students as well.

“I am eager to hear your thoughts and theirs about what we can do to support the ambitions and plans of our academic community,” Couture said. “As part of this process, you can be sure that I will familiarize myself with our faculty’s unit plans, with the benchmarks of our ‘Living the Vision’ plan, and the research, teaching and service strengths of our faculty and staff. These strengths, again, are our greatest assets and I will do my very best to work with you to build upon and protect them.”

4. Visit NMSU Extension sites and campuses statewide.

“We serve a wide and varied constituency, from a wide variety of cultural groups to traditional, state-of-the-art, and futuristic industries and research laboratories. All are important to our mission, and as soon as we have completed our important work in Santa Fe, we’re going to get to know all of these constituencies better,” Couture said.

5. In recognition of the important role private funding plays in supporting public universities, become actively involved in the Doing What Counts Campaign

“Last weekend I attended the pops festival of the Las Cruces Symphony and met many fine community members who have been long-time supporters of the arts programs in this community and in our university,” Couture said. “Sprinkled in this crowd were several relative newcomers to Las Cruces, folks who came to this community specifically to enjoy the quality of life that a great land-grant university community provides. I spoke with one couple about the ‘great idea’ that was the Morrill Act and America’s legacy of land-grant universities. We add value to the state and its communities through our forward-looking research, outreach to government and industry, and the arts and humanities programs that add to our quality of life.

“NMSU is now in the midst of a campaign to raise $225 million in support for the university by December of 2010,” she said. “I am proud to announce today that of December 31, 2009, the Doing What Counts Campaign exceeded $216 million.”

She noted the many alumni, donors and friends of NMSU who have contributed to this success, and recognized the 20 percent of NMSU faculty and staff who have made financial commitments to the mission of NMSU through payroll deductions or one-time gifts to the campaign.

“I wish to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to each of you for your contributions, for believing in your colleagues, colleges and departments, and for supporting the academic success of our students through scholarships and enhanced educational experiences,” Couture said. “Because of your contributions and our ongoing fundraising efforts, more than 1,000 student scholarships have been established, more than 200 colleges and departments now have supplemental operating funds, and more than 70 faculty are honored to hold endowed positions. We can be proud of these accomplishments as we move forward to complete the campaign, and you can be assured that I will be a headliner supporting these efforts.”

Hand-in-hand with the fundraising are ongoing projects that contribute to economic development in the area. Couture mentioned the NMSU Arrowhead Center and the opportunities it provides for translating faculty and student research into marketable products and services; the Center for the Arts project; and the potential the university has through its involvement with the Early College High School program to lead nationally with an innovative educational approach that increases access to college for New Mexico students.

“These efforts are in the spirit of our land-grant mission and are indicative of the broad reach NMSU has in developing our surrounding communities,” Couture said. “Extending that reach while building on the specific academic research and creative strengths of our university will be a key theme as I interact with you over the coming months. And I welcome your thoughts about our future and the strategic directions we might take to strengthen NMSU’s unique contribution to our national system of research and land-grant institutions.”

A partnership between the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Services and the NMSU Foundation, the Scholar Dollar$ system allows students to fill out one electronic form to be considered for all scholarships for which they are eligible. (NMSU photo by Darren Phillips)

New Mexico State University students can breathe a collective sigh of relief with the launch of a “one-stop shop” for all university scholarships that will make application easier and less stressful.

Launched in December, the Scholar Dollar$ system allows students to fill out one electronic form to be considered for all scholarships for which they are eligible, instead of filling out an application for college scholarships and another application for general scholarships.

“Many scholarships have unique criteria, so we needed to customize a system for NMSU,” said Diane Calhoun, director of scholarships and stewardship for the NMSU Foundation.

Scholar Dollar$ is a partnership between the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Services and the NMSU Foundation, which awards scholarships funded through gifts. The 46 award units in the program include all NMSU campuses. Essays are still a part of the scholarship application, but are consistent for all scholarships.

The application can be found at http://scholarships.nmsu.edu. Deadlines are Jan. 18, 2010, for entering freshmen who wish to be considered for the President’s Associates Excellence Scholarship, and March 1, 2010, for all other scholarships. The electronic awarding process will begin after each deadline.

About 4,000 students in the NMSU system receive scholarships each year, with more than $1.5 million awarded last year. Although this number is expected to double in coming years, Scholar Dollar$ has the capacity to accommodate the large amount of information.

The old scholarship systems used by the university were scattered throughout the different colleges and organizations on campus, which meant scholarships were sometimes awarded incorrectly or not awarded at all. Scholar Dollar$ reduces the risk of error because the entire process is automated.

“When I was a freshman, it was difficult to find all of the different scholarship applications. The Scholar Dollar$ system is much easier to find, and I also don’t have to worry about finding which scholarship I’m eligible for,” said Adela Tapia, a civil engineering and business administration double major.

Amy Fratzola, a sophomore in the College of Business, used the new program when she applied for next school year’s scholarships.

“Scholar Dollar$ was much easier to use because it was just one form, instead of having to fill out multiple similar forms,” she said.

LAS CRUCES – College students’ days are filled with attending classes, studying for exams and trying to maintain their grade point averages so they do not lose their scholarships.

Now, the Student Success Center-Zuhl has expanded its services to help New Mexico State University students get the most out of their education and finances through online tutoring and coaching in financial literacy.

Angie Tornowski, a senior majoring in finance and accounting, helps a student online with economics homework. NMSU photo by Audry Olmsted)

The center is offering financial literacy coaching to help students understand all of their options for funding their educations and effectively managing their finances so they are not forced to leave school before graduating.

“We’re trying to work on all the different issues that affect students’ ability to fund their education through scholarships, and the state lottery if they qualify,” said Terry Cook, assistant vice president of Student Success.

The financial literacy coaches are NMSU students – Michael Slewyn, Karissa Chadwick and Yessenia Sanchez – who have received training through the National Student Loan Program.

Chadwick, a senior studying government, said their goal is to provide face-to-face coaching for those in need.

They can help students discover which financial aide and scholarships are available to them, as well as how to make payments. The coaches can also help students learn the ins and outs of credit cards, including how to interpret a credit score and how to handle credit disputes. Other services they offer, Chadwick said, include helping students budget their money and balance a checkbook, as well as giving students the skills they need to avoid identity theft.

Chadwick added that they are targeting freshmen: they want to coach students when they are new and give them the tools necessary to successfully complete their educations without having to leave school early.

The financial literacy coaches will schedule workshops that will be available to everyone.

NMSU received funding for the financial literacy program through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act.

Another service the center now offers is online tutoring that expands on the face-to-face tutoring already in place.

“To be able to provide assistance for student success in a number of different mediums is very important,” said Lisa Kirby, program coordinator for the Student Success Center-Zuhl.

Now, students can get on a computer anywhere and log into the online tutoring component of the Student Success Center, where they can interact live with a tutor in a multipurpose room, complete with whiteboard, audio and webcam.

Even though students must sign into the tutoring using their banner identification number, the sessions can be anonymous if wanted.

There are currently eight students who are trained to work as tutors; among them, their combined expertise and training allows tutoring in all disciplines.

We’ve had numerous students sign up online to get tutoring, which we are very pleased about,” Kirby said.

Online tutoring is available Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The online tutoring component can be accessed from the center’s Web site at http://ssc.nmsu.edu/zuhl/index.html.

Cook said that since the Student Success Center-Zuhl began operating last year, they have continued to see an increase in the number of students taking advantage of the academic advising and tutoring services they offer. Students may also receive study and learning strategy assistance through the Student Success Center-Hardman.

Anyone with questions can call the Student Success Center-Zuhl at (575) 646-6050.

ConocoPhillips recently made a combined donation of $22,500 to the New Mexico State University Colleges of Business and Engineering.

The donation is just one of the many ConocoPhillips has made during its 24 years of consecutively giving to NMSU. ConocoPhillips delivered the check during a reception with the faculty and deans. The donation took place the week of the career fair, where they have been a popular destination for NMSU graduates.

“As we look to our recruiting efforts at NMSU, we have consistently hired students from NMSU’s Colleges of Business and Engineering,” said Maria Schick, a ConocoPhillips recruiter and director of commercial development and planning. “We recognize that NMSU cannot continue to provide high caliber graduates and a dedicated staff without corporate sponsorship; therefore, we make contributions to universities to keep their programs improving to meet the needs of today’s business world.”

Schick is just one of many former NMSU students now working for ConocoPhillips.

The College of Engineering will use their portion to support scholarships for students interested in pursuing careers in the oil and gas industry. The College of Business uses the money to support various departments. The Department of Finance uses a portion of its allocation to offer scholarships to some of its top finance students. The remainder is used to fund a wide variety of departmental needs, including specialized software and data for faculty and students to use and funding for the department’s student organizations.

“We believe that our students ultimately benefit from all the expenditures. The research that our faculty conducts allow them to bring new expertise in the classroom and provide research learning opportunities to graduate students,” said Liz Ellis, head of the Department of Finance. “This research also enables us to maintain our Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business – International accreditation which makes the students’ degrees from the NMSU College of Business more valuable.”

Watch a video of picture-taking and Maria Schick’s comments.

Tom Gale, seated, celebrates his Branding Iron Award Oct. 21 with, from left, daughter-in-law Gail Gale, Alexandra Nason Hall and New Mexico State University Emeritus President Gerald Thomas at the NMSU Foundation’s Partners in Excellence Dinner. The Branding Iron award is the highest honor the NMSU Foundation gives to an individual. (Courtesy Photo)

The New Mexico State University Foundation celebrated its annual Partners in Excellence Dinner as part of Homecoming 2009 Oct. 21 by honoring many distinguished partners and announcing that the Doing What Counts campaign has reached $214 million to date.

The comprehensive campaign is the most ambitious fundraising endeavor undertaken by the university and has already exceeded expectations. The original goal of $150 million by December 2008 was met early in the effort causing the NMSU Foundation Board of Directors to revise the goal to $225 by December 2010.

“As we honored those who contribute to NMSU everyday at our Partners in Excellence Dinner, we wanted to celebrate the campaign’s success. The generous gifts we have received are the reason we continue to grow and transform NMSU,” said Nick Franklin, vice president of university advancement and executive director of the NMSU Foundation.

Awards presented at the dinner included the Branding Iron Awards, the Spirit of Service Awards, and the Circle of Excellence Awards.

The Branding Iron award is the highest honor the NMSU Foundation gives to an individual. It recognizes significant and unique contributions to the university. Receiving the award this year were Tom Gale, Ed Lujan and Waded Cruzado.

Gale came to NMSU in 1971 to be dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. His impact on the university, community and state was immediate and continued long after his official retirement from NMSU in 1991. Even after retirement, he worked to establish the Center for Latin American Studies, worked with the College of Education to improve the level of teacher education in New Mexico, served on the state Commission on Higher Education, created the Academy for Learning in Retirement, served on the NMSU Foundation Board of Directors and several other university and community boards. He and his wife, Mary, have supported many campus programs and established the Thomas M. Gale endowed fund for excellence in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Lujan earned two degrees from the New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. After a brief teaching career, he joined the family insurance business in the late 1960s. From 1968 forward, he served as the chief executive officer for the Manuel Lujan Agencies in Albuquerque. Now retired, he continues to serve as the company’s chairman of the board. He is a very loyal Aggie and has served on many boards and supported many programs at the university. He received an honorary doctorate from NMSU in May 2000.

Cruzado was appointed executive vice president and provost at NMSU Sept. 1, 2007. From August 2008-May 2009, she served NMSU as interim president. Prior to her service as provost, she led NMSU’s College of Arts and Sciences as dean for four years. During her interim presidency at NMSU, achievements included gains in the university’s Comprehensive Campaign despite a troubled economy and success at the 2009 session of the New Mexico Legislature that included $5.5 million in additional funding for the Center for the Arts. She will leave NMSU in January 2010 to become the president of Montana State University.

NMSU benefits each year from the intangible contributions that come from alumni and friends. The Spirit of Service award is designed to recognize those contributions. This year’s recipients were Walter Hines, Bruce Ritter and Danny Villanueva.

Hines, who has two degrees in mechanical engineering from NMSU, has been active with the alumni association wherever he has lived, raising money to support student scholarships and just promoting NMSU. He and his wife, Bette, also established a deferred gift annuity to support NMSU athletics well into the future.

Ritter earned his accounting degree from NMSU in 1971. He has been a CPA in Roswell for many years. Ritter is a behind the scenes man who has been a quiet supporter of the business college, the President’s Associates scholarship program and Aggie football.

Villanueva has given back to NMSU in many ways. One of the most impactful has been the Chicano Program’s scholarship breakfast held at the start of Homecoming for the past several years. At this event, guests were able to hear nationally recognized speakers invited by Villanueva. He has continued to match funds raised during these breakfasts each year. The endowment reached its original $500,000 goal this summer.

Circle of Excellence donors also were recognized at the dinner. Those recognized in the Circle of Excellence – Gold category for achieving a cumulative giving history of more than $1 million are Jacobs Technology, Lockheed-Martin/Sandia Laboratories, Wells Fargo Bank, the Wolslager Foundation, the late Mr. and Mrs. W.F. “Dub” Martin, and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. There are 25 other donors at this level.

Those recognized in the Circle of Excellence – Silver category for achieving a cumulative giving history of $500,000-$1 million were John Yates Sr. and his wife, Charlotte. There are 29 other donors at this level.

Those recognized in the Circle of Excellence – Bronze category for achieving a cumulative giving history at the university of $250,000-$499,999 were Rama and Ammu Devasthali, Lumina Foundation for Education and Belva Roark. There are 52 other individuals, corporations and foundations at this level.

In March 1969, a short time after the New Mexico State University Pan American Center opened its doors, Las Cruces welcomed funny man Bill Cosby to the stage. Now, in celebration of Homecoming and 40 years of the Pan Am, Cosby is back with a new show at 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23.

Cosby is no stranger to Barbara Hubbard, local legend and executive director of the American Collegiate Talent Showcase (ACTS), who says Cosby has made a big difference in the lives of many.

“He’s a legend and if you’ve never watched him work, you’re really going to miss something if you don’t go,” Hubbard says. “Come and pay tribute to a great legend in the business.”

Hubbard says Cosby was instrumental in creating the Bill Cosby Endowment for the Performing Arts scholarship that is awarded to three incoming freshmen at NMSU who choose to major in performing arts.

Together, Hubbard and Cosby have established endowments at schools in North Carolina, Ohio, Georgia and Texas. Schools contact Hubbard to help book big names like Cosby for special events, and over the years, Hubbard and Cosby have grown to be great friends.

Read the article.

Students who are part of the online tutoring program with the Student Success Center-Zuhl are specially trained to assist their peers in almost all areas of academic study offered.

New services offered at Student Success Center

The Student Success Center-Zuhl has expanded what it offers to help the New Mexico State University community get the most out of their education and finances.

Financial literacy and online tutoring are two new services aimed at helping students get help when they need it and also to manage their money and scholarships so they can successfully reach graduation.

The center is offering coaching in financial literacy to help students understand all of their options to fund their education and manage their funds effectively so they are not forced to leave school before graduation.

“We’re trying to work at all the different issues that effect students’ ability to fund their education through scholarships, and the state lottery if they qualify,” said Terry Cook, assistant vice president of Student Success.

The financial literacy coaches are NMSU students who have received training through the National Student Loan Program.

Students can attend one-on-one coaching sessions at the Student Success Center, where they can receive guidance in such topics as how to build and manage a budget, avoiding falling into credit card debt and being aware of identity theft.

The financial literacy coaches will also schedule workshops that will be available to everyone.

The center now offers online tutoring as well, expanding on the face-to-face tutoring already in place.

“To be able to provide assistance for student success in a number of different mediums is very important,” said Lisa Kirby, program coordinator for the Student Success Center-Zuhl.

Students can get on a computer anywhere and log into the online tutoring component of the Student Success Center, where they can interact live with a tutor in a multipurpose room complete with whiteboard, audio and webcam abilities.

Even though students must sign into the tutoring using their banner identification number, the sessions can be anonymous if desired.

There are currently eight students with expertise in almost all disciplines at NMSU who are trained to work as tutors.

“We’ve already had students sign up online to get tutoring, which we are very pleased about,” Kirby said.

Online tutoring is available Monday through Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m.

The online tutoring component can be accessed from the center’s Web site at http://ssc.nmsu.edu/zuhl/index.html.

Anyone with questions can call the Student Success Center at (575) 646-6050.

Pictures from the Convention

“Artist Virginia Maria Romero, co-coordinator of the What’s Art? Convention, Sabrina Pratt, director of the City of Santa Fe Arts Commission; and David Boje, convention co-coordinator, and more photos.”

See photos.

“LAS CRUCES- What’s up? WHAT’S ART! A group that joined for an arts marketing brainstorming session convention in 2008 is getting together again and adding a street festival, an arts show and sale and other attractions to the artistic mix. The 2nd Annual WHAT’S ART? Convention will be Oct. 2 and 3 at Court Youth Center/Alma d’arte Charter School, 402 Court St.

The What’s Art? Convention is still seeking artists who wish to sell their art, but today’s the deadline [Sept. 25] for artists who would like to sell their art at the event. Guidelines can be obtained at Alma d’arte or at http://talkingstick.info. All media will be accepted. There is no fee to enter. The 15 percent commission will be used to defray convention expenses.

Court Street will be blocked off on Saturday, Oct. 3 for the Street Fest portion of the event.

John Villani, author of “100 Best Small Art Towns in America” will speak at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 2 about “communities creating themselves as centers of art, creativity and livability.”

Sabrina Pratt, executive director of the Santa Fe Arts Commission will also join the discussion”

Read the article.

Convention brings artists, students together

Building southern New Mexico as an arts community is a tough job, but according to David Boje, New Mexico State University business management professor, someone has to do it. That “someone” encompasses the entire community during the second annual What’s Art? Convention Friday and Saturday, Oct. 2 and 3.

The Talking Stick Institute, joined by Alma d’arte Charter High School, will host this year’s convention titled “Exploring the Creative and Green Economy of New Mexico” along with a street festival to celebrate the arts in the area.

“We want to include the sale of art and culture in southern New Mexico as the key focus,” says Boje, who serves as one of the event’s coordinators. “To do that, we’re bringing in experts in arts and marketing for organizations to evolve the methods by which we operate.”

John Villani. (Submitted photo)

One such expert is guest speaker John Villani, author of “100 Best Small Arts Towns in America” who will share his experience in communities that have made themselves as centers of art, creativity and livability at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at Alma d’arte, 404 W. Court Ave.

NMSU students and faculty will participate in the convention, which will include 25 workshops, such as “Tactics for Selling,” “Insuring and Collecting Art,” “Art in the Schools,” “Various Art Forms – Hip Hop” and “Culinary and Ice Sculpture.”

“We are really maturing as a convention – and instead of having groups talk about the future, we are giving workshop sessions to help grow the art economy here in the area,” Boje says. “There are more than 130 arts organizations here and we are inviting them all to come and be a part of this opportunity.”

Boje says he hopes the workshops will appeal to artists and collectors alike, bringing the two together to create what he refers to as the “creative economy,” with arts as an economic engine for the region.

“We are focusing on the business of art and using it as an educational opportunity for artists to use and students to learn,” he says.

The street festival event will be from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, on Court Avenue in front of Alma d’arte and will include vendors providing food, artist demonstrations, arts and crafts for sale, as well as entertainment, talking circles and more.

The event’s grand finale will take place at 3:30 p.m. and will include art created throughout the day, street festival participants and musicians, including singing by Yolanda Martinez and Karline Valentine, and drumming by New World Drummers.

“We have such a distinctive southern New Mexico flair to our arts and culture – it’s different than the north and it’s growing,” Boje says. “It can be truly marvelous, with good support, as more of an economic engine than it is now. Consumers haven’t quite learned that we have a worthy spot on the map in New Mexico.”

Boje’s business class of 30 students has been working with artists and organizations to help grow their small businesses in the area. They will spend the rest of the semester of Boje’s class working with various people on developing a creative economy in Las Cruces.

Tickets for the reception and workshops are $35 at the door. The student price is $25 at the door. For more information, visit http://talkingstick.info, contact Boje at 532-1693 or Irene Oliver-Lewis at Alma d’arte at 541-0145.