New Mexico State University hosted its annual Founders Day to celebrate NMSU’s heritage and commemorate its rich history. NMSU’s Employee Council hosted the event April 24 at Traders Plaza.
The “A” Mountain Staff Award was presented to Freddie Romero, academic adviser with the Center for Academic Advising and Student Support, and the Aggie Legend recognized the late Herb Wimberly, longtime NMSU men’s golf head coach.
NMSU support staff was acknowledged as part of Administrative Professionals Day. John Porter Bloom was recognized for an endowment gift to the NMSU Library in honor of his grandfather, John R. McFie, who was one of NMSU’s founders.
Wimberly, who died in December 2023, was honored as the Aggie Legend for his devotion to NMSU’s golf program and his contribution to the Professional Golf Management program at NMSU. Wimberly served as NMSU men’s golf head coach for 31 years. In 2023, he was inducted into the Professional Golfers’ Association of America Hall of Fame. Wimberly earned six conference coach of the year honors with the Aggies. In 1987, he helped bring the Professional Golf Management program to NMSU’s College of Business. He was co-director of the program until he retired in 1993.
The “A” Mountain Staff Award recognizes staff members who demonstrate the NMSU core values of leadership, excellence, access, diversity and inclusion, and those who are student-centered. The spring 2024 award was presented to Romero for his dedication to student success.
Romero was surprised and honored to receive the “A” Mountain Staff Award.
“My colleagues and I in the advising center always take a holistic approach when it comes to working with students,” he said. “In addition to providing students with information on degree requirements, and strategic advice on how best to complete classes, we also collaborate with other campus partners to ensure that students feel supported in all aspects of their college experience.”
Academic Advisers Liz Rodriguez, Victoria Bañuelos, David Perez and Milen Bartnik and Fraternity/Sorority Life Adviser Aitiana Zamora nominated Romero. They believe that he embodies what it means to be excellent at NMSU and he is someone who leads by example and supports students beyond his role as an adviser.
“Freddie believes that diversity is not just a checkbox to be ticked but a fundamental principle that enriches the academic experience,” Perez said.
“Freddie embodies the very ideals that define a true leader,” Bartnik said. “He is decisive, trustworthy, communicates clearly, is resilient and most importantly uses his gifts to empower others.”
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CUTLINE: New Mexico State University Academic Adviser Freddie Romero, center, received the “A” Mountain Staff Award at NMSU Founders Day April 24. Mónica Torres, left, NMSU incoming interim president, and Jay Gogue, NMSU outgoing interim president, presented the award. (NMSU photo by Josh Bachman)