Every year during Homecoming, New Mexico State University’s Alumni Association recognizes some of the institution’s most successful graduates and friends through time-honored awards.
Nominations are now open for the Distinguished Alumni Awards, the James F. Cole Memorial Award for Service and the Young Alumni Service Award.
The Distinguished Alumni Awards began in 1956 to recognize living NMSU alumni who have achieved national or international distinction through their accomplishments and leadership that show specific, meritorious service to the quality and advancement of NMSU. Six alumni representing all of the academic colleges at NMSU will be honored.
In 1966, the James F. Cole Memorial Award for Service started to recognize one individual or one couple every year who have shown progressive support, dedicated involvement and impactful civic and humanitarian service to NMSU and within their communities. Nominees can be either alumni or friends of the university.
The Young Alumni Service Award, established in 2019, will be awarded to one alum who is an emerging professional. The nominee must be under the age of 40 and must demonstrate making great strides in shaping their community’s future while bringing great distinction to NMSU.
“It is such a privilege to showcase the wonderful and accomplished NMSU alumni from such diverse backgrounds who are making an impact across the country,” said Derek Dictson, president of the NMSU Foundation. “These graduates frequently share stories of how the time they spent at NMSU helped to shape and transform their lives. We are honored to celebrate them.”
Nominations are due May 16 and can be completed online by visiting https://nmsualumni.org/awards-recognitions.html. Although registration is still to come, the annual Alumni Awards ceremony is scheduled for Oct. 21 at NMSU’s Corbett Center Student Union.