In a record-breaking show of generosity by Aggie nation, the New Mexico State University Foundation raised $385,744.88 in just 31 hours during its annual Founders Day, 1888 Minutes of Giving campaign — making it the most successful spring fundraising effort in the Foundation’s 66-year history. The outpouring of support will directly benefit students, faculty and programs across the NMSU system.
Launched in 2024 to honor the year NMSU was established, the 1,888-minute crowdfunding event has quickly become a signature spring fundraising tradition. The inaugural campaign raised more than $219,000 from 241 donors in 25 states. This year, 319 donors from 29 states exceeded the $188,888 goal by 104%, demonstrating strong support from the NMSU community.
“I am overwhelmed but not surprised that Aggie nation rose to the occasion and gave from the heart to support our beloved NMSU,” said Sylvia Y. Acosta, CEO of the NMSU Foundation. “The Aggie spirit shone brightly during 1888 Minutes of Giving, and I know our founders would be proud of the incredible generosity shown by our community to support our land-grant mission: to educate, innovate and serve New Mexico and beyond.”
More than 50 programs and initiatives will benefit from this year’s campaign. Matching funds from newly inaugurated NMSU President Valerio Ferme are still available to support Aggie Athletics, the Institute for AI and Machine Learning and the ’88 Pathway. Make a gift to any of these funds at President Matching Funds 2025.
The campaign leaderboard highlighted the enthusiasm of individuals and teams across the NMSU community, encouraging friendly competition and a shared commitment to making a difference.
Alumni led the way in giving, followed by faculty and staff, friends, students and parents. Aggie Cupboard received the largest gift, while Aggies Without Limits and Aggie Athletics ranked second and third in total giving.
The Class of 1983 contributed the highest dollar amount, with the Classes of 1981 and 1980 coming in second and third in the class competition.
The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences led the College Challenge, followed by the College of Business and the College of Health, Education and Social Transformation.
The campaign’s success was fueled by 16 matches and the work of more than 20 Aggie champions who volunteered to promote the campaign online and in person. Festivities included a kickoff parade through the Las Cruces campus, Trivia for a Cause, hosted by Bosque Brewing, and incentive challenges created by corporate and nonprofit sponsors to boost participation.
“Becoming a corporate sponsor of 1888 Minutes of Giving is a powerful way to show your employees and customers that your business is investing in the future of our community and our state,” said Erin O’Donnell, Outreach and Marketing director for Aprendamos Family of Services, which sponsored a Power Hour with a dollar-for-dollar match.
For more information about the campaign or to make a gift, visit https://alwaysanaggie.org/.