The New Mexico State University Foundation is proud to once again sponsor the NMSU Homecoming football game on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 3 p.m. in Aggie Memorial Stadium, while also celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Distinguished Alumni Awards, one of the Foundation's most cherished traditions.
The Aggies will take on the Liberty Flames of Liberty University as alumni, students and community members return to campus for a weekend filled with reunions, recognition and celebration.
“Homecoming is one of the most meaningful traditions at New Mexico State because it brings generations of Aggies together to celebrate our shared history, lifelong relationships and the impact of our university,” said Sylvia Y. Acosta ’10, CEO of the NMSU Foundation. “This year is especially significant as we celebrate 70 years of honoring alumni whose leadership, service and achievements continue to make a difference in communities across New Mexico and around the world.”
The weekend features a variety of events celebrating Aggie pride and tradition. Activities kick off Thursday, Nov. 5, with the Aggie Mixer | Las Cruces – Homecoming Edition at the NMSU Golf Course’s 1888 Taphouse & Kitchen, where Aggies celebrating their 5-, 10-, 25- and 50-year anniversaries will be honored guests. The celebration continues Friday, Nov. 6, with the Distinguished Alumni Awards dinner at the Las Cruces Convention Center.
On Saturday, Nov. 7, alumni and friends can enjoy the Homecoming Parade, the NMSU Alumni Homecoming Tailgate, and Ag Day, hosted by the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.
This year’s celebration also includes several milestone anniversaries. The School of Social Work will commemorate its 50th anniversary with a special alumni reception on Friday, Nov. 6, from 3 to 6 p.m. in the Corbett Center Student Union Ballroom. The university will also celebrate the 60th anniversary of the James F. Cole Memorial Award for Service, the NMSU Foundation’s most prestigious alumni honor.
Since the Distinguished Alumni Awards were first presented in 1956, more than 400 alumni have received the Foundation’s highest alumni recognition for excellence in professional achievement, service and leadership. The James F. Cole Memorial Award for Service, established in 1966, honors alumni or friends of the university for exceptional civic, philanthropic and humanitarian contributions. The Young Alumni Service Award, established in 2019, recognizes graduates younger than 40 who are making an impact early in their careers.
2026 Honorees
· José N. Uranga ’69, Esq. – James F. Cole Memorial Award for Service
A decorated veteran, environmental attorney and public servant whose career included service with the U.S. Department of Justice and leadership roles supporting conservation, youth mentorship and child advocacy.
· Kevin Culver ’13, Esq. – Young Alumni Service Award
A recognized leader in tax and cybersecurity law who serves as CEO of TaxRX Group, vice president of tax incentives and associate general counsel at Royse Partners and volunteers as an adviser through NMSU’s Arrowhead Center Advising Network.
· Raymond Loretto ’73, DVM – College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
A veterinarian and public health leader who has spent nearly four decades serving Native American and rural communities while advising state and national organizations.
· Matthew W. Wright ’87, Esq. – College of Arts and Sciences
An accomplished attorney and trial advocate who has appeared before the U.S. Supreme Court and earned Martindale-Hubbell’s highest rating for legal ability and ethics.
· Pete Rahn ’76, ’77 – College of Arts and Sciences
A nationally respected transportation leader and the first person in U.S. history to lead transportation departments in three states.
· COL Jerry E. Gaussoin Jr. (retired) ’94 – College of Business
A highly decorated military leader whose 30-year Army career included assignments with the 101st Airborne Division, U.S. Army Special Operations Command and the Pentagon.
· Tim Thompson ’78 – College of Engineering
An entrepreneur, innovator and former Los Alamos National Laboratory leader whose work has advanced national security initiatives and digital dental technologies.
· Terra Winter ’01, ’05, PhD ’17 – College of Health, Education and Social Transformation
President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico who oversees $44 million in assets and leads philanthropic efforts that strengthen 12 counties throughout southern New Mexico.
The 2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony will take place Friday, Nov. 6 beginning at 5 p.m. Emmy Award-winning journalist and NMSU alumna Carla Aragon ’77, who was inducted into the New Mexico Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame in 2021, will serve as master of ceremonies. Tickets for the celebration dinner and awards ceremony can be purchased at Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner | New Mexico State University Foundation. Additional information about the awards is available at alwaysanaggie.org/alumni/awards. For the latest schedules and Homecoming event details, visit AlwaysAnAggie.org/homecoming.