The New Mexico State University Alumni Association is accepting nominations for the 2023 Distinguished Alumni awards from now through May 15. More than 400 distinguished Aggies have received these awards since 1956, the highest honors for alumni of the university.
Every year during Homecoming weekend, the NMSU Alumni Association recognizes some of the university’s most successful graduates. Nominations are now open for the Distinguished Alumni Awards, the James F. Cole Memorial Award for Service and the Young Alumni Service Award. Anyone may nominate a living alumnus from NMSU for these awards, and criteria can be found on the Alumni Association website at https://nmsualumni.org/awards-recognitions.html.
Among last year’s distinguished alumni are a Hollywood producer, an NFL all-star, a high-tech entrepreneur and several healthcare professionals, hailing from locations from Seattle to Charleston. The winners were recognized at a formal affair held at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum in October.
“We are continually amazed by the caliber of alumni who graduate from NMSU and become leaders in their fields of study, their communities and their places of service,” said Derek Dictson, NMSU Foundation president. “With these awards, we are able to recognize Aggies who have boldly shaped the future, who express their passion and admiration for NMSU, and who exemplify the quality of NMSU graduates as a whole.”
The Distinguished Alumni Award 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 each academic college and two from the College of Arts and Sciences, will be honored.
In 1966, the James F. Cole Memorial Award for Service was launched 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, is 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.
Nominations are due no later than May 15 and can be completed online at https://nmsualumni.org/awards-recognitions.html. Although registration for the awards ceremony is still to come, the annual Alumni Awards ceremony is tentatively scheduled to take place during Homecoming weekend 2023.
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CUTLINE: The 2022 New Mexico State University Distinguished Alumni recipients were recognized at an event at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum in October. The NMSU Alumni Association is now accepting nominations for the 2023 Distinguished Alumni awards. (NMSU photo by Gina Palombit)