Sam Steel Way New Mexico State University s College of Agriculture and Home Economics Winter 2007 Making a difference: CAHE scholarships help students stay focused The scholarships allow me to go to college without me or my parents having to worry about how to pay for my classes. Lamb, who came to NMSU from just outside Clines Corners, N.M., said she knows of students who even have to skip class to work in order to pay for their classes. Without having to worry about paying for my own education, I can go to class and have time at night to study, she said. I don t have to get a job and find a way to support myself. I can give it my full effort, not just what I have left over when I m done with the rest of my day. She also said the scholarships show donors believe the recipients are worth giving money to. The donors know you will do something with your education and believe in you enough to help support you. Victor Venegas DARREN PHILIPS T hey may never meet in person and may never even know what the other looks like, but some students and alumni from the College of Agriculture and Home Economics share a special bond. There are so many students out there with a lot of potential who want to get higher education, but they re held back from reaching it because they re worried about the financial impact it will have on them and their families, said Amy Lamb, a sophomore majoring in agricultural economics and agricultural business. Without the scholarships made possible by donations, a lot of students couldn t even think about going to college. In the fall of 2006, 584 students in the College of Agriculture and Home Economics received scholarships. A total of 237 scholarships available through the college are funded by alumni donations. Lamb received the John H. and Bernice O. O Doyle scholarship and the A.W. and Lesla Markey scholarship. As a senior at Moriarty High School in central New Mexico, Lamb said she was overwhelmed just thinking about where she would go to college not to mention trying to figure out how she was going to pay for it. There s money out there from the federal government or the lottery scholarship, but that s not always enough, Lamb said. When you look at housing and living expenses and all the extras, it really adds up. Chanz Robbins, a freshman majoring in agricultural biology and agricultural business, said the academic standards required by his scholarships help keep him on track with his studies. He received several scholarships, including the John F. Cole scholarship and the John Durkin scholarship. It helps keep me focused on my educational goals, Robbins said. Other kids may go out partying and whatever having a good time. Those of us on scholarships stay more focused and keep our goals in mind. Robbins, originally from Animas, N.M., explained that the scholarship also gives him the time he needs to be successful in the classroom. I don t have to work two or three jobs to pay for school. I have enough time to study, for projects and everything else I need to do to be successful, he said. He said the scholarships have also helped him gain financial independence. When I was in high school, I told my parents I wanted my college degree to be my responsibility, Robbins said. Alumni and friends share stories under a tent in front of Skeen Hall following the annual breakfast that included recognition of scholarship recipients and donors during Homecoming 2006.
T he College of Agriculture and Home Economics is fortunate to have so many alumni who care about its future and want to be involved as we move forward. I am excited to Lowell B. Catlett work with the CAHE Alumni and Friends Chapter in 2007. The Executive Board is working on involving alumni with student recruitment and retention, and focusing on alumni awards and events. I want to thank the alumni who have responded to help with these endeavors. A series of focus group meetings of faculty and staff of the College of Agriculture and Home Economics were held in fall 2006 resulting in the identification of many important issues of common concern. As a faculty member of this college for 29 years, I am committed to working with the faculty and staff to address the issues raised. The real challenge will come as we jointly develop and implement strategies to continuously improve the college. I am enthused by the response of our internal community to these group sessions on the future of the college. Two issues were mentioned so often that they warrant immediate response. There was a strong desire among participants to: 1) revisit the name of the college and 2) provide better networking opportunities for faculty, staff and alumni. Consequently, I have appointed a committee of alumni, faculty, staff and stakeholders to solicit input on prospective names for the college. Secondly, I have asked a group of faculty and staff to look at ways to improve communication and networking. I invite your input. Please feel free to contact me at agdean@nmsu.edu or (505) 646-2353. Let s keep moving forward together. Dean Lowell B. Catlett T he paddlewheel steadily water algae hundreds of miles from spins, creating an endless the nearest ocean? wake of greenish waves We have sunlight and space, in the 10-foot circular stock tank and we have a brackish and saline at New Mexico State University s water supply, said Steve Loring, Agricultural Science Center at assistant director of NMSU s Artesia. Even though it seems the Agricultural Experiment Station. stationary paddlewheel isn t making Those make good conditions for progress, it may help find the way algae farmers. to cleaner, renewable fuels using oil In addition to space for two extracted from one of nature s simplest organisms single-cell algae. The NMSU center is serving as the location of research led by the Center of Excellence for Hazardous Materials Management (CEHMM), based in Carlsbad. Research is focused on developing the potential of Matt Mathis, left, and Roger Simmons, technicians growing algae as with the Center of Excellence for Hazardous Materials Management, sample the water in a stock tank being an oil-producing to grow algae at New Mexico State University s feedstock for biodiesel used Agricultural Science Center at Artesia. production. The project is investigating demonstration tanks, a supply the best ways to grow and harvest of well water and technical certain species of algae, which expertise, the center is providing produce a much higher level of oil lab space for the project. Extension than more traditional crops like agronomist Robert Flynn is the soybeans or canola. Artesia center s liaison with the The oil produced from algae project. He reviews literature will process into biodiesel as that relates to the project and easily as oil obtained from landcoordinates with the technicians, based crops, said a news release fine-tuning prior research efforts from CEHMM. Algae is now to match water and weather considered to be one of the most conditions at Artesia. Flynn also critical components in alleviating oversees the canola crop project. the need for foreign oil. CEHMM The next step in the research is is also collaborating with the to establish a larger demonstration Artesia Science Center on a pond at the Artesia center, about project focused on the potential of one-quarter of an acre in size. A much growing a cold-season canola crop, larger demonstration project will be also to generate oil for biodiesel started in 2008 that eventually will production. cover about 100 acres. But why attempt to raise salt Darrell J. Pehr DARREL J. PEHR A message from the dean Scientists research best ways algae can fuel biodiesel production
Former NMSU president and wife receive first Sam Steel Exemplar Award CAHE legislative initiatives As the 2007 New Mexico Legislature opens, the College of Agriculture and Home Economics joins with the rest of the university in support of muchneeded programs that fulfill our commitment not only to Extension outreach, but also to research and teaching. They include, but are not limited to, funding for: Agricultural Experiment Station and New Mexico Department of Agriculture Expanding regulatory, education and research programs to address emerging plant/animal issues. Cooperative Extension Service 4-H Youth Engagement; Animal and Range Sciences judging program; Strengthening Families Initiative; Tribal Extension Initiative. Cooperative Extension Service and New Mexico Department of Agriculture Food Products, Processing and Testing Center. New Mexico Department of Agriculture Expansion for specialty crops marketing programs; information technology; natural resources issues for facilitation and mediation; veterinary diagnostic services; adjustments for the NMDA Dairy Division and Standards and Consumer Services Division. New Mexico Department of Agriculture and Office of Facilities Services The Sustainable and Renewable Energy Research Development Program. Agricultural Science Center Infrastructure Renovation and Expansion. Faculty and staff give back COURTESY PHOTO Victor Venegas F ormer New Mexico State University president Gerald Thomas, and his wife Jean Thomas, have been awarded the Sam Steel Exemplar Award from the College of Agriculture and Home Economics Sam Steel Society. Former New Mexico State University President Gerald The award, Thomas and his wife Jean, center, stand with College given for the of Agriculture and Home Economics Associate Dean Wes Holley, left, and Dean Lowell Catlett, right. The first time, is for Thomases received the first-ever Sam Steel Exemplar individuals or Award at the Sam Steel Society induction ceremony in couples who have December 2006. excelled in their chosen field and who have been really have continued through the years, it is just a matter of active in the community and how to implement them. greatly involved with NMSU. In 1984 Jean Thomas was We wanted to honor honored by the NMSU Board a person, or couple, that of Regents with the Regents graduates and students could have as a role model, said Dean Medal for outstanding services in support of people and Lowell Catlett. Gerald and programs of the university. Jean are absolutely exemplary It s important to emphasize in the way they have conducted that although Gerald was their lives. president, his wife Jean had a When Gerald Thomas distinguished career in her own took over as president in right, Catlett said. Together, 1970, NMSU s main campus the two have been positive enrollment was 8,155. At influences. Not only NMSU the time of his retirement in role models, but for all walks of 1984, enrollment had grown life. They are a couple that is a to more than 12,500 students. blessing to New Mexico. An additional 3,000 students Though this is not the first were enrolled at NMSU s four award either of the couple has community colleges. I was president for 14 years received, Jean Thomas said being given the Sam Steel and I still have an office on Exemplar Award is special for a campus, Gerald Thomas said. particular reason. Since 1970, that s been quite To share an award with awhile. I have been hand-ingerald pleases me greatly, she glove involved at NMSU in said. every activity. The main goal Jacqueline Armendariz (during my presidency) was to strengthen the teaching and enlarge outreach with extension and branch campuses. My goals Dean Lowell Catlett, right, chats with, from left, Octavio Ramirez, Martha Archuleta and William Archuleta at the first Payroll Deduction Reception in October 2006. About 50 faculty and staff enjoyed an evening of fun and refreshments hosted by Catlett at his home. Intended to be an annual event, the reception celebrates those who contribute to the college through the payroll deduction program.
CAHE alums enjoy Homecoming Friends and alumni of the College of Agriculture and Home Economics gather for the CAHE Homecoming 2006 Recognition Breakfast. CHARLES J. WRIGHT a bachelor s and master s degree in agriculture and extension education. Another homecoming event was the Homecoming Dance, the first presented by the CAHE Alumni and Friends Chapter. Organizers said 150 people enjoyed the evening dancing to the music of the Delk Band. The chapter is already planning for an even bigger and better dance next year. Following the homecoming parade, 30 members of former judging teams had a reunion. One person in the group, Richard Johnson, was on the team in 1936. Those on hand said the former judges still haven t lost their competitive spirit. They vied for top places in a fiveclass judging contest. Many alumni remarked about how well they were hosted during each of the homecoming events and how they can t wait until the next Homecoming. Justin Bannister Dona and Bill Crouch at the CAHE Alumni chapter Homecoming Dance. DARREN PHILLIPS DARREN PHILLIPS after graduating in 1951 with a degree in animal husbandry. Prior to 2006, the last time he had been to campus was in 1991. There s been a big change in the university and the growth has been amazing. There are more people every day so the growth is good, he said. Valero s two granddaughters are now going to school at NMSU. It s great I was the first Valero to go to school here, he said. Dorman Brookey graduated with a degree in general agriculture in 1950. His wife, Louemma, studied home economics at NMSU. Both started at the college because of scholarships. It didn t pay it all, but it got us in the door, he said. There s a new emphasis on scholarships and finding new donors. I appreciate that. Also during homecoming, Patsy Romo was honored as the 2006 Distinguished Alumna. Romo worked her way through college and graduated with a bachelor s in home economics from NMSU in 1953. She later taught elementary school for 26 years. Romo was honored for being a role model and giving guidance to both young and old. Romo volunteered as a 4-H leader for 20 years and in recent years has served as a baking and sewing judge. Frank A. Dubois was given the James F. Cole Memorial Award for Service. Known for being a strong supporter of rodeo athletics, Dubois earned President Michael Martin, left, celebrates with CAHE s 2006 Distinguished Alumna Patsy Romo. DARREN PHILLIPS T he College of Agriculture and Home Economics celebrated Homecoming 2006 with more than 280 alumni and friends attending the Recognition Breakfast. The event was a chance for everyone to visit with old friends and tour their home departments while seeing what s new at New Mexico State University It s really a matter of visiting with some old friends, said Herman Kiesling. He graduated from NMSU in 1968 with a master s degree in animal science. He also taught at the university for 20 years. I m excited about a tour of my old department, he said. I want to see what they are doing now and meet some of the new faculty. This was Kiesling s first homecoming since he retired in 1994. Cindy Farmer graduated in 1976 with a degree in horticulture. She said she really enjoys the homecoming events, especially the scholarship breakfast. It s one of my favorite activities, seeing old friends and meeting a lot of the community members involved, she said. Farmer said she especially enjoys talking with current students and listening to how much the scholarships mean to them. They are amazing, and very smart students, she said. Candido Valero also attended homecoming. He worked as an assistant county Extension agent in Mora County John Wortman, left, congratulates Frank DuBois, recipient of the 2006 James F. Cole Award, at the CAHE Homecoming Recognition Breakfast.
Pete & Pal: Alumni applaud new look, addition for mascot representative of NMSU and all of New Mexico now. It s a good mascot now because he s more of a real person, as opposed to some mask or character. But Pete s not the only one drawing rave reviews. The horse is a great idea. It s something special that adds even more to your experience at NMSU, said Chris Allison 73. It s definitely another step in the right direction. Brad Houston 51 agreed that having Keystone as part of NMSU is a good addition. The change in Pete before was drastic and I think adding the horse was a good move, Houston said. It helps give us a unique identity. Victor Venegas DARREN PHILLIPS A fter a short, controversial makeover, the icon of New Mexico State University has returned with another new look and a new four-legged companion but with a pair of familiar staples at his sides. Pete, the NMSU mascot, debuted in the fall semester as an actual person and with his signature pistols. With a black Stetson and lasso, the mascot is played by NMSU sophomore Nickolaus Wiegel. His return, however, wasn t a solo act and had the fingerprints of many from the College of Agriculture and Home Economics. A horse named Keystone joins Pete, riding into Aggie Memorial Stadium during pregame activities. The horse is owned by Jim Dewey Brown, the rodeo team coach. I think it s cool that Pistol Pete is back the way he should be, said Georgia Perry 84. He has a lot of history and he brings back a lot of memories for alumni. Billy Dictson 65 said he s happy to see Pete s current look because he s very Rodeo coach Jim Dewey Brown astride Keystone during Homecoming halftime festivities in 2006. College weekend scheduled for spring Grab your calendars and mark April 27-30, as it promises to be a big weekend at the College of Agriculture and Home Economics. The NMSU NIRA Rodeo is scheduled for April 27 and 28. The NMSU Alumni Rodeo and the Frank DuBois Invitational Calf Roping will be April 29. The annual Horse and Bull Sales will be held April 28 at the NMSU Horse Center on Union Street in Mesilla Park. About 40 bulls will be sold starting at 10 a.m. and about 30 horses in the afternoon at 1 p.m. Breakfast and lunch will be available for purchase from the Animal and Range Sciences Graduate Student Association. All alumni and friends are invited to attend The Aggie Brawl celebrating friends, music, dance and good times. The event will be held the evening of April 28 at Dickerson s Barn, 3900 W. Picacho Ave. Make plans now to be part of this fun weekend.
New IRA law offers tax advantage Supporters of New Mexico State University may take advantage of a recent change in the tax law that allows them to roll funds from an Barbara Wise IRA directly to a charitable organization. The law opens a two-year window for people ages 70.5 and older to exclude from their income, distributions from Roth or traditional IRAs up to $100,000 per year. The distributions must be contributed to a qualifying charity. Patricia F. Meleski Heydt of Albuquerque is one donor taking advantage of the new law. A retired teacher, she recently contributed to the Thomas R. Ferguson/NMSU Herbarium Internship Endowment by rolling over distributions from her IRA. This endowment was established by her brother, Tom, to benefit students working in the two herbaria on campus in biology and in range sciences in the College of Agriculture and Home Economics. In past years, donors were required to claim as income all withdrawals from an IRA and declare an offsetting income tax deduction for the charitable contribution. Due to a variety of tax rules, the net effect for some was an increase in taxes. The new charitable rollover provision makes giving easier. At this time, the IRA rollover does not apply to 401(k)s, 403(b) annuities, defined benefit and contribution plans or profit sharing plans. For more information, please call (505) 646-4136 or e-mail bwise@nmsu.edu. Barbara Wise CAHE Major Gifts Officer Programs look to the future Whoever said there is nothing new under the sun hasn t spent much time in the College of Agriculture and Home Economics at New Mexico State University, because the buildings are teeming with new majors, minors and programs for students. Several departments, from Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management to Fishery and Wildlife Sciences, have implemented new programs or have new programs in development. Departments and faculty in the College of Agriculture and Home Economics have been focused on looking toward the future, said Wes Holley, CAHE associate dean. The faculty are being proactive and futuristic. The fall 2006 semester saw the implementation of an 18-credit certificate program in the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management, informally known as the Laguna Program, due to its affiliation with the Laguna Pueblo. Janet Green, HRTM department head, said the program will provide management skills to members of the Laguna tribe seeking management positions in tribal hotels and casinos. Students participating in the already popular 16-month certificate program will take the same courses as main campus students, and will have the option of continuing to complete a bachelor s degree. Tom Dormody, Agricultural and Extension Education Department head, said a major in agricultural and Hands-on experience community development may be available as early as fall 2007. This program will prepare students for international or domestic jobs that impact community development with agriculture as a base, Dormody said. The major will incorporate a minor in agricultural and natural resources leadership, which also will be available independently. Dormody called this a timely program, citing a recent upsurge in the popularity of university-level leadership programs. The Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business Department is planning a major in natural resource economics and policy. If approved, the major could be available this year. Octavio Ramirez, department head, called the prospective major interdisciplinary, incorporating existing classes from several different departments. An environmental science major was added through the Plant and Environmental Sciences Department in fall 2006. The first accredited program of its kind in the area, it is a collaboration with the College of Health and Social Services. This degree combines the study of soils, chemistry and biology with the human aspects of the environmental health field. The Fishery and Wildlife Sciences Department, with the help of an advisory committee, is revising its curriculum. We re trying to revise the content of each course, so there s less overlap, said Raul Valdez, department head. Shaline L. Lopez Senior-level students prepare food in the School of Hotel Restaurant and Tourism Management s new food production lab. The lab s opening has led to the creation of a student-run restaurant, 100 West Cafe, and an expanded menu on the school s International Dinner events. It also allows students the opportunity to experience more aspects of a restaurant, offering experience in management, kitchen preparation and customer service. Darren Phillips
Jerry Hawkins remembered The College of Agriculture and Home Economics lost a dear friend and staff member in November 2006 with the passing of Jerry Milo Hawkins. Hawkins began recruiting students for NMSU s College of Agriculture and Home Economics in 2003. He quickly became a fixture at county and state fairs, 4-H and FFA activities throughout New Mexico as he recruited high school youth to attend NMSU. Prior to moving to NMSU, Hawkins spent 35 years teaching and coaching at Clarendon Junior College in Clarendon, Texas. He was the driving force in a winning history of the livestock judging program, initiated the horse and meats judging programs, and helped start the ranch and feedlot program. Hawkins was honored at the December 2006 Sam Steel Ceremony for the outstanding impact he made by directing young people toward successful careers and fuller lives through higher education. Many alumni and friends knew Jerry and are saddened with his passing. Gifts may be made to the Jerry Hawkins Memorial Scholarship at New Mexico State University. Checks should be made payable to the NMSU Foundation, P.O. Box 3590, Las Cruces, NM 88003 with a memo indicating Jerry Hawkins Memorial Scholarship. CAHE honors fall 2006 graduates The College of Agriculture and Home Economics honored a number of its graduates during the fall 2006 Sam Steel Ceremony. Among those receiving awards were Estevan Gallegos, who received the Dean s Award of Leadership. Gallegos graduated with a degree in range science. The Dean s Award of Excellence was awarded to eight graduating seniors, including Angela Allred in environmental science; Miriam Anaya in hotel, restaurant and tourism management; Zebb Andrews in wildlife science; David Langley in agricultural and extension education; Martin Lopez in agricultural economics and Animal and range sciences professor Dean Hawkins, center, and his daughters accept a plaque that will be displayed in the CAHE academic programs area to honor the memory of his father Jerry Hawkins. CAHE Associate Dean Wes Holley, left, and Dean Lowell Catlett, right, presented the plaque. agricultural business; Linda Rost in range science; Rio Stamler in agricultural biology; and Tanesha Vigil in family and consumer sciences. Cheryl Rosel received the Dean s Award of Excellence for Graduate Students. She studied soil science while attending NMSU. The Alumni Association Outstanding Senior Award went to Milagra Weiss in horticulture. The Outstanding Student in Agriculture was Dal Frost, a graduating senior in agricultural economics and agricultural business. Magan Romig was named the Outstanding Student in Family and Consumer Sciences. Justin Bannister J. Victor ESPINOZA Volunteer for an alumni committee Happy New Year! It s always great to have a brand new year in which to aim for new goals and improve on others, so here s to inspired new beginnings for all. Of course, it is one of our New Year s goals to entice more of you to join NMSU s College of Agriculture and Home Sue Padilla Economics Alumni and Friends Chapter. The alumni chapter has spent the last year developing four committees to benefit our college and its students. The Alumni Events Committee will take responsibility for planning and coordinating chaptersponsored events, such as the two dances we put on last year, alumni judging events, exhibitions, etc. It is a fun, creative group that s open to suggestions, so if you have some, why not jump in and become a part? The Awards and Recognition Committee is responsible for planning, reviewing, improving and coordinating all awards programs for the chapter, including the Sam Steel Exemplar Award and the NMSU Distinguished Alumni Award. There are numerous ways to recognize and honor alumni and everyone benefits when we are able to do so. The Development and Finance Committee assumes responsibility for the annual chapter budget and fundraising. They will recommend fundraising opportunities and work with the development office to locate and cultivate possible donors to the college. These are some pretty tall orders, but look at the pool of dynamic individuals who have walked these halls and gained so much you know who you are, and we look forward to hearing your ideas! The Student Recruitment Committee is responsible for developing ways that the chapter can assist in recruiting students to the college and enhancing their experience while they are here. This is our seed crop, and we need to nurture it! If you re out and about and you love seeing these kids flourish because of something you were able to help out with, why not give us a call? We ve got our work cut out for us, but it should be a fun and productive year as we continue our growth and development. Please contact the CAHE Alumni and Friends Chapter at ssway@nmsu.edu for more information and to volunteer to be a committee member. We look forward to hearing from you! Sue Padilla CAHE Alumni Chapter President
Stay in touch electronically The College of Agriculture and Home Economics will be utilizing electronic mail more frequently in the future. We will continue to mail the printed version of this newsletter twice per year, but also plan a supplemental e- mail version twice per year. E-mails will be sent from ssway@nmsu.edu or bwise@nmsu.edu. CAHE has e-mail addresses for about 1,400 alumni, but your help is needed to increase that number. Please send an e-mail to ssway@nmsu.edu with a subject line of Alumni E-mail. We ll get you added so you won t miss out on exciting alumni information from the College of Agriculture and Home Economics. You can also log on to the CAHE Web site at www.cahe.nsmu.edu to update your information and e-mail. Awards Day set for April 19 The College of Agriculture and Home Economics Awards Day is set for April 19 at 10 a.m. in Gerald Thomas Hall Auditorium. Awards conferred will include those for years of service; college distinguished awards for teaching, non-exempt staff, service, research and extension; the National Association of College Teachers of Agriculture Award; New Mexico Outstanding Leadership Award; and the Leyendecker Agriculturist of Distinction. New Mexico State University College of Agriculture and Home Economics Box 30003, MSC 3AG Las Cruces, NM 88003-8003 Julie M. Hughes, Editor Gerald Rel, Senior Graphic Designer Nick Teixeira, Graphic Designer University Communications and Marketing Services MSC 3K, P. O. Box 30001 Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001 Telephone: 646-3221 Fax: 646-2099 E-mail: ucomm@nmsu.edu www.cahe.nmsu.edu Sam Steel Way Nonprofit Organizations U.S. Postage P A I D Las Cruces, NM 88003-9991 Permit No. 162