Debbie Widger ‘81 ‘93 Alumni Relations Director NMSU Alumni Association MSC 3AS P. O. Box 30001 Las Cruces, N.M. 88003 (505)-646-3616 dwidger@nmsu.edu

The Zuhl collection is in and is a wonderful sight to behold. A formal opening is planned for Oct. 30.

Reunion committees have met and have really come up with some neat ideas. The Class of 1964 committee is working on a dance with the Aggie Ramblers in the judging pavilion on Espina. We have a few logistics to work out, but if any group can accomplish this, they can.

The Classes of 1944 and 1954 also are celebrating special reunions during homecoming. The Conquistadores will again meet on Friday evening and present the Conquistadore of the Year to one of their fine members. The Aggie Rodeo Society will meet during homecoming and the NMSU rodeo team will sponsor an alumni roping event on Sunday, Oct. 31.

Friday events will include distinguished alumni receptions, scholarship breakfasts and our annual alumni reception. Our women’s volleyball team also will be in town Friday. We had so much fun last year with the Halloween haunted house we plan to do that once again in the Pan Am Center.

Saturday’s highlights include the Eye-opener breakfast, where our distinguished alumni are presented with their awards. From breakfast we head to Williams Art Gallery for our President’s reception. This year’s parade promises to be a hit. We have contracted with some Sun Bowl Parade champions to share tips with our students. They have mentioned they would be interested in perhaps participating in the parade. As for bands, we know our Pride Band will be there and we are working with area high schools to join us as well.

Following the parade the College of Health and Social Services will rededicate Memorial Tower – an event we all want to make since they have done such a nice job with it. Other homecoming highlights include the Golden Aggies luncheon, where the class of 1954 will be inducted into the Golden Aggies Society. Tailgating begins at 4 p.m., then we head to the game in which the Aggies will host Florida International.

On June 8, Bob ’58 and Barbara ’58 Skaggs, Patrick ’89 and Paula ’91 Padilla, and Paula ’76 and Gary Sanchez hosted several of our current students and prospective students from Pojoaque. These folks really know how to get people together and have fun. We had a great mix of students and alumni. Bob gave a short presentation on what new students need to know. The students sat together and shared stories about NMSU. Our current students did a wonderful job of recruiting. I know all the prospective students will be here in August. Many of them will be here for new student orientations and are now even more excited about the next step.

This may be the new way to recruit. The Cantrells and Skaggs certainly made students feel welcome. For new students it was a great way to meet alumni and receive the personal touch – no e-mail! We have learned that a lot of students apply to NMSU and are accepted, but end up not coming. This program will certainly help us get them here.

It is with sadness that I report the passing of Annette Peterson ’76, ’88, on April 14, 2004. Annette earned a BBA and MA from NMSU. Following her graduation in 1976, she began working in the alumni relations office as associate director. Annette became director of the office in 1980 and held that position until 1983, when she left the alumni office to work with the financial aid office until her retirement in 1996. While I never had the opportunity to work with Annette in the alumni office, I did have the pleasure of knowing her. I know why she was so well liked and respected by our alumni.