Debbie Widger wears an NMSU jacket she received as a present from alumni during the Eye-Opener Breakfast at Homecoming.

A stockbroker by training, Widger joined the NMSU Alumni Relations Office as assistant director in 1983. She has been director since 1995.

Widger helped develop numerous new programs for the NMSU Alumni Association, including the alumni license plate program, a new class ring program, and the Presidential Ambassador Program, which provides student hosts for alumni events as well as events at the president’s residence.

She established several programs for seniors, including the graduation fair, which provides a “one-stop shop” to meet the needs of graduating seniors; “chill out boxes” that parents can buy for students during finals; and parties for high school students around New Mexico who are going to be attending NMSU. For parents, she helped establish the Parents Association and Parents Weekend.

Widger also established an outstanding graduate program for NMSU’s four branch campuses and a “Conquistador of the Year” award for Hispanic alumni who are members of the Conquistadores.

Under Widger’s leadership, the alumni association has given more scholarships and greatly increased the number of alumni chapters across the country. It also has sponsored events with other offices such as Athletics and Student Services.

“Debbie was great at making people want to be part of NMSU, whether they were already involved, or whether they had been away for a while,” says Erma Quintela ’86 ’88 ’94, who served as president of the alumni association in 2002-2003. “You have to have a special love for NMSU to do her job for the period of time she did, and Debbie has that love.”

Widger says she is looking forward to working with alumni to help them find ways to benefit themselves and the university financially through planned gifts. She may still be reached at dwidger@nmsu.edu.

New Orleans Getaway March 7-11

The “Jazz Capital of the World” comes to life in this five-day getaway to beautiful New Orleans. Outstanding food in renowned restaurants and a leisurely walking tour of the historic French Quarter are just a few highlights of this quality tour. Explore beautiful gardens and tour the residential district of St. Charles Avenue, where trolleys still run. An entire day of leisure ensures that you see the attractions you want to discover. Your last evening includes a few lessons before dinner in the basics of Louisiana Cajun and Creole cooking followed by an exciting jazz revue.

For more information, visit www.collettevacations.com/group/nmsu/n5.cfm

Spain & Portugal Sept. 21 - Oct. 5

Peaceful landscapes and cosmopolitan cities, historic palaces and fascinating museums, this is the Iberian Peninsula, home to Spain and Portugal, with their lovely traditions and warm hospitality. You’re invited to explore this intriguing region on a journey that features stays in Barcelona, Madrid, Estepona and
Seville. Arriving in Barcelona, tour historic sites like the Columbus Monument, Mila House and Parc Montjuic and, in addition, view Antonio Gaudi’s masterpiece, “La Sagrada Familia.” A tour of the capital city of Madrid features the world-famous Prado Museum and the splendid Royal Palace. Relax in warm Mediterranean waters at the famous beach resort of Estepona on the Costa del Sol and visit the nearby, majestic Rock of Gibraltar. In Seville, you’ll see Columbus’ tomb and Giralda Bell Tower. En route to Portugal, dramatic coastal views and charming fishing villages contrast with the urban sophistication of Lisbon. Explore Fatima, the world-famous pilgrimage center, as well as the charming towns of Nazare and Obidos.

For more information, visit www.collettevacations.com/group/nmsu/ps.cfm

For additional information on the Traveling Aggie trips, contact Monica Martinez, assistant director for alumni relations, at 505-989-1962 or mmonica@nmsu.edu.