The father-daughter team of Bob and Brenda Porter has created a “first of its kind” endowment at New Mexico State University. They are making a two-year gift to endow the point guard position on the Aggie men’s basketball team.

Dad Bob ’51 ’56 played basketball under Coach George McCarty. In fact he attended NMSU on a basketball scholarship. Daughter Brenda ’83 ’87 remembers that she grew up attending Aggie basketball games with her parents. They remain loyal Aggie boosters.

It was always Bob’s intention to repay the university for the scholarship he received, but his plan had been to do so through his estate. Brenda convinced her dad he should do it now so he could enjoy seeing the difference this gift will make for the program.

Through their accountant they learned of the trend at major universities to endow key positions on various athletic teams and approached Athletic Director McKinley Boston with this idea. They chose the point guard position because, in Bob’s eyes, that is the key slot on a basketball team. Boston says he hopes their gift will inspire others to create similar endowments.

Both Porters are active alumni. Bob was named distinguished alumnus of the College of Agriculture and Home Economics and received the James F. Cole award for his service to the alumni association. Brenda most recently served as president of the President’s Associates board of directors that raises money to fund the university’s top academic scholarships.