The NMSU Alumni Association honored its 1997 Distinguished Alumni, Honorary Alumnus and the recipient of the James F. Cole Award for Service during Homecoming '97 in October.

The Distinguished Alumni Awards go to individuals who have distinguished themselves in their chosen fields and brought recognition to NMSU. Each year the Alumni Association selects one graduate from each of the six colleges and one international awardee.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI

Alex A. Sanchez, '55, '56, '76, College of Agriculture and Home Economics - The Albuquerque resident received his bachelor's degree in agricultural and extension education. He went on to receive his master's degree and his doctorate of education. Sanchez is president of Albuquerque Technical Vocational Institute. He is a member of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.

Michael L. Johnson, '72, College of Arts and Sciences - Johnson, of Houston, received his bachelor's degree in geology. He received master's degrees in geochemistry and management from Rice University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Johnson is president of Conoco Norway.

John A. Papen III, '66, College of Business Administration and Economics - The Las Cruces resident received his bachelor-s degree in business administration. He also is a 1973 graduate of the Colorado School of Banking at the University of Colorado and a 1976 graduate of the National Commercial Lending School at the University of Oklahoma. Papen is executive vice president of First National Bank of Dona Ana County and head of the bank's commercial lending division.

Frances Stevens, '66, '71, College of Education - Stevens, of Las Cruces, received her bachelor's degree from the University of New Mexico in 1951, and her master's and doctorate in education from NMSU. From 1991 to 1996, she served the Las Cruces Public Schools as a deputy superintendent. Stevens is executive director of the New Mexico Alliance for Arts Education.

Orlando T. Padilla, '76, College of Engineering - A resident of West Bloomfield, Mich., Padilla graduated from NMSU with a degree in mechanical engineering. As a student, he accepted a co-op position with General Motors, and after graduation, he was offered a permanent position with the company. In the past 20 years with GM, Padilla has advanced to director of corporate affairs.

Susan Cardenas, '90, '95, College of Health and Social Services - Cardenas, of Silver City, N.M., is an assistant professor in NMSU's health sciences department. Cardenas serves on the department's advisory council and the Certified Health Education Specialist Approval Committee.

Jose Gonzalo Rios Ramirez, '76, Distinguished International Alumnus - Ramirez, of Chihuahua, Mexico, received a master's degree in animal science. He went on to receive a Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska in 1984. He is vice president of the University of Chihuahua and has initiated a faculty exchange between the school and NMSU.

HONORARY ALUMNUS

The Honorary Alumnus Award is given each year by the Alumni Association to an individual who demonstrates outstanding contributions to higher education and has contributed to the growth of NMSU.

Rodney Barham of San Diego did not attend NMSU but his father, Hugh, is a 1942 graduate of the College of Business Administration and Economics, and his family has been generous in giving to the university. Barham is chief financial officer for Hot Dog on a Stick, an international hot dog chain located in 100 American shopping malls and throughout South Korea and Indonesia. Barham received his bachelor's degree from Columbus State University in 1979 and his master's degree from National University in San Diego in 1983. He is a member of the Army National Guard.

JAMES F. COLE AWARD

The Cole Award is given each year to an NMSU graduate or an active member of the Alumni Association for support and involvement in NMSU and for professional, civic and humanitarian service.

This year's recipient, William H. Cantrell, '67, of Clayton, N.M., received a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics. He is an independent banking consultant and real estate appraiser. He serves on the NMSU Foundation Board of Directors and the advisory board for the NMSU Livestock Research Center.

Lena Parsons






Audrey (Hardman) Hartley, '85, '97, announces the parade floats as they pass by the judges.



The Hispanic Educators Association salutes NMSU's Cornerstone Campaign for Excellence with a replica of the campus YMCA building.





Lewis Holland, '49, retired associate dean of the College of Agriculture and Home Economics, and his wife Agnes (Vinyard) Holland, '42, watch the parade.


Jesse Gerard, left, and Leon Wagley, right, Class of '47 reunion organizers, stand with classmate Mary Baca Olguin.





Class of '57 members include, from left, Phil Ambrose, Greeley Myers and Monte Shriver. Myers and Shriver were reunion organizers.