As the Alumni Association's 100th anniversary approaches in May 1998, the association and Aggie Panorama also continue to seek memories and updates from NMSU alumni.


Still shooting hoops


Dear Aggie Panorama:

I saw in your September issue that Bill Bonner was wondering about other 1950s Aggies.

My B.S. in 1955 and M.A. in 1964 were both from NMSU. While working on the master's degree, I was a graduate assistant with coach Presley Askew in basketball. I still enjoy basketball and play with one metal hip at 5 a.m. two mornings a week.

In 1958, I became an agent for Beneficial Life Insurance Co. of Salt Lake City and still represent that company. I received a Juris Doctorate degree from Arizona State University in 1971 and opened a private law practice in Mesa, Ariz. I am still heavily involved in that practice.

For the last 25 years, I've been the president of the David Udall Family Organization. My great-grandfather, David Udall, emigrated to Utah from London, England, in the early 1850s. I've compiled a book concerning my grandfather, Joseph Udall.

My wife Edith and I enjoy our four married children and 11 grandchildren.

Ronald Wiltbank, '55, '64

200 E. University Drive

Mesa, Ariz. 85201

Higher education is real bargain

	Judging from national news reports, there seems to be a widespread perception that higher education is being priced out of the reach of the average family. That may be so in some parts of the country, but with the new scholarship opportunities that are available today, a high-quality education at NMSU and other New Mexico colleges and universities is perhaps more affordable than ever.
Conroy

Tuition rates at our public colleges and universities are considerably lower than the national average. The state's new Lottery Success Scholarships make higher education even more accessible to New Mexicans. Recent graduates of New Mexico high schools can attend any of the state's public colleges and universities tuition-free their second semester, if they make a C-plus average or better their first semester. If they maintain that grade average, the Lottery Success Scholarship will be there for them for up to eight semesters. NMSU has its own scholarship program to help qualified students with their first semester expenses, before the lottery scholarship is available to them.

Of course, there are many other scholarship options, including the NMSU Regents Scholarship, which covers tuition and fees for students who qualify academically, and the new Regents Plus, which rewards exceptional students by paying tuition, fees and $250 a semester. Work-study employment is another important source of financial aid for our students, providing not only a paycheck but also valuable work experience.

The benefits of higher education are tremendous. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the typical college graduate earns about $17,000 more a year, or about $680,000 more over the course of a career, than a high school graduate.

NMSU alumni can help get this important message to high school students who have the ability to succeed in college, and to their parents: Don't assume you cannot afford a college education. Given the opportunities available today in New Mexico, you can't afford not to consider the options.

William B. Conroy, NMSU president

Photo by Michael Kiernan

Hungry for choices A new campus Food Court with five vendors satisfies students' hunger for more dining choices. Under one roof are Co-op Market, Dynasty, Amasita's, TCBY/Coffee Haus and Campus Bagel. With take-out treats from each vendor are students Hope Guerra of Tularosa, N.M., and Tony Martinez, '96, of Santa Fe, who is pursuing a master's degree in curriculum and instruction. The Food Court is in the former post office building on Frenger Street near the New Library, and the post office has been moved to Corbett Center.

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