Aggie offspring make parents proud
 

The Roman family are dedicated Aggies. They moved to Las Cruces in the late 1970s because of NMSU. All six are connected to the university, either as employees, students or alumni. Heading this amazing family are Dr. Edgar R. Roman, a physician at NMSU's Employee Health Services, and Kathleen, a radiologic technician who took classes at Dona Ana Branch Community College and now studies at NMSU's main campus since the kids have left home. Edgar R. was raised in Bolivia by his mother, who was a teacher. His family was poor and education was something she could give him for free. "My education opened doors for me," he said. "I wanted to give that gift to my children." The four Roman children obviously took advantage of that gift, all graduating from NMSU with bachelor's degrees in electrical engineering.

The Roman family, from left, Susana, '92,'94, '96, Edgar R., Carlos, '94, Kathleen, Augusto, '00, and Edgar M., '95, celebrate Augusto's Outstanding Senior award at NMSU's pre-commencement buffet in May. Photo by Michael Kiernan

Susana, '92, '94, '96, also earned a bachelor's degree in biology and a master's degree in business administration from NMSU. Carlos, '94, and Edgar M., '95, earned master's degrees in electrical engineering from Stanford University. Edgar M. also received a masterÕs degree in computer science from the University of Colorado at Boulder in May.

And the latest to join the family's Aggie tradition is Augusto, '00, who graduated May 13 with bachelor's degrees in electrical engineering and computer science. He earned the highest grade point average in the engineering college, in arts and sciences, and in the undergraduate class. He will attend Stanford this fall on a National Physical Science Consortium Graduate Fellowship.

"We are blessed," said the proud father. "I am happy for them."

Rachel Kendall

Martinez enables New Mexico workers
 

Martinez

Sophia Martinez, '94, doesn't wait for disabled New Mexicans to ask for help finding work. She seeks them out. As planner director for the New Mexico Migrant Office on Rehabilitation and Employment with the state's department of vocational rehabilitation, Martinez identifies and recruits people who are disabled and helps make them competitive in the job market. "Something I learned at NMSU is that people listen to their peers," says Martinez, a lifelong resident of Las Cruces. "If we can get out there and let these people know that they have the skills to be competitive in the work force, they can improve their situation and help their children improve theirs."

Martinez earned her bachelor's degree in social work at NMSU.

Her current project is a statewide effort to expand the Peer Business Associate Model, a federally funded job training program designed to help disabled farm workers find employment by bringing private industry and government services together.

Martinez was honored at NMSU's TRIO Day 2000 reception in February for her work with Student Support Services while she was attending the university. One of NMSU's three TRIO programs, Student Support Services provides mentors and tutors to first generation college students and students with learning disabilities. NMSU's other TRIO programs are Upward Bound and the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program.

Sarah Lautman

Clayshulte is researcher, 'all-around pecan girl'
 

Mention the word pecans in southern New Mexico and the name Clayshulte likely tumbles out in the same breath. Now say pecan research and that same name pops up. This time it's Beverly Clayshulte, '81, '98. Recent news of her study on pecan nutrition not only has created a stir in the world of cholesterol counting, it also has given her an opportunity to promote New Mexico-grown pecans to a national audience. Clayshulte's research showing that a daily portion of pecans lowers the so-called bad cholesterol by 10 percent caught the attention of everyone from radio commentator Paul Harvey to nutritionists across the nation. Her study was part of her graduate research under the direction of nutritional scientist Wanda Morgan, a professor of family and consumer sciences at NMSU. Clayshulte, who lives in Mesilla, also received a little help from her father Richard Glaze, a retired NMSU statistician. His advice was especially helpful, she says, when she was doing data runs. Because Clayshulte and her husband Marshall Clayshulte are in the pecan-growing business, she also views the research results from a practical standpoint. "My family concentrates more on how to grow pecans, while I think more of how to sell them," she says.

Beverly Clayshulte, '81, '98, includes  a healthy dose of pecans in her diet. Photo by Michael Kiernan

Since receiving her master's degree two years ago, Clayshulte has been putting her education and experience to work. She is a nutritional consultant who operates her business from within the Inner Balance and Fitness Center near the NMSU campus. Her clients range from local health clubs where she provides diet and nutrition counseling to the Georgia Pecan Commission.

Recently at the American Dietitian Association national conference in Atlanta she promoted the nutritional benefits of pecans. One aim, she says, is to expand pecan use beyond its role as the crunchy ingredient in sweets. "We are focusing on ways to incorporate pecans into breakfast and salad recipes," she says.

Although extensive research has been done on the nutritional values of almonds and walnuts, pecan nutrition is a relatively open field of research. "My dream is to find the funding to do more pecan research with Dr. Morgan," she says.

For now, she enjoys being involved in both the production and marketing sides of the pecan business. "I'm an all-around pecan girl," she says.

Linda G. Harris, '80