This column is excerpted from Excellence in Action: A Periodic Newsletter from President William B. Conroy, which can be found on the NMSU World Wide Web site at http://www.nmsu.edu/ Administration/newsletter/

A Checkup for the Star Spangled Banner

NMSU astronomer Nancy Chanover sometimes uses a special infrared camera to study distant planets. In November she and some colleagues from NASA turned that same camera on the original Star Spangled Banner as part of a Smithsonian Institution project to preserve the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to compose our national anthem.

The flag, which hangs in the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, withstood the bombardment of Fort McHenry in 1814, but time is taking its toll. The astronomers' work will help identify contaminants and give conservators an idea of where to focus their attention.

Outstanding Service to Hispanic Students

NMSU was among the "Publisher's Picks of Best Colleges for Hispanics" featured in Hispanic Outlook on Higher Education's Nov. 20 issue. Just over 40 percent of NMSU's undergraduate students, and about 22 percent of graduate students, are Hispanic.

Fostering Economic Development

Six initiatives that could have a long-term impact on the quality of life in southern New Mexico emerged from an economic summit held recently in Las Cruces, sponsored by the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance and the local chambers of commerce. Several NMSU deans and faculty members participated in the summit, and Gary Cunningham, our interim vice president for research, will serve on a committee to monitor actions resulting from the meeting.

Participating in this sort of effort, working shoulder to shoulder with business leaders and government, is a natural activity for a land-grant university. As an added benefit, the summit provided valuable hands-on experience for some of our students. Two NMSU classes, a hospitality class and a graduate management/marketing class, assisted with the preparations for the summit.

Portrait of a Leader

This new portrait of the late G.L. "Gus" Guthrie can be seen in the stairwell in Guthrie Hall's east wing. Guthrie came to NMSU in 1925, became head of the business department, then served as the first dean of NMSU's business college from 1962 to 1969. Guthrie's son Kenneth, '61, center, attended the portrait unveiling with his wife, Diane Sawyer, left, and current dean Danny Arnold, right. The portrait was painted by Albuquerque artist L. Henry Jones to replace an older, deteriorating painting. (Photo by Michael Kiernan)

Letters to the Editor

We encourage letters related to issues discussed in Aggie Panorama and issues that relate to university news or policies. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. Mail, fax (505-646-2099) or e-mail (rpopp@nmsu.edu) letters to the editor.

KOB Announcer

Dear Aggie Panorama:

I noticed three letters in the September issue relating to the history of NMSU's KOB radio and can add a little information.

In March 1938, Jack F. Baird, '37, received a Rockefeller Fellowship to study broadcasting methods at NBC, New York City. In September 1938, he became a KOB radio announcer with the studio on campus, announcing weather, agricultural news and public interest programs until June 1939. This photo shows him (at right) reading from scripts. At left is star Aggie quarterback Eddie Miller, '40. The speaker (center) is unidentified. Martha E. (Brook) Baird, '39 11337 Monte Vista Dr. Whittier, CA 90601

Where's Their Wall?

Dear Aggie Panorama:

I enjoy reading the Aggie Panorama issues that I receive.

One of my pet peeves about universities is the unbalanced promotion between sports and academics in general. Panorama does a fairly good job in keeping a balance.

I do have a question about the "Academic Wall of Honor" that was featured on page 2 of the September 1998 issue. While this wall is commendable, where on campus is there a similar wall of honor for the non-athlete students? There are many hard-working students who excel at NMSU who are involved in student organizations or their undergraduate and graduate classes, projects, research, etc. Such efforts are just as valid of recognition as sports. These students deserve an equal wall. There should be equal recognition for all students who maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or receive a 3.0 GPA in a previous semester.

Howard D. Dewald, '84
Associate Chemistry Professor
Ohio University
hdewald1@ohiou.edu

A G G I E S !

Thank you to three sharp-eyed alumni who identified the 1956 cheerleaders in a photo in the December 1998 Aggie Panorama. The picture brought back memories of old friends and Aggie spirit, they said. Eileen (Logsdon) Walton, '57, wrote, "This was my team and they are very good!" She said 1950s cheers included spelling out Aggies and three notes on a horn with a yell of "fight!" or "charge!" Walton is pictured at top left, with, clockwise, Lorraine Cochran, Doyle Van Arsdale, Maudine Frazier, Jonese Smith, Mary Alice Badsgard and Dick Lemmon. The first alumna to identify her friends was Evelyn (Gwaltney) Colson, ex-'55. Janet (Bonomo) Willis, '58, also knew the cheerleaders.