Our Spring 2003 semester opened with a convocation that focused on faculty members who contribute in exceptional ways to the success of this university and its students. Among those recognized were the recipients of new endowed chairs and professorships that were made possible by the generosity of private donors and matching funds from the state.

The Tom Linebery Distinguished Chair, funded with a gift from the Scarborough-Linebery Foundation, was awarded to John Fowler, coordinator of the university's Range Improvement Task Force. This new chair recognizes faculty who promote the state's range livestock, forestry, oil and gas industries and provide education and training on federal land policy and rural economic issues.

The Scarborough-Linebery Foundation also has funded the Evelyn Linebery Chair in Agriculture, which will be awarded to a faculty member who promotes leadership and excellence in the field of agriculture.

The Martin Steinman Professorship in Food Science and Technology was awarded to Lisa McKee of the department of family and consumer science, who conducts research on the nutritional, chemical, physical and microbiological properties of foods. This new professorship was funded with a gift from Lilian Steinman, who also has established the Lilian Steinman Professorship for Visiting Artists.

With continued public and private support, we hope to build more endowments to honor and support the truly outstanding members of our faculty—men and women who choose to teach and conduct research at New Mexico State University even though more lucrative or prestigious opportunities may exist elsewhere.