Graduates honored by Alumni Association

The New Mexico State University Alumni Association recognized a group of Distinguished Alumni, the recipient of the James F. Cole Memorial Award for Service and the Conquistador of the Year Oct. 11-13 during Homecoming 2001, “NMSU Salutes the Space Age.”

Distinguished Alumni awards are given each year to individuals who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields and brought recognition to New Mexico State. The 2001 distinguished alumni are:

Ralph Dunlap, ’50, ’66, College of Agriculture and Home Economics. Dunlap, of Lincoln, N.M., earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science in 1950 and his master’s degree in agricultural and extension education in 1966. He served as Lincoln County commissioner in 1987 and 1988 and has been instrumental in assisting fruit production internationally. He has a shop in Lincoln that promotes wool and wool products.

Carol Walker, ’61, ’63, College of Arts and Sciences. Walker, of Las Cruces, earned her master’s degree in mathematics in 1961 and her doctor of philosophy degree in mathematics in 1963. She served at New Mexico State as a professor of mathematics, mathematical science department head, acting dean of the graduate school and associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Chris Knackstedt, ’91, College of Business Administration and Economics. Knackstedt, of El Paso, Texas, earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1991. He works as a chief financial officer at Sierra Providence Health Network, where he is responsible for all financial operations of a 365-bed acute care hospital.

Mary John O’Hair, ’87, College of Education. O’Hair, of Norman, Okla., earned her doctorate in educational management and development in 1987. She is the author of six books, including Foundations of Democratic Education, and is a professor of educational administration, curriculum and supervision at the University of Oklahoma.

Russell Johnson, ’71, College of Engineering. Johnson, of Santa Rosa, Calif., earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 1971. He served as senior vice president for global sales and marketing for JDS Uniphase Co. and is one of five partners at KPLJ Ventures LLC.

Albert Esparsen II, ’82, College of Health and Social Services. Esparsen, of Roswell, N.M., earned his bachelor’s degree in community health in 1982. He is a member of the New Mexico Public Health Association and works as district director for the public health division of the New Mexico Department of Health.

Alejandro Ramirez, ’77, ’79, is the 2001 International Distinguished Alumnus. Ramirez, of Chihuahua City, Chihuahua, Mexico, earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science in 1977 and his master’s degree in animal science in 1979. He is a member of the Mexican National Research System and is a professor of animal science at the University of Chihuahua.

Jack Ward, ex-’40, is the recipient of the 2001 James F. Cole Memorial Award for Service. The award is presented each year to a New Mexico State graduate or an active member of the Alumni Association for support and involvement in the university and for professional, civic and humanitarian service. Ward, of Las Cruces, studied electrical engineering at New Mexico State in 1940. He is a member of the Alumni Association’s Executive Council. He established a scholarship at the university for band students and has traveled with the band in the United States and Europe. He is also the honorary band director.

Abelicio Pena, ’49, is the 2001 Conquistador of the Year. Pena, of Grants, N.M., earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science in 1949. He is the author of the book Memories of Cibola.

Pena was the 1948-49 president of the New Mexico State University Los Conquistadores Club. The Conquistadores Club was established in 1937 to promote social life among Spanish-speaking students, to participate in intramural athletics and to give recognition to those members who were scholastically outstanding.

Erin Waldron