Spending on research and other sponsored projects at New Mexico State University grew by more than 12 percent in the year that ended June 30, to a record high of $152.2 million. As Dan Dwyer, our new vice provost for research, pointed out, the growth in grants and contracts is important not only to the university’s students and faculty, but also to Las Cruces and the state of New Mexico.

And the jobs created by research contracts tend to be high-quality, high-tech jobs.

Vice Provost Dwyer put it aptly: “Research is a good business to be in. You are discovering, producing new ideas and concepts, and creating intellectual property. We are working hard with the economic development folks to move this new technology into the private sector. As we expand our research activity, we also build the capacity of the university to interface with the private sector and stimulate economic development.”

The nature of the funded research varies widely, from applied research on methods of generating renewable energy from waste materials to basic research on the behavior of subatomic particles, the smallest building blocks of matter.

The university’s Physical Science Laboratory accounted for almost $40 million of the expenditures on research grants and contracts during the past year, up from about $35 million the previous year. PSL’s research activities range from applied research in information operations, a critical aspect of national defense, to scientific ballooning for NASA.

Expenditures on sponsored programs of the Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service totaled more than $20 million.

The university has research centers in each of its academic colleges, plus other research-oriented centers such as the Water Resources Research Institute and the Computing Research Laboratory.

Letter from the Alumni Association President

Dear Friends and Aggie Family Members,

Only a few months into my term and already I’ve had a wonderful experience as president of your Executive Council. Along with meeting enthusiastic incoming and continuing students, I have had the fortunate opportunity to meet many successful New Mexico State University Aggies who share the same passion and enthusiasm for our great university and community.

Many of my friends and acquaintances out there are fellow alums (you know who you are). Most of you have received a letter regarding membership. For those who haven’t responded, it’s not too late! Become an active member of a distinguished group of individuals, NMSU’s Alumni Association. If you know alums who might not have current information on file with us, please contact, or have them contact, the alumni office.

On campus and off, alums are gloating about our recent big wins over the Lobos, the Miners, the Rajin’ Cajuns and the UL Monroe Indians!

We are all part of a winning team. Success is a team effort and this team would like to see you play a role in the future growth of this fine institution. You have been thrown the ball and it’s your turn to get a first down.

I challenge you to suit up and score a touchdown by connecting and reconnecting with fellow alumni, increasing student support and recruiting future Aggies.

Remember, it’s through your support that endless opportunities for alumni and students are created. Join us as we strive to make New Mexico State University an even better institution.

Sincerely,

Ermelinda Quintela
President New Mexico State University Alumni Association

Breaking ground

The Office of Alumni Relations will have a new home, thanks in part to a gift from longtime university supporters Herbert and Joan Zuhl.

The Zuhls helped break ground for the new building during a ceremony in early September at the proposed site on College Avenue. The facility, scheduled for completion in late 2003, will house the alumni offices, a campus welcome center and a museum that will include artifacts from the Zuhl collection. Breaking ground