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Every little bit makes a difference for endowed scholarship

Almost 25 years ago, a group of dedicated employees formed a committee to establish an endowment with the New Mexico State University Foundation for the purpose of funding scholarships for the children and grandchildren of classified employees. As a result of the continued giving of many across the university, that endowment fund has continued to grow and this academic year was able to award 10 $500 scholarships to qualified students.

Those who have given to the fund for many years say it is not how much you give, but that you do give something.

"Anything we can do to help our own colleagues is important," said Carolyn Caudill, who has been giving to the fund through payroll deduction for 18 years. "You really do not notice the small contribution deducted from each paycheck and it is really making a difference one student at a time."

Caudill, coordinator of special needs services at NMSU Carlsbad, started working for NMSU Carlsbad 25 years ago as a classified employee and now has more than one degree from the university including a Master of Arts and Master of Business Administration. She said she is proud to give back to NMSU and encourages others to recognize that a small effort can make a big difference.

In fact, when the endowment fund was first established, the goal was to reach $5,000 in five years. Today, the endowment principal is more than $110,000.

Pat Zapien, an accounting technician supervisor in the animal and range sciences department, said she thinks it is great that the fund has grown so much.

"Education is very important and there are a lot of kids out there who want an education, but cannot afford it on their own," said Zapien, who has been giving to the scholarship endowment for 14 years. "I did not have help myself, so I wanted to help others if I could. Every little bit helps."

The Children of NMSU Classified Employees Endowed Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to the children, grandchildren or legal wards of NMSU's past or present classified employees.

For information on how to give to this fund or others at the NMSU Foundation, visit http://giving.nmsu.edu/faculty_staff_campaign.htm.

Written by Julie M. Hughes.