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Scholarship honors longtime Spanish professor
For more than 30 years, Cecilia Rodríguez Pino taught Spanish at New Mexico State University. She was one of the most highly respected professors in NMSU's Department of Languages and Linguistics. On Jan. 28, 2009, Pino passed away after a short illness.
Throughout her career, Pino taught many female students who had a passion for learning but needed financial assistance to balance their roles as mothers. Upon her retirement in August 2007, Pino set up the Cecilia Rodríguez Pino Endowed Scholarship for Hispanic Mothers through the NMSU Foundation.
Pino received her bachelor's in education and bachelor's in Spanish while raising three children and later received her master's in Spanish, all at NMSU. As part of her lasting legacy, Pino established this scholarship to provide other student mothers the financial means to complete their studies at NMSU.
"Pino's career consistently demonstrated excellence and innovation in the advancement of teaching and true dedication to and concern for students," said Patricia MacGregor-Mendoza, an associate professor of Spanish and linguistics. "She distinguished herself internationally as a pioneer in the field of teaching Spanish as a heritage language. Her legacy will live on in this department and at NMSU for generations."
The scholarship will be awarded each semester to an NMSU junior pursuing a degree in Spanish. They also must be a resident of New Mexico. Preferences will be given to students who are mothers and of Hispanic origin.
The endowment was funded by an initial gift of $1,500 from Pino. The foundation would like to raise the $10,000 needed to create an endowed fund.
If you would like to contribute, contact Robert Peterson in the advancement office at 646-4358 or peterson@nmsu.edu.