News Release
Engineering staffers receive Foreman awards
Four College of Engineering employees recently became the first recipients of Foreman Faculty and Staff Excellence Awards. The awards were made possible through a gift from New Mexico State University civil engineering alums and ardent college supporters Ed and Harold Foreman.
The recipients of the first annual Foreman Faculty and Staff Excellence Awards were nominated by their department heads and selected by the college assistant and associate deans. Faculty awardees received $1,000 and staff awardees received $500.
“The Foreman brothers have been extremely generous to the College of Engineering over the years. This particular gift stands out as it exemplifies their support of the important contributions that faculty and staff make toward our mission of providing an excellent engineering education,” said College of Engineering Assistant Dean Patricia A. Sullivan.
The 2012 Foreman Faculty and Staff Award recipients are:
- David Rockstraw, professor of chemical engineering, who teaches many of the important undergraduate courses and this year, took on the responsibility of entire capstone design sequence. Rockstraw is one of two advisers of the student chapter of American Institute of Chemical Engineers—named outstanding by the national organization for past four years.
- Kenny Stevens, associate professor of engineering technology routinely ranks in the top 20 of more than 1,000 faculty members across NMSU campuses. Stevens was awarded the NMSU Roush Award for teaching excellence three times and is champion to Concrete Canoe Team, Association of General Contractors, NMSU Engineers Without Borders, the Mexico Focus Group and coordinates the FE review sessions.
- Jim Vennes, senior systems analyst in the mechanical and aerospace engineering department, is responsible for support and administration for all department computers and is recognized for resolving problems quickly and in a kind manner. He has taught 2 sections of ME 159 for more than 7 years, receiving above average teaching reviews, and has served as mentor to students interested in computer system administration.
- Carol Serna, administrative assistant in the engineering technology and surveying engineering department, is the only secretary for a department with a student population of more than 500 students, 13 faculty, and 8 staff members. Serna makes sure students know what they need to do next and who they need to talk to for advising. She remembers returning students’ names and keeps up to date on their lives and always greets people cheerfully and makes them feel at home.
The Foreman brothers are members of the Civil Engineering Academy and were listed among the Top 100 Distinguished Alumni from the College of Engineering during the centennial celebration in 1988. In late 2005, they made a major gift to the College of Engineering; establishing two professorships and an endowed chair in civil engineering. Their names were placed on Engineering Complex III in 2006.
Written by Linda Fresques
February 2012