Eloy Torrez, ’70 EE
Although Eloy Torrez has lived outside New Mexico since graduating from NMSU with a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering in 1970, he has remained deeply connected to the university. While working at Hughes Aircraft, he recruited Hispanic engineers from New Mexico—particularly NMSU—keeping him closely tied to his college and professors. Over the years, his involvement has grown significantly. He has served on the Engineering Dean’s Advisory Board and as president of the Klipsch School of Electrical and Computer Engineering Academy. In addition to generous contributions to the Society of Women Engineers and the Dean’s Fund for Excellence, Eloy endowed a scholarship in memory of his parents, Eloy Torrez and Savina Salcido. He has been recognized as one of the “100 Engineering Outstanding Living Alumni”. Most recently, he funded the Eloy Torrez Family Learning Communities, which provides tutoring to all engineering students.
Eloy has distinguished himself through a career of innovation in engineering and technology. He participated in the Howard Hughes Fellowship Program, earning a Master of Engineering degree from UCLA in 1976, and became a registered professional engineer in control system engineering. He spent the first 16 years of his career rising through the ranks at Hughes Aircraft Company, taking leadership roles on major projects, including serving as chief engineer on the Maverick missile. In 1986, he moved to the Aerospace Division at International Signal and Control, first as vice president and then as president. He later served as president of the Missile Systems Division at Ferranti International, directing development and manufacturing operations on a contract with the United Arab Emirates Air Force.
In 1996, Eloy founded his own engineering firm, SEI Group Inc., which designs, builds, and maintains complex infrastructure and energy systems. The company provides engineering services to U.S. government agencies and corporate clients worldwide. The Department of Defense has benefited from SEI Group’s energy‑efficiency designs and resource‑management technologies, helping make the U.S. military greener. Under Eloy’s leadership, SEI Group has achieved significant growth and earned top recognitions, including distinction as a Top 500 Business and recipient of the Boeing Gold Performance Excellence Award.
Eloy has 10 sisters and one brother. He and his wife, Sheila Torrez, have two daughters, Aubrey and Lauren.