By: Amanda Bradford
The New Mexico State University system has embarked on a $125 million comprehensive campaign, and will kick off the public phase of its largest-ever fundraising effort with an energized event Friday, April 28, at the Center for the Arts.
The program begins at 4 p.m. in the Mark and Stephanie Medoff Theatre in the Associated Students of NMSU Center for the Arts, with the reveal of the campaign’s theme, the announcement of a transformational gift to the university and a performance from Las Cruces’ own country music star, Bri Bagwell. The campaign launch is free to attend, and the public is invited to join the NMSU system in the celebration. A reception outside the theatre will follow the short program.
During the comprehensive campaign’s quiet phase, which began in May 2013, the NMSU Foundation raised more than half the campaign’s goal – nearly $70 million. While NMSU is a public university system, funding from private donors, alumni, corporations, foundations and other sources supports vital community programs, research and student scholarship opportunities.
“Every person has the power to make a huge difference in this campaign, because their gifts have a collective impact,” said Andrea Tawney, president of the NMSU Foundation. “If we can move every alum, every member of our Aggie family, to participate, no matter what the amount of their gift, we will see a complete transformation in what is possible for our community, our faculty and our students.”
One of the most important goals of the campaign, which extends through 2019, is the creation of $50 million in new scholarship endowments. This would provide $2 million each year in perpetuity for new, game-changing scholarships.
Scholarship funding is crucial so that all NMSU campuses can offer opportunities to students who have earned them, regardless of their means, and also so the university can attract top students and nurture their success. Whether endowed or current use, scholarships reflect the passion of NMSU donors and augment student resources while impacting various groups, including high achievers, military veterans, underrepresented populations, and many others.
“Private funding and support for students and programs is always a necessity and we are working hard to inspire donor support through the NMSU Foundation,” said NMSU Chancellor Garrey Carruthers. “Launching a comprehensive campaign allows us to focus our energy and momentum on a common purpose throughout our entire system. We continue to be deeply grateful for the generosity and confidence that our Aggie community has shown us by investing in the future of our system and our students.”
NMSU will also host events to celebrate the campaign launch with faculty and staff during the annual Founders Day picnic from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 26 at the Traders Plaza, and with students during a special student launch event at noon on April 27 at the NMSU Duck Pond.
To RSVP for the public campaign launch celebration on April 28, contact Nohemi Perez at 575-646-1106 or nohemip@nmsu.edu.
