File Photo: Dr. John W. Hernandez, former professor, department chair and dean of engineering at NMSU. 

Recently, the college held a celebration of life for John w. Hernandez. Hearing about his life deeply inspired me. 

He was a professor, department chair and dean of engineering at NMSU, as well as an athlete, politician, EPA appointee under Ronald Regan. 

He was also the embodiment of what we call student-centric: taking student calls at all hours for homework assistance, recruiting at high schools, editing student papers, etc. 

There has been some amazing talent at this college: Hernandez, Dad Jett, Ralph Goddard, Frank Bromilow.  Their attributes are something that we should strive for today.