As a member of the military, James Sullivan traveled the world from Afghanistan to Kosovo and Massachusetts to Hawaii. He served in the United States Army and U.S. Army National Guard for 17 years.

Following his unexpected passing in December 2019, his mother, Teresa Sullivan, is continuing the two-time New Mexico State University alumnus’ legacy with a new scholarship in the College of Engineering. The James Scotti Sullivan Memorial Endowed Scholarship in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering will help undergraduate students earn degrees.

“I know what it was like to attend college on a limited budget, so I hope this will help others pay for their education,” Teresa Sullivan said.

“James was a very caring individual,” she said. “Giving candy to the kids in Kosovo. He had a great sense of humor and was always lots of fun – making pie every week and sharing it with others, entering his baking and cooking in state fairs. Always making those around him laugh.”

“This scholarship reflects a mother’s love and is a tribute to an amazing alum. Students will benefit from this gift for generations to come,” said Derek Dictson, NMSU Foundation president.

With a passion for learning, Sullivan attended eight postsecondary institutions. He earned a bachelor’s degree in 2004 and master’s degree in 2006 in mechanical engineering at NMSU while he was a member of the New Mexico National Guard.

“We are grateful to Mr. Sullivan for his many years of service to our nation,” said College of Engineering Dean Lakshmi N. Reddi. “It will be an honor to continue his legacy by using his generous gift to support those students who follow him in military service.”

The scholarship will be awarded to mechanical engineering majors, with a preference for students currently serving or having served in the U.S. Armed Forces or students enrolled in an ROTC program at NMSU.