Taking part in a graduation tradition that began in 1989, some 274 NMSU engineering students participated virtually in the Sociedad de Ingenieros on May 14. The ceremony was established at NMSU in 1989 by deans and department heads of the College of Engineering. Dedicated to the graduating class of engineers, the society affirms the importance of future contributions they will make to society while practicing their profession.

At each ceremony, eminente members are inducted into the society. These recipients have distinguished themselves in the field of engineering and serve as role models for new graduates, receiving one of the college’s highest honors. Scott A. McLaughlin, executive director of Spaceport America, was named the NMSU College of Engineering Spring 2021 Ingeniero Emimente.

Scott is an NMSU electrical engineering alumnus with a diverse background spanning the realms of private business and government operations. His distinguished career as a technical innovator, founder and executive of a new business unit is a wonderful and inspiring example of the myriad opportunities facing new graduates. 

I’ve become fond of this unique and meaningful ceremony during my five-year tenure at NMSU. While COVID prevented us from gathering in person for this celebration during the past year, I am anticipating the return of a live ceremony to cap the fall semester and usher in a new cadre of engineering graduates to the next exciting phase of their lives.