Since the 1950s, Portales, New Mexico, native Ed Foreman has been involved in the New Mexico State University community. Foreman, who passed away in February, has left a legacy across the NMSU campus.
From the Ed and Harold Foreman Engineering Complex to the Ed and Barbara Foreman Endowed Scholarship created in 2015 to ensure NMSU’s ability to produce high-quality civil engineers, Foreman was one of the College of Engineering’s most steadfast supporters.
“His passion for our NMSU community was palpable, and his family’s generous philanthropy helped shape the lives of countless Aggies,” said Lakshmi N. Reddi, College of Engineering dean. “Ed lived an extraordinary life, and we will miss him deeply – especially his humor, wisdom and deep commitment to making both NMSU and New Mexico outstanding places to live and learn.”
“Ed Foreman was one of our most supportive and distinguished Aggies,” said NMSU Chancellor Dan Arvizu. “He was a gifted public speaker, and you always knew when Ed was in the room with you because his enthusiasm was electric. We are so grateful for everything he did in support of our students and in support of NMSU’s mission. He will be missed.”
After Foreman graduated with his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1955, he crafted an dynamic career in fields such as engineering, government and business.
He served in the United States House of Representatives for Texas’s 16th district and then New Mexico’s 2nd district, as an assistant secretary of the Interior Department under the Nixon administration and as a member of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Not only did Foreman support various engineering initiatives throughout his life, he also was a member of the board of directors for the NMSU Foundation, the university’s fundraising organization. In 2008, Foreman received an honorary doctorate from NMSU.
