NMSU’s 1888 Society honors individuals and couples who have informed us that the New Mexico State University Foundation is included in their estate plans, whether through a will, trust, life income gift, life insurance policy, retirement plan, or other planned gift. But this powerful tradition of legacy giving might not even exist if not for the arrival of a young boy more than 130 years ago.
Humble Origins
In 1873, an orphan named Fabián Gárcia journeyed with his grandmother from the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, to the Mimbres Valley. His story would become deeply rooted in the history of Las Cruces and in the very foundation of New Mexico State University.
Just 15 years after Fabián’s arrival, in 1888, the New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts (now NMSU) opened its doors. Six years later, Fabián proudly became one of just five graduates in the university’s first graduating class.
From there, his impact only deepened. As a respected horticulturalist and agricultural scientist, Fabián pioneered innovations that continue to shape this region. He developed the first reliable chile pod — the now-famous Sandia Pepper — as well as the Grano onion. He also planted some of the first pecan trees in the Mesilla Valley, many of which still flourish throughout Las Cruces today.
A Legacy for the Future
But Fabián’s legacy extends far beyond fields and orchards. Near the end of his life, he made a transformational decision: he left a large part of his estate to the university that had given him his start. With that bold act, Fabián became the “father of philanthropy” at NMSU. His generosity planted not only the pecan trees and pepper plants scattered around the NMSU campus, but also the seeds of a culture of giving that has nurtured students, research, and opportunity for generations.
Fabián Gárcia’s passion for education changed lives then, and it still does today. And just like this remarkable scientist and educator, every member of the Aggie family can shape the future, starting with one meaningful, generous act.
Make Your Plan, Like Fabián Did
Every August, Americans observe National Make a Will Month, a timely reminder to create or update your will and ensure your wishes are clearly documented.
Fabián Gárcia’s decision to include NMSU in his estate plans changed the course of our university’s future. Today, his legacy lives on through scholarships, research, and a thriving campus. You can follow in his footsteps by creating a plan that reflects your values and supports the people and causes that matter most to you.
We invite you to honor Fabián’s bold vision by creating your own. Join the growing community of Aggies whose estate gifts are shaping a brighter future for students. A will is more than a legal document: it’s a legacy of love, purpose, and possibility.
Learn more and request your free toolkit here.
How to Get Started
Reflect on the legacy you want to leave. Who are the people and what are the causes most important to you?
Take stock of your assets and determine how you will distribute them in keeping with your values.
Request the NMSU Foundation’s Estate Planning Toolkit to help you start or update your plan with clarity and confidence.
Consult with an estate planning attorney or trusted professional. Sample bequest language for supporting NMSU is available here.
Let Us Know of Your Decision
If you’ve included a gift to New Mexico State University in your estate plans, we’d love to hear from you! Your generosity honors the spirit of Fabián García and ensures we can fulfill your wishes exactly as you intended.
By letting us know, you’ll also become a member of NMSU’s 1888 Society, the community of visionaries who are shaping the future of NMSU through thoughtful, lasting support. Share your legacy gift intention here: Legacy Gift Intention.
Want more information about making a gift through your will, trust, retirement account, or other estate plan? Get in touch with us here: Tell Me More!
Our gift planning team is here to help you explore ways to support what matters most—while taking care of the people and causes you love.
Contact:
Steven Covington
Executive Director of Estates and Gift Planning
575.201.9023
plannedgiving@nmsufoundation.org
P.O. Box 3590, Las Cruces, NM 88003-3590
Leave a legacy as bold as Fabián’s. Let your story be one that future Aggies will celebrate from generation to generation.