The New Mexico State University Foundation has launched “Complete the Pete,” a crowdfunding campaign to raise $10,000 in support of NMSU’s beloved mascot, Pistol Pete. Funds will help cover the cost of Pete’s attire and travel expenses for the students who bring Aggie spirit to life as Pistol Pete across the state and beyond.
Pete’s attire includes a vest, chaps, holster, and cuffs, and costs more than $2,000 per student plus regular repairs and maintenance. A key member of the NMSU spirit squad and cheerleading team, five full-time students rotate in the role of Pistol Pete. Each year, full-time students compete for the honor of portraying Pete, who is a USA Collegiate National Champion Mascot. In July 2025, Pistol Pete was also named Best All-Around Mascot at the NCA Collegiate Cheer Camp in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“We take great pride in everything that we do for the university, whether it’s an athletic event, campus request, or community appearance,” said Trevor Rawdon, an NMSU graduate student working on his master’s in Agricultural and Extension Education. “Every time we don the Pistol Pete suit, we’re proud to represent NMSU, and we hope our dedication inspires your support. This campaign helps ensure we have the resources we need to keep the spirit strong and the Aggie pride living on.”
Inspired by Old West lawman Frank Eaton, Pistol Pete was adopted by the then–New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts in the 1950s as a proud symbol of Aggie tradition. Pistol Pete made his first live appearance in 1973, wearing a student-made costume that featured a crimson felt “A” and an off-white cowboy hat donated by a fan.
Over the decades, Pete’s appearance has evolved, but today he’s instantly recognizable in classic cowboy attire: a button-down shirt, jeans, leather vest and chaps, boots, and his signature mustache.
“Pistol Pete is a cherished part of campus life, not just at athletic events, but at student, alumni, and community gatherings year-round,” said Mayra Marquez, assistant vice president of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving at the NMSU Foundation. “The students who portray Pistol Pete make more than 90 appearances annually. They train hard and represent the university with pride, and we’re proud to support them through scholarships funded through the NMSU Foundation.”
Since 2012, more than 25 students have received scholarships through the Pistol Pete program. The “Complete the Pete” campaign runs from October 1 to December 31, 2025. To support the campaign and help keep the spirit of Pistol Pete alive, visit https://alumni.alwaysanaggie.org/g/complete-the-pete.
About the NMSU Foundation
Established in 1959, the Foundation is a privately governed, non-profit corporation. The mission of the NMSU Foundation is to foster long-term relationships with alumni, supporters, and the community to secure, manage, steward, and protect a sustainable source of private resources that will enhance the ability of New Mexico State University to fulfill its land-grant mission. For more information on the NMSU Foundation, see www.alwaysanaggie.org.