The NMSU Foundation is honored to recognize the recipients of the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards!
Celebrating Aggies whose achievements, leadership, and service exemplify the spirit and values of New Mexico State University, these annual awards showcase alumni who have distinguished themselves through excellence in their professions and their communities.
Also presented are the Young Alumni Service Award and the James F. Cole Memorial Award for Service, recognizing extraordinary dedication to community service and contributions that bring lasting pride to NMSU. Please join us to recognize these outstanding alumni!
Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
Time: Cocktail hour at 5:00 p.m. | Awards and dinner at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Las Cruces Convention Center | 680 E. University Ave., Las Cruces, NM 88001
* Reserve your tickets by October 23 at 5 p.m. MT.
The 2026 NMSU Distinguished Alumni honorees are:
JAMES F. COLE MEMORIAL AWARD FOR SERVICE
José N. Uranga, Esq.
DISTINGUISHED ALUM – COLLEGE OF ACES
Raymond Loretto, DVM
DISTINGUISHED ALUM – COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Pete K. Rahn
DISTINGUISHED ALUM – COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Matthew W. Wright, Esq.
DISTINGUISHED ALUM – COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
COL Jerry E. Gaussoin Jr., U.S. Army (retired)
DISTINGUISHED ALUM – COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Tim Thompson
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA – COLLEGE OF HEST
Terra V. Winter, PhD
YOUNG ALUMNI SERVICE AWARD
Kevin H. Culver, Esq.
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards and service awards!
To learn more, visit: alwaysanaggie.org/alumni/awards