Growing up in Las Cruces, twin brothers Orlando and Samuel “Sam” Castañeda ’06 turned everything into a friendly competition — martial arts tournaments, track meets (earning them the nickname “The Flying Cs”), even business classes at New Mexico State University. 

Today, that same drive fuels their commitment to giving back. As financial professionals in Phoenix, the brothers invest their time, mentorship, and financial support into the university that launched their careers. 

Both majored in business at NMSU, inspired by their talent in math and a senior-year job as tellers at Community First Bank. After graduation, they pursued careers in financial services and now use their platforms to advocate for giving back to NMSU. 

Rooted in Values

Raised in a close-knit Las Cruces community, the Castañedas were shaped by parents who modeled hard work, discipline, and service. Their father, a U.S. Army veteran, taught them to do things right the first time. Their mother prioritized education and filled their summers with reading and writing. 

“We turned everything into a competition,” says Orlando, who’s older by one minute and insists that’s why he’s taller. Sam narrowly beat him in a two-mile district race, and together they led Las Cruces High School’s cross-country team to its first state appearance in years. 

At NMSU, they continued their athletic streak, training and teaching martial arts and winning kickboxing tournaments. But it was their business education and early exposure to banking that ultimately steered their careers. 

Aggies Who Give Back

The brothers view supporting NMSU as one of the best investments they can make. “Pay it forward,” advises Sam. “We want to help students who think they can’t afford college realize that it is possible.” 

Orlando currently serves on the NMSU Foundation Board and is a member of the 1888 Society, which honors individuals who have included NMSU in their estate plans. He previously served on the College of Business’s Business Advisory Council. Sam, formerly with The Vanguard Group, mentors fellow Aggies and now leads Castañeda Financial Management, a firm focused on comprehensive planning — including philanthropy. 

“Even small gifts matter,” Sam explains. “I made it a personal goal to grow my giving as my career grew, just like contributing to a 401(k).” 

Inspired by that mindset, Orlando took an extraordinary step by naming NMSU in his estate plan. “It’s part of my legacy. The goal is to establish a scholarship that helps students from underserved backgrounds access a quality education.” 

Connecting with Community

For Orlando, his wife Alissa’s involvement in the USC alumni network underscored how meaningful it is to stay engaged with one’s alma mater. That, along with seeing the active NMSU alumni community in Phoenix, motivated him to get more involved both financially and personally. 

In his early career, fellow Aggie Dino Camunez ’80 offered guidance that helped propel Orlando into his current role as Senior Vice President at Scottsdale Community Bank. Sam found similar inspiration through Phoenix business owner Joel Granger ’98, an active Aggie and NMSU Foundation board member. 

Sam remembers his first gift: a $50 gift to the Joel Granger Leadership Endowed Scholarship, made after Granger explained how even the most modest contribution can help students. “A long-term goal of mine is to create a similar scholarship that supports future generations,” he adds. 

Today, the brothers support programs in the College of Business and Aggie Athletics. Anyone can create a scholarship fund; see https://alwaysanaggie.org/donate/ to learn how.

The Power of Connection

“In many cases, it’s not what you know but who you know,” Sam says. “There are Aggie alumni making waves around the world — and they’re great resources for fellow Aggies.” 

Both Castañedas encourage alumni to tap into that network. “Time is the one thing you can’t get back, so don’t waste it,” Sam says. “Surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed.” 

The brothers are also devoted Aggie sports fans. Orlando recalls how he nearly lost his voice cheering during NMSU’s 2022 March Madness win over UConn — just before giving a speech as best man at Sam’s wedding. “Sam will never live down scheduling his wedding during the NCAA tournament,” he jokes. 

For Orlando and Sam, NMSU isn’t just where their journey began; it’s where they found purpose, pride, and a community that continues to shape their lives. To learn how you can make a legacy gift like Orlando’s, visit https://plannedgiving.nmsu.edu/contact-us.