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365 Things To Do In Southern NM: Day 1 - New Mexico State University

By
Real Estate Agent with Las Cruces Homes and Land

This is Day 9 of my 30 Day Blog Challenge.  I've seen so many of the "365 Things To Do" type posts, I thought I'd try it myself!  I've been working on my list today and I've got enough so far to get started on this series! 

Day 1 is the pride and joy of Southern New Mexico - New Mexico State University, home of the Aggies.  NMSU was founded in 1888.  In 1889, it became a land-grant university under the Morril Act and changed it's name to New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts.  It wasn't until 1960 when it was renamed NMSU.

New Mexico State University flag       NMSU mascot

NMSU is renowned for its engineering, agriculture, and more - including its Aerospace Engineering program which now includes a masters program.  The creation and funding of this discipline couldn't come at a better time as Spaceport America is under construction just north of town - the subject of the next Things To Do blog.

NMSU also excels in the athletics department with women's volleyball, baseball, basketball, track and field, swimming and soccer.  Our football program is building under the direction of second year head coach DeWayne Walker...but we still scream our hearts out at Aggie Memorial Stadium.  So we haven't been to a bowl game in a while.  I'm a Cubs fan - enough said?

One of the biggest promotions/fund raisers done every fall is the "Aggie Are Tough Enough To Wear Pink" campaign to raise funds for breast cancer.  In 2008 and 2009, the campaign was rated Number 1 in the WORLD.  Yes, you read that right.  All athletic programs, dorms, offices and other groups on campus participate in any way they can.  Teams will wear pink shirts, socks, sweat bands or even dye their hair pink.  We fans pull out the pink shirts and join in as well.  It's gotten a lot of attention over the last 2 years.  Trust me, there's nothing like seeing the football team wearing pink socks!!  This year - the game is slated for our match up with our in state rival - UNM.

TETWP

 

If you ever find yourself in beautiful Las Cruces, take a drive over to campus and stroll around the school.  I might be biased but I think it's one of the most beautiful campuses I've ever seen.

 

Comments (7)

Bryan Watkins
LRA Real Estate Group - Mesa, AZ

Go Aggies. Sounds like a great place to settle down and enjoy a lifetime. How is the weather year round?

Sep 01, 2010 05:39 PM
Kent Simpson
Realty One Group Mountain Desert - Tucson, AZ
Real Estate Is About People

It still blows me away that the Tough Enough To Wear Pink fundraiser in Las Cruces is one of the biggest on the planet...but guess I shouldn't be that surprised:  its the same town that makes an enchilada every year that has to be hoisted by crane!

I look forward to seeing what you have for the next 364 days!

Sep 01, 2010 05:46 PM
Emmary Simpson
Las Cruces Homes and Land - Las Cruces, NM
Serving Las Cruces, NM

Hi Bryan - it is a great place to settle!  Weather-wise, not too cold, not too too hot :)  We'll see on average mid 20's for the winter.  The nice thing is that, if we do get snow, it's usually gone by noon.  Summer?  Well, yeah, we do get into the 100's.  I think we had 20+ days off 100+ weather this year.  But - as we always say - it's a dry heat!

Kent - I think it's amazing, too.  And thanks for the mind jog about the Enchilada Fiesta!

Sep 01, 2010 06:16 PM
Laura Giannotta
Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore - Little Egg Harbor, NJ
Your Realtor Down the Shore!

As a NMSU alum (1976), I know the Aggies are tough enough to wear pink...I've subscribed so I can vicariously visit Las Cruces every day!

Sep 03, 2010 10:20 PM
Emmary Simpson
Las Cruces Homes and Land - Las Cruces, NM
Serving Las Cruces, NM

Hi Laura!!  I'm glad you've subscribed - I hope I can continue to give you a nice taste of Las Cruces.  If you haven't been back in a while, you should plan a trip.  You'd be surprised to see how we've grown!

Sep 04, 2010 04:56 AM
Dale Baker
Baker Energy Audits and Commercial Properties Inspections - Claremont, NH
New Hampshire Relocation Real Estate Information

Howdy and evening to you Emmary

Emmary,
NMSU sure does have some mighty fine History about it. Ane a big Congrats to them on being Number one in the World, for raisen funds for Breast Cancer.

Have a good one
Dale in New Hampshire

Sep 07, 2010 04:46 PM
Emmary Simpson
Las Cruces Homes and Land - Las Cruces, NM
Serving Las Cruces, NM

It's wonderful to see this community come together for this fundraiser, Dale

Sep 07, 2010 05:56 PM