May 16, 2013 by Samuel Horstman, NMSU News Center
The New Mexico State University Alumni Association recently announced the university’s Spring 2013 Outstanding Graduates. The awards recognize students for their leadership, participation in university and community events, honors received and grade point average.
The students received their awards at the Outstanding Graduates Luncheon held by NMSU’s Alumni Association on May 10 at the 3rd Floor Bistro at the Danny Villanueva Victory Club inside the NMSU Stan Fulton Athletic Center.
The Outstanding Graduates are: Charles Margarit from the College of Arts and Sciences; Shannon Norris from the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences; Eduardo Chavez from the College of Business; Lainey Widner from the College of Education; Hope Quintana from the College of Engineering; Michael Daniels from the College of Extended Learning; Diane Bernal from the College of Health and Social Services; Joshua Gaddy from the American Indian Program; and Baraka Lwoya from the Office of International and Border Programs. The two graduate students are Terri Horn, who recived her masters, and Shahab Torkamani, who received his Ph.D.
Margarit is a biochemistry major from Las Cruces. His academic achievements have been recognized by the NMSU chemistry and biochemstry department. During his time at NMSU he was a Crimson Scholar and has been on the dean’s list.
Norris is an agricultural and Extension services major from Cliff, N.M. The New Mexican Woman Magazine recognized her as one of the top 10 most influential female teens in New Mexico. At NMSU she served as an ACES college ambassador and president of the NMSU Collegiate FFA.
Chavez is an international business major from Los Lunas, N.M. He served as an Aggie ambassador and was part of the university pep band. Chavez was also a business curriculum tutor for the Zuhl Student Success Center.
Widner is a kinesiology major from Clovis, N.M. She worked as a student research assistant in the human performance, dance and recreation department. Widner also served as the NMSU Kinesiology Club treasurer.
Quintana is a chemical engineering major from Santa Fe, N.M. She served as the president of the NMSU American Institute of Chemical Engineers. Quintana has represented NMSU chemical engineeering at AIChE regional and national conferences.
Daniels is an individualized studies major from Las Cruces. He has served in the U.S. Navy and is currently a lieutenant paramedic with the Las Cruces Fire Department. Daniels also works with Project Head Start, which provides the community with CPR training.
Bernal is a social work major from El Paso, Texas. She was part of several NMSU organizations including the Phi Alpha Honor Society, the Student Social Work Association and the Election Board Committee.
Gaddy is a biology major from Gallup, N.M. He has been involved with the American Indian Program Peer Mentor Program since his freshman year. Graddy plans to attend graduate school and obtain a Ph.D.
Lwoya is a chemical engineering major from Las Cruces. He has worked as an undergraduate researcher and has made the dean’s honor list. Lwoya was also a part of the NMSU American Institute of Chemical Engineers.
Horn has earned her master of sociology. She earned her bachelor of sociology from Berea College in Kentucky. Horn served as a graduate assistant in the Department of Sociology.
Torkamani earned his doctorate in mechanical engineering. He has written seven peer–reviewed journals and is currently in the process of submitting five additional articles. He was among seven NMSU students to receive the Graduate Research Enhancement Grant.
For more information about the outstanding graduates program, contact NMSU Alumni Relations at 575-646-3616 or email alumni@nmsu.edu.