GRANTS - A favorite son returned to New Mexico State University - Grants to deliver the commencement address at the graduation of 133 students. Alumnus Patrick Dixon flew in from London, where he is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in applied mathematics at Oxford University.

Dixon told the crowd that he had been home schooled and then earned a GED certificate before entering NMSU-Grants, where he earned an associate degree in 2004. “I then went to Occidental College in California, where I found that I was attracted to mathematics, although I had started as a philosophy student, and got a Bachelor's degree in math,” he said.

While at Occidental, Dixon had the opportunity to study in Budapest, Hungary, where he was exposed to a radically different culture. “Many of the things that have happened in my educational life have been random flukes, which have changed my life,” he related.

“So much can be traced back to chance.”

Dixon said that he felt both pride and humility in his educational odyssey. “When doors open, go through them, even though it can be scary,” he advised. “Make use of any advantages that come your way and seize the day,” he concluded.

Dr. Joan Erben was presented with the 2009 Roush Award, chosen by the students for excellence in teaching. She is Program Manager for the Humanities Department and is the leading force behind the Earth Day observations, which have produced the lovely garden behind Martinez Hall.

Erben has been made a full professor at the college and has been recognized as an “Amazing Aggie” because of her philosophy of cross-curriculum teaching of writing skills.

Instructor Mark Lowther was given the Associate Faculty recognition as outstanding college instructor.

Detective Sergeant John Casteneda of the Grants Police Department was honored as Friend of the College for his work in developing the Junior Officer Law Enforcement Training Academy, a dual enrollment program which allows eligible high school students to earn both high school and college credits by taking courses at the college. See story on page A3.

Joseph Martin, President of Associated Student Government, advised, “Don't let this be the end of your education. You are now college graduates and no one can take that away from you.”

Many of the speakers honored the families and parents of the graduates for their sacrifices in helping the students attain their goals.

Felicia Casados, campus CEO, and Dr. Harry Sheski, vice-president for Academic Affairs, presented the associate degrees and certificates, while Dr. Marc Pruyn and Dr. Shaun Cooper of the Las Cruces campus conferred bachelor and master degrees.

A reception for the graduates, their families and friends, followed the commencement ceremony.