Pat and Lou Sisbarro Community Park at New Mexico State University is now officially open. Earlier today university and community leaders held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new public space, which recognizes the continued generosity of Pat and Lou Sisbarro as well as their commitment to NMSU and the Las Cruces community.
Located east of Aggie Memorial Stadium, the park features a running trail and exercise stations. The university has also planted dozens of trees and made other improvements to make the area more welcoming to the community.
“This park is a fitting tribute, as Lou was one of the people who recommended creating a park to draw the community to campus more often,” said NMSU President Garrey Carruthers. “For years to come, as people visit NMSU, this park will serve as a reminder of the relationship Pat and Lou Sisbarro have with this community.”
Late last year, Carruthers announced that Pat and Lou Sisbarro were making two separate, substantial gifts to the university designated to support various projects and future initiatives.
“The Las Cruces community, of which New Mexico State University is an integral part, has supported the Sisbarro dealerships since 1981,” said Lou Sisbarro, president of the Sisbarro dealerships in Las Cruces, Deming and Sunland Park. “This is another way the Sisbarro family can give back to the people of the southern New Mexico because of their continued support of our dealerships.”
As part of their contributions, the husband and wife established the Pat and Lou Sisbarro Current Use Fund. The proceeds from the gift are used to “support excellence at New Mexico State University” and allow NMSU to fund critical projects in a timely manner during the next five years. The first portion of the fund will help to pay for design work needed to renovate Williams Hall, home of NMSU’s art department.
Pat and Lou Sisbarro also established a separate, substantial legacy gift for the university. This donation will have an extraordinary and lasting impact on NMSU and will provide resources for NMSU to continue important projects and initiatives into the future.