For the last three years, New Mexico State University’s College of Arts and Sciences has hosted a gala event to honor business and community leaders for their contributions to the college and the university. This year, the college is asking the community to submit nominations for these awards, which will be presented at “A Starry Night” fundraiser next spring on Friday, Feb. 3.
“In the past this was a decision made internally,” said Enrico Pontelli, interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “We want to open it up to the greater community and we encourage anyone in the region to submit a nomination. Once received, the nominations will be reviewed by a committee within the dean’s council, who will select the recipients.”
“A Starry Night” was started in 2013 and presents honors in four categories: The Town and Gown award, the Star of the Arts award, the Star of the Sciences award and the Star of the College of Arts and Sciences award. The awards recognize individuals who have achieved state, national, or international distinction through their accomplishments and leadership while supporting their community and NMSU’s College of Arts and Sciences.
Funds raised go to the Dean’s Fund for Excellence, which allows the college to fund opportunities to enhance the quality of education for students, expand the research abilities for faculty and support larger community efforts to improve higher education.
During the event, the college will also honor a star faculty member, student or alumnus from each of its 26 departments. The spring fundraiser begins with a reception showcasing these department stars, followed by the awards ceremony in the Medoff Theatre at the ASNMSU Center for the Arts.
Nomination forms are available online through http://artsci.nmsu.edu/en/starry-night. Submissions must be completed and submitted by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 30.
For more information, contact Ashley Jurado at ajurado@nmsu.edu.
Information from NMSU