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NMSU’s Susan DeMar receives Stephen W. and Robert E. Roberts Memorial Staff Award

Susan DeMar, administrative assistant for New Mexico State University’s Geography Department in the College of Arts & Sciences, has been recognized with the 2016 Stephen W. and Robert E. Roberts Memorial Staff Award for her exemplary service to the university.

“During my career, I’ve been very fortunate to receive all this recognition,” DeMar said. She has been at NMSU and with the Geography Department for the past 12 years and has been recognized throughout for her service. 

Her nomination letter described her as being attentive to faculty needs in a way that relieved them of extra stress that could distract them from their teaching. She is also appreciated for the inviting environment she has created in her office.

Robert Davis, a student at NMSU and U.S. Air Force veteran, said in a letter about DeMar, “I find it rare to come into contact with someone as special as Susan. I feel she is a delight to have helped with something as important as my future and education.” 

“For me to receive this award really touches my heart and is an honor I will carry with me throughout my career and life,” DeMar said. She is often regarded as the Geography Mom and is also the mother of a son who graduated from NMSU with an engineering degree and two daughters who are also engineers. 

“All of my students are like my kids to me,” DeMar said. 

DeMar has previously received the Above & Beyond Award in 2011, the College of Arts & Sciences Outstanding Staff Award in 2012, and the Ralph B. Crouch Award in 2015.

DeMar is also active outside of her duties as administrative assistant. She serves as president of the NMSU Women’s Club where she established the Ruth Mary Webber Scholarship in honor of her late mother for single or widowed mothers with dependent children who reside with them. 

She serves on the Board of Directors as the College Relations Liaison Officer for the American Association of University Women organization with the goal of making NMSU an affiliate to the organization. DeMar is also the Membership Officer for the Las Cruces Press Women’s Club and sings soprano II in the Mesilla Valley Chorale. 

The Roberts Award ceremony will take place Oct. 19 in Corbett Center, Dona Anna Room 312.

The Stephen W. and Robert E. Roberts Memorial Staff Award was established in 1983 by George Roberts, former NMSU assistant vice president for business affairs, and his wife, Bernice Roberts, in honor of their sons. It is presented annually with a cash award provided by the Stephen W. and Robert E. Roberts Memorial Endowment fund in recognition of a staff member who has provided dedicated, outstanding service to the university.

Information from NMSU