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Three generations of the DeMund family are pursuing degrees at NMSU

A cross-country road trip to California in 2002 started the DeMund family’s journey to New Mexico State University. 

When the family was looking to relocate from the United States Virgin Islands and continue their academic studies, the DeMunds remembered travelling through Las Cruces. Norma DeMund, her son, Sulieman, her daughter, Ilé, and Ilé’s son, Alchesay, visited NMSU’s campus in 2010. 

Three years later, Norma, her husband, Harold, Ilé and Alchesay moved to Las Cruces, and Sulieman, an U.S. Navy and Air Force veteran, followed in 2014. 

Since arriving at NMSU, Norma has completed the course work for her Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction. 

“Being in the College of Education, it feels like home,” said Norma, who dreams of starting a school. “They make you feel very, very comfortable.” 

Ilé is working on her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, and Sulieman is pursuing his government and international relations master’s degree. 

Sulieman said he hopes to recruit more family and friends to NMSU. 

“When you are in this school, this school takes care of you,” he said. “I can’t ask for a better university. I brag to everybody about this gem.” 

Alchesay, who graduated from Las Cruces High School in 2017, is a freshman and Harold, a retiree who turned 75 in October, audits courses. The pair took a government course together in the fall. 

“I’m taking courses I never would have taken when I was in school,” Harold said. “I’ll probably go to school until they throw the dirt on top of me. My mother says continue to learn something new every day – keep your brains in gear. She’s 98 years old.”

Information from NMSU