The New Mexico State University community gathered to celebrate the institution's heritage and honor leaders who shaped the university at its annual Founders Day event April 15 at Traders Plaza on the Las Cruces campus.

This year, NMSU's Employee Council honored the "A" Mountain Staff Award recipient, Lizely Madrigal, University Technology Solutions and Support director, and the newest Aggie Legend, Garrey E. Carruthers, an educator and public servant. Additionally, NMSU support staff members were honored as part of Administrative Professionals Day. 

Two-time Aggie graduate, Carruthers earned his bachelor's degree in agriculture in 1964 and his master's degree in agricultural economics in 1965 before he returned to teach agricultural economics and agricultural business. He served as the 27th governor of New Mexico. Carruthers spent 10 years as NMSU's College of Business dean and five years as NMSU's chancellor. 

"Founders Day started during my tenure at New Mexico State as president, and I never envisioned that I would ever be a legend," Carruthers said. "As you get older, people think more favorability of you and you can sneak in under the wire as a legend at Founders Day.

"In one way or another, I probably spent 35 years at New Mexico State University as a student, as a faculty member and as an administrator," he said. "Every aspect of my New Mexico State University experience has been very interesting and fun, and I'm just delighted to have wondered this way across the paddock." 

The "A" Mountain Staff Award recognizes staff members who demonstrate the NMSU core values of leadership, excellence, access, diversity and inclusion, and those who are student-centered. Madrigal leads an Information Technology department, which includes the IT Help Desk, IT Service Center, IT Equipment Rental Desk, Learning Environments and IT Communications. 

"I felt truly humbled by the award," Madrigal said. "My team submitted the nomination, and it means the world that they would see me as a fit for this recognition. For me, it always goes back to our why – why the work we do matters. At NMSU, that why is our students. Everything we do in IT is in service of supporting their success and contributing to the university's mission.

"I believe strongly that IT should not be viewed as a commodity, but as a strategic partner – one that helps move forward teaching, learning and research in meaningful ways," she said. 

An NMSU graduate, Madrigal began working at NMSU in July 2023 as Research and Instructional Support IT director.

"I work with a special group of people who are passionate about technology and the impact it has on how we support our faculty, students and research," she said. "Those moments, when you see the work come together and make a difference, are what I enjoy most." 

"Lizely leads by example, continually educating herself and learning from peer institutions to bring best practices to NMSU. She sets high standards for both herself and her team, yet pairs those expectations with consistent mentorship, encouragement and the resources needed for success," said Project Support Specialist Hannah Mireles, who nominated Madrigal. "She is always seeking ways to make NMSU more effective and strengthen its reputation, never settling for good enough. She brings forward innovative, data-driven ideas that improve the student experience and enhance university operations, often informed by her strong professional network across other higher education institutions."

Madrigal earned a master's degree in public administration from NMSU, a master's degree in sociology from San Diego State University and a Ph.D. in educational administration from the University of Texas at El Paso.