The New Mexico State University Foundation has surpassed $500 million in assets under management for the first time in its history, marking a significant milestone that strengthens its ability to invest in, grow and support the long-term success of New Mexico State University.

Foundation leaders, who celebrated the milestone at their April Board of Directors meeting in Houston, Texas, said the achievement reflects decades of generosity from alumni, donors, and friends of the university, combined with disciplined investment stewardship by the Foundation. This continual growth reflects strong investment oversight, increased donor engagement and a clear focus on long-term sustainability.

"This is a transformative moment for the NMSU Foundation," said Sylvia Y. Acosta, chief executive officer of the NMSU Foundation. "Reaching this level allows us to more reliably support students and faculty today while safeguarding resources that will benefit Aggies well into the future."

Over the past four years, the Foundation's assets under management have grown by 83%, from approximately $272 million in 2022 to more than $500 million by February 2026. Included in those assets, the endowment pool now represents roughly $475 million, providing permanent funding for scholarships, faculty positions, research and other priorities central to NMSU's land‑grant mission. 

As a result of this growth, annual endowment distributions have increased significantly, rising from approximately $8 million to more than $14 million in recent years. During that same period, endowment support has funded approximately 12,000 undergraduate and graduate scholarships, $12.5 million for faculty positions and $2.5 million for research, directly advancing student success and academic innovation.

Assets under management at the $500 million level enhance the university's financial stability and position NMSU more prominently among its national higher education peers.

Louis A. Vega, chair of the NMSU Foundation Board of Directors, emphasized the impact behind the milestone. "Surpassing $500 million is as much a responsibility as it is an achievement," Vega said. "What makes this milestone meaningful is the opportunity it creates for our students. Every dollar entrusted to the Foundation is invested wisely to expand access, strengthen programs and change lives. An endowment of this size allows us to grow our resources over time and sustain support for NMSU, its mission and its students for generations."

The NMSU Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Led by an engaged, independent 33-member Board of Directors, the Foundation holds full fiduciary responsibility for the stewardship, investment and management of all philanthropic funds raised on behalf of NMSU. This structure ensures disciplined oversight, strong financial management and accountability to the donors who place their trust in the Foundation. 

Looking ahead, Foundation leaders project continued growth, with annual endowment distributions expected to exceed $20 million by 2030, further expanding the Foundation's ability to support students, faculty and strategic priorities across campus.

"This milestone is a testament to the vision and generosity of our alumni, donors and partners," said NMSU President Valerio Ferme. "Together, they have helped build a strong and enduring foundation that will continue to expand opportunity, elevate academic excellence and shape the future of NMSU."

The full article can be seen at https://newsroom.nmsu.edu/news/nmsu-foundation-assets-under-management-surpass--500-million/s/071b2e1d-f45b-4c45-94dd-00db919d32fa