CONGRATS ON THE WIN!

NMSU Foundation Sponsored Quick Lane Bowl Travel for NMSU Band and Spirit Squads

The New Mexico State University (NMSU) Foundation was pleased to underwrite travel expenses for the PRIDE of New Mexico Marching Band, Cheerleading Squad and Sundancers to attend the Quick Lane Bowl in Detroit on Dec. 26. The Aggies defeated the Bowling Green Falcons in the team’s fifth bowl game appearance, and in head coach Jerry Kill’s first season.

More than 140 students benefitted from the Foundation’s support, enabling NMSU musicians, cheerleaders and dancers to travel with the football team to represent New Mexico State after a remarkable season for Coach Kill. The PRIDE of New Mexico is the award-winning marching band of NMSU, comprised of over two hundred musicians, as well as the Sundancer Dance Team. The New Mexico State Cheerleading Squad cheers year-round for football games, men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball games and community events.

“We were very excited to be able to take a significant portion of our band members, cheerleaders and Sundancers to the Quick Lane Bowl,” said Dr. Steven L. Smyth, Associate Director of Bands and Music Education Coordinator at NMSU. “Their hard work and dedication pay off at times like these, and the sacrifices of the students and their families is humbling. We are thankful to be a part of Aggie Game Days and appreciate the support of the Foundation, Alumni, Athletics, and of course the Aggie Nation.”

The NMSU band, cheer and dance teams personify the professionalism, work ethic, and pursuit of excellence that define New Mexico State University.

“Each one of these Aggies earned an incredible opportunity to compete in front of a national TV audience in prime time on ESPN,” said Mario Moccia, Director of Athletics at NMSU. “We are grateful that the NMSU Foundation was so generous to assist the team, our band, and spirit squads in putting their best foot forward on the national stage. Coach Kill is building a winning team in Las Cruces, and the NMSU Foundation is partnering with Athletics to best ensure our long-term success,” he added.

For over 60 years, the NMSU Foundation has been the university’s fundraising partner to secure, manage, oversee and protect a sustainable source of private resources by nurturing long-term relationships with alumni, supporters, and the community.

“When New Mexico State University has the chance to be a part of a major bowl game experience, the Aggie Family can be counted on to step forward in support of our students, athletes and musicians as they show the country why our university is so special,” said Derek Dictson, President of the NMSU Foundation. “We have watched these student athletes and musicians work exceptionally hard to prepare for and earn this opportunity, and we are happy to be able support them in a meaningful way.”