Sam Steel Honorary Society

The Sam Steel Society was formed by NMSUâ€™s College of Agriculture and Home Economics to bond the college family more closely. The society honors the memory of Samuel Steel, the young man who would have been the first graduate of a New Mexico college had he not been murdered in 1893, two months before his scheduled graduation.

Each new graduate of the College of Agriculture and Home Economics since 1993 has been invited to become a member and be publicly recognized by the dean and department head. Graduates prior to 1993 may receive membership upon request. Selected distinguished friends of the college are individually invited to become honorary members of the society. Sam Steel Honorary Awards are presented during fall and spring Sam Steel ceremonies held the Friday before university graduation ceremonies.

The following criteria will be used in selecting the awardees:

Be distinguished in his or her profession, business or other worthy endeavors.
Be a person of such integrity, statue, and demonstrated ability that the faculty, students, staff and alumni of the college will take pride in and be inspired by his or her recognition.
Exhibited leadership abilities and provided service to others.
Helped advance the College of Agriculture and Home Economics.

Nominations for Honorary Membership into the Sam Steel Society are due March 1 and October 1 of each year. Letters of nomination may be sent to:

Awards Committee c/o the Dean
College of Agriculture and Home Economics
P.O. Box 30003, MSC 3AG
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM 88003
E-mail: Dean's Office