NMSU Foundation celebrates future leaders

The New Mexico State University Foundation announced the recipients of the fall 2025 Outstanding Graduate Award, recognizing seven exceptional students: one from each academic college and two from the Graduate School.

Selected for their academic excellence, leadership and commitment to service, these graduates represent the very best of the NMSU community:

• Kiana Lynn Rivera, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences

• Matias Rougier, College of Arts and Sciences

• Itay Feigin, College of Business

• Rebekah Pase, College of Engineering

• Britney Otero, College of Health, Education and Social Transformation

• Sean Schifano, Graduate School, College of Arts and Sciences, Master’s

• Dylan M. Osterhaus, Graduate School, College of Arts and Sciences, Ph.D.

“These students embody the spirit of what it means to be an Aggie: resilience, grit and a firm commitment to making a difference,” said Sylvia Y. Acosta, CEO of the NMSU Foundation. “Their achievements speak to the strength of NMSU’s academic programs and the impact of a truly supportive campus community. We’re proud to celebrate their success as they take the next step in their journey.”

Honorees will be recognized during NMSU’s fall 2025 commencement ceremonies Friday, Dec. 12 and Saturday, Dec. 13 and celebrated at the Outstanding Graduates luncheon hosted by the NMSU Foundation Dec. 12. Their stories and achievements also will be featured on the Foundation’s website at AlwaysAnAggie.org and across NMSU Alumni social media platforms, @NMSUAlumFriends.

Presented by the NMSU Foundation, the Outstanding Graduate Award is one of the university’s highest honors. It celebrates students who embody the core values of NMSU: scholarship, leadership and service.