New Mexico State University Famous Alumni
Hey there, fellow curious minds! Ever wonder who walked the very same campus grounds as you before going on to do, like, really incredible things? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because we're taking a fun little stroll down memory lane to check out some of New Mexico State University's most famous and absolutely fascinating alumni!
NMSU isn't just about stunning desert sunsets and fantastic chile peppers (though, let's be honest, those are pretty great perks). It's also a place where legends are made, and minds are molded before they go off to change the world. Prepare to have your Aggie pride swell!
Clyde Tombaugh (Class of '29): The Guy Who Found Pluto!
Let's kick things off with a literal bang... or rather, a discovery! Back in 1930, an NMSU alum named Clyde Tombaugh peered through a telescope and spotted something no one had ever seen before: a little icy dwarf planet we now know (and sometimes debate about) as Pluto!
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Imagine the bragging rights! "Yeah, I went to NMSU. And one of our guys? He literally found a planet." Talk about having your head in the clouds... or, you know, the solar system! Clyde's journey from Kansas farm boy to cosmic detective started right here. Pretty stellar, wouldn't you say?
Alvy Ray Smith (Class of '65): The Wizard Behind Pixar!
Next up, let's talk about someone who brought our favorite animated characters to life. Meet Alvy Ray Smith, an NMSU grad who became a co-founder of Pixar! Yes, THAT Pixar – the studio responsible for making us laugh, cry, and believe that toys have feelings.
Think about it: without an Aggie like Alvy, maybe Buzz Lightyear would just be, like, a static drawing. Gasp! From the desert to digital magic, he's one of the brilliant minds who practically invented modern computer animation. Now, if that doesn't make you feel a little fuzzy inside (like Sulley from Monsters Inc.), I don't know what will!
Admiral William H. McRaven (Class of '77): The Real-Life Action Hero!
From the silver screen to real-life heroics, let's hear it for Admiral William H. McRaven! This NMSU alumnus commanded the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and is widely recognized for his leadership of the raid that killed Osama bin Laden. Talk about a career glow-up!
Admiral McRaven's impactful speech about the power of small actions, "Make Your Bed," has inspired millions. It just goes to show you that the lessons learned on campus can lead to some truly extraordinary leadership. From NMSU classrooms to leading top-secret missions – now that's a career trajectory!
Frank Borman (Class of '50): The Astronaut Who Flew Around the Moon!
Okay, hold onto your hats, because this one is literally out of this world! Frank Borman, an NMSU grad, was the commander of Apollo 8, the first human mission to orbit the Moon. He and his crew were the first humans to see the Earthrise from behind the Moon, giving us that iconic, breathtaking photo.
Think about that for a second: an Aggie was among the first people to leave Earth's orbit and fly all the way around the Moon! Talk about a moonshot – he literally took one! He probably had the best view from his "office" ever. Pretty incredible, right?
So, whether it's discovering new worlds, creating animated masterpieces, leading elite forces, or voyaging to the lunar surface, NMSU Aggies are out there doing some truly spectacular stuff. It just goes to show you, no matter where you start, with a little Aggie spirit, hard work, and a whole lot of brainpower, the sky's definitely not the limit!
What an inspiring bunch, right? Their stories are a testament to the incredible potential fostered within the halls of New Mexico State. Makes you wanna go out and achieve something awesome yourself! Go Aggies!
