Alumni of Alpha Omicron Chapter of TKE

04/17/2024

Charles “Chuck” Fredrick Murrell of Las Cruces, New Mexico, left this life peacefully on Monday, April 8, 2024. Chuck was born July 27, 1941, to...

01/28/2024

Heads Up! Chapter is now working on RCB for April 27th. Tentatively we are looking at Hilton Gardens (Off University Ave, near the I-25 off ramp), tie and jacket, Plus 1's. It's our 90th Anniversary at NMSU. We are hoping to have guests from Region and National at the dinner. Please help pass the word to "Away Alums". We should have "locks" on key information by the end of February. Should have a lock on 'the space' by next week, and a good idea for the price. YITB Mike 465

09/30/2023

If you are going to be a "Granpa" in the next 26 years, I want you to read this. Your grand child most likely will not attend university in NM, and very probably will move from NM to go to University and/or get a job. Most of us have know generally that NM has done little to fix either issue. It's one of those quiet little nonsecrets we all know. "Planning for the demographic enrollment cliff in New Mexico
Posted Thursday, September 7, 2023 3:41 pm
By Alan Shoho
What is the demographic enrollment cliff? It refers to the significant drop in the college-age population that will begin in the 2026-27 academic year, and it represents a prolonged period of time – more than two decades – when New Mexico will be producing fewer and fewer high school graduates. In fact, New Mexico is projected to produce 25 percent fewer high school graduates by the 2036-37 academic year.

Why worry? This phenomenon will have widespread implications for the state.

In producing fewer high school graduates, New Mexico will produce fewer workers, affecting our efforts to advance economic development for the state. Having fewer young people in the workforce will adversely impact the tax base, providing less revenue for the state to support a variety of services for its citizens. To see how impactful a demographic cliff can be to a state or country, just look at China: For many years, China had a national policy limiting most families to one child by imposing hefty fines. In recent years, China relaxed and then ended this policy, because they realized that, among other problems, their workforce would not be sufficient to support an aging population that was living longer.

The same problem looms for New Mexico.

For higher education, this means a negative impact on community colleges and universities in the state unless we explore some creative and innovative policymaking. While some lawmakers and communities debate the relative value of higher education, it is indisputable that community colleges and universities are economic drivers. Higher education produces an educated workforce and spurs economic development and innovation.

What can be done to mitigate the demographic cliff? There are a number of internal and external interventions that can help minimize its adverse effects.

Let me first address external factors for higher education and then I will address some internal factors that all higher education institutions, including NMSU, must examine to position itself for a positive path forward.

First, New Mexico colleges and universities cannot continue to rely primarily on New Mexico high school students. There just aren’t enough of them to provide a robust economic and workforce development pipeline. We must broaden our student pool by enticing surrounding states with in-state tuition. New Mexico universities already offer in-state or deeply discounted rates to some students in neighboring states. I am exploring an Interstate-10 corridor policy exemption to allow students ranging from Los Angeles to Phoenix and Tucson, to San Antonio, Houston and south of I-10 to the Rio Grande Valley to be given the opportunity to come NMSU at a discounted tuition rate.

At NMSU, fewer than half of our graduating students stay in New Mexico after they graduate. This is much lower than many states, where the number is closer to 80 percent. Why don’t NMSU graduates stay in New Mexico? It’s simple – New Mexico doesn’t currently offer the array of high-paying job opportunities found elsewhere. Here’s a real-life example: A talented student who works in the NMSU president’s office recently earned a great internship opportunity in Boston. She did such a great job, the company offered her a position when she graduates next May. The job opportunities available locally for this Las Cruces native just weren’t enticing enough to keep her here.

Second, like Texas already requires, we need to require as part of high school graduation that all students complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Many qualified New Mexico students are leaving up to $7,395 on the table by not applying for federal aid.

Internally, NMSU and all of New Mexico’s other colleges and universities need to examine what they can do differently to drive enrollment and retention. Inaction or maintaining the status quo will have disastrous results. I experienced this firsthand at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) from 2015 to 2021. From 2011 to 2023, UWM’s enrollment went from 32,000 students to under 22,000. Every institution needs to improve its student retention rate by examining every aspect, from how courses are scheduled to advising practices to structural and cultural aspects that may be inadvertently creating barriers to success.

We’re fast approaching the demographic enrollment cliff. The question is, what will New Mexico do to mitigate its adverse effects and ensure a softer landing?

Alan Shoho is provost and chief academic officer of New Mexico State University. He may be reached at provost.nmsu.edu.

08/08/2023

Eddie Gamboa was a Fraternity Brother, Fellow Veteran, and strong member of the Community of Las Cruces. He enjoyed being around the men of Tau Kappa Epsilon at NMSU and often shared his life-experiences with his younger brothers. On those days when alumni and active chapter members would work together on "house cleanup", Eddie headed straight to the bathroom and came back with a list of deficiencies that "inspired" others to look for the closest exit, or grab a can of cleanser and several rags and "fix the problem". Eddie was well-known in Mesilla and Las Cruces and actively supported several community groups. His quick wit, full-face smile and laugh always made for "fun" events when undergraduates and alumni gathered each year to celebrate "the times that were", and the promise of tomorrow. I will miss you, Brother.

07/30/2023

It is with deep regret that we announce the death of Gene Zika (AOTKE Scroll #498)(See photo, Gene is the dashing trumpet player on the left) Gene died on July 18, 2023 at his home in Las Cruces, NM. Gene enjoyed his time at NMSU both as a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity and as a trumpet player with The Collegians Jazz Band (Trumpet Section, last guy on the right).
Gene Zeka hailed from Denver Colorado. While there he taught privately in the City of Westminster, CO. Fate had it that Gene came to Las Cruces to attend NMSU to Major in Music Education. He graduated in 1963.
Upon graduation he returned to Denver to teach in the public schools and played professionally in the Denver area. He then moved back to Las Cruces in the late 1980’s and began working at the Music Box. In 1988 he began teaching orchestra and mariachis at the then Oñate High School (now known as Organ Mountain High School). For years Gene composed and published several of his tunes primarily for brass and big band. Gene was a very accomplished musician playing not only trumpet, but also the Trombone. He played locally with the Big Band on the Rio Grande and also with the Jazz Unlimited Big Band in El Paso.TX. Gene ultimately retired from teaching in 2005.
He also found and excelled at his new hobbies: Remote Controlled planes, Remote Controlled gliders, Golf, and Cartoon Art, the latter dealing with the day-to-day events in the lives of a host of cartoon characters (Padre, Glider Guys, Thumbs, Cops). His cartoons were anecdotal and reflective of his university experiences, life at NMSU during the 1990’s, the transition in Greek Life from “Animal House” to “Cool”….and his other hobbies like Golf and Remote Controlled planes. “ In GOLF, when playing in the rain, the club acts as a lightning rod. In SOARING the glider acts like Benjamin Franklin’s kite with a key on it. Whereas, golf requires lots of grass, patience and sunshine…..In a snowstorm the golfer is at a big disadvantage. But, the pilot of an RC glider can ‘see’ his plane…..there just aren’t a lot of thermals. Both sports are “solo-competitive”, but golf requires a big bag, lots of ground, (did I mention grass?) some trees and sand, a bunch of wood and metal, a practiced swing, knowledge of physics, and 18 holes. In “RC Soaring”…a basic knowledge of engineering, physics and kinetic energy is required, along with a remote control station and LOTS of sky. I mean LOTTTTTTTTTs of sky. Oh yeah, and that thermal-thing, also known as ‘hot air’. Of CARTOONING he said, “my characters allow me to be sarcastic, caring, funny and reflective.”
Gene once said “I enjoy my “characters” because they allow me to share my insights “… of humor, technology, social behavior, personal commitment, and FUN that people all over the world experience when they “Soar”. Gene had a gift for depicting “personalities” with germane humor, and allowed the reader to reflect on “boy, I remember that happening”, or” I heard about a guy like this”, or “I am sure glad that never happened to me” Gene’s humor captured moments reflected in the building, putting together, transporting, launching, flying, recovering the inanimate object that is an avatar for the soaring spirit of the pilot, and some unfortunate few viewers that may pass by an open field or hillside and stop to stare at the small object, doing what humans have always wanted to do….To SOAR.

07/30/2023

EDDIE GAMBOA (Scroll 421) 93, of Las Cruces, NM, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, July 18, 2023. He was born February 5, 1930. His family home where he grew up is the only two-story house on the Mesilla Plaza and he had many cherished memories of his Mesilleros friends playing in the plaza, as that was their playground. A proud Las Cruces High School Bulldog, he signed up for and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, receiving the Purple Heart Medal for his service during the Korean War. After his military service, he attended New Mexico A&M (now New Mexico State University) where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. During his studies, he enjoyed his experiences as an Aggie and a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity.

Eddie's career began with a position with the McDonnell Douglas Missile and Space Systems Division at White Sands Missile Range. He continued his career at Kwajalein Missile Range in the Marshall Islands at different times throughout the 1960s, '70s, and '80s. He spent three years with the Safeguard Program Complex in Langdon, North Dakota and, also worked in Sacramento and Huntington Beach, California. Upon leaving McDonnell Douglas, he returned to Las Cruces and finished his career at White Sands Missile Range employed by the U.S. Army Missile Command. He received numerous awards and accolades for his work throughout his career. Upon retiring, he spent many enjoyable years with his “Maintenance Crew Amigos” at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral. Fun times were also spent working with his “Paella Chef Amigos” from the Mesilla Valley Serra Club at the Holy Cross Retreat House. He also had wonderful memories of his travels as a tour guide when he was the owner of Atlas Travel Agency.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Ella Marie Apodaca Gamboa, children Laurie, Valerie, and Rod Gamboa (Deirdre); granddaughter Tahisha Banegas (David), pride and joy great-grandchildren, Lucia, Joaquin, and Mario; loving step-great-grandsons Davi and Jose Banegas; special nephew Robert Apodaca; sister Mary Chemelis, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Ernesto and Dolores Gamboa, and his siblings Joe, Henry, Armando, Gil, and Paul Gamboa.

Eddie's family gives special thanks to Henry Apodaca, Gilbert Apodaca, and Patsy Villareal for their love and support. They would also like to extend their gratitude to the staff of Enhabit Hospice.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral, 1240 S. Espina Street. The Rite of Committal and Inurnment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Garden Cemetery, 5140 W. Picacho Avenue. Military honors will be accorded by the United States Marines Corps and the Marines Corps League El-Perro Diablo Detachment.

04/28/2023

RIP SN 266. We regret to inform AOTKE that Mack Boone died on April 1, 2023 at the age of 92. Mack became a member of AOTKE in his Senior Year at New Mexico A&M. He entered the USAF shortly after the Korea War as a fighter pilot and served for 30 years, retiring with the rank of Colonel. He was surprised many years later to find out that his is one of approximately 300 photos of unknown service members that are engraved in the Korean War Memorial in Washington, DC. Mack served with the Civil Air Patrol and earned, among other accomplishments, a Black Belt in Martial Arts. He was the VP of Mayashi's Martial Arts Academy in El Paso, TX and taught martial arts at the YMCA for many years in El Paso. He also was inducted into the El Paso Boxing and Martial Arts Hall of Fame. Mack was one of a kind.

03/22/2023

Richard Shanley, Scroll Number 479 of Woodway, TX (Baylor University) died in late March 2023. He is survived by his wife Helen. Dick led the Collegians Jazz Band in 1962 and took them to the Notre Dame National Jazz Festival that year. The band was in the "Top 11" college bands in the USA. The band spent many countless nights on the road, playing for dances and proms as far away as Alamosa, CO. In the photo there are six members of AOTKE

01/17/2023

AOTKE will recognize Founder's Day with a dinner for Actives, Alums and guests on January 21st. As the oldest fraternity at NMSU the fraternity is proud to recognize the vision of our founders of The Knights of Classic Lore in 1899. The founders wanted to establish "a fraternity in which the primary requisites for membership would be the personal worth and character of the individual rather than wealth, honors or titles...." Our Fraternity celebrates it's 124th "Birthday" this year. Since 1934, Alpha Omicron is the longest living collegiate social fraternity at NMSU. Congratulations and Gratitude for the over-1,300 men who have worn the badge at NMSU. Although Founder's Day is January 10th of each year, at NMSU we celebrate on the first Saturday after Winter Break in order to maximize awareness and participation. This year 50 actives, alums and guests will dine at La Posta Restaurant to commemorate our 89th year at NMSU, and the Vision of Tau Kappa Epsilon.

10/17/2022

Active Chapter is starting up the periodic newsletter to keep members informed.

10/17/2022

The Fraternity is hosting Parents this weekend. Bosa Coffee and Donuts before and during the parade, and Lunch at The House at 12:30 after the parade. Go Aggies!!!!

LAS CRUCES – New Mexico State University is celebrating homecoming O

08/28/2022

August 27, 2022. Willie "Bill" Sheriff (Scroll #510)
died in his hometown of Brentwood, TN. Bill was the CEO of Brookdale Senior Living Incorporated, and philanthropist in Tennessee and New Mexico. He and his wife Sharon created the Endowed Chair in Entrepreneurship at NMSU.