Welcome NMSU Ruggers!

The NMSU Rugby Alumni Association is a not-for-profit organization managed by rugby alumni to advance the success and sustainability of the NMSU Rugby program and keep our alumni rugby family connected.

The Association operates under a set of bylaws outlining our objectives, roles & responsibilities:

• The promotion of the game of rugby in Southern New Mexico and within the NMSU community.

• To generate, administer and disperse funds, consistent with the NMSU Rugby Clubs’ needs and long-term interests.

• To represent the interests of NMSU Alumni in rugby, to the NMSU Rugby Club and University administration.

• To advocate and advise – only as requested by students, administrators and coaches – on matters related to Club, assuring its long-term financial health, competitiveness, stature and traditions.

• To improve the quality and consistency in decision-making and communications among Alumni, related to the Club and alumni activities.

• To serve in a stewardship role, maintaining and improving information about past players and Club history.

• To bring Alumni of the Club together to further their mutual rugby, professional and civic interests, through individual relationships and organized Alumni activities.

We need you

The Alumni Association is a team sport. We need your assistance to help sustain the competitiveness and traditions of NMSU rugby. There are many ways to be involved, including fundraising, organizing, event planning and sponsorship. As a volunteer philanthropic organization, we operate on the "4Ws" principle. Contact us to be more involved: nmsurugbyalumni@gmail.com

History

Why was the Association formed?

A dedicated group of Alumni including Aaron Cardiel, Tim Worley, Tyler Holmes & Ana Berrun started organizing Alumni events and team support in 2006. The tradition of biennial alumni reunions has been much loved by decades of Chile and Aggie Alumni. With Covid and other developments on campus, the current student teams needed an extra level of support from the Alumni to remain strong. In 2020, the NMSU Rugby Alumni Association organized with a Board of Directors and now has over 100 members paying annual dues. The Association continues the alumni traditions while providing support for the men’s and women’s teams. The Association has formed an endowment through the NMSU Foundation with goal of establishing a permanent stream of funding for the program. Alumni dues contributions help to fund coaching certifications & training, and direct financial contributions to both teams for travel, equipment and other costs.

• Continuing the ethos of our club;

• Sustainable structure and finance;

• Competitive on the field;

• Respected by students, the administration and opponents;

• Unique opportunities for student-athletes interested in rugby.

Why does NMSU Rugby need an Alumni Association?

Our goal as an Alumni Association is to provide structure and stability for the NMSU Rugby program and take some of the burden off the coaches and players by providing financial assistance to help pay for uniform kits, travel and recruiting expenses. In the near future, we hope to add coaching stipends and partial scholarships to that list.

What is the Alumni Association working on?

The Association is relatively new. and the first wave of efforts were focused on: 

• Organizing the group’s bylaws, establishing our role and working relationships with the Club, campus administration and Arizona Foundation.

• Working with the coaches and Club officers to establish a unified vision and aligned roles.

• Expanding participation in the Association board, to better reflect the generations of NMSU Rugby players.

• Developing a meaningful and accurate list of all past rugby alumni.

• Begin establishing business routines between alumni fundraising, the Foundation and Club, to recognize donations made to the Club.

• Continue to solicit funding, while organizing a focused alumni membership campaign.

• Planning & preparations for a major endowment campaign

How can alumni be involved?

There are many ways to be involved, including fundraising, organizing, event planning and sponsorship. The Association has adopted a "4Ws" principle. Contact us if you'd like to be more involved: nmsurugbyalumni@gmail.com