In 2016, the A&F Employee Recognition and Rewards EXCITE Program (Engagement, Excellence, Communication, Integrity, Teamwork, Effectiveness) was launched within the Division of Administration and Finance. The award is made possible by the generous contributions of past and present Administration and Finance employees. Employees are nominated year-round and the AF Voice committee chooses a recipient that represents Administration and Finance’s goal of delivering consistently good service to our various customers and helping achieve excellence in the workplace.
2018 EXCITE Award: Sheri Ikard
Sheri works on so many projects behind the scenes to make wonderful things happen for our students and staff within the residence halls. She has helped in hiring all 63 of the resident assistants and each of the seven RDs as well as the 20 desk assistants. She made all the arrangements for on campus interviews for our candidates last spring and assisted in organizing interview visits, itinerary for each candidate and kept us all organized. All of these newly hired staff who she assisted in hiring from the onset and listing of the position description, to screening of qualifications all the way through to processing their paycheck now have had a HUGE impact on our residential students’ experience. Without her tireless assistance, her absolutely being unflappable and because she is so easy to work with, the Residential Life Staff is stronger and better able to address the needs of our students. Sheri is the quiet person, who makes wonderful things happen and never gets the spot light. Without her, life in the department would be VERY difficult.
2017 EXCITE Award: Loretta Ramirez
This EXCITE recipient joined Administration and Finance in September 2009. Loretta Ramirez is a Facilities Coordinator with Special Events who takes the lead ensuring that the facilities are in order before and after each event. Serving as a mentor, Loretta leads her crew with energy and a positive attitude. Loretta is honest, always returning personal items to patrons after an event. Loretta stays on task and accepts the challenges of additional duties with enthusiasm. Recently, Loretta collected items for the Houston residents affected by Hurricane Harvey. She would assist with carrying items from vehicles to the collection site and personally thanked each contributor for their generosity. Please join us in honoring the 2017 EXCITE award recipient: Loretta Ramirez.
2016 EXCITE Award: Chel-Marie Barela
This EXCITE recipient joined Administration and Finance in February 1994. Chel-Marie Barela is the Manager of ID Card Services and she contributes to student success by providing support “behind the scenes.” The results of Chel’s work are broad and support many areas at NMSU including faculty/staff, dining services, housing, student government, and summer conference guests. ID Card Services in one way or another has an impact on each of us as well as every student at main campus, DACC and faculty/staff member, every temporary employee and many affiliates. That is quite an impact on NMSU! Chel works tirelessly to make sure Aggie Welcome and Orientation and DACC student orientation participants receive their Aggie ID cards. She is dedicated to providing the best customer service possible and ALWAYS goes the extra mile. Chel is a hardworking, focused and a responsible manager. Congratulations to the first recipient of the EXCITE award!
We C.A.R.E. Campaign History
James L. McDonough Annual “We C.A.R.E.” Employee Award
Continuous Awarding & Recognition of our Employees
| Year | Recipients | Department |
| 2018 | Sheri Ikard | Student Housing |
| 2017 | Loretta Ramirez | Special Events |
| 2016 | Chel-Marie Barela | ID Card Services |
| 2015 | Lynne McClure-Flores | Accounting and Finance (FIP) |
| 2014 | Suzanne Montes | Senior VP Admin and Finance |
| 2013 | Alfonso Marin | Facilities and Services |
| 2012 | Paula Pierson | Auxiliary Services |
| 2011 | Ralph Lucero | Employee Management Services |
| 2010 | Celeste Martinez | Human Resources Services |
| 2009 | Stacy DeMartino | Treasury Services |
| 2008 | Pam Pack | Senior VP Admin |
| 2007 | Justo Duran | Auxiliary Services |
| 2006 | Mack Adams | Human Resource Services |
| 2005 | Stuart Burk | University Accounts Receivable |
| 2004 | Gloria Orozco
Mary Parra |
Accounts Payable
Human Resources |
| 2003 | D’Anne Stuart
Esther Aguirre |
Financial Operations
Budget Office |
Ways to Contribute
The “James L. McDonough Employee Recognition Endowed Fund” is supported strictly by the generous contributions of our current and former employees.
The success of this award program is based solely on employee contributions. Your contributions will sustain the award program for years to come. There are three ways to contribute to the fund.
1. Payroll Deduction https://mypayrollgift.nmsu.edu/login
(Chrome or Firefox recommended / Internet Explorer performance issues)
Select ‘Add New Contribution’
Fund: Under ‘More Funds….’ at bottom of list, select ‘Can’t find your fund?’
Search on ‘McDonough’: Select James L. McDonough Employee Recognition Endowed Fund
Contributions are withheld by way of payroll deduction. The minimum contribution is $2.50 per pay period.
2. On-line by Credit Card https://advancing.nmsu.edu/givenow
Fund: Under ‘Other (write in)’ enter: James L. McDonough Employee Recognition Endowed Fund
The minimum contribution is $5.00.
3. One-time donation
Donations can be taken to Hadley Hall South Suite Reception Desk. Make checks payable to: James L. McDonough Employee Recognition Endowed Fund
The minimum contribution is $5.00.