SOCORRO, N.M. – New Mexico Tech hosted a ground-breaking ceremony for two new buildings on campus on Thursday, June 6, honoring the donors who are making this construction project possible.

The main guests of honors were Dr. Raul and Sherry Deju, the namesakes of the Deju University House, and Cuatro Bursum and his relatives. Dr. Deju is among NMT’s most prominent and successful graduates, having launched an extremely successful career after earning his degrees. Bursum is the CEO and President of First State Bank in Socorro, which has been in the family for three generations.

In addition to the ceremonial shovels full of sand, the event was a celebration of the successful fund-raising effort for the two new houses. Thanks to the two major donors and many other smaller donors, these two projects will require no taxpayer funding.

(Pictured at left: NMT dignitaries dig the ceremonial first shovelful of dirt at the future site of the Deju University House. From left are Joanna Debrine, Cuatro Bursum, Dr. Raul Deju, Sherry Deju Dr. Stephen Wells, Beth Wells, Sen. Gabriel Ramos, and Jerry Armijo.)

Over the next year, New Mexico Tech will construct a new President’s Residence and the new Deju University House. These buildings will be pivotal in providing venues that will directly support the university’s vision and the goals of diversifying university funding sources, growing funding levels beyond state support, strengthening alumni relations and philanthropic giving, and strengthening town and Tech relations. The existing President’s Residence will be converted to office space for the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations.

University President Dr. Stephen Wells said, “Both of these new venues demonstrate the seriousness with which we approach building relationships. We require facilities that reflect our national and international reputation as well as our global reach.

“This long-range plan represents a bold step to leverage our reputation and national standings, our local to global connections, and our innovative and entrepreneurial spirit.”

The Dejus have lived and worked around the world, including stops in Asia, Europe, Central America, and South America. Raul Deju has served on numerous boards for civil institutions, professional groups, and local leadership organizations. He’s also authored and edited books on entrepreneurship and business leadership.

Deju said New Mexico Tech is a special place that propelled him to a successful career. He said the university has provided inspiration and education for thousands of students who have gone on to make significant impacts in their fields and in their communities.

Jerry Armijo, member of the Board of Regents and the NMT Foundation, said the ground-breaking represents an important milestone in a years-long plan. The Board established these construction projects as priorities during the hiring process of Dr. Wells in 2016.  

– NMT –