SOCORRO, N.M. – New Mexico Tech President Dr. Stephen Wells presided over the dedication of the Dr. Daniel Lopez and Linda Vigil Lopez Rose Garden, which was supported by longtime NMT supporter Dr. John Dowdle.

A 1960 graduate of NMT, Dowdle has been a longtime supporter of the university and received an honorary doctorate from NMT in 2016.

Pictured (from left) are John Dowdle, Ann Dowdle, President Dr. Stephen Wells, Linda Vigil Lopez and former President Dr. Daniel H. Lopez. 

Dowdle and his wife, Ann, donated the funds to create the rose garden at the fountain by Workman Center. At the ceremony, Dowdle spoke of his fondness for the university and his respect and admiration for Dr. Lopez. Dowdle said his first connection to NMT was as a high school student in Deming. A visiting professor from NMT gave a recruitment talk and demonstration. The prof froze a rose in liquid nitrogen, then shattered the rose.

“To this day, I still love roses and I still love this school,” he said.

– NMT –