DALLAS – Conference USA honored 10 accomplished recipients of the Jim Castañeda Postgraduate Scholarship on Thursday. The lone recipient from NM State was Elizabeth Cervantes-Vanderlugt, representing the Swimming and Diving program. After four seasons with the Crimson & White, the Aggie graduate was recognized by CUSA as she continues her academic career in her hometown.
2025 marks the 17th year the award has been named after Dr. Jim Castañeda, who served Rice for 46 years as an educator, coach and Faculty Athletics Representative before he passed in 2008. Every season, CUSA grants a $4,000 scholarship to distinguished graduates selected by the league's Faculty Athletics Representatives and approved by the Conference USA Board of Directors.