Giving Back

If you ask Abel Covarrubias about what he holds close to his heart, he will tell you family, faith, giving back, and his alma mater, NMSU. 

“My family and I love NMSU,” says Covarrubias. His family bleeds crimson – his wife, Monica, six of his nine siblings, and 13 of his nieces and nephews are proud NMSU alumni. In 1996, Covarrubias received his bachelor’s degree in biology from NMSU. And in 1998, he received his master’s degree from the communication disorders department. 

“NMSU is a great institution that has allowed us to live out our dreams to help shape our place of work and community, and make a difference in the lives of others. NMSU holds a special place in our hearts. It is an opportunity to plant seeds to help shape our future generations.” 

Covarrubias grew up in the small farming community of Arrey, New Mexico, with his nine brothers and sisters. His passion for helping people and dreaming big stems from his parents, Jose and Antonia Covarrubias, who made the long journey from Tlatenango, Zacatecas, in pursuit of the American dream. 

“My parents taught us to work hard, dream big and give back to those who come into our life and may need some extra help or just a few words of encouragement,” Covarrubias says. “I can clearly recall many situations when my parents helped the migrant farmworkers by giving them a place to sleep on the farm along with a warm meal.” 

Those memories helped shape Covarrubias’ character, sparking his passion for giving back and helping those in need. Today, Covarrubias is the founder and CEO of the Aprendamos Family of Services, which provides early intervention services for children age 3 and younger and their families. 

Through Aprendamos and their donations, a lecture hall inside O’Donnell Hall was renamed and upgraded. Covarrubias and his wife personally created an endowed scholarship in education as well as the Aprendamos Intervention Team Endowed Scholarship. Covarrubias was selected as the 2019 Distinguished Alumnus for the college and is active on various boards, including the College of HEST Transition Advisory Board, the College of HEST Dean’s Advisory Board and more. 

Most recently, he has given to NMSU’s Autism Diagnostic Center, investing in the center to continue to provide autism evaluations in southern New Mexico at no cost to families. 

“The ADC is very thankful to have Abel’s support,” says Victoria Almaguer, clinical director of the Autism Diagnostic Center at NMSU. “It is evident that Abel seeks out ways to support our college as a whole and I am glad the ADC has found itself at the receiving end of his generosity, but most of all, his community support.” 

Covarrubias believes there are many treasures to give back, even just a few words of encouragement. He enjoys sharing his wisdom with his three daughters and every NMSU student he meets. He encourages students to ask themselves what they want their legacy to be. 

“I would encourage students to think beyond money,” Covarrubias says. “For me, it’s knowing that I made a difference in someone’s life. It can be as simple as taking the time to listen to someone in need, serving as a mentor or giving back to your community in whatever capacity, whether that’s talent, treasures or time.” 

As a valuable member of the College of HEST Advisory Board, a true Aggie and a philanthropist at heart, Covarrubias has big dreams of what the college of HEST and NMSU can be. 

“My vision is that the College of HEST will continue to be a great space for students to learn, be heard, recognized and build meaningful relationships to ultimately be a catalyst for them to live out their dreams.”