SW New Mexico News

Honoring his father’s legacy of supporting higher education, NMSU College of Business alumnus Michael F. D. Anaya is giving back to students by providing the Joe Anaya Memorial Scholarship.

“My father was a true role model for me, along with my mother, Grace Anaya,” he shared. “They allowed me to attend NMSU without the burden of debt. I wanted to honor his memory by giving back to others in my own way, even if it's just a little.”

The scholarship, created in 2022, supports undergraduate and graduate students in the College of Business. In 2001, Anaya graduated and received his bachelor’s degree in business computer systems and finance through the College of Business. He is also an active member of the Business Advisory Council and visits NMSU twice a year for BAC meetings.

“I have strong ties to Las Cruces, as I grew up there and have family in the area. It’s a special place, and I always look forward to visiting whenever possible,” he said. “When I do, I always bring my immediate family, especially my two eldest boys.”

Anaya believes supporting students in the College of Business is essential because they are the future of the business world and can offer a unique perspective and skillset that can have a significant impact on the workforce. So far, the Joe Anaya Memorial Scholarship has benefited five students in the College of Business during the 2023-2024 academic year.

“By investing in their education and providing resources to help them succeed, we can ensure they are prepared to face the challenges of a rapidly changing economy,” he explained. “Additionally, supporting COB students can lead to a more diverse and inclusive business community, which is crucial for creating a sustainable and equitable future.”

As for prospective students and alums, Anaya reminds them that they can achieve great things but it may not always be an easy task. He said it is possible to overcome obstacles with hard work, perseverance, luck while being well-aligned.

“Luck can take on many forms. It can be the lead applicants dropping out of contention resulting in you getting a call to start interviewing,” Anaya said. “It can be missing your connection in Dallas resulting in a conversation with the CFO of Palo Alto Networks while they are awaiting their flight too. Every successful person I know has benefitted from luck though they may not broadcast it. But the real key to success isn’t just hard work perseverance and luck; it’s also being well-aligned.”

Anaya is currently the founder of decodingCyber.com and global director of attribution at Palo Alto Networks. He shared that the College of Business helped him explore what success looked like.

“My goal was challenging especially as my classes became more difficult,” he said. “I learned that my hard work resulted in my desired outcome which made me want more success in college and life eventually leading me to pursue a lifelong dream of joining the FBI as a Special Agent having three beautiful boys starting my own company.”

Anaya also urged students not to be afraid of failure: “For failure is not the end but rather an opportunity to learn and grow,” he said.

A version of this story first published in the latest issue of The College Of Business Annual Report.