Regents present Richardson with ENMU letterman jacket

Eastern New Mexico University Regents Chad Lydick and Randy Harris and President Steven Gamble recently presented New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson with a personalized ENMU letter jacket in his Santa Fe office.

“We wanted to thank the governor for all he has done for Eastern,” said Chad Lydick, member of the ENMU Board of Regents. “He was instrumental in getting $12 million for Eastern put on the last bond election, and is helping Eastern get through the current tough economic times. We just wanted him to know we appreciate his efforts.”

Lydick said when he received the call that the governor could meet them soon, the jacket could not be found.

As it turned out, the jacket had been in the vehicle of late ENMU regent Alva Carter when he suffered a fatal traffic accident. His family had retrieved the jacket, but had no idea of its intended purpose.

Lydick eventually called Carter’s wife, Mary Helen, who had the jacket. Lydick said she was quite surprised to learn it was for Richardson.