Rogers’ gift honors Askew legacy


Aggie coaching legend Presley Askew made a lasting impression on one of his former players, Robert C. Rogers and because of that, Rogers set up an endowment in Askew’s name to honor his former mentor and coach.

The Presley Askew Endowed Scholarship supports student-athletes in men’s and women’s basketball and football who have demonstrated excellence in their academic achievements.

“Coach Askew was a big influence,” Rogers said. “I was a young man, who at the time, needed some direction in my life and Coach Askew provided that for me. He was a hard task master to play for, which in turn helped me become a well-rounded individual. Coach Askew taught me a lot about being an honest, responsible and straight forward person and for that I’m extremely grateful.”

Askew coached the Aggie men’s basketball team from 1953-1965 with an overall record of 135-146. His most wins in one season came during the 1959-60 season as the team went 20-7, losing in the first round of the NCAA Tournament to Oregon.

Presley Askew Field was dedicated during homecoming ceremonies on Nov. 14, 1981, in honor of the former Aggie baseball and basketball coach. Askew is still revered as one of the greatest coaches in Aggie history.

“Our family very much appreciates the generous contribution Bob Rogers has made,” Presley Askew, Jr. said. “Dad was a caring person, and he would be very pleased to know that a former player is doing so much in his name to help others.”

Rogers played for two years in Las Cruces under Askew from 1962-63. After college, Rogers went on to have a successful career in the elevator industry for 41 years. Now retired, Rogers lives in Florida with his wife, Margaret.

Rogers qualified for the charitable transfer of funds from his IRA account and used that option to establish his endowment. Under the current regulations anyone age 70 ½ and older can make a charitable distribution of funds up to $100,000 during 2013. Gift planning director Robert Peterson can assist anyone interested in making a similar investment in New Mexico State University. He can be reached at (575)-646-4358 or 1-800 342-6678 or plannedgiving@nmsu.edu.

     

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