Colonel Leonard R. Sugerman retired from the Air Force in 1975 after a 33 year career; then began a second career at the university’s Physical Science Laboratory, retiring in 1995. He continues to be engaged in a wide range of projects promoting new business and enterprise within the State of New Mexico. He has been honored twice by the Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce for his commitment to public service and in 1995 the Governor of New Mexico presented him with the “New Mexico Distinguished Public Service Award.”
Colonel Leonard R. Sugerman has established three different Endowed Scholarships at NMSU:
• The Colonel Leonard R. and Lois I. Sugerman Endowed Scholarship was funded through a gift of stock from Colonel Leonard R. Sugerman and was established in 1996. The income is used to make an annual award to an undergraduate student who demonstrates financial need.
• The Lois I. and Leonard R. Sugerman Endowed PSL Scholarship Fund was established in 2001. The income is used to make annual awards to NMSU students who are children of PSL employees.
• Leonard R. Sugerman Space Grant Endowed Scholarship for Science, Math, Engineering, Technology, Education, and Research was established in 2003. The income is used to make an annual award of at least $2,000 to an undergraduate or graduate student
Col. Sugerman has dedicated his life to the support of anyone that, as he puts it, “thinks outside the box”. NMSU appreciates his generosity and is honored to benefit from his commitment. | 
