Paul Wilbur Klipsch graduated from New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts in 1926. His Klipschhorn speakers, first patented in 1943, are world renown. The Klipsch name is also prominent in the College of Engineering. Paul and his wife Valerie established a number of endowed scholarships and in 1995, the College added the Klipsch name to the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Paul died in 2002 at the age of 98 but his wife Valerie carries on his legacy and accepts the honors that continue to come his way. She also continues his legacy of generosity for the college and its program. Valerie noted, “Paul believed living came in giving and that’s why Paul is still living.” Their gifts have totaled over $1,600,000.

Valerie returns to NMSU, particularly at Homecoming which had been her husband’s tradition. Recent gifts support professors in the Klipsch School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Paul W. Klipsch Engineering museum in the college. In 2003, she gave funds for two additional scholarship endowments.

Dean Steve Castillo states, “The name, Paul W. Klipsch, is synonymous with high quality and leadership in the audio industry.  We are honored to have the Klipsch name associated with NMSU and greatly appreciate all the support Paul and Valerie have provided to the institution and engineering.  Valerie's continued support of and devotion to NMSU is making it possible to achieve excellence in our academic programs.”

Stan Fulton