LANL News:

Los Alamos National Laboratory Executive Director Richard Marquez is the namesake for a new leadership and service award at Northern New Mexico College (NNMC) in Española.

“I am honored and humbled by this recognition from Northern New Mexico College,” Marquez said. “I have been fortunate with regard to my education and career with opportunities and mentors. I believe in paying it forward and am optimistic that this award will shed light on all of the other people who donate time and resources to making Northern New Mexico a better place.”

The creation of the Richard Marquez Leadership and Service Award was announced by Northern New Mexico College President Nancy “Rusty” Barcelo at a foundation dinner Sept. 29 in Española.

In addition to recognizing Marquez, the award will be conferred to others in future years for outstanding leadership and service.

Barcelo said Marquez has “dedicated his career and personal life to the advancement of educational and economic opportunities for Northern New Mexico.”

She also cited Marquez’ role in creating the Los Alamos National Laboratory Major Subcontractors Consortium, which resulted in an $11 million economic boost to Northern New Mexico cottage industries; plus his service on the board of directors of both the NNMC Foundation (http://foundation.nnmc.edu/nnmc-foundation ) — of which he is currently the board chairman — and the Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation.