Building Futures, Creating Opportunities: NMBEF Awards Scholarships to Three Outstanding UNM Students

Building Futures, Creating Opportunities: NMBEF Awards Scholarships to Three Outstanding UNM Students

Albuquerque, NM — August 25, 2025 — The New Mexico Building Education Foundation (NMBEF) proudly awarded scholarships last week to three outstanding University of New Mexico (UNM) students who are pursuing careers in the construction industry. The awards were presented through two cornerstone programs: the 2025 NMBEF Undergraduate Scholarship and the Empower Her Scholarship Program, both designed to foster talent, encourage inclusion, and build a Culture of Care, ultimately shaping the future of construction.

Honoring the Next Generation of Leaders

The NMBEF 2025 Undergraduate Scholarship, in partnership with Be Pro Be Proud, is dedicated to students pursuing degrees in construction or a related field. This program provides financial support to young leaders who demonstrate a passion for building and innovation, while also connecting them with industry mentors and networking opportunities.

This year, two UNM students were recognized with the Undergraduate Scholarship:

  1. Isiah Bustillos 
  2. Bella Kricensky
     

  

Both recipients embody the values of hard work, academic excellence, and commitment to the construction field. Their ambitions reflect NMBEF’s mission: to support education while cultivating future innovators who will strengthen New Mexico’s construction community.

The third scholarship recipient was honored through the Empower Her: Scholarship Program, an initiative sponsored by Dr. Deb Fisher and the NMBEF. This year’s award was presented to: 

  • Arisvet Garay, a UNM student dedicated to building a career in the construction industry.


 

By supporting students like Arisvet, the scholarship helps break barriers, foster inclusion, and inspire the next generation of leaders in the construction field.

A Celebration of Possibility

At the scholarship presentation ceremony, checks were awarded to all three recipients, each representing a bright future for New Mexico’s construction workforce. The event was a celebration not only of academic achievement but also of the promise of what lies ahead as these students prepare to make a lasting impact on the industry.

“Watching these students grow and succeed reminds us why this work matters” said NMBEF representatives during the ceremony.

About NMBEF

The New Mexico Building Education Foundation (NMBEF) is committed to supporting education, advancing innovation, and building opportunities in the construction industry. Through scholarships, mentorship, and community initiatives, NMBEF empowers the next generation of leaders while fostering diversity and excellence in construction.