Curtis C Graham

LAS CRUCES--Curtis Carl Graham, age 86, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Thursday, December 23, 2021. He was born of humble beginnings, on a small farm in Pratt, Kansas to parents Carl and Juanita Graham on August 27, 1935. Curtis was very blessed to have enjoyed a wonderful and beautiful life in so many ways. He grew up working on a farm with his family in rural Kansas and later, in Bates County, Missouri. During that time, he learned the value of hard work, determination and perseverance, and he developed self-confidence. He also learned to enjoy simple pleasures, such as hunting and fishing, playing cards with friends, playing sports when he could, and attending Saturday night dances. And he wound up being pretty darn good at all of those! He graduated from Butler High School in 1953 as what he termed to be "a mediocre student" with really no goals or particular direction in life planned, other than he wanted to raise and race greyhounds! His mother had ideas otherwise though, and insisted instead that he go to college. So he and his father worked together shoveling grain at a local grain barn to help earn the $127 necessary to pay for Curtis's first semester fees at Missouri State College. It was there he discovered he had an interest in Business and was good with numbers, so he took accounting classes and graduated with a degree in accounting in 1957. He worked about three years for private accounting firms and then decided to pursue a career in higher education. He commenced with graduate studies at the University of Oklahoma and during that time, tested for and passed his CPA exam and later graduated with his Ph.D. in accounting in 1968. Thereafter, he spent the next several years working in various academic positions at universities in Texas, Montana, Idaho, and Wisconsin. As he traveled along this path, the once youthful man that previously lacked goals and direction matured into a person with vision and ambition and gained the tools and experiences he needed to guide and carry him into what would later become the ultimate "calling" of his professional career. He eventually made his way to New Mexico State University in 1979 as dean of the College of Business Administration and Economics. A few of the more notable highlights and projects that took place during his 15-year tenure included the substantial growth in the number and quality of programs offered, a significant increase in student enrollment, national recognition and AACSB accreditation in the college's accounting department, the establishment of the Professional Golf Management program, the acquisition and construction of the Business Complex North building on the NMSU main campus, and the commission and creation of the distinctively unique and business-appropriate sculpture known as "The Traders", which is located in the plaza area outside of the Business Complex. Curtis would be the first to admit and attest to the fact these achievements did not come as a result of work by any one or two individuals, but instead were the result of the concentrated hard work and efforts put forth by many people. And the results of those conglomerated efforts will be enjoyed by many and will live on for years to come. In 1994 Curtis stepped down as dean but continued on as a professor and teacher in accounting up through his retirement from NMSU in 2001. He then went on, over the next 20 years, to pursue a variety of passions he had in his life which included spending time with family and friends, golfing, fishing & hunting with his dogs, traveling, woodworking, and ESPECIALLY ballroom dancing with his beloved wife of 30 years, Monina. They participated together in many dancing events over the years and instructed, supported, and mentored many a dance student and groups along the way. And in the same spirit, Curtis truly enjoyed being able to offer a helping hand to others, whether it be through personal acts, counsel when asked, or simply lending an ear to listen when needed. Curtis is survived by his wife of 30 years, Amelia (Monina), one sister Nancy Baker, sons Derek Graham (Liz), Steven Graham, and Rainer Biederstedt (Cynthia), daughters Holly Henderson (Jim) and Tatjana Robinson (Daryl), and eleven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Debbie Moore. At his request, cremation has taken place and a Visitation will take place between 3 to 5pm on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at Getz Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Curtis are encouraged to donate to Mesilla Valley Hospice or Gospel Rescue Mission.