The Town of Mountainair is proud to announce the Mountainair Hall of Excellence. In 2023, we honored 13 outstanding individuals: Jose “Big Joe” Lueras, Orvel “Bud” Watts, Gordon McMath, Joe J. Brazil, Clem “Pop” Shaffer, Dr. Robert J. Saul, Dorothy Cole, Filbert Archuleta, Delbert Redfearn, Victoriano “Vick” Carrillo, Roy Spencer, Stephen A. Sandlin, and Henry Edwards. These 13 individuals were the inaugural inductees, and we take great pride in continuing the tradition of honoring those who have made a lasting impact, as we look forward to future inductions.
In 2025, we proudly welcomed ten distinguished inductees into the Mountainair Hall of Excellence: James R. “Jimmy” Sullenger, Eugene “Gene” Schmitz, Lionel and Edith Miranda, Patrick “Pat” Lucero, William “Tommy” Eschberger, Erineo “Eddie” and Amalia “Molly” Padilla, Ramona “Monie” Torres Dew, and Larry Gustin. We are honored to celebrate their remarkable contributions and lasting impact on our community, and we look forward to continuing this tradition of recognizing excellence at the 2026 Mountainair Hall of Excellence.
In 2026, the Town of Mountainair is honored to announce the induction of Carl Ivey into the Mountainair Hall of Excellence this spring. Carl and his wife, Ruth, moved to Mountainair from Albuquerque in 1985, where he opened Alpine Motors, a family-run business that became a local landmark. In 1990, Carl was elected Mayor of Mountainair, serving nearly four years and helping secure funding for a new water well, improve street signage for emergency services, and strengthen community unity.
A lifelong educator, Carl earned his Doctorate in Education from the University of New Mexico and served as a teacher, principal, professor, and college administrator. His leadership, compassion, and commitment to service left a lasting mark on Mountainair. Carl passed away in 2011, remembered for his kindness, generosity, and devotion to making his community better. We are proud to honor his remarkable legacy at the 2026 Mountainair Hall of Excellence.
To be considered for the Mountainair Hall of Excellence, the following criteria must be met: The individual must have passed away and must have lived in or made a meaningful contribution to the Town of Mountainair during their lifetime. The contribution does not need to be monumental; it can be as simple as being a kind, compassionate person who selflessly gave to others, always willing to lend a helping hand or share what they had.
Additionally, the individual may have played an active role in the community—whether through civic involvement, volunteer work, or supporting local initiatives. Their legacy could include impacting the lives of others through education, business, or cultural contributions. The person could have been a quiet leader who inspired others through their actions, or someone who brought joy and positivity to those around them.
In essence, the Mountainair Hall of Excellence honors individuals who have enriched the fabric of the community, regardless of the scale of their actions, and whose lives reflect the values of kindness, service, and dedication to the well-being of the town and its residents. Please note that we intend for this to become an annual event. While someone you recommend may not be selected this time, it does not rule out future consideration. Additionally, while the impact of their contribution is valued, it does not automatically elevate their eligibility for induction.
Please note that while we anticipate receiving numerous recommendations, we are limited to selecting only 8 individuals for induction. The final selections will be made by a committee of at least 3 members, though the committee may include more. The committee will be established and will begin its deliberations in the coming weeks.
If you are interested in being considered for a position on the committee, we invite you to email mountainairmayor@gmail.com. Please be aware that committee members will not be eligible to vote for candidates to whom they are related. However, such candidates remain eligible and may still be chosen if they receive a majority of votes from the remaining committee members.