IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 12/15/04 CONTACT: PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE

SILVER CITY—Former State Representative Thomas P. Foy will receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters degree at Western New Mexico University’s winter commencement ceremony on Friday, Dec. 17, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Brancheau P.E. Complex Fieldhouse.

A native of Silver City, Foy, 90, earned a juris doctorate from the University of Notre Dame School of Law in 1939 and a bachelor of science degree in commerce from the University of Notre Dame Commerce School in 1938.

Foy has distinguished himself as a New Mexico State Representative for District 39 from 1970-1998, as an attorney, and for his outstanding military service.

“I am proud of this award because I am a graduate of the State Teachers College High School which is now WNMU. I played football for the high school team and was very active in school activities ending up as the President of the Student Body in 1933. I will always remember Captain Besse who was my mentor and best friend in my high school days,” said Foy. “Capt. Besse wanted me to go two years to New Mexico Sate Teachers College and then go to Notre Dame. I advised Capt. Besse that I would like to follow his advice but I knew that if I enrolled at NMSTC, I would probably never leave and fulfill my dream of going to Notre Dame.”

Following his graduation from Notre Dame, Foy returned to Silver City and worked in a local law office. In 1940, Foy joined the 200^th Coast Artillery Division as a private rather than being drafted during World War II. His unit went to Fort Bliss, Texas for training in mid-January 1941 and was later shipped to the Philippines in September 1941. He was assigned to Clark Field.

The Japanese struck Clark Field on the same day they struck Pearl Harbor. The Japanese destroyed the airfield, seventeen B-17 bombers and about thirty-five fighter planes. The forces retreated to the Bataan Peninsula where they held out until April 9, 1942 when General Edward P. King surrendered all troops on Bataan. Foy survived the Bataan Death March and later spent three and one-half years as a prisoner of war in Japanese prison camps. Japan surrendered on August 15, 1945 and he was released from the prison camp on September 10, 1945. For his service, Foy received many medals and commendations including the Decorated Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.

When he returned home, Foy helped form the Grant County State Bank in 1946, now known as the Bank of America. He practiced law from 1946 until 2003. Foy was elected district attorney in 1948, took office Jan. 1, 1949 and served two terms as District Attorney in the 6^th Judicial District.

Foy was elected as a state representative in 1970 and served through 1998.

As a legislator, Foy helped pass numerous pieces of important legislation including the Equal Rights Amendment, collective bargaining for public employees, the Uniform Probate Code, the veterans property tax exemption, and legislation to adequately fund the Criminal Justice System.

In addition, Foy was instrumental in obtaining appropriations for the following construction projects: Bayard City Hall, Hidalgo County Visitors Center, remodeling for Ft. Bayard Medical Center, Santa Clara City Hall, and Bataan Memorial Park.

For Western New Mexico University, former Rep. Foy acquired funding to expand land holdings for the University, construction of the Juan Chacon Building, and the remodeling of Miller Library, Watts Clinic, Museum, and Brancheau Athletic Complex.

Foy and his wife, the former Joan Carney, deceased, had five children, Celia Foy Castillo, Tom Foy Jr., deceased; Muffet Foy Cuddy, Carney Foy, and Jim Foy.

“Tom Foy has made a tremendous impact in the lives of so many people in the community and throughout the state. His unwavering support of WNMU will always be appreciated,” said WNMU President John Counts.

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