Both the chancellor and the NMSU Foundation provided funds to commission the art project in order to begin the process. The sculpture is modeled after Pistol Pete student mascot Caleb Gustin.

Debate was sparked by miscommunication over a proposed traffic intersection Some professors claim 2018 Pistol Pete ... campus art including representations of the New Mexico State Aggies mascot ...

He’s the gun-toting, horse riding mascot of New Mexico State University. If you’ve been to an Aggie game, you know Pistol Pete. “My fondest memories of Pistol Pete was always him rallying ...