Las Vegas, N.M. – If you met the love of your life at Highlands, the university’s Alumni Office wants to know your story.
The love stories are being collected for the Feb. 11 “Highlands Loves Alumni” Valentine’s event, a festive and free evening of music, food and fun from 5:30 – 8 p.m. in the university’s Student Union Ballroom at 800 National Ave.
“Highlands changes lives and meeting the love of your life here is just one of those ways,” said Juli Salman, alumni coordinator. “These alumni love stories are part of our Highlands history, and I suspect there are many wonderful, interesting and even funny stories out there.”
The alumni love stories and photos will be featured in a projected slideshow Feb. 11. Salman is requesting stories and photos by Jan. 22. Contact her via email at jesalman@nmhu.edu or give her a call at 505-426-2155.
Salman said the couple with the best alumni love story will win a date night package with a bottle of wine, dinner for two, a movie, and a night at the Historic Plaza Hotel.
Some highlights of “Highlands Loves Alumni” include hors d’ourves and chocolate desserts from Charlie’s Bakery and Café, live music from the Smooth Riders jazz ensemble, a cake walk, a selfie photo booth to snap and share photos, and a silent auction featuring items with a Valentine’s Day theme like a night at the Historic Plaza Hotel, dinners for two, wine baskets, candy baskets, hand-crafted jewelry, flower arrangements and more.
“We encourage people to wait to purchase their Valentine’s Day gifts because there will be a good selection in the silent auction,” Salman said.
All proceeds from the silent auction will benefit Highlands University’s campaign to raise $250,000 for increasing high-impact practices like undergraduate research, internships and service learning that increase student success.
The New Mexico Higher Education Department will provide a 2:1 match if the Highlands Foundation raises $250,000 in private money for HU-HIPs by March 31, creating a permanent $750,000 endowment.
Salman said the alumni event is already drawing interest and support from local merchants and the business community.
“We greatly appreciate the love shown to Highlands and its students from these local community partners,” Salman said.
She said you don’t need a date for “Highlands Loves Alumni,” and you don’t need to be a Highlands graduate to join the fun.
“Who knows? You might meet the love of your life at this event. We welcome alumni of all ages, as well as members of the Highlands campus and local community who aren’t alumni,” Salman said.
To RSVP for “Highlands Loves Alumni” email lylamaestas@nmhu.edu or call 505-454-3248.