Photo: Margaret McKinney/University Relations
Highlands political science senior Rebekah Peoble decorates the Recruitment Office door for homecoming 2017. She is the current student body president at Highlands.
Las Vegas, N.M. – New Mexico Highlands University’s homecoming festivities kick off Oct. 10 and continue through Oct. 21.
The theme for homecoming this year is “Celebrating 125 Years – Highlands Strong” in commemoration of the university’s quasquicentennial.
“Highlands has been a vital part of the Las Vegas community for 125 years and we also have roots now in our statewide centers,” said Juli Salman, Alumni Affairs director and H:125 committee chair. “We are stronger than ever and poised to move confidently into the future.”
Some homecoming highlights include the Oct. 20 homecoming parade at 10 a.m. and the homecoming football game at 1 p.m. with the Cowboys taking on the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. The location is the Leveo and Patricia Sánchez Family Stadium at 906 Baca Ave.
The parade route begins at 5th Street and Friedman Avenue and ends at the historic Las Vegas Plaza. To enter a float for the parade, contact the Office of Campus Life at 505-454-3590 or 505-454-3495.
“Our Las Vegas community loves parades, and it’s a wonderful time to be celebrating both Highlands’ homecoming and 125th anniversary,” said Margaret Gonzales, Campus Life director. “We’re hoping to see many creative floats given our theme this year.”
A community decorating contest begins Oct. 10 with an Oct. 18 deadline to register. Judging will be Oct. 19. To enter, contact the Office of Alumni Affairs at 505-454-3248. The winners will be announced during halftime at the homecoming football game.
Some other Oct. 20 homecoming activities include:
- A Cowboy 5K Gallop & Trot fun run on the Gallinas River Walk at 8 a.m. Meet at the Highlands Recycling Center at 9thStreet and Raynolds. There is a Cowboy stick pony trot for children at 8:45 a.m. Register online at nmhufoundation.org/nmhu-homecoming-5k-gallop-trot or call the Alumni Office at 505-454-3248.
- Tailgating at the Champ Tyrone Music Building parking lot at 1052 11th from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on a first come, first served basis. In addition, the Highlands Alumni Association is sponsoring a free tailgating meal for the community while supplies last with hamburgers, hot dogs and barbecue also from 11 – 12:30 p.m. in the music building parking lot.
- The Highlands Vatos Rugby Club alumni game immediately follows the football game.
- The Cowgirl volleyball game v. Dixie State University at 7 p.m. at Wilson Complex, 1241 9th
Check for other Cowgirl soccer and volleyball games during homecoming at www.nmhucowboys.com
- The Highlands Department of Music Narcissus and Echo Opera at 7 p.m. in Ilfeld Auditorium, 900 University Ave.
The Highlands book store has HU apparel and will be open Oct. 20 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Student Center, 800 National Ave.
Salman said another highlight for homecoming is a silent auction cocktail reception and alumni banquet Oct. 19 at the Student Center, 800 National Ave. The silent auction begins at 5:30 p.m. and the dinner begins at 7 p.m. The caterer is The Skillet Restaurant of Las Vegas. Tickets are $30 per person and $50 per couple. Call 505-454-3248 to reserve tickets.
“We’ve decided to have fun with the theme of our founding date of 1893 by using an Old West saloon motif for the cocktail reception and silent auction,” Salman said. “The dinner takes on a more dignified approach to our history by showcasing historical photos in a gallery style display. You don’t need to be a Highlands alumnus to participate in this event.”
The silent auction fundraiser benefits Alumni Association initiatives that support student success.
A listing of other homecoming festivities is online at www.nmhu.edu/homecoming
For more information about Highlands Homecoming 2018, contact Alumni Affairs at 505-454-3248 or Campus Life at 505-454-3590 or 505-454-3495.