IVAN HILTON SCIENCE BUILDING INFORMATION

Each year, millions of ceramic piggies are destroyed in the pursuit of college. As the cost of tuition at colleges and universities across the United States keeps skyrocketing, some experts believe the ceramic piggy might be extinct by the year 2012. That’s the message of New Mexico Highlands University’s new marketing campaign, Save Our Piggies. “The campaign is a fun way of addressing an issue facing many families these days,” said Sean Weaver, Highlands’ director of university relations. “Parents want a high quality education for their children. And they want an affordable solution. New Mexico Highlands University offers both. And, with our centers in Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, Española, Farmington and Raton, we’re a great solution for people who are considering returning to college.” In its study, the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education showed that Highlands’ tuition and fees for in-state, out-of-state and international undergraduate and graduate students is the lowest in the 11-state Western United States. New Mexico Highlands’ students, faculty and staff helped launch the new campaign Feb. 10 at the state capitol with a Save Our Piggies rally. The campaign will target students and parents in the Western region through online advertising. The Web site for the campaign is www.SaveOurPiggies.org.