More than 900 students and faculty volunteered recently for ASUNM Community Experience’s annual Spring Storm event, one of the biggest community service projects of the year in the cities of Albuquerque and Rio Rancho. Volunteers converged at the UNM Football Stadium where they were split into groups and deployed to sites all over Albuquerque and Rio Rancho.
This year’s sites included Joy Junction, Agora, Watermelon Mountain Ranch, Mandy’s Farm and UNM’s Children Campus. According to Bianca Martinez, communication director of Community Experience, the campaign was extremely successful. “Everyone’s enthusiasm was high, and it was a great day to give back to the Albuquerque and Rio Rancho community.”
Spring Storm is a considerable effort that would not be possible without the volunteers who donate their time and energy. “I would like to add a special thanks to the directors, advisors, Community Experience volunteers and the all the volunteers who came out this year," said Events Director Jenna Hall. "We couldn’t have done it without our volunteers.”
After the work was done, the volunteers were treated to a free lunch offered at the Student Special Event’s annual “Fiestas.” The event drew thousands of volunteers and students to Johnson Field where they were presented with a large live music lineup, zip lines, food, drink, art and various other activities.
Although Fiestas has turned into a large music festival, it wasn’t always like that. Fiestas began back in 1948, and it was more of a class social with a barbecue and dance afterwards.
Sean Trauth, executive director of SSE said, “Fiestas has evolved into more of a music and art festival, but it still maintains its core values: A celebration for students, put on by students.”
Overall the consensus of both Spring Storm and Fiestas this year is positive, and the event coordinators are excited to keep the trend going.