Lobo Day, the annual event UNM Student Activities organizes to celebrate the founding of the university on February 28, 1889, is made more special this year as UNM celebrates its 125th birthday. As in years past, a birthday cake kicks off the celebration on Friday, Feb. 28 at noon in the Student Union Building atrium. Added attractions include piñatas and a confetti-shooting cannon. Students wear cherry and silver for a group photo that will grace a wall in the SUB.
Friday evening at 5:30 p.m., the Alumni Relations Office invites Lobos past and present, as well as the community at large, to a reception at Hodgin Hall. Lobo Louie and Lucy will be there, as well as music group Le Chat Lunatique. Refreshments and an opportunity to meet and make friends caps off the event.
"One day is not enough to commemorate UNM's 125 years," said Terry Gugliotta, UNM archivist, and co-chair of the 125th planning committee. "Events will take place throughout 2014 in recognition of the history, contributions and accomplishments, while looking ahead to what the future might bring," she added.
A category in the UNM events calendar, "125 Years" has been created. Individuals, departments and organizations are encouraged to add events to the calendar. "The events do not have to be created specifically for the 125th. Many departments and organizations have lecture series and other such recurring events. We encourage getting those events entered into the calendar, both to showcase the event as well as to show support for UNM's 125 years," said Maria Wolfe, program coordinator and co-chair, 125th planning committee.
Wolfe also has large cutouts of the numbers "125." Individuals or groups who wish to take a photo with the numbers can contact Wolfe.
A video is being created by Arcie Chapa, Center for Regional Studies, with support from Director Tobias Durán. Trailers for the video are under production and will soon be available online. "Groups can show them at appropriate meetings and events," Chapa said. The video itself, which is slated to be about 30 minutes in length, will be available in the fall, in time for Homecoming. The theme for Homecoming will connect with the 125th, as well.
Both the spring and fall commencement ceremonies will feature the 125 logo.
"The 125th celebration certainly isn't as grand as the 100th, which was celebrated in 1989, but it is still a significant landmark in UNM history. We encourage all to participate," said Karen Abraham, associate vice president, Alumni Relations.
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