Family Weekend, a "New Mexico Adventure," Set for Oct. 23-24

UNM's 2nd annual Family Weekend, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23 - 24, is an opportunity for parents to connect with and support their student's experience at UNM mid semester.

This year's theme, "A New Mexico Adventure," was developed by a campus‐wide committee with input from parents and students. Most events are free, but registration is required.

"Many universities celebrate their state or region during Family Weekend," said Committee Chair Laurie Mellas of the Parent Relations Office. "The philosophy behind hosting a weekend for students and families is two‐fold: it aids recruitment from the standpoint that siblings and other young people attend, but at the heart of it is retention. Students need family support and this is a way to reconnect with their families at a time of the semester when some are homesick or have other issues that might affect their success at UNM."

On Friday, from noon - 5 p.m., visit the Student Union Building to pick up your Family Weekend packet, with event tickets, free tote bag and other goodies. Also in the SUB, starting at 1 p.m., meet the Parent Association Board of Directors and learn how to become involved in the association's activities, events and philanthropy.

"Game Day Friday," gets things underway when, from 2 - 4 p.m., the UNM Bookstore will offer 25 percent off all Lobo wear and spirit merchandise. The event includes a Meet‐and‐Greet with artists who created the official UNM holiday ornament and 2009 Homecoming poster. The Women's Resource Center, located on the east side of Mesa Vista Hall, will host an open house, also from 2 - 4 p.m.

For students and parents who are UNM alumni, "Legacy Reception" will be held at 5 p.m. in the Student Union building, Santa Ana rooms A&B. Special guest Bud Davis, former UNM president, signs his book about UNM, Miracle on the Mesa.

Saturday is also chock-full of activities. UNM's first "5k Rock ‘N Run for the U" or the one‐mile fun run/walk and treasure hunt, a fee is charged and includes a tee‐shirt. Proceeds benefit student scholarship funds. Participants will pass through scenic areas of the UNM campus. At the finish line, runners can shop the bustling Lobo Grower's Market on Johnson Field.

At noon, the Ethnic Centers will hold an Open House and BBQ in the Mesa Vista Hall West courtyard.
The "Van of Enchantment" will be on the Cornell Mall with "culture‐on‐the‐go," which involves creative activities, touchable items and authentic artifacts, designed to impart an enriching, educational experience. The theme for its UNM stop will be "Riding the Rails" and covers the Santa Fe Trail and the arrival of the Railroad and Rail Runner Express.

Over at the SUB discussions will be held from 1 - 3 p.m. on topics ranging from National Student Exchange and Studying Aboard to Extended University/Online Courses, Financial Management, and Looking Ahead to Graduate School.

Family Weekend guests are invited to attend UNM Homecoming's Southwest Fiesta Tailgate in the giant tent at the northeast corner of the football Tailgate Lot 1. Cervantes Restaurant will cater food and a silent auction benefits the Alumni Association. From there, head to University Stadium for Lobo Football: UNM vs. UNLV.

Family Weekend guests may purchase $9 discounted game tickets during check-in (to be seated in an assigned Family Weekend section), but please note that during the football season all students with a Lobo ID may obtain from the UNM ticket office one free ticket  for any game. Students can also purchase from the ticket office up to three additional tickets for family/guests  at $10 each (students and guests are seated in the student section). For the NMSU game on Sept. 26, guest tickets are $15.
 
Most Family Weekend events are free, but registration is required. For more information visit familyweekend.unm.edu.