Representatives of New Mexico's institutions of higher learning lined the Avenue of the Governors at Expo New Mexico on Friday to introduce themselves to high school students.
Brandon Trujillo, senior program officer for New Mexico Gear Up, said he was disappointed that turnout was low this year because most kids were still in school. He said weekend space was reserved for car shows.
Veronica Valencia, a state fair media representative, said they offered Trujillo Monday, Sept. 6 or Saturday, Sept. 4, but he didn't want to hold the event on Labor Day because many high school students would be away on travel.
"We worked very hard to make sure that date worked for them," Valencia said.
New Mexico Gear Up is a program that prepares middle school students for college.
Trujillo said the event, Pathways to College and Careers Day, has been around for more than five years and has successfully informed high school students and their parents of educational options.
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Dan Lopez, president of New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, stressed the importance of preparing students to compete in the global job market.
"They'd better be prepared to beat the Chinese, East Indians and people from all over the globe," he said.
Eliseo Torres, vice president of Student Affairs at UNM, urged students to take advantage of New Mexico's public education resources.
"There is no reason why any young man or woman in this state is not taking advantage of what's offered," he said. "The money's there. It's just a matter of applying it to what we offer."
Lopez delivered a proclamation by Gov. Bill Richardson declaring Sept. 10 Pathways to College and Careers Day.
New Mexico Highlands University President Manny Aragon expressed appreciation for the state's opportunities in higher education.
"No other state in the union contributes more to higher education than the citizens of the state of New Mexico," he said.
Aragon, who represented the South Valley in the state Legislature for 30 years, became Highlands' president in July.
"Any university in New Mexico or two-year college, will serve you to the best of its ability and get you a career that will make it possible for you to look after yourselves and your family far into the future," he said.
UNM chemistry professor Dana Brabson performed science experiments at a booth representing UNM's Department of Chemistry.
Brabson said the event has been successful in sparking interest in science.
"I can't quantify it, but there are kids you can see the light come on in their eyes," he said.
