More than 3,000 servings of green chile stew were served at the Duck Pond Wednesday.
The event was part of Welcome Back Days and the third day students, faculty and staff could get free food courtesy of the University.
"Instead of regretting coming back, many students look forward to this week," said Ryan Lindquist, interim associate director for student services. "There's free food, live entertainment and lots of information beneficial to UNM students."
Although most of the food this week has been donated, Welcome Back Days does come with a price.
Susan McKinsey, director of strategic communications at UNM, said the event is funded from two main sources: University funds paid $7,953 and Associated Students of UNM provided $8,600. The University rents out the vendor booths to businesses and organizations to supplement costs, she said. Price tags for the booths range from $200 a day to $800 a week, she said.
UNM faculty members showed up to serve the green chile stew.
Lindquist said along with the stew, they also served more than 1,000 slices of watermelon.
Student Alexa Beier said she likes the Welcome Back Days festivities.
"You don't have to worry about paying for stuff the first week back, when you are paying for so much else already," she said. "I really like the discounted ski passes too."
Booths are scattered around the Duck Pond and in front of the SUB to make it as effortless for students to stop and request information regarding Comcast cable to signing up for a free motorcycle lesson from Chick's Harley Davidson.
Although they vary each year, UNM averages about 24 different vendors that pay to recruit students into buying their products or services for the only week a year they're allowed on campus, Lindquist said.
Wednesday's theme was Women's and Cultural Day.
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The Women's Resource Center prepared for the event, loading their booth with pamphlets and fliers that inform students of the services they provide.
"The Women's Resource Center was created as a safe place for women on campus, said Sandrea Gonzales, the center's director. "In 1972 there was no rape crisis center, no battered women's shelters. Women in this community had no place to feel really safe."
She said the center was developed at UNM to provide a safe haven for students that evolved to a place where women can come for information and guidance.
"We have a tradition of helping women graduate," Gonzales said.
She said the center is offering scholarships for single mothers at UNM. The awards, worth $350, will be given this semester to two women, Gonzales said
Senior Cassie Wenderoth said Welcome Back Days is beneficial for students coming back to school.
"I feel like it adds more to the community and gives a sense of unity to all of the students," she said while enjoying the free green chile stew.
Sophomore Nick Delgado agreed.
"Welcome Back Week is fun," he said. "The food is good and I like the music."
