On Friday, Feb. 28, University of New Mexico students, faculty and staff gathered in the Student Union Building to celebrate the UNM’s 136th anniversary.
The event, planned and coordinated by Lobo Spirit of the Associated Students at UNM, began with the annual group photo, featuring 136 UNM students in Lobo Day shirts.
Guest speakers included UNM President Garnett Stokes, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs James Holloway, and new Head Football Coach Jason Eck — followed by the singing of “Happy Birthday,” during which ASUNM released confetti on the SUB atrium.
“We brought in the photo booth to take 360 videos, and also had Bing Tea here, where students were able to get boba tea,” said Lily Marquez, Lobo Spirit executive director. “We also brought in a friendship bracelets activity and cake for students.”
This was Stokes’ eighth Lobo Day as president, which she said is a testament to the long history of the University.
“I have never seen the anniversary of a university's founding to be celebrated at such a level by the students of the university, so I appreciate that our students embrace this,” Stokes said.
“This university has seen and been through a lot; that will always be true. They always emerge stronger on the other side.”
This year’s Lobo Day marked the first time since pre-pandemic that the event has been held indoors, according to Lobo Spirit Assistant Director Kiera Rosenfeld.
The event also featured a chance for students to get an event T-shirt and participate in a raffle, according to Student Activities Specialist Scotty Rudolph.
Maria Fernandez is a beat reporter and photographer for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at news@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo
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