While confetti fell, students celebrated 137 years of the University of New Mexico with cupcakes, free merchandise and a class photo to commemorate the University’s birthday on Friday, Feb. 27.
This year, Lobo Day was Route 66 themed with a free T-shirt for students picturing Lobo Louie and Lucy riding through the desert in a lowrider headed for the Sandia Mountains, framed in an interstate route sign.
Colorful posters and stickers of the same graphic on the Lobo Day T-shirts were available to take while students waited to take the group photo.
The class photo is hung in the Student Union Building for the next year, following an active tradition from the last several years.
UNM President Garnett Stokes attended the event and celebrated her last Lobo Day as president. Stokes has announced she will be retiring in July.
“137 years ago this week, on Feb. 28 — which is why we celebrate today — the University of New Mexico was established by the legislative assembly for the territory of New Mexico,” Stokes said. “We are older than the state itself.”
Student Claire Tapia said Lobo Day helped her earn volunteering hours for Emerging Lobo Leaders.
“I’m willing to get some volunteer hours in and I’m so happy to be involved more,” Tapia said.
Alyssa Contreras, a student and cheerleader, said this was her first time attending Lobo Day. Her favorite part was getting to hang out with her teammates.
Barbara Rodríguez, interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, said Route 66 and UNM are about movement and momentum.
“Route 66 moved people across the country and UNM moves people forward through their lives,” Rodríguez said. “Every one of you is a part of that story now, just like Route 66 became a symbol of possibility and adventure. UNM is a place where new ideas begin, where friendships are born and where futures take shape.”
After students received their free t-shirt and completed the class picture, multiple booths around the SUB opened up with activities for students.
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Students chose between three versions of UNM-branded clear bags to take to games and events. The selection featured a tote bag, a crossbody bag with multiple compartments or a small purse.
A print photobooth was available to take pictures on film strips, with glasses and props provided nearby.
Students also lined up for their chance to “build-a-bo,” given a deconstructed Lobo with a UNM shirt and stuffing to make their own stuffed animal.
Hope Montoya, Associated Students at UNM vice president said her favorite part of the event was working with all of the Lobo Spirit and ASUNM students and seeing how excited people get to celebrate their Lobo pride.
“It’s a super fun event and even if you’re on your way to class you can just stop by, grab a T-shirt, grab a snack, meet new students around campus and celebrate UNM’s birthday,” Montoya said. “We get to hear from the president, the provost, and some of our student leaders about why we love UNM, the history of UNM and celebrate our Lobo pride.”
Lexis Lovato is a beat reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at culture@dailylobo.com or on X @lovatolexis
