With the seasons changing, fall brings certain traditions, and one of the most popular traditions is Homecoming. It’s an event that sparks celebration and nostalgia on campuses around the country.
ENMU is gearing up for their 83rd Annual Homecoming. Contestants have been running for King and Queen on campus, events are in the planning stages, and floats are being built. It’s taken weeks of preparation, and it all begins on Monday, October 8.
With a theme like Stone Age, the week of Homecoming, Oct. 8-13, is sure to be fun for all generations, including alumni, current students, staff, and the community.
Monday, October 8 kicks off the celebratory week with a Matachines Performance at the Campus Union Building (CUB) at noon. Matachines are traditional North and South American-Indian dancers. The performance is sure to be ritualistic dances to commemorate New Mexican history.
On Monday evening, Songfest begins at 7pm, in the CUB Ballroom. Songfest is an annual talent competition that clubs and organizations are invited to participate in. The groups must theme their performances to match the Homecoming theme. It’s a wonderful opportunity to kick off Homecoming, and for groups on campus to show their pride for ENMU.
Tuesday, October 9 features a Taco Tuesday Competition which will be held in the CUB Cafeteria. The event is hosted by Office of Hispanic Affairs in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Contestants will be required to eat as many tacos as possible in 3 min. The winner who consumes the most will receive $20 from the Office of Hispanic Affairs.
On Wednesday, October 10, everyone is invited to the Sandia Room at the CUB at 2pm for Traditional Folk Music from New Mexico performed by Cipriano Vigal. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a little New Mexico heritage. Cipriano will play music reminiscent of when Native American village rituals bound neighbors and families together.
Then on Wednesday evening at 7pm in Buchanan Hall (Music Building), ENMU Department of Music is pleased to be hosting a recital featuring guest vocalist and composer, Gwyneth Walker.
Gwyneth Walker, American Composer and Vocalist
Also at 7pm on Wednesday, ENMU Women’s Soccer will host West Texas A&M at Greyhound Stadium for a rivalry matchup.
The two events offer something for everyone from an exciting soccer match to the classical vocal theatrics of an American composer.
Thursday, October 11, features 3 exciting evening events to choose from.
At 7pm in the CUB Ballroom, a performance will take place featuring Senegal African Drum & Dance.
At 7pm in Buchanan Hall (Music Building), the ENMU Choirs will be in concert, featuring the music of Gwyneth Walker.
And finally, also at 7pm, an exciting game of Powder Puff Football will take place at Greyhound Stadium. Something for the whole family will be happening somewhere on campus Thursday night.
A busy week leads up to an even busier weekend of homecoming festivities. With events happening from morning to night, there is something for students, alumni, and the community to enjoy.
To ring in the special Homecoming weekend, on Friday, October 12, the day begins at 8am with the annual Homecoming Golf Tournament. The tournament is open to golfers of any ability level, with proceeds going to financially assist student athletes. Golfers will play at Portales Country Club.
At noon on Friday, ENMU Women’s Soccer will host Midwestern State at Greyhound Stadium.
At 3pm Friday, at the Pergola Center of Campus (Old Fountain – weather permitting), the theater department will perform The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged).
At 5pm Friday, ENMU Volleyball will face a matchup with Cameron University at Greyhound Arena. And of course, all support for the ENMU athletes is always appreciated by the coaches and players.
With the day being full of events to choose from, it leads to an evening that is sure to please participants.
Starting at 6:45pm on Friday evening , there will be a Come and Go Alumni BBQ. This is followed by the annual bonfire and pep rally that starts at 7pm. Both are scheduled to happen at Greyhound Arena.
Finally, at 9pm, all alumni are invited to a mix and mingle at the Dawg Houze.
Saturday, October 13, will be another day full of homecoming festivities, including the annual EMNU Homecoming Parade.
The parade is scheduled to start at 11:15am and will travel down US HWY 70. It’s the perfect event to bring kids to for safe, family fun.
Then after the parade, there will be a volleyball match against Midwestern State University at 12pm in Greyhound Arena. Immediately after the ENMU match ends, there will be an alumni volleyball match.
The two games will lead right up to an ENMU Tailgate that begins at 4pm at Greyhound Stadium.
The football team will play Western New Mexico at 7pm after the tailgate, and all fans are invited to come support the Hounds. The more, the better!
Per tradition, the football game will be an exciting close to a week full of festivities on campus at ENMU.
Be sure to show your support for the wonderful asset ENMU is to the community. There are events for the whole family. We hope you will take advantage of this special week in our community!
The full calendar of events can be found by clicking HERE.
