Usually begun and continued by
•1889 UNM founded, February
28
students, traditions are
•1892 Hodgin Hall constructed
unwritten established activities
•1894 First UNM class graduated
or events. Many traditions come
•1895 UNM Weekly
(Daily Lobo) published
and go, but most are carried on
•1897 UNM Alumni Association
founded
by word of mouth to the next
•1925 First UNM Homecoming
celebration
class or generation. Supported
•1940s ASUNM government
formed
by the university community,
•1965 The Pit constructed
traditions connect us all
•1976 Duckpond constructed
to our alma mater.
The UNM Alma MaterNew Mexico, New Mexico By Craig Summers |
| Class Memorials it was
customary for the graduating class to leave something behind on campus,
e.g., the benches in front of Hodgin Hall.
Victory Bell the bell was brought to all football games and rung to encourage spirit. Freshmen Beanies freshmen students had to wear a green beanie skullcap. Electric U a large illuminated "U" was placed atop Hodgin Hall in the 1920s and lighted when the Lobos were victorious. U Mountain the small hill at the end of Copper Avenue in the Sandia Foothills used to display a large whitewashed "U". Okie Joe's a popular campus watering hole located at University and Central. Highland Line streetcars originally made the trip up Railroad Avenue (now Central Avenue) to the University. House Decorating & Homecoming the sororities and faternities and many campus organizations decorated their houses and dorms during homecoming, and townspeople turned out in droves to see them. UNM Mirage Yearbook school annual, ended in 1979. The name Mirage was adopted by the Alumni Association magazine. |
The cheerleaders were responsible for the wolf at every football game.
However, at a game, a child teased the wolf and was bitten, and UNM officials were forced to dispose of the wolf.
In the early 1960s the student body wanted a mascot at the football games.
A young woman created a papier-maché Lobo head that was worn at the games, promoting school spirit.
After several attempts at constructing a Lobo head comfortable enough to wear, a costumed mascot was created in the early 1970s and given the name "Lobo Louie."
Then, in the early 1980s, a second mascot, named "Lobo Lucy," was created.
School ColorsIn the 1890s the school colors were black and gold. A faculty member suggested a change because the did not give a true feeling of New Mexico. In 1897, the cherry and silver colors were officially adopted, reflecting the evening glow of the Sandia Mountains and the appearance of the Rio Grande as a silver ribbon winding through the valley. From 1973-79, turquoise was integrated into the official school colors, at least for the athletic teams. In 1980, cherry and silver returned as the predominant colors. |
The UNM fight Song was written in 1930. The music to the Fight Song was written by Dean Lena Clauve, who served the University for 32 years as a professor of music education and as the Dean of Women. Dr. George St. Clair, professor in the English Department, wrote the lyrics.
Hail to
thee, New Mexico,
Thy loyal sons are we.
Marching down the field we go, fighting for thee.
RAH! RAH! RAH!
Now we pledge our faith to thee, never shall we fail.
Fighting ever, yielding never.
HAIL! HAIL! HAIL!
Hanging of the GreensOn May 25, 1935, twenty-one UNM women chartered the Alpha Sigma chapter of the Sigma Alpha Iota music honorary. In 1936, SAI held their first "Christmas Sing." In 1947, Francine Neff ('48 BA) added the tradition of going up to the mountains to collect greenery to decorate the Student Union Ballroom (now Anthropology) and make a wreath to hang above the fireplace. Later, the procession of students, staff, and faculty caroling across campus holding candles was added by the Sigma Alpha Iota and Dean Lena Clauve. The procession would form at the furthest house, Kappa Alpha, and sing holiday carols as they made their way past the dormitories to the President's House and finally to the SUB. The director of the SUB, Mrs. Thompson, would serve popcorn, candy, and coffee while students continued caroling. Some years, Santa Claus would also serve refreshments. Sherman Smith, Vice President for Administration and Development (for whom Smith Plaza is named) would sing White Christmas. A recording of this song is immortalized on a record that was included in the 1958-59 Mirage yearbook. Credit: Terry Gugliotta, UNM Archivist |
The University of New Mexico Alumni Association serves its members from the oldest building on campus, Hodgin Hall.
The Association and its professional staff in the Alumni Relations Office coordinates activities designed to inform and involve UNM’s 143,000 alumni in every state and 89 foreign countries.
The Association participates in policy and decision making, student support programs, government relations, student recruitment, career placement and planning, administrator search committees, faculty support, and continuing education programs.
The Association works to ensure college memories are kept alive alongside important plans for the future.
Success of the Alumni Association depends on the interest and commitment of all UNM alumni.
The wide variety of activities, programs, committees and chapters offer something for everyone.There are no dues.
Your attendance at UNM makes you a member!
For more information on what the Alumni Association offers to its members, please contact the association.
The University of New Mexico Alumni Association
1 University of New Mexico
MSC 01 - 1160
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
505.277.5808 | 1.800.ALUM.UNM
505.277.6844 fax | alumni@unm.edu
The University of New Mexico Alumni Association
1 University of New Mexico
MSC 01 - 1160
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
505.277.5808 | 1.800.ALUM.UNM
505.277.6844 fax
Alumni Association Feedback: alumni@unm.edu
Technical Support: alumhelp@unm.edu
© 2002-2007 updated: 6 November, 2007
