New Mexico Highlands University

10/03/2026

💜 HIGHLANDS HOMECOMING PARADE 2026!

Thank you to everyone who celebrated with us at this morning’s parade, and to Quality Care for sponsoring this Highlands tradition!

Join us for the final day of Homecoming today, Saturday, October 3:

⚽ Cowgirls Soccer vs. Western Colorado: 12 p.m. at Memorial Middle School.
🍔 Alumni Tailgate: 4–6 p.m. Free and open to everyone!
🏈 Cowboys Football vs. Western Colorado: 6 p.m. at Sanchez Family Stadium.

Full schedule and ticket information:
👉 https://nmhufoundation.org/homecoming-2025

10/02/2026

🤠 GLOW TONIGHT, ’CAUSE TOMORROW WE RIDE!

Let’s glow into game day, Cowboys and Cowgirls! Join us as the Homecoming celebration continues!

TONIGHT, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2
🌟 Operation Glow: 8–10 p.m. behind the Natatorium. This event is for NMHU students only!

💜 Purple Range Lounge & Silent Auction: 5–7:30 p.m. at Kennedy Gallery. Enjoy live music, reconnect with fellow alumni and support the NMHU Alumni Association.

📍 TOMORROW, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3
• Homecoming Parade: 10 a.m.
• Cowgirls Soccer vs. Western Colorado: Noon at Memorial Middle School.
• Alumni Tailgate: 4–6 p.m. at the Champ Tyrone Music Building parking lot. Free and open to everyone!
• Cowboys Football vs. Western Colorado: 6 p.m. at Sanchez Family Stadium.

Find the full Homecoming schedule, event registration and ticket information:
👉 https://nmhufoundation.org/homecoming-2025

09/30/2026

⚠️ WEATHER UPDATE: OUT OF THE DARKNESS 5K POSTPONED

Due to inclement weather, today’s 12th Annual Out of the Darkness 5K Run & Walk has been postponed until further notice.

The 5K, associated activities and drone show will not take place this evening. A rescheduled date and additional information will be shared as soon as they are available.

Thank you for your understanding. Please stay safe.

*If you or someone you know needs immediate support, call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.

09/30/2026

💜 LET PURPLE REIGN AT TODAY’S OUT OF THE DARKNESS 5K!

As Homecoming shifts into high gear, Highlands welcomes Las Vegas and surrounding communities to Melody Park this afternoon for the 12th Annual Out of the Darkness 5K Run & Walk. The event raises awareness for su***de prevention, connects participants with mental health resources and reminds everyone that support is available.

📍 Activities begin at 4 p.m. at NMHU Melody Park. Resources and activities will be available throughout the event, with a drone show following the run.

📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer or register online. The first 200 members of the NMHU campus community to register will receive a free T-shirt.

👉https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=3G8pS9fZxUuyKxXIOjRcz3QGxq1uNmFJoQTiIoNK1mBUMVJRWTI5NzFWMVdWUVhCMDlaNTFVR1JYMy4u&origin=QRCode

Run, walk or come out to show your support. Everyone is welcome!

*If you or someone you know needs immediate support, call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.

***dePrevention

09/28/2026

💜 CELEBRATING THE HEART OF HIGHLANDS! 🤠

New Mexico Highlands University came together for Staff Appreciation Day to recognize the people whose hard work and dedication keep our university moving forward.

Through every challenge and season of change, our staff continue to support our students, one another, and the mission and values of Highlands.

Thank you to NMHU Staff Senate for organizing today’s celebration, and to every staff member for the commitment and care you bring to Highlands each day.

👉 Learn more about NMHU Staff Senate and the support it provides to the Highlands community:
https://www.nmhu.edu/faculty-and-staff/staff-advisory-senate/staff-advisory-senate-information/

As Homecoming week begins, let’s carry that appreciation, pride and spirit throughout the week and let Purple Reign! 💜

09/25/2026

🕊️ REMEMBERING LEVEO V. SANCHEZ 💜

Few individuals have shaped New Mexico Highlands University as profoundly as Leveo V. Sanchez II.

A distinguished alumnus, former regent, Foundation leader and generous benefactor, his lifelong devotion to Highlands created opportunities for generations of students.

During the 2026 Homecoming football game, the Highlands community will observe a moment of silence in his honor.

📅 Saturday, October 3 | 6 p.m.
📍 Sanchez Family Stadium

👉 Read about Leveo’s remarkable life and lasting legacy at Highlands:
https://www.nmhu.edu/leveo-sanchez-tribute/

09/23/2026

🏆 NMHU SHRM EARNS FIFTH CONSECUTIVE MERIT AWARD

The New Mexico Highlands University student chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management has earned a 2025–2026 Merit Award, marking its fifth consecutive year of national recognition.

The award recognizes the chapter’s commitment to providing students with opportunities for professional growth, leadership and engagement. During the award cycle, members organized human resources speaker events, participated in state and national conferences and earned second place in a competition at the 2026 SHRM New Mexico State Conference.

In June, Preston Tom represented NMHU at the SHRM National Conference in Orlando after being selected to attend on behalf of the chapter and university.

Congratulations to the NMHU SHRM Chapter, its student members, Faculty Advisor Dr. Melanie Zollner and Co-Advisor Lyla Maestas on this outstanding achievement! 👏

👉 Read the full story:
https://www.nmhu.edu/nmhu-shrm-chapter-earns-fifth-consecutive-merit-award/

09/21/2026

🏈 COWBOYS WIN AT HOME! 💜

The Cowboys delivered another big victory Saturday, defeating Black Hills State 44–36 at Sanchez Family Stadium!

With a 3–1 start to the season, the Cowboys are riding into Homecoming with momentum!

Following this weekend’s road game, Highlands returns to Sanchez Family Stadium on Saturday, October 3, to face off against Western Colorado.

📍 Tailgate: 4:00 p.m.
🏈 Kickoff: 6:00 p.m.
🎟️ Athletic tickets: https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/nmhu

👉 Read the full game recap:
https://nmhuathletics.com/news/2026/9/19/football-cowboys-hold-off-black-hills-state-44-36.aspx

Wear purple. Bring the energy—and let PURPLE REIGN! 👑

At South Dakota Mines Next Saturday Afternoon

09/17/2026

🎨 EXPERIENCE ART AT NMHU!

Discover New Mexico through the eyes of its artists. The 13th Annual New Mexico Painters Exhibition is on display at Kennedy Gallery, bringing together a compelling range of traditional and nontraditional work, showcasing the creativity, perspective and artistic excellence found across the state.

📍September 13–November 6, Tuesday–Thursday | 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Closed noon–1 p.m., Kennedy Gallery 905 University Ave.

The celebration continues with the Business of Art reception at the newly remodeled NMHU School of Business Building. Enjoy light refreshments, explore its permanent art collection and meet participating artists.

📍Sunday, September 27, 4–6 p.m. NMHU School of Business Building, Columbia Street at Central Park

👉 View the map and event details:
http://galleries.nmhu.edu/ray-drew/events/

09/16/2026

🎶 AN HOMAGE TO ANTONIA APODACA 🪗

Kennedy Gallery was filled with music yesterday evening as the NMHU Music Program presented An Homage to Antonia Apodaca.

Featuring Música del Aire, the performance brought José Apodaca, Cynthia Wooley, Scott Mathis, Linda Askew and Barbara Rivers together for a special tribute celebrating Antonia Apodaca’s musical legacy.

Thank you to the NMHU Music Program and Música del Aire for sharing this meaningful tribute, and to everyone who joined us at Kennedy Gallery. 💜

👉 Learn more about NMHU’s Music and Music Technology program: https://www.nmhu.edu/landing_music/