By: Amber Knox
The tradition of homecoming began in the early 1900s as a way to welcome alumni back to their colleges. Centered around a football game, the tradition spread to universities and high schools across the country.
Eastern New Mexico University’s 2025 homecoming is taking place October 20th-25th with a packed schedule of events for alumni, students, community members, and faculty.
Monday, October 20th, the events begin at 8 a.m. with an ENMU-System Faculty Exhibition in Runnels Gallery. The Exhibition will be open until 10 p.m. on Friday. From 6-9 p.m., ASAB will sponsor the 34th annual Song Fest in the Campus Union Ballroom.
Tuesday, October 21st, NY Times Best Selling Author and ENMU Alumnus Barbara Chesser will speak at 2 p.m. about how the university shaped her career. At 6 p.m., ASAB is sponsoring the 9th Annual Powderpuff Tournament at Portales High School.
On Wednesday, October 22nd, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., there is a campus community lunch at the Crossroads Café in the CUB. At 2 p.m., Dr. Drew Davis will give a presentation in the GSSC Presentation Room. And at 6 p.m., the ENMU women’s soccer team will play Angelo State at the Steve Loy Family Foundation Stadium.
Thursday, October 23rd, the 2nd Annual Ring Ceremony will be held at the Administration building. And at 7 p.m., a piano recital will be held in Buchanan Hall in the Music Building.
On Friday, October 24th, the Portales Country Club will host Alumni Day all day. From 4:30 to 6:30, the President will host a BBQ at his shop behind his residence. At 4:30, there is a volleyball game against UT-Dallas, and the bonfire and pep rally will follow at 6:30 p.m., with the drone show starting at 7:50 in the North parking lot of the Steve Loy Family Foundation Arena. From 8-10 pm, a Halloween Dance featuring Grupo Maldad is at Uncle Mike’s. There is an entry fee of $10 or $15 for couples, and a costume contest will be held. Uncle Mike’s is located at 401 Ave C.
Saturday, October 25th, begins at 7:30 a.m. with the Annual ENMU Foundation Awards Breakfast in the CUB Ballroom. Contact 575-562-2412 for registration. From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be tailgating in the parking lot of the stadium. The parade will be at 11 a.m., and there will be a volleyball game against UT-Tyler. At noon, the hospitality tent will host the alumni tailgate. Greyhound football vs. Western New Mexico will start at 3 p.m., followed by the Alumni Mix and Mingle from 7:30-10 p.m. at Enchantment Vineyards featuring the Killer Dueling Pianos.
For a complete list of events, visit https://www.enmu.edu/about/alumni/events/homecoming