Portales, NM – April 3, 2024 – Eastern New Mexico University is hosting an on-campus, community-wide event celebrating 90 years of student success this Saturday, April 6, from 3-7 p.m. The University will continue the celebration from 7-10 p.m. at Enchantment Vineyards.

"We have such a wonderful history with Portales and the region. This celebration is focused on the community and the families that played a role in ENMU being founded in Portales," said James Johnston, ENMU Chancellor.  "I hope to see a great turnout to celebrate 90 years of student success with us."

Celebrations begin at 3 p.m. on Saturday with live music from local musician Matt Ancira. The main stage will be set up at the corner of S Ave N and Sesame Street, with fun family activities hosted on S. Ave. N between the Communications and Art and Anthropology buildings.

Celebration entertainment will include carnival games, face painting, the Southwest Dairy Mobile Dairy Classroom, food trucks, family fun activities from ENMU departments, student organizations, and JP Stone Community Bank. KENW will open its doors and set up a green screen where community members can take pictures of themselves featured in historical pictures on the ENMU campus.

At 4:45 p.m., ENMU will have a program including presentations to the City of Portales and the Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce—both of which were instrumental in the University being placed in Portales—and family members of the original founders. Following this program, a cake-cutting will be held inside the Communication Building foyer. At 5:15 p.m., live music will continue, and the local band, Full Circle, will take the stage. 

The remaining celebration activities will move to Enchantment Vineyards on Saturday night from 7-10 p.m. At 7:30, ENMU will show the 90th-anniversary historical video in the outdoor area. From 8-10 p.m., Enchantment Vineyards will host live music from musician Richard Nelson to conclude the celebration.

For more information on ENMU's 90th anniversary celebration, visit www.enmu.edu/90th .