Contact: Eleanor Sanchez, 277-1813 Media contact: Michael Padilla, 277-1816

September 6, 2002 UNM Participates in ‘Celebra La Ciencia’ Sept. 17 at State Fair The University of New Mexico is among community groups, local museums and other educational organizations who are teaming up to expose families to science in a fun, hands-on way during a special event at the New Mexico State Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17. The event, “Celebra La Ciencia (Celebrate the Science): Changing the Face of Science,” which is funded primarily by the National Science Foundation (NSF), is a national effort to increase Hispanic participation in science and health education programs. The goal of Celebra La Ciencia is to increase awareness and participation among Hispanic parents and youth in informal science and health education. UNM co-organizer Eleanor Sanchez, from the UNM Marketing and Communications Department, said UNM is playing a major role in the event. “It has been exciting to be part of a program that is embracing youth and exposing them along with their families to the fun, wonder and opportunities that the sciences have to offer,” Sanchez said. Entertainment from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ford Pavilion includes performances by the Mariachi Infantil East San Jose, Miguel Caro - Mexican Fiesta Dance, Duke City Stars Dance Team and Mariachi Lobo. The official welcome will be given by Thomas Tinnin, State Fair chairman; UNM President F. Chris Garcia; and Maddie Zeigler, from the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science; master of ceremonies will be Fred Baca from KABQ radio. Dignitaries from the Self Reliance Foundation will also participate in the official welcome. Participating UNM departments include UNM Cancer Research and Treatment Center, Biology, Biomedical Communications, Chemical and Nuclear Engineering, Chemistry, Continuing Education, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, Emergency Medical Services Academy, UNM Family Development Program/Wemagination Center, Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, Mechanical Engineering, Recreational Services/Natural High Program, UNM School of Medicine with Diagnostic and Theraputic Programs, North West New Mexico Regional Science Fair, UNM Valencia and UNMH Maternity and Infant Care Program. Event co-organizer Daisy Ortega, UNM student and Self Reliance Foundation fellow, said the event also focused on community involvement. “It is great to see how Celebra La Ciencia has brought so many science-related community organizations together to bring forth this wonderful event for the community,” she said. Local sponsors and partners for Celebra La Ciencia include the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, Explora Science Center & Children’s Museum, the Albuquerque Public Schools, UNM, LodeStar Astronomy Center, The National Atomic Museum, The Albuquerque Aquarium and Botanic Gardens, the Albuquerque Zoological Park, The Self-Reliance Foundation, The Hispanic Radio Network, Las Mujeres de LULAC, New Mexico Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Achievement, Inc. (NM MESA), KUNM, Clear Channel Communications, El Hispano News and others. Shuttle bus service will be provided for the UNM community on the day of the event. Buses will depart from the Fine Arts/Popejoy Hall bus stop (corner of Cornell and Redondo) to Domingo Road at the Fairgrounds. Buses depart from UNM on the hour and return from the State Fair on the half hour. Admission to the Fair is $1 before 2 p.m. and $4 thereafter. ###

The University of New Mexico
Public Affairs Department
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Telephone: (505) 277-5813
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