Contact:

Eleanor Sanchez, 277-1813 Laurie Mellas-Ramirez, 277-5915

September 6, 2001

GALLUP HOTEL DONATES STAY TO HELP PROMOTE EDUCATION AT THE NEW MEXICO STATE FAIR

A one-night stay at the El Rancho Hotel in Gallup, NM, is among the featured prize giveaways at University Day at the New Mexico State Fair Tuesday, Sept. 18.

More than 70 University of New Mexico units will exhibit on Main Street from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. UNM celebrates the Route 66 Diamond Jubilee with its theme "UNM: The Destination for Education on the Route and at the Fair."

Fairgoers can register for prizes, including hotel stays along Route 66 in New Mexico, at the University Communications and Marketing booth.

A look-a-like contest featuring "50s movie stars" and slick automobiles from the Classic Chevy Club of Albuquerque on Main Street highlight the activities.

Among the participants are the University College Advisement Center, Continuing Education/Extended University, KNME-TV, School of Engineering, University Hospital, Theatre and Dance and UNM Press.

The UNM Cancer Research and Treatment Center's booth will feature Dale Mason, the first female Legends car driver to win at the local Sandia Motorsports Park. Mason will greet fairgoers and show off her winning car.

Health assessments such as blood pressure checks, glucose monitoring and risk appraisals will be provided at the College of Nursing booth. An information session on simulation technologies used to teach health care providers will be offered at the Basic Advanced Trauma Computer Assisted Virtual Experience booth.

Route 66 trivia will be featured at the Office of Equal Opportunity table and interactive activities for families take place at the Wemagination Center and Recreational Services booths.

Fairgoers can check out the 2001 Formula SAE race car at the UNM School of Engineering table or stop by the UNM Continuing Education Booth and get a chair massage.

Staff with information about scholarships, UNM support services and career opportunities will also be on hand.

UNM Public Affairs will host a "Meet the Press" booth featuring members of local and statewide media including Larry Barker, KOAT-TV Channel 7.

Some of the 70 plus units will compete for prizes in the "Best 50s booth" contest.

Entertainment is scheduled at Coca-Cola Pavilion throughout the day: South Broadway Cultural Center Ambassadors - Children's Mariachi Group, 12:45 p.m.; Official welcome with Masters of Ceremonies UNM President William C. Gordon and Joe Diaz, KOAT-TV Channel 7 meteorologist; UNM athletes and Spirit Squad with Lobo Louie and Lucy, 1 p.m.; Duke City Stars Dance Team, 1:20 p.m., 50s Movie Stars Look-a-Like Contest, 2 p.m.; Alma Flamenca, 3 p.m.; Mariachi Lobo, 4:30 p.m., and more.

For more information, call Eleanor Sanchez at 277-1813 or visit www.unm.edu /news.

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The University of New Mexico
Public Affairs Department
Hodgin Hall, 2nd floor
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0011
Telephone: (505) 277-5813
Fax: (505) 277-1981