October marks the 50th Anniversary of Johnson Center at the University of New Mexico. To celebrate, a reception to mark the occasion is set for Friday, Sept. 28 at 4:30 p.m. in the Auxiliary Gym preceding the Mountain West Conference volleyball match at 6:30 p.m. between UNM and TCU, to be held in the main arena.
During the break between games, a birthday cake cutting celebration is planned. Tours of the center are also available beginning at 2 p.m. President Schmidly, Interim Provost Viola Florez and Vice President of Student Affairs Eliseo “Cheo” Torres will be on hand to cut the cake. Members of the Roy Johnson family, for whom the center is named, have also been invited.
Opening in 1957, it has served the university community in a variety of ways for half a century. Providing academic, athletic and recreational support, Johnson Gym, renamed Johnson Center in 1986, has become a campus and New Mexico landmark.
Instrumental in the growth of Lobo basketball’s popularity and providing competition venues for Lobo gymnastics, wrestling, swimming and volleyball, the center has witnessed a rich history of Lobo athletics. It has been home to the College of Education’s Physical Education, Health Education, Recreation and Nutrition Programs; providing classrooms and teaching venues for vast student audiences.
Recreationally, Johnson Center has afforded students, faculty and staff a popular “playground” and has added immeasurably to the culture of campus life.
Media Contact: Carolyn Gonzales, (505) 277-5920; e-mail: cgonzal@unm.edu