Western New Mexico University held an "In Your Community" event Saturday in Santa Clara. Families were invited to learn more about the university, and children were asked to come in costume.
Isaac Brundage, WNMU vice president of student affairs and enrollment management, said the events the university has held throughout the region are "opportunities for us to be in the community. It helps with our goal to get up to 5,000 students at the university by 2015."
"It's important to us to have a good relationship in the community," Brundage continued.
He said the community being proud of its university is the best way to increase enrollment.
Photos by Mary Alice Murphy
WNMU in Santa Clara
WNMU In Your Community Event in Santa Clara
Danielle and Samantha Trujillo, twins, who are students in fifth grade at Central Elementary School, show off their ghoulish costumes at the WNMU event in Santa Clara.
WNMU In Your Community Event in Santa Clara
Bryanna Lucero, 9, and her brother Diego Lucero, 6, posed for the camera in their costumes.
WNMU In Your Community Event in Santa Clara
Bryanna Lucero proudly shows her Mustang "tattoo."
WNMU In Your Community Event in Santa Clara
Santa Clara Mayor Richard Bauch stands behind one group of costumed youths at the WNMU event. From left are Jossephene Flores, 16, and her siblings, Stevi Brines, 5, and Milo Brines, 4.
WNMU In Your Community Event in Santa Clara
Members of the community gather to learn more about WNMU.
WNMU In Your Community Event in Santa Clara
WNMU staff members, as well as community members, dance to the live music on Santa Clara's main street Saturday.
WNMU In Your Community Event in Santa Clara
Evelyn Baca, 3, is a lovely fairy at the WNMU event.
