Silver City, NM - Western New Mexico University will host a Founders Day celebration in honor of the university's 122nd birthday on Wednesday, February 11 from 1pm to 2pm.

Visitors are welcome to enjoy birthday cake and live music at the University Museum. The musical talents of WNMU international students will entertain guests.

"We always take a moment in February to reflect on the history of our university and the special place it has in the hearts and minds of alums, students and community members," said Abe Villarreal, Director of Communications.

WNMU was established by legislative action on February 11, 1893. In its 122-year history, the university has had four names and has grown from a teacher's college to a comprehensive institution offering over 70 fields of study.

"We want community members and former students to visit us at Fleming Hall to enjoy birthday cake and tour the University Museum's permanent display of WNMU history," added Villarreal.

The WNMU Museum displays campus history examining the university's origins in 1893, the townspeople and statesmen behind its formation.

Western New Mexico University has served the people of the state of New Mexico and its surrounding areas as a comprehensive, regional, rural, public coeducational university since 1893 and serves a student body diverse in age, culture, language and ethnic background.