With the theme of “All About PI(E),” a take on the mathematical constant, this year’s 49ers Celebration will feature several pie-themed activities, including a make-your-own frito pie bar, a pie-eating contest, a pie-throwing contest and more.

49ers will showcase New Mexico Tech traditions with a four-day celebration of alumni achievements, student life, music, food and family activities. New Mexico Tech’s version of homecoming – the annual 49ers Celebration – offers events and activities targeted toward students, alumni and the Socorro community.

A sampling of traditional and featured events include:

  • Students and other volunteers will carry bags of marble dust to re-coat the M and keep it highly visible.
    John Larson | El Defensor Chieftain

    The ‘M’ Mountain Run – A longstanding tradition for students, faculty, staff and alumni, hundreds will attempt the climb the morning of Friday, Oct. 14, starting at 7 a.m. Some will carry bags of marble dust to re-coat the M and keep it highly visible. The annual ritual of hiking up Socorro Peak and painting the ‘M’ started more than 100 years ago. The 2.5 mile trek, climbing about 1,700 feet, is rugged, and hikers must wear closed-toe shoes and sunscreen. The fastest hikers – those running up the mountain – will finish in less than an hour. Other hikers will take between 1-¼ hour and 2-½ hours to make the climb to the ‘M’. Hikers are required to register in advance online and get their bibs the week beforehand from Gina Chavez in West Hall.

  • Scientific Facility Tours – Anyone interested can sign up for a tour of Magdalena Ridge Observatory (MRO) and the Very Large Array (VLA). A new feature of the 49ers Celebration, the tours, which have online registration, are being offered to provide alumni, students and others behind-the-scenes looks at these key scientific facilities. The MRO is located on 1,000 acres at 10,600 feet in the Magdalena Mountains of the Cibola National Forest. This multi-use research and educational observatory is built and operated by New Mexico Tech. The VLA is one of the world’s premier astronomical radio observatories, which consists of 27 radio antennas in a Y-shaped configuration on the Plains of San Agustin 50 miles west of Socorro.
  • Block Party – The Block Party will take place along Campus Drive Friday, Oct. 14, from noon to 7 p.m. Games, food trucks, music and tables for student clubs and organizations will be featured, along with a beer garden, and soccer and rugby matches at the nearby athletic field. The block party will feature heritage mining events, such as gold panning and Swedish sawing. Students compete against each other in four events for cash prizes.
  • Alumni Awards Night – A reception for New Mexico Tech alumni the evening of Friday, Oct. 14, at the Raul and Shari Deju University House will feature four alumni awards: “Rising Star Award,” for an alum in their first 10 years after graduation; “Philanthropist of the Year”; “Techie of the Year”; and the “Ambassador Award,” which is given to a faculty member who works with alums.
  • Golf Tournament – The annual Elfego Baca Shoot is Socorro’s infamous extreme golf event, which is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 15, starting at 6 a.m. Intrepid golfers will tee off from the ‘M’ on the mountain and finish at the EMRTC building. The event includes one extremely long, and extremely difficult hole. More information, including registration, is online at: https://advancement.nmt.edu/ElfegoBacaShoot
  • 49ers Parade – The Socorro community is invited to participate in and attend the 49ers Parade, which begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15, at Sedillo Park, then winds its way down California Street to the Plaza near Socorro City Hall. More than 50 entries, including New Mexico Tech clubs and dorms, are expected to participate, along with community organizations and local elected officials and candidates. Anyone can participate in the parade, which lasts about an hour. An online entry form is available at: https://form.jotform.com/sandilucero/2022-49ers-parade-entry–

Other 49ers Celebration activities include departmental open houses, music, dances, 25th and 50th alumni reunions, casino night for students and more. A schedule of activities and registration information for the 49ers Celebration is on the New Mexico Tech website at: https://www.nmt.edu/advancement/49ers.php

Chieftain Staff Report