UTEP Alumni Relations will be hosting a Centennial Homecoming Block Party at 6:30 p.m. on  Thursday, Oct. 9 at Wiggins Road.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” director of events Liz Thurmond said. “We’re going to block off the road on Wiggins, from there to Rim. We have a stage with a band coming in from Dallas, Moving Colors, one of the party bands that have appeared in magazines of their area.”

Moving Colors has become popular because they have incorporated elements into their performance that include painting on stage, beating on buckets and trashcans and doing handstands, into their pop
music renditions.

Alumni from all colleges are encouraged to attend the party so they can, “connect with former classmates and network with fellow alumni,” as stated on the Alumni
Relations website.

“The idea for the block party was brought up this year when we had first started talking about homecoming,” said Paul Sanchez, Student Alumni Association President and junior civil engineering major. “We wanted to do something special for this year that we don’t normally do.”

Through this party, the Alumni Relations office hopes to honor the idea of retaining Miner school spirit years after graduation, as well as several other events. This will be the campus’ first block party, but it will not become a reoccurring event, making it a true once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“It’s important for alumni to give back and stay connected, through financial contributions or otherwise, it helps pass the university forwards,” said Monica Corchado, associate director of alumni engagement.

“(This block party is) an opportunity for alumni of all colleges and schools to come back to connect and

“(This block party is) an opportunity for alumni of all colleges and schools to come back to connect and get updates from the different departments to see what’s happening
on campus.” 

According to Corchado, the block party aims to make the centennial homecoming week a special one for college students of the past
and present.

“Gold Nuggets are invited back for the centennial and they are having their own gala the day after (the block party). Therefore, everyone will want to come back for something really special, new and exciting to see UTEP with,” Sanchez said.

Alumni are also encouraged to participate in other events throughout homecoming week, including the Student Government Association Past and Present luncheon, the 1964 Golden Grad Reunion and the UTEP Alumni Association tailgate.

“The Gold Nuggets are a group of individuals that have been distinguished in their colleges as alumni to represent their respective colleges and their entire university that year. In a typical year, we recognize one or more Gold Nugget per college, but all alumni and Gold Nuggets will be recognized in honor of the centennial,” Thurmond said.

According to Amber Morrison recent alumna said that its important to stay involved with the UTEP community and this event will
provide this. 

“Networking should never stop, especially once you graduate. I’ll take the opportunity to continue these connections,” Morrison said.

Tickets are available for $25, and include food, non-alcoholic beverages and entertainment. Guests will be treated to a gourmet burger bar and a UTEP centennial birthday cake. A cash bar will be available for those 21 and older. Students may purchase their tickets at the Student Government Association and will receive a free centennial t-shirt with
their purchase.

For more information, call 747- 8600 or visit alumni.utep.edu/homecoming.

Joseph Esposito may be reached at theprospectordaily.ent.gmail.com.