New Mexico State University alumni will be able to stroll back in time while marveling at the present as they reconnect with old friends and join current students in celebrating their alma mater at Homecoming 2007 Oct. 17-20 in Las Cruces.

“We hope many alumni will take this opportunity to travel down memory lane,” says Ermelinda Quintela ’86 ’88 ’94, executive director of the Alumni Association. “So many people loved their experience here and returning for Homecoming is a chance to rekindle that passion for NMSU.”

Valerie Pickett ’92 ’01, president of the NMSU Alumni Association Executive Council, agrees that Homecoming is a chance to share stories about your NMSU experiences.

Pickett says she particularly enjoys the reunion events.

“Listening to alumni from different decades share stories about their time here is so much fun,” Pickett says. “I am always amazed at how many NMSU alumni are still close friends after 50 years, and they tell stories about their time at NMSU like it happened yesterday.”

The 2007 Homecoming theme, “Aggie Country Through the Ages,” will facilitate alumni and students celebrating what Aggie Country has been like at different times in the institution’s history.

“This year’s theme offers quite a range of possibilities for creativity,” Quintela says.

Quintela and Pickett agree that returning for Homecoming also gives alumni a chance to see the growth in the community.

“The development takes people by surprise,” Pickett says. “Seeing all of the growth in Las Cruces is definitely worth a trip back.”

“Those that have not been back for 10 to 15 years would hardly recognize Las Cruces,” Quintela says. “Las Cruces has not stayed stagnant, but the growth has been reasonable. There are many more dining options, but some of the old faithfuls are still here for alumni to share with their families.” Places like Dick’s Café, Chope’s, Nellie’s and Roberto’s remain favorites of Aggie students today, but other things have changed, such as growth on the East Mesa and in Mesilla, as well as changes to the downtown area.

“Many alumni loved the Las Cruces community and felt it had so much potential, they would be excited about the changes,” Quintela says.

Many traditional Aggie Homecoming events will be held again this year. The Aggies will host the University of Idaho Vandals at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, but prior to the culminating football game and crowning of the Homecoming court, there will be class reunions for the classes of 1947, 1957 and 1967. There also will be a reunion of ASNMSU Presidents, NMSU student athletes and the PSL Janitors, a spirit group formed by student employees of the Physical Science Laboratory in 1967.

Other events to be hosted by the NMSU Alumni Association are the Past Presidents’ Breakfast, the International Board of Directors Meeting and Luncheon, the Alumni Social, the Eye Opener Breakfast, the President’s Reception during the parade, the Golden A’s Luncheon and a Tailgate Party before the game.

Of course the student body will be showcasing its spirit at the Homecoming parade at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20. Colleges and departments across campus also are holding events to celebrate, including recognition of distinguished alumni.

Details for specific Homecoming events were being finalized through the summer, but an up-to-date calendar of events and activities across campus can be found at http://alum.nmsu.edu/.