On Wednesday, Oct. 25, the Associated Students of New Mexico State University held their sixth student advocacy board meeting to continue planning for their capital outlay project.
The board is comprised of representatives from ASNMSU’s governmental affairs team, the executive branch, and representatives from each academic college. Governmental Affairs is an ASNMSU department dedicated to lobbying for the student body during the state legislative session.
The Student Advocacy Board offers transparency on the progress of the department’s project and provides a voice for the groups they represent through this project.
This year’s project, a remodeled multipurpose field, would benefit intramural sports and the PRIDE Band. The field would replace the current practice facilities and provide a place for the groups to practice in the best conditions.
The meeting also hosted East Mesa Senator Bill Soules, who enthusiastically praised the board’s project.
“We have an opportunity to do education well instead of trying to do it on the cheap, and for so many years we’ve tried to do what is cheap and easy instead of doing what is best,” said Soules. “I think we really have some opportunities to put in high quality education programs that we never had those kinds of opportunities before.”
The project began after the PRIDE Band contacted ASNMSU to help arrange for better facilities. Currently, the PRIDE band practices on the Horseshoe on campus, which is smaller than a football field and does not properly simulate the conditions they need to perform in. The band also does not have the equipment to properly practice, using a scissor lift instead of a stationary watch tower.
“This is all because of the band. Without them, we would not have this vibrant culture we have on campus,” said ASNMSU President Citlalli Benitez.
The Pride of New Mexico band has been campaigning for new facilities for upwards of three years according to Hannah Valdez, the director of Ballet Folklorico. Valdez said the lack of proper facilities has led the band to practice at Las Cruces High School because there is a better multipurpose field on the high school campus.
Additionally, ASNMSU Chief of Staff Cesar Rodriguez highlighted the many safety issues that the Horseshoe poses to those who use it as a practice facility. Safety concerns include uncut grass, sloping ground, snakes and groundhogs.
Another group campaigning for better campus facilities is the women’s rugby and soccer teams. Both teams are club sports and student-run organizations not affiliated or supported by NMSU athletics. The teams are in desperate need of new facilities, thereby pushing them to work with ASNMSU to achieve it.
“The field isn’t necessarily just about the space, it’s about the support,” said Justin Karrenberg, the women’s rugby coach. “When the band takes the field, they’re not just the band representing themselves they’re representing the whole entire university within that, and I know the rugby feels the same about that.”
The project would serve the three groups in attendance at the board and any group on campus who requires its use.
Currently, costs for the project would total between $800,000 and $1.2 million. The project would need to be finished within 12 to 15 months of receiving the capital outlay money. The board hopes the project will receive funding while they are in Santa Fe for the session.
Those interested in supporting the board should contact their local legislators and voice their support for the capital outlay project.
The board meeting concluded with advice from Soules on how the Board and its members should proceed.
“What’s the model of NMSU? Be bold,” said Soules, as he encouraged the group to continue their work in preparation for the legislative session.
Anonymous • Nov 3, 2023 at 12:21 PM
As alumni ‘94, I’m surprised the pride band is still practicing on the horseshoe!! I hope they get the funding! I’m going to call my representative to support.