UNM Athletics Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Title IX, Launches Howl For Her Campaign
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.— To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Title IX, The University of New Mexico Athletic Department hosted a luncheon and launched the Howl For Her campaign that will raise funds specifically for Lobo women’s athletics programs on Thursday, June 23.
Thursday’s event was held to honor, recognize and celebrate the impact of past, present and future Lobos who represent UNM women’s athletics programs.
Hosted by the LIFE Program in conjunction with the Lobo Club, the luncheon was held on the exact 50th anniversary of Title IX (enacted on June 23, 1972). The luncheon included several key panelists that have made an impact in the progress of women’s sports, such as Joan Cronan (Women’s Athletic Director Emeritus at Tennessee), Sue Vigil MacEachen (middle distance runner, three-time All-American in the 800 meters and 1979 women’s collegiate national champion at UNM), Sally Marquez (NMAA Executive Director) and Pam Allen (inducted into the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame).
In addition, the Lobo Club introduced a new initiative on Thursday called Howl For Her aimed to provide visibility and equity for female sports at UNM.
Powered by the LIFE Program and Rio Grande Credit Union, the mission is to raise awareness for UNM’s female athletics programs and additional financial support in order to achieve and maintain an athletics program of excellence and inclusivity.
Howl For Her will provide financial support and awareness for all nine women’s sports at UNM in women’s basketball, cross country and track and field, women’s golf, soccer, softball, spirit, swimming and diving, women’s tennis and volleyball. Contributions will be distributed equally between each of UNM’s women’s athletic sport enhancement funds and used to help offset annual operational expenses each program incurs, including, but not limited to: nutrition, travel, equipment, and recruiting.
Further, the funds raised will raise awareness about, and provide opportunities for, open dialogue regarding gender equity, as well as demonstrate the importance, value and need of UNM’s women’s athletics programs.
Throughout the year, the department will highlight several Title IX trailblazers as well as host women’s clinics to inspire the next generation of female athletes.
More information for Howl For Her can be found here.