ENMU Green & Silver Magazine - August 2015

Stephen Doerr, Ashley Neslon, Johnnie Cain, Terry Othick, Dr. Steven Gamble, and Jeff Geiser shovel dirt at the new stadium site.

ENMU Breaks Ground on New Stadium ENMU President Dr. Steven Gamble opened the ceremony on June 6 proclaiming, “We at Eastern are happy to break ground on our new multipurpose stadium. We all have waited a long time to see a stadium return ‘home’ to the main campus.”

The ceremony took place outside the Greyhound football field house just southwest of the Greyhound Field baseball complex with over 150 stakeholders in attendance on a beautiful June afternoon.

Eight advocates for the stadium were invited to speak along with Dr. Gamble about the importance of the project. The speakers included Jeff Geiser, ENMU athletics director; Stephen Doerr, president of the ENMU Foundation; Senator Stuart Ingle, New Mexico state legislator; Jeremy Buurma, quarterback for Greyhound football; Kris-Ann Walters with Greyhound track and field; Ashley Nelson, student body vice president; Johnnie Cain, Portales Municipal Schools superintendent; and Terry Othick, vice president of the ENMU Board of Regents.

“This is a huge day for us students,” observed Ashley Nelson.

“The student government and student body pushed for and were the first to financially back the new project. The stadium will cater to all students, not just our dedicated athletes. It will be an educational facility. A place for intramurals and band, and a place for all to come together to cheer on the Greyhounds.”

“The spectators will come to Portales to buy gas, eat meals, spend the night and have a chance to visit with the great people of this community,” explained Johnnie Cain with Portales Schools. “This new stadium will be a showcase for the ENMU Greyhounds and the Portales Rams.”

BRICK ORDER DEADLINE is Dec. 31, 2015.

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Green & Silver | August 2015

The stadium will open for the fall 2016 football season. It will hold up to 5,000 spectators and the field will be made of UBU turf; the same surface used on the fields for the last two Super Bowls.

Thanks to students, alumni, community leaders and donor support, $12 million is committed to the $15 million project.

The Stadium Campaign will continue through the end of 2015.

The ENMU Foundation staff would love to visit with you about your personal gift. Please call 888.291.5524 to learn about giving opportunities.

“With this multipurpose stadium, the level of school pride and school spirit will be even greater. The Eastern family will be able to come together in our own backyard and create a phenomenal experience for everyone.”

Kris-Ann Walters Greyhound Track and Field Athlete

Order online at enmu.edu/stadiumbricks