This fall, New Mexico State University will host a new leadership program, the 1888 Leadership Initiative, for first-time freshmen beginning with move-in day, Friday, Aug. 15, and concluding Sunday, Aug. 17, on the Las Cruces campus.
Online registration is available, and the deadline to register for the free event is 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8. The 1888 Leadership Initiative is open to both on-campus and off-campus first-time freshmen.
“We’re excited to offer this distinctive new program to first-time freshmen,” said NMSU President Valerio Ferme. “Our initiative will build leadership skills that we believe continue to be essential to being a successful Aggie: grit, resilience, integrity, service and hard work.
“The 1888 Leadership Initiative will become a distinctive program embedded in the experience of all future students that will help launch them into successful college and postgraduation careers,” he added. “It is an exciting and purposeful time to become an Aggie, and we look forward to welcoming all our new students to campus.”
The program will include activities such as team-building exercises, community and social events, leadership initiative meetings and conclude with freshman convocation.
The 1888 Leadership Initiative is hosted by the President’s Office, campus partners and departments, student organizations and the Las Cruces community. Ferme asked Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Tony Marin to organize the leadership program.
“New Mexico State University is a recognized as a leader in academics and as a university that prides itself on our talented student body. The addition of the 1888 Leadership Initiative will prepare our incoming freshmen to assume leadership roles on campus and beyond as they enter their careers,” Marin said.
Marin is working with a pair of NMSU graduate students, Josh Wood and Gabriela Lozano, to prepare the inaugural event.
“I’m most excited to bring people together and build a sense of unity and purpose during the 1888 Leadership Initiative weekend,” Wood said. “It’s a powerful opportunity to plant the seed of inspiration, excellence and pride in our incoming freshmen. I want students to feel connected, empowered and proud to be part of something bigger than themselves. This weekend sets the tone for the year, and arguably the tone for each student’s college career. We want to retain our students and make sure they know that NMSU is their home.”
As they prepare to welcome the class of 2029, Lozano understands the hurdles freshmen may experience as they adjust to university life.
“One of the most common challenges new students face in my opinion is staying focused on academics,” Lozano said. “For many, this is their first time living away from home, possibly in a new city or state. The transition can be overwhelming. It’s easy to get distracted, but that’s where we come in. We are here to support you and help you grow into strong, confident leaders.”
Additionally, the 1888 Leadership Series will debut this fall for all students. The monthly program will offer interactive leadership presentations and begin in September and conclude in April. Presentations by national, regional, state and local leaders will focus on the advocate, grit, gratitude, integrity, execute and service topics.
To learn more about the 1888 Leadership Initiative, visit https://1888leadership.nmsu.edu/index.html.
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CUTLINE: New Mexico State University will host the 1888 Leadership Initiative for first-time freshmen Aug. 15-17 on the Las Cruces campus. (NMSU photo by Josh Bachman)