Olivia Boatman and mom Terri show their excitement as Olivia begins her studies at New Mexico Tech.

“Tech was just the most me,” said Olivia Boatman, one of New Mexico Tech’s incoming first-year students, when asked why she enrolled. An aspiring chemist from Albuquerque, she had visited other schools in the state and Tech several times. “I just like the vibe here. It’s so easy to find people with similar interests.”

Seven new friends sat on the NMT athletics field, waiting for a semester kickoff concert to start last Sunday night. They agreed with her. Drew Wagner, a mechanical engineering major from Albuquerque, said, “It’s true. This friend group right here? We just all showed up at the pool party yesterday and started talking.” There was a chorus of “yes” and nods. “You can do that with anyone here and find something in common.”

       

The incoming first-year students for Fall 2024

The fall semester began on Monday, and because of NMT’s many outreach programs, such as STEM camps, Chemistry Day, Science Olympiad, and the state Science Fair, many students were already familiar with campus.

Ezekiel Martinez, a mechanical engineering major, comes to Tech from the village of Chama, N.M., where he was one of 20 in his senior class. “I always wanted to do engineering since I was a kid. I was always building stuff. I’m a big math guy, so I wanted to challenge myself to a good school here in New Mexico.”

Incoming first-year students (from left) Drew Wagner, Jason Selke, Ezekiel Martinez, and Tre Penna met at the Welcome Weekend pool party. 

This group of new friends is no accident. NMT’s Student Affairs Division hosts a coordinated series of events called Weeks of Welcome that help integrate students into the college experience. The wide-ranging itinerary includes campus tours, a BBQ and concert, a chile roast, a pool party, bouldering in The Box, a student government and clubs fair, tutoring overviews, internships, research opportunities, financial aid, and more.

Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. David Greene said, “The beginning of the academic year is always an exciting time, and we work to ensure students feel supported, engaged, and understand how to access resources to promote student success. We know, and studies show, that these positive early experiences play a crucial role in shaping a successful college journey.”

Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Michael Jackson added, “NMT faculty and staff know that incoming students have a lot to learn about their disciplines as well as themselves. As a campus, we are excited for the opportunity to make a profound impact on their intellectual, emotional, and professional growth.”

One of the new friends followed his older brother to Tech. Bruno Vaquera, a mechanical engineering major from Edgewood, said, “I came to Tech because it’s a beautiful campus. It’s small, so you can get to know your professors. It’s not too far from home.”