ENMU sponsors hot air balloon

Eastern New Mexico University wants fiesta-goers to see its message about tuition costs is powered by hot air, not full of it.

“Avoid Soaring Tuition” was chosen as the slogan for the university’s hot air balloon at the 2008 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Fiesta goers will have the opportunity to see ENMU’s bright yellow hot air balloon soaring in the Albuquerque skies through Oct. 12.

This is the first year for ENMU to become a corporate sponsor for a hot air balloon.  Director of Media Relations Wendel Sloan Sloan said that the balloon fiesta was one of many proposals presented to the university’s advertising committee, and that the process took about five months to put into action.

The sponsorship is costing the university $1,750, which comes from the advertising budget. Sloan is hopeful the balloon could attention not just from spectators, but television networks as well.

“We get our name out there in a variety of ways, but we just think this is maybe a different or unique way of doing it. Maybe it’ll set us apart from other schools,” said Sloan.

Enrollment Services Coordinator Stephanie McClary and Sloan agreed that ENMU’s presence at the fiesta will be a good opportunity to reach a different crowd. Sloan noted Albuquerque is often a target area for recruiting students.

McClary, who suggested the slogan, was chosen as the passenger for the ENMU hot air balloon. This is her first time to ride in a hot air balloon, and she is not afraid of heights.

“I’m looking forward to getting the actual experience in the balloon because that to me has always sounded exciting,” said McClary.

She also said her mother, Donna Hammons, will accompany her on the balloon rides throughout the week.