In honor of International Women’s Day (Saturday, March 8), the New Mexico State University women’s basketball program will honor three women who are trailblazers and trendsetters and have been instrumental in building the women’s athletics program at New Mexico State University.
The game begins at 2 p.m. at the Pan American Center on Saturday, with half-time festivities honoring Barbara Hubbard, Wanda Bowman and Sybil Clagett Dickerson.
Hubbard, who turns 98 in July, retired for the second time in 1998 as director of NMSU’s Pan American Center after decades of bringing some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry to perform in Las Cruces. Hubbard continues to raise money for the American Collegiate Talent Showcase (ACTS) scholarship campaign she created more than 50 years ago to help students at NMSU and across the country break into the entertainment industry and get an education.
Bowman, 83, will retire March 30 after decades of owning a furniture business in Las Cruces – most recently the 67,000-square foot Ashley Store. Bowman sold the business last October, but will continue a program she recently began in partnership with Las Cruces Public Schools to donate beds to children in need. She is also a long-time supporter of NMSU athletics.
“Wanda Bowman and “Mother” Hubbard (that’s the nickname Hubbard was given by the legendary Bob Hope) have been huge advocates and supporters for (NMSU Women’s Basketball Coach) Jody Adams and the women’s basketball program,” said Las Cruces business owner and community activist Marci Dickerson.
Dickerson will be on hand during the game to accept a special jersey that will be presented in honor of her grandmother, Sybil Clagett Dickerson, who was one of the first two women to letter in athletics at what was then New Mexico State College in the late 1930s.
“Thank you, Jody Adams and NMSU acting Athletic Director Amber Burdge for acknowledging the importance of these women who did it first,” Dickerson said. “They have worked so hard to establish women’s athletics in this community.”
Tickets for the game are available at the NMSU ticket office and at Steinborn Realty, 141 Roadrunner Parkway. You can pick up free tickets to the game – made possible by Marci Dickerson and Steinborn Reality – at Game 1 Sports Bar and Grill, 2605 S. Espina St.
The Aggies women’s basketball team, with a 15-14 record, plays Sam Houston State University during the March 8 game.
