EL PASO, T.X. -- A graduate of Burges High School and the University of Texas at El Paso, Olivas was tapped to fix a damaged thermal blanket in the shuttle’s exterior during his second spacewalk. He is set to make public appearances while in the Sun City. Here is his schedule:

THURSDAY, AUG. 30

Parade

11:45 a.m. UTEP Union Building

The community is invited to welcome Olivas home during a parade starting on Wiggins Road at UTEP. The parade will wind down University and Hawthorne avenues and end at the UTEP Union Building Plaza . Free and open to the public.

Lecture

3 p.m., UNDERGRADUATE LEARNING CENTER, ROOM 106, UTEP

Olivas will share reflections on his mission aboard space shuttle Atlantis during a lecture. A brief question-and-answer session will follow the presentation. Free and open to the public.

FRIDAY, AUG. 31

El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and UTEP Alumni Association Luncheon

11 a.m. –- Registration

11:30 a.m. – Luncheon

El Paso Community College Administration Building, 9050 Viscount Blvd.

Olivas will be the guest of honor at a luncheon sponsored by the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the UTEP Alumni Association. Don’t miss a special presentation by Olivas about his experiences at NASA and in space. Tickets are available for $25 per person. Call 566-4066 to reserve your seat.

Minerpalooza

6 p.m. – Minerpalooza begins

7 p.m. – Pep rally, featuring Olivas, begins

Center of campus, UTEP

Olivas will make a special appearance during UTEP’s biggest party and pep rally of the year. Minerpalooza is free and open to the public. Tickets for food, beverages and games are available at the event.

SATURDAY, Sept. 1

UTEP versus THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO Football Game

8 p.m., Sun Bowl Stadium

Olivas will participate in a special halftime ceremony during UTEP’s home opener. Individual game tickets are available at the UTEP Ticket Center, 915-747-5234.

Olivas will also visit Burges High School and St. Pius Elementary School during his trip to El Paso. The Burges and St. Pius visits are open for media coverage but closed to the public.