The Latino Student Union realized how important alumni relations are when the organization got a call earlier this month asking if contestants from the MTV reality show “Making the Band 4” would be welcome guests at their homecoming jump-off.

And while plans for the homecoming jump-off had been in the works since the beginning of the school year, LSU President Laura Saavedra and her cabinet embraced the chance to have an addition to their event.

“We weren’t planning on having Making the Band at this event, but when they contacted us, we ran with it,” Saavedra said. “She really hooked us up.”

The “she” Saavedra is referring to is 1998 University graduate Philana Boles, who is the publicist and event coordinator for Making the Band 4, Saavedra explained.

Boles graduated from the University with a bachelor’s degree in English with an emphasis on creative writing. While at the University she was involved in forensic debate, winning two state titles, and was also a senator-at-large for the Undergraduate Student Government.

“Making the Band 4 is making a stop in Toledo for a charity organization on Saturday, and Boles wanted stop in BG too,” Saavedra said.

The University of Toledo made a bid to have the MTV reality show stop there, but Boles alliance with her old Alma Mater was deemed more important than making money, or at least that’s how it seems, Saavedra said.

The event itself will feature live music from nationally renowned DJ Flaco, who is also the No. 1 R Reggaeton DJ in the United States.

Making the Band 4 members will be signing autographs and are said to be performing a song for event attendees.

LSU’s Public Relations coordinator Lisa Chalupa said that the event will be a great chance for LSU members to get to know each other better, and will give opportunities for other members of the student body to kick back and have a good time.

“I think it is a better idea when organizations have events that include everyone and not just their specific group,” said sophomore Ashley White.

The homecoming jump-off is one of many events that LSU has planned from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, which is Latino Heritage Month.

The jump-off is open to the public and is scheduled for Friday night from 8 to midnight in room 202 of the Union. Pre-sale tickets are $8 and will be on sale at the Union tables today and Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets at the door will be $10.