Contact: Cindy Ramirez or Donna DennisUniversity Communications915/747-5526
March 16, 2004
UTEP Celebrates 90th Anniversary
"An Act, creating a state school of miners and metallurgy, for the purpose of teaching the scientific knowledge of mining and metallurgy in the state of Texas..."
Written by hand nine decades ago, these words opened the doors to a group of 27 students who, in 1914, walked into the small school in remote West Texas that would eventually become the University of Texas at El Paso.
To commemorate its 90th anniversary this year, UTEP is holding a series of events from March through October — key months in its history.
The celebrations honor the more than 76,200 students who have earned degrees at the School of Mines and Metallurgy, at Texas Western College and UTEP — and the community that has long supported the university.
The following are a few of the scheduled events:
City Council proclamation: 9 a.m., Tuesday, March 30 at Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, City Hall. Mayor Joe Wardy and City Council will proclaim April UTEP Heritage Month and ask that all El Pasoans wear orange on April 13 to show their support.
Mining Heritage Park Dedication: 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 30 at the park between Old Main and Quinn Hall at UTEP. Old mining equipment used in the School of Mines will be on permanent display. The event will also recognize the descendants of the original businesses and families that signed the notes to guarantee payment of the $50,000 for the Texas State School of Mines and Metallurgy.
Music Gala: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 6 at Magoffin Auditorium. The event is open to the public and will feature student music groups, choir and music theater.
Fort Bliss Heritage: 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 13 at Fort Bliss. The event will honor the date in 1914 when the community pledged the money to start the Texas State School of Mines and Metallurgy on Fort Bliss land.
For a complete listing or more information on UTEP's history and future, visit www.utep.edu/90thanniversary
FOR THE MEDIA