Building a Legacy: How UTEP Shaped Miguel A. Loya ’77 and His Major Impact

From first-generation student to global success, Miguel A. Loya ’77 shares the moments that shaped his journey and inspired his $30M gift. Read more here

More Than an Engineer: A Q&A with Dr. Roger Gonzalez ’86

As a proud graduate of UTEP, Dr. Roger V. Gonzalez ’86 found more than a degree — he found belief in his potential. As a department chair and LIMBS International founder, he’s helping engineers create global impact. Read more here

Brewing Good Fortune: UTEP Alum Ileana Cabada ’11 Brings Global Tea Culture to El Paso

Finance alumna Ileana Cabada, ’11, turned her global studies and data-driven career into a full circle moment in El Paso. Now owner of fubatea — a Taiwanese-inspired tea shop across from UTEP — Cabada, blends culture, community and good fortune one cup at a time. Read more here

Where It All Began: The Journey of Jane Little Botkin '74 from UTEP to Award-Winning Author

In honor of Women’s History Month, we celebrate UTEP alum Jane Little Botkin — award-winning author, historian and former Miss El Paso 1971. From balancing campus life and pageants to launching a writing career at 65, she credits UTEP for shaping her path and will release a new book on El Paso’s history in February 2027. Read more here

Breaking Barriers: Kitty Pearsall’s Legacy as a Woman Engineer and Mentor

UTEP alumna Kitty Pearsall ’71 reflects on a trailblazing engineering career at IBM and a lifelong commitment to mentoring women in technology. Read more here

From a Chance Meeting to Shared Future: Kim & Martin Mendivil’s Story Beginning at UTEP

Kim and Martin Mendivil’s love story began with a chance meeting at UTEP and grew through long-distance commitment and Miner pride. Today, they’re raising two sons and passing their love for UTEP to the next generation. Read more here

New Culture, New Perspective: Estefania De La Torre, Class of 2026, on a Semester in Seoul

See why study abroad matters as UTEP marketing major Estefania shares how her semester in South Korea shaped her education and confidence. Read more here

Miner Devotion: The Start of a Lifetime of Memories  

UTEP Alumni Ignacio and Cecilia Lujan’s story started with a simple encounter at the UTEP Union. Read more here

One Class That Changed Everything: Christopher Porter’s Journey

Christopher Porter ’01 planned for football, but a UTEP professor’s guidance helped redirect his path to a nationally recognized legal career. Read more here

UTEP Alumna Crystal Saavedra’s Path to Public Service 

Crystal Saavedra’s ’14 ’21 journey has taken her from El Paso to Washington, D.C., around the world, and back. From internships and the Archer Fellowship to working under former Vice President Kamala Harris, she shares how UTEP shaped her path in public service and leadership. Read more here