Miner College Spirit and Traditions
They call us many names. From the College of Mines to Texas Western, the University of Texas at El Paso, UTEP has been here for over 100 years.
Picks Up!
Miners use the two-digit salute, utilizing the pinkie and the thumb, to show their passion for UTEP. The proper motion is a downward spiking gesture, starting by the ear and moving the arm downward as if the pick is striking the ground. The pickaxe is the longest-lived icon in UTEP’s history, tracing back to the school’s first unofficial seal in.
A Living Community
Want more than a dorm? A Living Learning Community (LLC) gives you the chance to live with friends and enjoy all of the programming, services and amenities on campus that you deserve.
Fight Song
The first so-called mascot was a student dressed as a prospector leading a burro. The name Paydirt Pete originated from a 1974 contest to give a name to the mascot. It was selected from more than 500 entries. The first Paydirt Pete mascot started as a lovable “little ol’Miner” in 1980. Since, Paydirt Pete has undergone several incarnations to become the tougher, meaner-looking mascot of today.
Texas College of Mines (TCM) Day
The oldest student tradition, first reported in 1920, took place to initiate engineers and geologists into the Order of St. Patrick, the patron saint of engineers. It continues today in a more philanthropic manner with ceremonies that include collecting food for the Rescue Mission, cleaning the campus arroyo plants, hoisting the TCM Picnic and painting the “M” on the mountain overlooking Glory Field.
The History of Our Spirit
1966 NCAA Champions Several Miner teams have earned multiple conference and national championship titles throughout the years. However, the first national title continues to be the most memorable. In 1966, UTEP, then known as Texas Western College, won the NCAA Championship in men’s basketball under Hall of Fame Coach Don Haskins. The Miners were the only team in Texas to hold that title until 2021.
Bhutan Days
What began as an architectural inspiration has developed into a close bond of goodwill and peace between UTEP and the Kingdom of Bhutan. “Bhutan Days” has become a regular celebration that brings Bhutanese archers, artists, dancers and musicians to the UTEP campus, and honors Bhutanese students- from freshmen to Ph.D. candidates - pursuing their studies at UTEP.
The Lhakhang: UTEP’s Cultural Jewel From Bhutan
Lhakhang is a temple found throughout the Himalayas. It houses sacred objects and is used for meditation, prayer and religious worship. In 2008, the iconic Lhakhang was gifted to the people of the United States by the Kingdom of Bhutan and entrusted to The University of Texas at El Paso. It is the only structure of its kind outside of Himalayan country Bhutan.
