Student Leaders Join Alumni Honorees at Homecoming Lunch
The Big Picture
Hunt Business hosted The Gold Standard, a private lunch during Homecoming that brought together this year’s alumni honorees — Miriam Baca Kotkowski (Gold Nugget) and Paul Dipp (Distinguished Alumnus) — with student organization leaders.
The lunch provided student leaders a chance to hear directly from Dipp and Kotkowski impacted their industries and communities.
Why It Matters
Recognition events often spotlight alumni on stage. The Gold Standard goes further by pulling students into the conversation — making mentorship and inspiration direct, personal, and actionable.
Dipp and Kotkowski stories are roadmaps inspiring future leaders.
What They Said:
Miriam Baca Kotkowski
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“UTEP was a game changer for my life. I grew up in Juarez, didn’t speak English, and UTEP embraced and accepted me.”
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“Every time somebody says no, prove them wrong. You cannot live under their expectations.”
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“Leadership confidence comes from accountability. Take responsibility, don’t make excuses, and learn from mistakes.”
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“Follow your curiosity. Don’t worry about passion — curiosity leads you to enjoy your work.”
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“Always follow up. Follow-up is a superpower.”
Paul Dipp
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“My dad asked me to start a business with him. I said yes in a fraction of a second — that was my first big ‘yes’ moment.”
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“Mentors are critical. My first was my dad, then my wife, and even my daughters — they keep me current and grounded.”
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“Everything you touch, as long as it’s honest and authentic, you can’t go wrong.”
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“The power of a positive mental attitude is the biggest tool you have. 99% of what you worry about won’t come true.”
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“Leadership confidence comes from bumps, disappointments, and unexpected turns. Don’t call them failures — they’re circumstances that build character.”
What’s Next
The Gold Standard was part of a full slate of Homecoming events at Hunt Business, including Lunch and Lead at the UTEP Graduate Business Center and the Outstanding Alumni Celebration, the college’s signature Homecoming event.
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