UTEP Announces 2019 Gold Nugget Award Recipients
The University of Texas at El Paso and the UTEP Alumni Association are proud to announce the 2019 Gold Nugget recipients.
For over 30 years, the University has recognized exceptional graduates from each of its colleges and schools who have excelled in their professions, given back to their communities and alma mater, and served as an inspiration for future generations of Miners.
“Our 2019 Gold Nugget Award recipients are all contributing to a better world as leaders of nonprofit organizations, healthcare professionals, businessmen, engineers, data scientists and symphony conductors,” Maribel Villalva, assistant vice president for alumni relations said. “These individuals were all selected for what they represent – UTEP at its best. Their backgrounds are diverse, but they all found their calling at UTEP and they’ve continued to have an enriching relationship with the University throughout the years. Their commitment to their respective communities and to important causes is making a difference in the lives of so many people and UTEP celebrates their dedication to excellence. As Gold Nuggets, they embody the Miner spirit and they are true role models for our students.”
UTEP’s College of Education 2019 Gold Nugget Award recipient is:
Maggie Morales-Moody / College of Education / B.S. Elementary Education, 1986 / M.Ed. Educational Administration, 1994 / College of Liberal Arts / B.A. French, 1985
As an elementary-level educator, counselor and administrator for 28 years, Maggie Morales-Moody earned recognition at the campus and state levels for her efforts to serve underrepresented students with unconditional dedication. She may now be retired, but her devotion has not wavered.
In 2015, Morales-Moody, with the assistance of family, friends and donors, opened GiGi's Playhouse El Paso, the state's first achievement center for people with Down syndrome and their families. The playhouse is part of a national network that offers free educational, therapeutic, career and social programs. She thanked all who helped her succeed, to include her UTEP faculty members.
"They took personal interest in each one of their students and encouraged us to look at each child as an individual, full of promise and hope," Morales-Moody said.
