Congratulations Class of 2020!
Saludos. My name is Clifton Tanabe and I am the Dean of the College of Education, here at UTEP.
Let me start this short message of celebration by CONGRATULATING each and every one of you on completing your degree! This no easy feat under any circumstances, but especially impressive when accomplished in the middle of a pandemic. It is no exaggeration to say that you have proven that nothing can stop you from success.
And, we will celebrate your success virtually today, and again, in person, in the fall! I love that. Instead of letting the threat of coronavirus limit the recognition received by the amazing UTEP Class of 2020, we will celebrate not once, but twice!
Our first celebration, starting today, is virtually aided via Facebook. Your words, your pictures and your videos are wonderful to see, and it is an honor for us to be able to post them and to recognize you in this small way. Please follow this link to join the event: https://www.facebook.com/UTEPCOE/.
Somehow, in this moment where we are all feeling challenged, your example of perseverance is absolute evidence to me that every single one of you has an extremely bright future and will, without exception, make a tremendous impact in your careers. You are shining examples for those who are coming up behind you. In this spirit, I would like to share a poem written by Brianna Licon for her classmates this semester. She is a current student in the UTEP College of Education who strives one day to be where you are now.
Don't Ever Quit
As we see this pandemic occur
We will continue our education
without letting it blur
One day we will graduate and rise
One day we will become more wise Although we are struggling,
Let's continue to strive.
Be safe, be healthy and be strong, as you go out and make a difference! ¡Muchas felicidades clase del 2020! ¡Arriba los Mineros!
Sincerely,
Clifton Tanabe
Dean