2025 Gold Nugget Awards Recipient

Ruben Chavez
B.S. in Civil Engineering, 1995

Ruben Chavez is a driving force in shaping El Paso’s landscape through engineering that improves quality of life. Working with research faculty as a student inspired Chavez to establish his own engineering firm, founding CEA Engineering Group in 2002. Through his experience and dedication, CEA became one of the largest engineering firms in the region, providing significant support for major infrastructure projects. Chavez collaborates with UTEP frequently through outreach activities, design competitions and creating the CEA Academy, which hires students for rotational programs. His consistent effort to give students hands-on skills in engineering and a higher education exemplifies his support for student success.