Celebrating Our Fall 2020 Graduates!
Undergraduate Students
Priscilla Bustillos
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
“Thank you to my mother and my support system at home for always believing in me and helping me succeed. Gracias mamá, mis logros son tuyos y es por ti que estoy aquí. Something that also helped me get through these four years is Rocky Horror’s “Don’t dream it, be it” quote and I feel like I finally am IT”
Vanessa Barrientos Chavez
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
“I am honored to have finished my degree at UTEP. I am also forever grateful to my parents and uncle for bringing me into this country with endless opportunities, providing me their continuing support, advice, and tools necessary that have made this achievement possible, to the amazing faculty and staff and to what is next to come.”
Aylin Duarte
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Magna Cum Laude Outstanding Undergraduate Student
“I would like to dedicate this achievement to both of my grandparents, who are not here with me anymore, pero esto va pa’ ustedes mis viejos. During these three years, UTEP gave me the greatest experience of my life, the opportunity to meet excellent professors and friends that help me found myself. I learned to advance and that is inevitable to fall but is optional to stand. This are tough times, but we have decided to overcome fear and keep dreaming. My family gave me courage, hope, and most importantly the intuition to follow my passion, and I will always be grateful for having them by my side. My journey is barley starting and I hope in the way at least change someone’s life for better. Step by step I will reach my goal, challenge myself, and never let my dreams and hopes die. Gracias papá, mamá, y mi jacque!”
Felicia Fournier
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
"To my Father and Mother, thank you for supporting and encouraging me through my journey. I could not have done it without your love and support. Thank you to the Department of Political Science for the knowledge I have gained from a handful of insightful professionals. While this year was filled with many challenges, adversity makes us stronger. To Copper, Momma is bringing home the degree!"
Andrea Miguel Perez
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Cum Laude
“I would like to thank my parents for everything they have given me, my siblings for always supporting me, my boyfriend for his unconditional love, and God for guiding me along the way. I hope you are proud of me! I love you! Go Miners!”
Mirka S. Valenzuela
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Cum Laude
“Quiero agradecer a mis maestros y a todas las personas que estuvieron conmigo a lo largo de estos 4 años, pero sobre todo quiero darles las gracias a mis papas y a mis hermanos. No seria posible nada de esto sin ustedes. I want to thank my instructors, and everyone who walk with me through these 4 years. But most of all, to my brother, my little sister and my parents, without them this wouldn't be possible. Thank you!”
Graduate Students
Mustapha Maikudi Abdullahi
Masters of Arts in Political Science
"From the very first time I apply for admissions to my stay at UTEP, I was very impressed with the manner of the Political Science Professors. Besides learning facilities that are up to any standard desired for learning at a University, the entire Political Science Department Professors are determined to see a student success. This is what makes UTEP unique, plus its diverse studentship, particularly Political Science Department"
Jesus L. Garcia, Jr
Masters in Public Administration
“I am truly grateful for accomplishing a task that I once thought was unattainable. I must thank my better half, Mike, and my parents for putting up with the “I’m busy doing homework” line. Congratulations to my fellow 2020 graduates for digging deep and crossing the finishing line!”
Carlos A. Villa Herrera
Masters of Arts in Political Science
“My experience at UTEP was very exciting from the beginning, there were difficult moments, but in the end everything was very rewarding. I want to thank all the people who gave me the opportunity to develop professionally, all my teachers, my friends, the staff who made me feel at home, and my advisors for guiding me to the end of this experience; but especially to my family who is to whom I dedicate this celebration.”
Alfonso Pacheco
Masters in Public Administration
Mom and dad, thank you for all of your love and support. My graduate degree, like all of my other accomplishments in life, is dedicated to you. Dr. John Bretting, your classes, helped rekindle my interest in public policy and challenged me academically. I am proud to call you a mentor and a friend. Dr. Steve Neiheisel, thank you for encouraging me to continue my education, and for over ten years of advice and friendship. Chilo and Marcos, thank you for believing in me. Your guidance and unconditional support are priceless. With love and gratitude”