Mining Minds Special Lighting Commemorates Honors Convocation

Last Updated on April 22, 2019 at 12:00 AM

Originally published April 22, 2019

By UC Staff

UTEP Communications

The "Mining Minds" pickaxe sculpture at UTEP's University Avenue roundabout will be illuminated in blue and orange Sunday evening, April 28, 2019, in honor of The University of Texas at El Paso's Honors Convocation.

The "Mining Minds" pickaxe sculpture at UTEP's University Avenue roundabout will be illuminated in blue and orange Sunday evening, April 28, 2019, in honor of The University of Texas at El Paso's Honors Convocation.

Each spring, the University salutes the achievements of students, faculty and staff in areas of service, leadership and academics. Numerous awards will be presented at this year’s Honors Convocation, including the UTEP Top Ten Senior Awards, Professors Emeriti and the President’s Meritorious Service Awards.

Additionally, this year’s ceremony will introduce the first class of the UTEP Academy of Distinguished Teachers. In recognition of the 10th anniversary of The University of Texas System’s Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Awards (ROTA), the academy was founded in an effort to recognize, promote and support excellence in teaching at the University while sharing UTEP ROTA awardees’ deep commitment to teaching with the campus community.

The ceremony will be at 2 p.m. April 28 in Magoffin Auditorium.


“Mining Minds” is an iconic piece of public art installed in 2010 to enhance the UTEP campus. At night, orange lights illuminate the steel structure while light from LEDs emanates from the perforated “ones” and “zeroes” at each end of the pick.

On special occasions, including historic dates, major annual milestones and to celebrate special accomplishments, the pick is illuminated in blue and orange.

Learn more about “Mining Minds” at miningminds.utep.edu.