Miners Forever, Stronger Together: UTEP Alumni Come Together for Worldwide Virtual Reunion
Last Updated on June 11, 2020 at 12:00 AM
Originally published June 11, 2020
By UC Staff
UTEP Communications
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancellation of many in-person events, but that hasn’t hindered efforts by The University of Texas at El Paso’s Alumni Association to create a way for alumni, students and friends from throughout the world to share their Miner spirit and strengthen their bond with the University through its UTEP Alumni Virtual Reunion, which is scheduled for noon MST Saturday, June 20, 2020.
Traditionally, the UTEP Alumni Association hosts its annual Alumni PICK-NIC each summer. The onset of the pandemic halted plans for this year’s celebration. The UTEP Alumni Virtual Reunion provides a safe way for alumni, students and the community to safely connect and engage during the COVID-19 pandemic. The event will use online resources to continue the tradition of hosting a synchronized annual event at multiple locations — like the traditional PICK-NIC — in a virtual format.
“Over the years, our annual Alumni PICK-NICs have come to represent a fun event for Miners and their families to share their Miner spirit in cities all over the country,” said Maribel Villalva, assistant vice president for alumni relations. “However, in light of not being able to host the PICK-NICs this summer, we are grateful to modern technology and the opportunity to still bring everyone together for this Virtual Reunion. We hope to provide the same sense of camaraderie and unity with this virtual event. We are fortunate to have so many Miner alumni all over the world who feel so much pride for their University. So, in the spirit of ‘Miners Forever, Stronger Together,’ we look forward to bringing together our alumni family.”
During the virtual reunion, UTEP President Heather Wilson and Alumni Association President Laura Biggs will address participants and share words of encouragement for alumni and students during this challenging time while promoting the event’s message: Student Today, Alumni Tomorrow, Miners Forever - Stronger Together. PICK-NIC hosts and partners will be acknowledged and all virtual participants will share Miner pride with the UTEP band, cheerleaders, Student Alumni Association and Miner Ambassadors.
“As the Alumni Association president, I encourage the UTEP family, alumni, students and community to join us in this event,” Biggs said. “When we unite as a group, we are stronger together. This event will give you an opportunity to hear words of encouragement from others and will showcase your Miner spirit.”
Those interested in participating in the UTEP Alumni Virtual Reunion can register for the free event by completing a survey at https://2020utepalumnivirtualreunion.questionpro.com/ by June 12 (deadline may be extended). Once registered, a welcome message with login instructions and a link to the virtual event will be sent to participants. For more information, visit www.utep.edu/virtual-reunion.
