Mining Minds: Special Lighting Commemorates UTEP's Class of 2020

Last Updated on May 11, 2020 at 12:00 AM

Originally published May 11, 2020

By UC Staff

UTEP Communications

The "Mining Minds" pickaxe sculpture at The University of Texas at El Paso's Sun Bowl-University roundabout will be illuminated in blue and orange from Wednesday evening, May 13, through Sunday evening, May 17, to commemorate UTEP's Class of 2020.

The "Mining Minds" pickaxe sculpture at The University of Texas at El Paso's Sun Bowl-University roundabout will be illuminated in blue and orange from Wednesday evening, May 13, through Sunday evening, May 17, to commemorate UTEP's Class of 2020.

This spring, more than 2,300 graduates and candidates are eligible to receive degrees. More than 630 of those are expected to earn graduate degrees, including 98 doctoral candidates.

Spring Commencement ceremonies were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, this weekend, graduation candidates can stay connected through social media using the hashtag #utepgrad to post photos in their regalia, celebrating with household members, decorated caps and decorated lawns or doors.

Community members are encouraged to wear orange and walk in their neighborhoods May 16-17 in honor of graduates and candidates who would have walked the stage at the Don Haskins Center throughout Commencement weekend.

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

The University illuminates the pick in blue and orange on special occasions such as historic dates, major annual milestones and celebrations of special accomplishments.

Learn more about "Mining Minds."