Q&A With Outgoing Alumni Association President Laura Biggs
Last Updated on August 24, 2020 at 12:00 AM
Originally published August 24, 2020
By Office of Alumni Relations
UTEP Communications
Name: Laura E. Biggs
Current Title: President
UTEP Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration - Management
Profession: Retired, Department of Defense
Number of Years on the Alumni Board: 9
Photos: Laura Biggs, Outgoing UTEP Alumni Association Board President
1. Can you describe your greatest joy in having served as president of the UTEP Alumni Association?
My greatest joy was having my mother who just turned 94 in attendance at the Passing of the Gavel.
The pandemic postponed or canceled many events planned, but I have to say that participating in the Spring 2019 Commencement program was the second greatest joy as I was able to observe the excitement of our graduates as they got ready to go out and conquer the world.
2. There were many exciting changes that took place this year for UTEP alumni … including the launch of a new alumni online platform (MinerLink) and the new free membership to the UTEP Alumni Association for all alumni (the Picks Up Membership). Can you tell us how these changes will lead to more alumni engagement and why that is important to UTEP?
Joining an alumni association is the easiest way to give back to your university. Financially is not the only way to give back. An alumnus can be a fantastic mentor and offer interview advice and career advice for someone who is working in your career field. The MinerLink platform will help you reconnect with the friends you had in college with whom you have lost touch and will also connect you with new Miner friends wherever you are in the world.
3. The COVID-19 pandemic created many challenges for the world and UTEP was no exception. What is your message of encouragement to UTEP alumni who are working through different situations during this time?
Don’t be afraid. Life is challenging. Prepare for the worst and work toward the best.
What about to recent graduates?
Searching for work right out of college is always hard. Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity. Be flexible in exploring industries that are thriving right now, like technology and online platforms. The experiences and opportunities you take advantage of will ultimately shape your career pathway, more than what you majored in.
4. Finish this sentence: I am a proud Miner because … UTEP offered me a wonderful educational opportunity that inspired me to give back to my community. I am proud to say that I attended a university that reached the top tier status as a Carnegie R1 Doctoral Research University.
5. Finish this sentence: The slogan “Miners Forever. Stronger Together.” is fitting for the UTEP Alumni Association because …
The Alumni Association members reflect our past, represent the present and link us to the future. The slogan reinforces the bonds of our alumni and provides a sense of support and a sense of belonging. United and inclusive makes us stronger.
6. As you pass the baton to new president Martha Aguayo, can you provide some words of encouragement?
"The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly." – Jim Rohn
