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opinion
EDITOR IN CHIEF CLAUDIA FLORES, 747-7446
MAY 7, 2019
The 2019 Prospector staff wishes you good luck on finals
MIGUEL PALACIOS / THE PROSPECTOR
Top row left to right: Curly Mendez, Veronica Gonzalez, Gigi Flores, Oscar Avila, Marcy Luna, Isabel Castillo, Tracy Roy, Malia Greene. Middle row left to right: Valeria Olivares, Catherine Ramirez, Brianna Chavez, Milou Petersz, Noah Sarabia. Bottom row: Teddy Baylon, Alexia Nava, Claudia Hernandez, Carolina Alvarez, Priscilla Gomez, Salma Lozoya. Not pictured: Sergio Munoz, Glenda Avalos, Michelle Reyes, Daniel Perez, Jaqui Martinez, Juan Corral, Elliot Luna, Michael Cuviello, Christian Gutierrez, Natan Contreras, Isaiah Ramirez, Ashley Johnson, Alejandra Molina.
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@UTEP_Prospector The Prospector Daily @UTEP_Prospector UTEP Prospector
STAFF Editor in Chief: Claudia “Gigi” Flores Web Editor: Daniel “Curly” Mendez Layout Editor: Christian Gutierrez Copy Editor: Brianna Chavez Sports Editor: Isaiah Ramirez Entertainment Editor: Catherine Ramirez Photo Editor: Claudia Hernandez Multimedia Editor: Ashley Johnson Staff Reporters: Alexia Nava, Oscar Avila, Valeria Olivares Photographers: Priscilla Gomez Contributors: Carolina Alvarez, Glenda Elena Avalos, Cynthia “Teddy” Baylon, Michael Cuviello, Eliott Luna, Jaqueline
VOL . 104 , NO.29
Martinez, Sergio Muñoz, Michelle Reyes, Noah Sarabia Account Executive: Milou Pietersz, Erick Valverde Senior Designer: Salma Lozoya Designer: Elliott Luna Videographer: Alejandra Molina Advertising Coordinators: Malia Greene, Natan Contreras Administrative Secretary: Marcela Luna Accounting Specialist: Isabel Castillo Assistant Director: Tracy Roy Director: Veronica Gonzalez
SPEAK YOUR MIND Submit a letter to the editor! Letters will be edited for clarity and brevity. Letters over 250 words are subject to editing to fit available space. Please include full name, street address and telephone number and e-mail address, plus major, classification and/or title if applicable. Address and phone number will be used for verification only. Write to 105 E. Union, theprospector1@gmail.com, call 747-7477or fax
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The Prospector is published by the Student Media and Publications Board, 105 Union East, 500 W. University Ave. El Paso, Texas, 79968. The Prospector appears in print once per week on Tuesdays during the fall and spring semesters. The newspaper is not printed during holidays and when classes are not in session. The Prospector does provide news online at www.theprospectordaily.com. The Prospector is provided to students through student fees. First copy is free. Any additional copies, if available, must be purchased for $1 through the Department of Student Media and Publications. The Prospector is not responsible for claims made by advertisers. Additional policy information may be obtained by calling The Prospector at 915-747-5161. Opinions expressed in The Prospector are not necessarily those of the university.
MAY 7, 2019 NEWS
Vania Castillo strides into the future BY VALERIA OLIVARES The Prospector
UTEP student Vania Castillo begins to blur the line between her college career and her future as a journalist as she takes part in the VICE Fellowship for Collegiate Reporting. The fellowship was created in early January of the present year. After VICE asked journalism students to pitch story ideas about mental health, Castillo submitted a story idea about the mental health of undocumented activists. “Activists, as it is, already struggle with a lot of problems with mental health because of lack of care and just the stress that they’re under,” Castillo said. “But adding on to that, the fact that these activists are undocumented, just adds a whole other level of stress.” Castillo and three other students were selected for the fellowship’s inaugural semester. Four hundred pitches were sent from more than 200 universities across the U.S., according to a public service announcement by VICE. As Castillo learns about the way that undocumented activists balance their work with their own private lives and the toll that this takes on their mental health, she will be mentored by VICE editor Ankita Rao in order to publish her story by the end of May. Former SGA senator at large, film director and actor within UTEP’s theatre department, intern at both KVIA and KTSM, in which she later got hired
to work in production, editing and reporting, Castillo sought out after challenges throughout her college career. The thing that kept her going was her passion for storytelling. “I was just really interested in telling people’s stories, especially here in the border,” Castillo said. “I think there’s a very unique perspective on the world and just people in general…I don’t know, I just really like going out and meeting different people and hearing what they have to say.” Castillo believes that opening herself and others to different stories can help her grow as a person and, in turn, as a journalist. As a double major in digital media production and multimedia journalism, Castillo’s dream is to combine her love for the two in order to create documentaries that will expose people to a world that is different from their own. Being an El Paso local, Castillo is set on working on stories revolving around immigration, but is also interested in looking into other marginalized communities. “I feel like it’s important to give a voice to these kinds of people,” Castillo said. “Especially living here in El Paso we see a very unique city with people from all different types of economic backgrounds…I think we’re lucky in that sense that we get to see all of this.” As she becomes a first-generation college graduate, Castillo recognizes UTEP and its staff having a significant role in the opportunities that she has taken
advantage of and the position in which she finds herself today. “I don’t know where I would be without UTEP, ” Castillo said. Kim McKean, an assistant professor at the department of theatre and dance, and Ramón Villa, a lecturer at the department of communication, are two particular professors who helped guide her. “I think (Ramón Villa) really opened my eyes to filmmaking and just putting yourself out there,” Castillo said. “Kim McKean has taught me to just observe the world and just to see the human interactions that we have. I would have never thought that theatre would impact the way I do journalism … I’m very thankful to her for that.” Villa, who teaches video production and media scriptwriting courses at UTEP, recalls the times in which Castillo was a student in his classes. “(Vania Castillo) always had a good intuition about how storytelling works,” Villa said. “She wasn’t
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afraid to get into some story elements that were challenging. That’s something I found in Vania ... she was always willing to challenge herself in what she was going to do.” Her work is also influenced by the electives that she was able to take through the years, such as the Chicano Studies courses that helped her learn about her background which she never learned about in the average history class or book. As her time at UTEP as an undergraduate student comes to an end, just like almost every other soon-to-graduate student, Castillo is scared and excited for what the future holds. “I’m terrified. I’m terrified,” Castillo said with a growing smile. “Leaving here is definitely going to be very bittersweet. I’ll definitely miss the university, but I think that I have definitely gained so many skills here.” Valeria Olivares may be reached at theprospectordaily1@gmail.com
Graduating Class of
2 0 1 9
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May your future shine bright. All the best wishes from The Center for Accommodations and Support Services The University of Texas at El Paso
4 NEWS MAY 7, 2019
I was never good at headlines... adios, Prospy
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BY CLAUDIA FLORES The Prospector
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When I started at The Prospector, I had no idea what I was getting into. I had no idea one day I would see my name in the news page with the title of “editor-inchief.” All I knew is that if I wanted to build a portfolio and become a journalist, I had to step out of my comfort zone and get my foot in the door. In the spring of 2017, I got my shot as a contributor and even after some of the stories I wrote never got published (which I totally get why), I was never discouraged. Later, it actually paid off. I became a reporter, then an editor of the entertainment section, then multimedia editor, to finally wrap up my college adventure by becoming editor-in-chief. It’s incredible to look back at the struggles, the stress and all the things that pile up with school and my personal life. This place became more than just a workplace; it became a second home. I feel so much gratitude for those who hired me, starting off with former editor-inchief Michaela Roman and former director Kathleen Flores, for giving me the opportunity to join this team. To the old guys, Rene, Old Christian, Adrian, thank you guys for your patience and sharing your knowledge along the way. This place has given me more than just the chance to build a portfolio; it has given me the field experience to know what to expect in the professional field. Since the very beginning, I can say I enjoyed every event I got to cover, from attending opening shows at the dinner theater, to politics, to writing food, restaurant, and coffee shop reviews, and seeing Luis Miguel on my birthday (I wrote a review, of course.) The Prospector gave me a chance to grow professionally and personally. It gave me the experience to lead a staff, manage things with professionalism even when things got muddy, learn to work with difficult people to make things work in the newsroom, among others. For those of you who plan on becoming journalists, let me tell you that this is the place where you’ll put on task all the skills you learn in class on a daily basis. Even when we have class assignments, there’s nothing more satisfying than covering events and writing stories under pressure and deadlines. During my time here, I received many awards at the state level for videos and stories about our border community. Most recently, two former editors and I were award-
ed a national honor with a second-place win in the College Media Business and Advertising Managers 2019 Awards. This type of recognition is something I would have never experienced if I had not joined The Prospector. So, to all of you student journalists, trust me when I tell you that this place is a platform to land internships, network with people in the local and national media, and hopefully land a job in the industry. To my fellow editors who are graduating with me, you guys are the best! Thank you so much for keeping up with the madness of this semester. From drama in the newsroom, to staying until 2 a.m. after covering the Trump rally, to making production nights so chill (even when they weren’t), thank you so much for your help, patience and your friendship. I couldn’t have done it without you. Catherine, I owe you a big one for stepping up to the plate when we needed a new editor last semester. Thank you so much for doing a great job and being a great support in the newsroom. I know that you’ll do great in grad school and whatever you do, you’ll nail it. I will truly miss you, girl! Curly, dude, thank you so much for being my right hand this semester, for helping me plan issues and for making the drama way funnier than what it was. I know that whether you go to Houston and work as a sports reporter, stay in podcasting or if you become a lawyer, you will do terrific at whatever you strive for. I will miss you a bunch, man! Brianna, we met in the basic multimedia writing class and look at where we are right now! After struggling a lot to pass classes and stressing over procrastination, we finally made it, girl! Be sure that if you stay at KVIA or you go somewhere else, you have what it takes to achieve your goals and I know you will do fantastic! I will miss you a lot, Bri! Christian and Ashley, I know you guys are not graduating, but this is a farewell, too, as you’ll be leaving the publication for bigger opportunities. I’m sure that whatever you do in your respective areas, you both will succeed gracefully. Thank you so much for joining me in this journey. Verito, thank you so much for everything! I owe you a bunch of pretty paper for all those recommendation letters. Thank you for trusting me and believing in me to take over this position. Thank you for always having your office door open (literally and metaphorically) to all of us. You’re not a normal boss, you’re a cool boss, and I will miss you so much! Tracy, thank you for keeping up with us. This semester was all about adjusting and I’m
see ADIOS on page 8
MAY 7, 2019 NEWS
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Leadership Award recipient is devoted to UTEP community, leadership BY JUAN CORRAL The Prospector Thriving student Kaelin Walker was selected for the UTEP’s Leadership Award for her devotion and commitment to the student community. Walker is a junior, double-majoring in women’s and gender studies and dance, with a minor in legal reasoning. To qualify for UTEP’s Leadership Award a student needs a GPA of 3.5 or higher, two letters of recommendation, must be a junior, senior or graduate student, must hold a leadership role for at least one year, and demonstrate an outstanding level of engagement in UTEP Edge. The recipient must also have participated in a minimum of two registered student organizations. Walker has been a member of the University Honors Council and Desert Dance since her freshman year. Walker competed in the homecoming pageant and won third place homecoming duchess which she considered her first involvement in Student Government Association (SGA). “I feel like that was the first time I really felt school spirit and that’s when I knew I was proud to be a Miner because I was representing school in that way,” Walker said. Walker was also recognized for her large participation in SGA. During her homecoming reign, she proposed recognition for 100 years of women at UTEP with the idea of taking a photo in the form of a pick axe (inspired by the photo taken at orientation) of just UTEP women, with Dr. Natalicio present. “This was a turning point for me as a student because I realized if I had an idea and I wanted to do something at UTEP, that no matter how big it was, it was definitely possible because the people at UTEP wanted students with good ideas,” Walker said. She was then invited to work on a book, “100 Years of Women at UTEP,” published in 2017. That same year, she ran for senator at large for SGA and was not elected, but in 2018 Walker eagerly ran again, this time victoriously. Walker recently ran for vice president of external affairs in April but came up short by 21 votes. Walker, a student of color, an immigrant and a member of the LGBTQ community, is quite public about being part of SGA. She became the student representative for the UTEP Deserves Better Movement. When Walker was first approached to apply for the Leadership Award by her academic
advisor, she was not quite sure if she would qualify for the award. “It was a big application and at first I thought ‘no, I don’t qualify for that,’ but after reading over the criteria I said, ‘wait a minute, I think I do qualify for it,’” Walker said. Walker plans to graduate from UTEP with honors with a bachelor’s degree in women’s and gender studies and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance performance. After, Walker wishes to earn her master’s degree in women’s studies followed by law school. “After law school, I want to do legislative writing, so bill writing for our government. It’s a really lofty dream of mine to become a member of congress,” Walker said. At 22 years old, Walker is a future congress leader and activist amongst the UTEP community that has elicited the change she once hoped for, while accomplishing feats worth the recognition of UTEP’s Leadership Award. Juan Corral may be reached at theprospector1@gmail.com
COURTESY OF KAELIN WALKER Kaelin Walker is this year’s recipient of the UTEP Leadership Award.
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MAY 7, 2019
See you later, UTEP BY MILOU PIETERSZ The Prospector
Three years ago, I transferred from Nicholls State University to the University of Texas at El Paso. I transferred looking for more opportunities as a student-athlete and academically. Without a doubt I can say that all of these wishes were fulfilled. I am very grateful for all the opportunities that have come my way while being in El Paso. As a student-athlete, I got the opportunity to compete against better schools, fly to games and I earned a spot to compete in the NCAA championships for doubles in New York. After a great first year at UTEP, I found myself suffering during games from back problems. I ended up getting surgery on my back at home (the Netherlands), which ended my career. However, this led to only more opportunities to come. As student-athletes we struggle with the lack of experience we have in the work field. We haven’t had the time to take internships in our related work field and see if this is what we really want to do. As a medical student-athlete, I took on the internship program with the marketing department at UTEP Athletics. Being able to gain experience in the office and everything surrounding game day was really enjoyable. This way I got to see what it is like from behind the scenes, rather than being on the scene. As grateful as I was for getting professional experience as a student-athlete, I realized that I didn’t have any experience related in my major field (advertising). This slightly worried me because as a foreign student I am going to take on an OPT, which allows a non-U.S. native to work for a year in their related field. When I checked my student email, I found one from the Prospector that had job openings for students with majors in communication and advertising. I knew about The Prospector when they wrote an article on me for Minero Magazine when I was still on the tennis team. I figured I should pass by the office and see if they are still taking applications. I got really excited as I applied for Advertising Account Executive and this would complete my resume as I wrap up at UTEP. I had an interview with Veronica, the director of UTEP Student Media and Publications. I thought we had a good interview but I still had my doubts about her hiring me. I had no sales experience whatsoever or any professional experience at all to back up that I would be a great Advertising Account Executive. When I got the email that they wanted to hire me, I couldn’t wait to start my first day! I loved being able to do real work independently and with a lot of freedom. I had to network and make appointments with business owners in order for them to work with The Prospector. It was a lot of fun and I am so grateful that Veronica gave me the opportunity to be great and trusted me enough to take on the position! See you later, UTEP. Milou Pietersz may NOT be reached at theprospector1@gmail.com
Thank you, The Prospector BY MALIA SIMONE GREENE The Prospector I started my journey here at The University of Texas at El Paso completely alone. I had no family here in El Paso. My friends went to other schools or into military service. I cried the whole week of orientation because I was so homesick. Yikes! But I had to pull myself together and start job hunting. I was desperate for a job since I had no way to support myself through school. I applied for a workstudy position at The Prospector my first semester. My first job ever. But this became more than a job for me. It was a place to learn new skills and prepare myself for what comes after graduation. I had so much support from my supervisor and other staff. At The Prospector, I got a chance to absorb the amazing world of advertising. I didn’t consider it as a career path until my senior year. My supervisor taught me the basics and so much more. I learned how to utilize the opportunities presented in front of me. My professional growth wouldn’t have flourished if I hadn’t listened to that advice. I lost track of all the mistakes I made on the job. I have a bad memory and I’m a slow learner. But I was still challenged to do my best and find my strengths, which makes me grateful to my supervisor’s patience and mentorship. When I applied for the Miner Ambassador program, I received nothing but support. When I became president for the Black Student Union, I was never told that work is more important than all my obligations as president. I received encouragement to explore my interests and to fulfill my goals as a student. I believe this is what made me so happy to work at The Prospector. I don’t know how I would have fared without that unlimited support and flexibility. The work environment is so positive and uplifting. I am happy and grateful for all the relationships I formed in the office. I will always cherish the connections that had I with everyone. It made my experience come full circle. I always felt so privileged to have this job. I interacted with the student body on numerous occasions and learned a lot about the importance of being able to connect to other people. It made me realize how influential working at The Prospector has been for me. I’m not a communications or advertising major. However, I never felt that I didn’t belong there or that my experience there couldn’t be beneficial to my own goals and interests. In my four years working there, I have learned that doughnuts and newspapers is an undefeated combination. Most importantly, I learned to always have a positive attitude in life because life will suck if you don’t. Malia Simone Greene may NOT be reached at theprospector1@gmail.com
MAY 7, 2019 NEWS
Grateful for these moments BY BRIANNA CHAVEZ The Prospector Exhausting, stressful, but exciting. Those are the words I would use to describe my time at The Prospector. I walked into the Student Media and Publications office during the summer of 2017, not knowing what I was getting myself into, but I knew if I wanted to become a better writer and a better journalist and become more involved on campus, I needed to start somewhere. I knew, from The Prospector’s reputation, that it would be the perfect place to do so. I was an entertainment contributor when I first started. My first story was an album review. I had no idea what I was doing. I felt so clueless, but that’s what is so great about The Prospector. You have the space to grow, and for that I will be forever grateful for. I learned about deadlines and why they’re important (and the past editors know, I barely met them, or didn’t meet them at all). I wrote stories that were never published (and now I know why). I wasn’t the best writer, but The Prospector gave me all the tools I needed in order to get better. I knew when I chose to major in multimedia journalism, the process would not be easy. My parents were a little shocked to hear me say that I was going to pursue a career that, to be honest, does not pay very well. There were moments where I thought I wasn’t cut out for it. Moments where I thought I should have just changed my major. However, if it weren’t for the friendships and connections I made here, I don’t think I would be writing this column today. Last year, our department went through several changes. We lost our amazing director Kathy Flores after she announced she would be retiring and we lost several seniors who had dedicated their collegiate experience to this office. It was a difficult transition. There were times where I felt we were barely hanging on. However, our department had people who wanted the paper to succeed despite all the changes being made—Javier Cortez, Adrian Broaddus, and of course, our wonderful Director Veronica Gonzalez. My senior year has been the most demanding. Not only was I enrolled in school full time, I was working two other jobs on top of becoming copy editor, plus the challenges and struggles I was facing at home. However, I don’t think I would have done it any other way. Even though I spent my final moments feeling like I should give up, stressed out, and exhausted, the one place I truly loved being was in the Student Media and Publications office. I covered amazing events and told important stories—President Trump’s rally, the selection of a new UTEP president, and the opportunity to speak to our cur-
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rent president, Dr. Diana Natalicio. First off, I would like to thank Kathy Flores, our former director who helped me realize that I wanted to stay at The Prospector, take care of it and really commit to it during my senior year. Thank you to Michaela Roman, our former editor-in-chief. I learned so much from you during your time here. You inspired me to become a better writer and I’m so grateful that I get to call you my friend. Thank you to Javier Cortez and Adrian Broaddus for being patient with me last year, even though I know you all didn’t believe in me. Thank you to Tracy Roy, assistant director at The Prospector. You came to the department during a difficult time when lots of changes were happening. I’m so grateful that we’ve been able to work together. You’ve always given me guidance and pushed me to become a better writer and editor. Thank you to Veronica Gonzalez. You’ve always believed in me and always told me that everything was going to be OK. You’ve been there for me during the most difficult times in my life. Thank you for helping me along the way and helping me get to the finish line. To my coworkers (I would name them all, but you know who you are), thank you for allowing me to trust you. It’s great to work at a place where you can trust people. I’m grateful for the times we’ve spent the wild and LONG production nights every Monday. More importantly, I’m grateful for your friendship. To Curly Mendez, thank you for having my back and telling me like it is. I know I can always count on you. To Gigi Flores, I can’t believe we made it. We’ve been together since the beginning when we took basic multimedia writing, and I couldn’t have imagined it any other way. Thank you for friendship and being with me every step of the way. I would like to thank my family, especially my parents. It took them a while to come around to the idea that pursuing a degree in journalism would be worth it. They have always expressed to me how proud they are of me every time one of my stories got published, even the short ones. I love you mom and dad. Thank you for all the sacrifices you’ve made for me and the love you give me every day. Lastly, I would like to thank UTEP. There was a moment in my life where I felt like staying in El Paso would set me back. Most of my friends were attending other universities across the country. For a moment I resented my parents because of that and other factors that went into play. As my senior year comes to an end, I couldn’t be more grateful to be able to call this university my second home. I love UTEP and I always will. I’ll miss coming to class every day and walking around the beautiful campus. This university will have a special place in my heart. Thank you UTEP and, more importantly, thank you The Prospector. Brianna Chavez may NOT be reached at theprospector1@gmail.com
Co n g r a t u l a t i o n s Te x a s Alpha Beta Graduates Adam Sayed Foley Nicole Ann Madrid Monica M. Dell Marco A. Barraza Kenneth Bell Alexa Guerrero Steven Yeh Vanessa Valles Esmeralda Ramirez de Carrion Ernesto Gamboa Tiscareno Eduardo Lee Zuniga Anita DeBlois Victor Xavier Diaz Jessica A. Reyes Ariana Torres-Guerra Priscilla Thomas Andrew Francois Johnathan Andrew Cereceres Aldo Rojas Danny A Parks Jr Carlos Enrique Diaz Nicole Gonzales Pablo Arenaz III Leslie Rodriguez Tamara Ronique De la Fuente Jesus Ochoa Jessica Jean Rodregous Elizabeth Contreras Luis F. Garcia Amanda Marie Sanchez Edwin Daniel Flores Halee Nicole Hester Celia Elena Gonzalez Terry D. Mendoza
C l a ss o f 2 0 1 9
8 NEWS MAY 7, 2019
The Prospector helped me use my creativity toward my degree BY SALMA LOZOYA The Prospector
If you told me two years ago that I would be where I am right now, I would not have believed you. My whole college career I have worked in hair salons, not really thinking about getting any experience in what I was studying—media advertising. As graduation crept in closer, and my advisor kept asking me more frequently about what plans I had as far as my career, I started to realize I had no experience in my field. This scared me, as I never intended to work for hair salons my whole life. If anything, I had obtained my cosmetology license as a form to work through college and have an enjoyable job while I finished my degree. It took one class announcement from Veronica Gonzalez, who was my copywriting teacher during my junior year regarding positions opening up at The Prospector, specifically in the advertising department. Previous to this, I knew little about our student publication here on campus. I saw the opportunity to work in the advertising side of the publication regardless of how intimidated I was about having what I deemed “an
office job.” Veronica is now my boss. Getting started was not as hard as I initially thought. I worked in the advertising side of things, so this meant that I was responsible for coming up with our clients’ advertising. Whether this be an advertisement the client provided themselves or an advertisement I had full creative control over, I was finally able to test my skills in my major. What seemed like an intimidating job turned into one of the most liberating experiences for me. I had never had to do as many advertisements, let alone have clients allow for creative freedom. Seeing the ads in the new issue on Tuesday was a treat for me and motivated me to come up with something good and eye-catching so the client was happy with the way I created their ad. It really does seem like a bittersweet moment, knowing that I will not be able to work at The Prospector after I graduate. Even after having long nights designing for a big project or thinking I wasn’t going to pull off a deadline, I never thought I’d miss it as much as I already am. Having a supportive staff helped make this experience so much more valuable. Not only did I gain experience in advertising, I also gained friendships and knowing that I have support from all the staff and my coworkers really makes it that much more special to know I am part of this little Prospector family.
I would like to thank everyone in the office for making this experience one of the most memorable for me. I came in a scared little junior, doubting myself so much, thinking I was not going to be what The Prospector needed. I’m coming out with the most confidence as well as being proud of myself for taking a chance in a position I was uncomfortable with in the beginning. Everyone I worked with made the experience that much more pleasant; there was never a time where I felt uncomfortable asking for help, or helping others when I could. There was never a dull moment in the office. Watching everyone collaborate on the newspaper was such a rewarding process in which to participate. This experience was something that has shaped me as a professional and I appreciate having been given the opportunity to be a part of such a great team. I hope that all of us graduating, as well as those who will continue to work for The Prospector after we leave, will be successful in whatever professional path they decide to work toward and that working for The Prospector will open as many opportunities for them as it did for many of us. Salma Lozoya may NOT be reached at theprospector1@gmail.com
ADIOS from page 4 glad it worked out as it did. Thank you for your patience, for staying with us until 2 a.m. editing and for always helping us improve whether it was layout or writing. I hope you have a great experience with the future generations to come. I will truly miss you, Tracy! Isabel and Marcie, thank you for always being accessible to all of us, for always receiving us with a smile and for all you do for this place. I will miss you both a lot! To those of you who stay, take care of this place. You guys have seen how much it can give all of you and it’s your time to be in charge and continue with the Prospy legacy. Isaiah, Claudia, Valeria, Alexia, Priscilla, Glenda, Carolina, Teddy, Elliot, Noah, Jaqui, Michael, Michelle, Elliot thank you so much for your work this semester. I am incredibly proud of you. I know you will do great next semester and in the years to come. It’s bittersweet to say goodbye not only to The Prospector, but to my undergrad studies at UTEP. After graduation I will continue to freelance with a local publication. I will take a well-deserved break to later come back to school to pursue a master’s degree in creative writing and hopefully become a cool writer. So to you all, thank you, and to The Prospector, I will miss you dearly. Claudia Flores may NOT be reached at theprospector1@gmail.com
Special
MAY 7, 2019
edition
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President reflects on tenure as her last semester comes to a close BY BRIANNA CHAVEZ The Prospector Irreplaceable. It’s a common word used by the community to describe UTEP President Dr. Diana Natalicio, who has played an extremely impactful role in the UTEP, El Paso and Cd. Juárez communities for decades. Her efforts to achieve access and excellence for all students has become a staple in the mission of the university. “I just think that, you know, we shouldn’t say anyone is irreplaceable. I think what we should say is that we hope that the values will
be the same,” Natalicio told The Prospector in an interview in late March. She walked into the president’s conference room on the fifth floor of the administration building sporting a black blazer with a pickax pin, a bright orange shirt underneath and of course, her classic pinned up bun. “There’s never really a good time,” Natalicio said when asked why she decided to retire. “I was trying to find a logical stopping point and 30, it’s a round number, right,” she joked. “I mean, I don’t know. For me, 30 just sounded right.” She had just returned from a collaborative event at Socorro High School put on by UTEP,
El Paso Community College and the Socorro Independent School District to encourage high school seniors to go to college—a “onestop shop” for students as university officials helped them through the application process. That event is just one of the many community outreach efforts that Natalicio has helped implement over the decades. Natalicio described the event as a way to promote a sense of ease for students, and reduce stress for high school seniors enrolling in college. “The fear of failure is the thing that I think we need to try to help students (by saying), ‘You can do this. You’ve already demonstrated
you can do it by succeeding in high school,’” she said.
Path to success
Natalicio’s passion for education came after she graduated high school. “My own personal experience was really the driving force because I went to a very mediocre, unambitious high school,” she said. In her hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, Natalicio said the high school she went to did not push students to go to college. The male students were taught mechanics and woodworking, while
see NATALICIO page 20
10 NEWS MAY 7, 2019
Dr. Natalicio throughout 45 years of service at UTEP 1977
1988
Natalicio is appointed President by the UT Board of Regents
Promoted to associate dean in the College of Liberal Arts
1985
1973
As vice president of academic affairs UTEP dedicated Women’s Week agenda to her
Natalicio assumes chairmanship of the Department of Modern Languages
1990
1992 1994 She was appointed by Bill Cinton to the National Science Board
El Paso Collaborative for academic excellence is established
Natalicio looks back at a decade of change during the State of the University addres
1991 She is appointed by President George H.W. Bush to the Advisory Commision on Educational Excellence of Hispanic Americans
1998
1998 UTEP celebrates 100th commencement in the Sun Bowl
Student, faculty and staff celebrate Natalicio for her 10th anniversary as UTEP president
2001 President Natalicio in the much anticipated ground breaking ceremony for the New Miners Sports Complex
see SERVICE on page 19
Congratulations class of
Graduate College of Business Administration
School of Nursing
Doctor of Philosophy
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Rawia Ahmed Randika Sanjeewa Eramudugoda Gamage Md Mahmudul Hasan Lifei Xue
Joy Akhigbe Laura Alcantar Dora Maria Carcoba Habtekiros Kahssay Laurence Jerome Labayen Maria Esther Sanchez Michael James Scholl Crystal Lynne Torres Mimi Echivarre Veloso Natasha Dawn Wardsworth Isabel Cristina Zuniga
College of Education Doctor of Education
Karina Chantal Canaba Doctor of Philosophy Ashley Graboski-Bauer Lidia Herrera-Rocha Claudia Saldana Corral Lisa Ann Serna
College of Business Administration Master of Accountancy
College of Liberal Arts
Andrea Elizabeth Alvara Jeanette Alvara Claudia Samirah Baltazar Leandro Salvador Brandi Emily C. Chacon Ramon Galvan Jr. Benjamin Cristian Gandara John G. Hoagland III Jonathan Lechuga Shuangpei Ma Andres Aaron Martinez Maria Eugenia Martinez Alondra Alejandra Miranda Mariah Medley Novela David J. Otero Luis E. Pasaret Giannino Manuel Rodriguez Wendy J. Rodriguez Esteban Sifuentes Michael Sosa Armando Ugarte
Doctor of Philosophy
Master of Business Administration
Miriam Josephine Alvarez Eva Nohemi Orozco Garcia Julie Ann Rivera Heather Smith
Rodolfo Aguilar Christian Alex Cabral Xiaofei Chen Luis Eduardo Contreras Margarita Danielle Delgado Edmundo Esparza Gilbert Favela Miguel Angel Fraga Andrea M. Galindo Leal Michael Garay David Alejandro Garcia Magdalena Gomez Raul Gomez Jr. Carolina Elena Gonzalez Tory Jean Johannsen Miguel Alejandro Maldonado Izabela Marta McCage Carlos Roberto Perezares Thelma Ramos Juan Reyes Melissa Jazmine Rivas Francisco Salazar Jr. Abigail Lenter Sescon Sanket Milan Shah Evan Vanderzwan Amandeep Kaur Wraich Ervin Armando Zubiate
College of Engineering Doctor of Philosophy
Nancy Selene Avila Tallen Ashley Capt John D. Ciubuc Carlos Alejandro Garcia Rosales Juan Jose Gomez Chavez Daniel Michael Mejia Matthew Mark Vechione Yang Zhang College of Health Sciences Doctor of Physical Therapy
Angel Ernesto Perez
College of Science Doctor of Philosophy
Tahmina Akter Richard Alexander Alfaro-Diaz Cora Evelyn Gannaway Dalton Qin Gao Md Tariqul Islam Bethuel Omutiti Khamala Jonathon Edward Mohl Juan Alejandro Ochoa Chavez Engineering & Science Interdisciplinary Doctor of Philosophy
Ishaq Olarewaju Adisa Paulami Banerjee Noemi Dominguez Ruiz Venkata Sai Yashwanth Injeti M Esther Salinas Carlos Tamez Jr. Kathryn Rose Wedemeyer-Strombel
2019
Master of Science
Raul Estrada Astrid Georgina Garcia Ramos College of Education Master of Education
Esmeralda Aguilera Yvette Aguirre Frances De Jesus Altamirano Sonia Jessica Alvarez Kelsey Michelle Anderson Kristen Nichole Ash Erika Becerra Robert Stephen Blanchette Monica Blanco Brooke Elizabeth Boutwell Jonathan Pierre Butler WendyLee Carrasco Solorio Maria Cates Veronica Chavez Curtis Christopher Chesanek Maribel Diaz Jeremy Espinoza Jared Cesar Gamez Michele Alejandra Garcia David Eloy Gasca Jr. Taylor Nicole Grohmann Pilar Guerra Erica Gutierrez Crystal Hernandez Karla Veronica Herrera Jasmine Marie Holder Judith R. Hoyt Elizabeth D. Huerta Mariana Kolar Erika Louise Lazo Laura Lorta Erica Luna Jessica Marie Matias-Cuesta Irene Marlene Mendez Gissel Meza Melissa Islas Moreno Kevin Joel Moussavi-Saeedi Alejandro Munguia Araceli Munoz Deena Munoz Alexis Murphy Andrew John Nebl Lizeth Ortiz Claudia Regina Perales Jessica Lavon Pilson Stephanie Prieto Areli Raya Sofia Gabriela Reyes Cesar M. Ronquillo Marisol Ruiz Alejandra Ms Salgado Kaylee Sanchez Vanessa Marie Santiago-Larkin Marvelyn Scavuzzo Celeste Lucia Schultz Stephanie Senclair
Manuel Charles Serros Olivia Solomon Marisela Stanley Jeffrey Lewis Stevens Merideth Lee Stevens Isabel Stretton Rudy Tapia Jessica Valdez Raul A. Villagrana Rosana Villalobos Martinez Jorge Alberto Villarreal Arroyo Sandra Waldmann Elaine Elizabeth Whitman Claudia Ivonne Wilburn Master of Science
Crystal Ayala Sarah Christine Bolanos Grace Ojornile Chimekwene Mariaitzel Favela Angela Danielle Lopez Pamela Nicole Lopez Amberly Mabel Martinez Simon Oyijewu Ocheme Melanie Straight Carmen Vasquez College of Engineering Master of Engineering in Civil & Environmenatl Engineering
Celena M. Arreola Luis Hector Guerrero Saul Trejo Master of Science
Carlos Felipe Acosta Carrasco Rogelio Adame Akinsunbo Akinbile Zakia Al Kadri Pedro Alfredo Alvarado Heredia Ahmad Paiman Amiri Jose Antonio Arredondo Jr. Jeronimo Benavides David Ernesto Burgos Sr. Jose Andres Cabrera Maynez Diana Janneth Camacho Gilbert Thomas Carranza Israel Alejandro Carrete Colton John Caviglia Hector Cervantes Jr. Alvaro Chacon Jr. Marisol Chacon Swapnil Singh Chauhan Carlos Emmanuel Cisneros Jose Eduardo Contreras Jr. Antonio Gavin Delgado Polanco Jorge Angel Diaz-Cabrales William Charles Easttom II Melissa I. Escalante Adriana Escobar De La Torre Alfonso Fernandez
Hector Fierro Javed Salman Firoze Gabriel Felipe Galarza Leon Everardo Garay Acosta Enrique Antonio Garibay Trejo Thomas Joseph George Shaurice Celeste Gillespie Alma Patricia Granados Cesar Alberto Guillen Alondra Karen Gurrola Lizeth Viridiana Herrera Manuel Jesus Herrera Jr. Emily Naomi Herzog Joan Chukwufumnanya Isichei Xavier Andres Jimenez Guzman Ishtjot Singh Kamboj Gabriel Llausas Edgar Omar Lopez Edgar Jorge Maguregui Nazli Etebari Malekzadeh Michael Manzanares Claudia Marchan Manuel Fernando Martinez Jr. Alexandro Antonio Medina Saby Lourdes Medina Eduardo Meraz Trejo Mariano Mercado Alberto Daniel Morales Patrick A. Morales Briana Laura Moreno Gina Elizabeth Moreno Andres Gerardo Navarro James Newson Chioma Okafor Hector Daniel Olave Cristian Orozco Abner Palomino Reyes Bradley Allen Pate Leonard Provoid Robert A. Read Mark Rodriguez Gabriela Rosales Soto Mauro Joaquin Ruiz III David Saenz Manoj Pravakar Saha Omar David Salazar Mares Gerson Santos Medina Shaimum Shahriar Oscar Siegfried Veloz Angel Izael Solis Jesus Jose Valles Urbina Eduardo Allen Vazquez Jr. Jorge Vazquez Kristian Dominic Villanueva Sofia Alexandra Zea Master of Science in Information Technology
Oluwafemi Abraham Ayeni Josuhe Neri Amy Rosalie Padilla Stephen Jennings Pruett
Master of Rehabilitation Counseling
Nicole Gonzales Damaris Guerra Fabian Marquez Salvador Rios Jr. Sue Smith Jessica Snow Alexis G. Vargas Master of Science
Magda Vedenice Alvarado Ashlyn Victoria Benton Stephanie N. Escobar Victoria Fierro Lance Dakota Gruber Lulani Nichole Martinez Callie Mae Mathis Celeste Orozco Kendra Nicole Rosales Olivia Alyzza Ruiz Briana Arlene Sanchez Loren Renee Sotelo Lisa Jacqueline Valles Katelyn Nicole Vera Master of Social Work
Amanda Amaya Rosalva Blanco Alysha Rachelle Brady Matthew Christopher Bryan Perla Magaly Chaparro Paola Chavez Payan Victoria Adriana Compean Violeta Maria Curlee Agueda Yamel Dagda Breanna Mae DeLong Delia Dominguez Cynthia Lucero Gonzalez Edith Gonzalez Jennifer Guerra Juan Vicente Guerrero Rebekah M. Kulowski Ishmael Israel Lopez Laura E C Marquez Jennifer Martinez Leonardo Martinez Destiny U. Miramontes Jose Angel Molinar Crystal Morales Laura Chavez Orozco Jamie Rivera Hebert Rocha Elizabeth Rodriguez Cristina Guadalupe Schaffino Nicolas Daniel Silva Edgar Arturo Talavera Ruiz Denisse Andrea Violante College of Liberal Arts
College of Health Sciences
Master of Arts in Teaching
Master of Public Health
Andrea Elena Reveles
Tamanna Ferdous Alejandra Martinez Brianda Selene Sarmiento Rodriguez Ingrid Natasha Simons Sally Merlin Voss
Master in Public Admininistration
University of Texas at El Paso
Deanna Toccars Carson Dewey Eugene Clemons Jr. Pierre Giuseppe Crescimbeni Dominique Mone Davis Cassandra Suzanne Davisson Jason T. Herring
Erric Allen Andrea Michelle Anderson Anuar Amade Anuar Carmen Marie Arrabito Ruth Arras Araceli Arroyo Susana Mariel Arzate James Justin Baxter Christopher Dominick Black William Charles Boettcher Michael Trenton Boswell Terrell Ray Bridges Jr. Todd Eric Brown Jonathon Paul Butler Troy Edwin Buzard Mariel Cano Perez Jared Philip Chumsae Charlene Coleman Daniel P. Costello Kimberly Ann Costello Bertha Maria Cuadra Keyon Dontrell Cummings Matthew Sueden Delisle Giannina Mariana Deza Melgar Roberto Jesus Diaz Sean David Dillard Jonathan David Dyon Jairemy Quinton Edwards Viridiana Edwards Whitney Ellis Kyle Esquibel Rufino Farias Jr. Jacqueline Ann Fiest Oscar Francisco Garza Maribell González Anaya Roberto Guadarrama Clint Weston Gulley Melinda Marie Hamilton Benjamin Hammer Giavanna Lillian Haseley Christopher John Haymon Brittany Janelle Hearn Nicolas Hernandez Mónica Hernández Corrales David Carl Hultquist Melissa Woodward Hutson Mohammed Sakip Iddrisu Isidro Abuchahama Intave Todd Alan Jaeger Harold Eddie Jarrell Charles Jones
Master of Defense & Strategic Studies
Adam J. Carlson Winston Castillo Thomas Leroy Christesen II Ben Willaim Dojaquez Esperanza Fuentes Jeremy Todd Hendrix Steward Evert Hogans Scott Joseph Holzerland Mei Ling Konstantynowicz Shawn Lawrence Le Tang Julie Ariana Loya James Lee Mudd Matthew J. Reed Scott Richards
Albert Acevedo Rodriguez Jr. Marco Schinella Dion Simpson Thomas Gilberto Sotomayor Elmostafa Talha Derek Max Yazzie Jamaal DeShaun Young Master of Fine Arts
Francisco Javier Barraza Alonzo William Ramon Daugherty Martha Carolina Davila Diaz Warren O’Sullivan Decker Luz Alba Hernandez Crystal Lynn Hurd Fiorella Daphne Manrique Ponce Oscar Antonio Moreno Huizar Irma Leticia Nikicicz Melissa Anne Nurczynski Kristen Leigh Olin Jesus Joseph Pena Xochilt Alejandra Sequeira Aguilar Maria Lorena Sosa Rodriguez James Jackson Walzel Nicole Anne White Master of Music
Carlos Enrique Barba Cederborg Alejandro Carrillo Pastrana Jacqueline Rachel Hale Adam Trice Mayhall Michelle Doris Shaheen Ashley Crystelle Venegas Master of Science
Laura Patricia Alonso Shawn Patrick Hutson Tonantzin Graciela Lozano Shawn Kenneth Naegele Mai Han Nguyen Juan Urbina College of Science Master of Arts in Teaching
Brenda I. Delgadillo Sarah Michele Garcia Md Easin Hasan Master of Science
Sharmin Abdullah Angel Adrian Aguero Angela C. Aguilar Ricardo Avila Escobedo Kabita Baral Laxman Bokati Benard Owusu Dechi Mirza Mohammad Maqbule Elahi Raymond Anthony Ford Karla Patricia Godinez Macias Garrett Thomas Goff Arturo Vicente Gonzalez-Lopez Govinda Bahadur KC Patricia Andrea Lozano Lois Mendez Haley Caitlyn Miller Ezequiel Arturo Moreno Flores
Center for Accommodations and Support Services
Congratulations, wishing you success in your future endeavors. Accounting and Information Systems Department
Best wishes to UTEP’s 2019 graduating class. The future belongs to you!
Modupe Ore Odusanya Chukwuemeka Nwabueze Okoro Jazmin Quezada Nathan Zachary Reade Jose A. Rosales Sergio David Samaniego James Edward Snell Mahendra Subedi Xiang Yang Teng Surya Prasad Timilsina Denisse Urenda Mariana Vasquez Bofei Wang School of Nursing Master of Science in Nursing
Alexa Monae Acosta Christine Grohs Agerlid Nicole Kristin Aguirre John Akunne Nicole Ann Alaniz Juliana Anjos Victor Manuel Armendariz Jr. Yvonne Aubel-Mazza Nancy Adriana Barraza Julio Cesar Barron Kristin Neille Becker Jessica Pauline Bowen Patricia Loya Castro Florence Ifeyinwa Chinwuba Paul Adam Cline Maria Lourdes Coca Kenneth Collins Lynn Cubela Angelica del Toro Baldemar Espinoza Stacey Estes Margarita Favela Shannon Elizabeth Finklea Anna Marie Flores Claudia Gallardo Bryan Alan Garcia Brandon Allen Gauthier Camille Gerdes Audrey S. Gilliam Jerardo Gonzalez Shelly Marie Green Raul Mendez Guevara Sarah Lynn Harlass Christine Marie Hernandez Lisa Marie Herrera Kellie Hoskins Daniel Kelly Ariana Lugo Manuel Madrid Diandra Argelia Maldonado Pedro Juan Maldonado Camacho Nayeli Martinez Corey Mikes Erin Marie Mina Dolapo Molara Mitchell Mary Mwangi Jessica Y. Navarro Tracey Lyn Nutter Gabrielle Olivas Angel Virgilio Pagan Renee Patlan Amanda Marie Petersen Dorothy Anne Pottle
f T o exas y t i re s
class of
2019a at El P
so
Master of Arts
Celecia Kalili Herbert Mcclintock Keeley Bradley Klusman Keiandra Nicole Lane Camilo Arturo Llano Castaño Winifred Renita Love Inês Atanásio Mahumane Honório Dos Santos Eugénio Manjor Maria Erica Marin Alexandra R. Martinez Pablo Geronimo Martinez Coronado Sr. Rocio Irene Mejia Garcia Juan J. Mendoza Stephen Shane Mercer Fabiola Alejandra Meza Michelle Denise Millen Mónica Molina Arredondo Pablo Manuel Morales Spencer Morris Michelle Estefania Munoz Cisneros Luis Omar Pacheco Jenny Sonya Patino Edmundo Aníbal Quinto Pinto Manuel Humberto Ramirez Jr. Curtis Anthony Reese Todd Lawrence Reiser Roger Andrew Renteria Angelica Rey Acevedo Ashley Monique Rodriguez Shantanu Rojatkar Alejandra Sifuentes Rafal Piotr Soroka Mark David Stinson Luis Miguel Suira Joshua Lance Thompson Andrea Torre Claribel Torres Giraldo Dora Maria Tovar Gutierrez Justin Trimble Ru Tu Cody Tveten Andrea Michelle Urbina Julián Ramiro Vargas Daraviña Gladys Helda Vega Paula Andrea Vidal Arboleda Michael David Wahl Jessica Wells Michael Joseph Wiles Michael Lane Wiley Benjamin Lee Williams Charles L. Wilson Christina Lynn Wilson Scott Alan Wolfe Megan Elizabeth Zigler
Univ
Paloma Iveth Jimenez Raul B. Marquez Guy William McGunegle Jeffrey Martin Nail Barbara Cibele Nascimento Conceicao Reinier Perez Luis Omar Perez Rivera Marcus Pitts Vincent Steven Pokluda Brice Donavan Rae Cleber Ribeiro da Costa Mayra G. Rodarte Rudy Rodriguez Jr Richard Joseph Russell II Ana Isabel Sandoval Chris Thrasher James William Van Zlike
Miriam Aidee Quiroga Nancy Ramirez Maria Isabel Rodriguez Jennifer Teresa Rolley Cintia Rosenbaum Kathleen Elizabeth Ruman Dion Anthony Saenz Janet Lea Salcido Adriana Sanchez Sharon Irene Sanchez Ricardo Serrano Rachel Shaw Caroline Sims Rhonda T. Sipe Adam Skidmore Rickie Jean Soberanes Juan Luis Soto Kristen Marie Stansbury Ferdinand Parfait Tabi Atem Leke Tambo Larry Eugene Terry Jr. Manuel Tobias Monica Tom Diane Elizabeth Turner Jazmin Vasquez Sabino Vega Jr. Jessica Veliz Kimberly Nicole Ventura Blas Edward Villa Humberto Villalobos Anthony Joseph Viscon Bronta Lenise Wegesa Anna Lara Wilkins Nicole Marie Wolf Olga Lilia Yeager Norma Alicia Yee Daniella Simona Ytuarte SPRING 2019 CANDIDATES Undergraduate College of Engineering Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
Jesus M. Avila III Cynthia Margarita Balderrama Marcos Alan Banda Morales
Congratulations and good luck to all of our graduates!
-College of Business Administration
Ileana Jeanette Breceda Ricardo Carrillo Darion O. Cazares Juan G. Cazares Ana Griselda Coronado Martinez Alejandro Delgado Valeria Delgado Adriana Guadian Roberto Guevara Jr. Otto Guillermo Gust Jr. Talmid Issac Maldonado Alberto Mata Jr. Getsemani Molinar Alec William Mondello Justin David Morrison Erick Munoz Luna Ivan Alejandro Olivas Adrian Ontiveros Miriam E. Oseguera Miguel Antonio Perez Ceballos Carlos Rodriguez Marjil Alejandro Rodriguez Armando Saucedo Jr. Luis Fernando Sierra Alexandra Torres Cesar Enrique Valenzuela Holguin Jr. Melanie Rose Walker Niluk Stefan Wikkramatillake Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering and Management
Nathan Alexander Gonzalez Angel Rosales Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
Aldo Alcantara Guardado Abdulaziz M. Alotaibi Abdulmajeed Faisal S Alshareef Lizeth Arredondo Steven Andrew Cardenas Bianca Castillo Julio Castro Fleance Chrystagally Kimberly Charl Cortez Eduardo Davila Dexter Escanilla Deniega Walter Doeme
Class of 2019 Congratulations Graduates from the College of Science!
Alberto Duenes Ibarra Sergio Arturo Felix David Flores Manuel Galindo Jr. Norma Angelica Granados Natalie Patricia Hernandez Jonathan Frank Johnson Sarah C. Manzano Steve Meraz Mauro Morales Jr. Hector Raul Mota-Aguilar Efrain A. Palacio Leos Gerardo Parra Abraham Ponce Damaris Renteria Daniel Rios Josue Rivera Adrian Rodriguez Jesus Joaquin Rodriguez Jr. Victor Manuel Rodriguez Jr. Luis Alfredo Rojas Aguilar Samuel Anthony Ruybe Alyson Esperanza Sanchez Kent C. Solis Antonio Emilio Teijeiro Daniel Enrique Terrazas Daniel Tinevra Sharon S. Underdahl Andrea Alexis Vasquez Matthew Henry Wood Bachelor of Science in Engineering Leadership
Crystal Rose Barrera Andrea A. Duenez Roberto Esteban Espejo Steve Martin Galicia Jared Jude Gardea Carlos Juarez III Vanessa Monique Lopez Miguel Alberto Lopez-Adame Nestor Lucero Callie Ann Mitchell Vanessa Moncayo Hugo Alfred Rico Joshua Alejandro Rodriguez Luis R. Rodriguez Ivan Vazquez Arahim Alejandro Zuniga Herrera BS in Computer Science
Bianca Chanel Alvarado Bianca Sarahi Alvarez Francisco J. Antunez Sebastian Ayala Urtaza Anthony G. Ayo Zachary Jordan Bell Alan Jordi Caldelas Joaquin Castro Julio De La Cruz Jr. Brandon Delgado Malanche Alejandro Diaz Noa Shea Dodson Taylor Rayne Dodson Bryan Ricardo Figueroa Stephanie Figueroa Luis G. Flores Jr. Annadiley Gallegos Garcia Daniel Alejandro Gomez Isai Gonzalez Laura Gonzalez Sebastian Gonzalez Elsa Gonzalez-Aguilar
Joseph Alvaro Gutierrez Jr. Peter Gustav Hanson Laura Julie Hinojos Luis Carlos Jimenez Ryan Jones Abigail Lira Stephanie Loya Andrew John Madrid Alan Daniel Marin Reynaldo Martinez Jr. Roman Alejandro Martinez Farhana Akter Munni Sebastian Nunez Xochitl Judi Oliveros Salazar Michelle Esmeralda Patino Calero Sebastian Xavier Quinones Jorge E. Ramirez Carrasco Alexis Nicole Reyes Francisco Rodriguez Chris W. Santos Edward Steven Seymour Darren Martin Solorzano Christopher Wyatt Tovar Gerardo Uranga Alan A. Uribe Abisai Vasquez Timmy Lee Williams Jr. Steven Yeh Bachelor of Science in Industrial & Systems Engineering
Mohammad A A A M Abutaleb Grecia Acosta Arturo Alejandro Acosta Solis Abdullah Emad Alabdulkarim Hassan Alajmi Saud Kh A A M Alenezi Mohammed Bander Almutairi Hadi M Dh A M Alshemmeri Yaqoub Aghr Ashkenani Aylin Alejandra Camacho Soto Becky Espinoza Luis D. Galvan Jr. Jaquelin Govea Karla Karina Huerta Coronado Sandra Sofia Jimenez Antony K. Kosgei Cecilia G. Ocampo Omar Yair Osuna Escobedo Estephany Rascon Alberto Reyes Terrazas Renata Schaefer Garza Castillon Jaime Alan Torres Adriana Villalpando BS in Mechanical Engineering
Ahmad Omar Abu-Issa Kennya Guadalupe Aguilar Palomo Ahmad GH N H GH Aladwani Mohammed Ibrahim H Albaqqal Ramon E. Aleman Khaled Alenezi Ibrahim H SH B Alkhaldi Saad Almehjan Abdulaziz Salem Almethen Fahad Saad Saud Almutairi Abdulwahab J. Alnajem Alhumaidi M. Alotaibi Eid A E R M Alouthaina Talal F. Alsaedi Saud M. Alsubaei Jazmin A. Arellano Chantal Atienzo
Congratulations to all the graduates and much success in the future. Office of the Dean of Students
CLASS OF 2019
Muhammad Azim Idham Azmi Mohamed Majdi Azzam Ismael Baca Meza Luis Eduardo Barba Reyes Cesar Andres Borgaro Roger O’Dell Brown Yadira Isabel Calderas Oscar Camarillo Jayr Francisco Cardenas Emiliano Castillo Jairo Castillo Pablo Elias Castrejon Ponce Javier Alejandro Chavarin James Matthew Cleary John Christopher Comfort Octavio Cordova Jr. Saul Issac De La O Juan Alberto Del Real Gonzalez Jr. Ruben Del Rio Jr. Carlos Enrique Diaz Luis Fernando Dieguez Pablo Duarte Jr. Cecilia Elizabeth Dyson Jesus Esparza Carlos Alberto Fierro Castillo Luis Normando Gandara Mendez Abraham M. Garcia Carlos Garcia Cynthia Garcia Isidro Sebastian Garcia Juan Diego Garcia Luisa Fernanda Garcia Christian Gomez Nancy Gonzalez Nicholas Gonzalez Eduardo Alfonso Grajeda Martinez Dorian O. Gutierrez Jonathan Michael Gutierrez Lucia Gutierrez Lara Guillermo Nicolas Gutierrez Serrano Samuel Ernesto Hall Sanchez Alexandra Hernandez Brian Hernandez John Anthony Hernandez Stephen Jesus Hernandez Angel Evan Hernandez Esparza Andrew Calvin Hughes Noel Jimenez Stuart Paul Kohn Ericka Adriana Lafon Jose Luis Lazo III Emilio Sebastian Loera Gerardo J. Lopez Aaron D. Macias Victor Alexis Madrid Erick David Mendez Silva Fernando Monarrez Bianca Montano Joshua R. Morado Salvador Morales Dorado Derick Moreno Ronald W. Morton David Navarro Miguel Napoleon Navarro Ana Karen Nieto Zackery Ryan Nieto Alberto Ivan Nunez Vazquez Gerardo Ariel Olivas Dania Orozco Irvin Ortiz Sergio Fritzgerald Paez Jacob Thomas Pellicotte Pedro Pimentel Jr. David Ponce De Leon Rascon Jacquelin Odette Prieto
Andres Rogelio Quinones Bustamante Oscar Alejandro Ramirez Diego Ivan Ramirez Garcia Gerardo Javier Ramirez Marquez Jr. Manuel Ramos Nicholas Joseph Ramos Hugo Abel Retana Jaime J. Reyes Christian Reynaud Raul Reza Sanchez Daniel Isaac Robles Julio Adrian Rodriguez Peniel Rodriguez Zareth Romero Carlos A. Rubio Francisco Ruiz Jesus S. Salinas Luis Angel Salinas James Walter Sanders IV Jacob J. Santiago Andre Ernesto Seigel Carleigh Elaine Simmons Jatinder Singh Jocelyn Torres Salvador Torrijos Manuela G. Toscano Daniel Valtierra Jaime Varela Pedro Antonio Vazquez Carlos Daniel Vizcarra Alvarado Christian Alexis Zamora BS in Metal. & Mat. Eng.
Esteban Escarcega Israel Favela Trevizo Emmanuel Levario Victor Eliseo Mendez Sabastian Moncayo Ivan Maximiliano Montes Ramirez Abraham Zamora College of Liberal Arts Bachelor of Arts
Analisse P. Acosta Marisol Adame Melissa Aguero Orozco Carolina L. Aguilar Irving Alejandro Aguilar Ailene Lili Aguirre Cristal Viridiana Aguirre Santiago Fernando Alcantar Philip Rey Alvarado Joanna Alvarez Lesly Sarah Alvarez Monica Haide Alvarez Erika Amezaga Mitzi Nicole Anguiano Zarate Ana Grecia Antunez Sammy J. Apodaca Latrell E. Archer Hilda Nohemi Arellano Jessica Armendariz Annabella M. Attaguile Alejandro Aveytia Narda Andrea Avila Delgado Jacqueline Balderas Daniel Scott Barnhorst Brianna Rosario Barrientos Diana Laura Becerra Christopher Bejarano
Mary Angeleaq Bejarano Kenneth Steven Bell Juan Antonio Beltran Jr. Andrea Bencomo Carson Scott Bennett Alexandra Berrios Lizette Liliana Bibriescas Melissa Marie Blanco Scott Allen Blumanhourst Fernando Borboa Shawn Lynn Borunda Andrea Bouche Karla Elisa Brady Matthew Donald Brink Eva Leticia Briones Jose Daniel Briseno Lilia Briseno Amber Bruner Joseph Bueno Osiris Maleny Burley Cierra Nicole Bustamante Adelene Miran Bustillos Alexis Valeria Bustillos Megan Cahalan Brandy L. Caldera Kevin Calleros Evan Carcerano David Cardenas Jr. Jeremy David Cardona Joshua Cardona Karina R. Carrasco Mia Francesca Carreon James R. Carrillo Melissa Carrillo Samantha Michelle Carrillo Jannie Casas Paige N. Casey Ashely Belle Casillas Daniela Castellanos Nelida Guadalupe Castor Jon Erik Castro Viviana Margarita Catteau Arlene Elaine Caudillo Johnathan Andrew Cereceres Estrella Cervantes Kara Leigh Cervantes Laura Sarai Chaidez Dammion Champion Ramon Alejandro Chaparro Jr. Francisco Chavarria Brianna Annette Chavez Jasmin Irene Chavez Maexie Chavez Melanie Chavez Isaac Chavira Aaron Nicholas Clark Laneige Renee Conde Susana Conde Aldo C. Contreras Alejandra Coronado Jeanette Coronel Janelle K. Corral Ricardo Iram Cortes Brooke Nichole Crisp Miguel Alfredo Cruz Juan Jose Davila Tamara Ronique De La Fuente Aime Deer Rodrigo Del Hoyo Maleny Janet Diaz Hugo Dominguez Sandra Elizabeth Dominguez Blanca Edith Duenas Julia Duenas Carmen O. Duran
Kimberly Ann Durr Michelle Elias Albert Enriquez Asael Enriquez Shani Enriquez Vicente Enriquez Jr. Christopher M. Esparza Erica M. Esparza Luis Fernando Esparza Aztecatl Espinosa Laura Andrea Espinoza Eduardo Esteban Estrada Troy Allen Evans Joshua Falconi Domingo Farias Christian Fernandez Rebeca F. Fierro Perez Rocio Fierro Perez Edna Elena Fitzmaurice Edwin Daniel Flores Karen S. Flores Paloma De Jesus Flores Michelle Flores Garcia Claudia Viridiana Flores Ramirez Paul Folis Kaelyn L. Foster Ruby Anahi Franco Veronica Franco Oscar Franco-Morales Maryann Galindo Cody Roger Galloway Paola Mayela Gama Jezrael Raul Gandara Alyssa A. Garcia Claudia Veronica Garcia Daniela Garcia Estefania Garcia Gisselle Garcia Javier Eduardo Garcia Javier J. Garcia Kevin Garcia Linda Beatriz Garcia Luis Felipe Garcia Priscilla Garcia Vivian Alexis Garcia Ingrid Patricia Giese Tiffany Anne Gluchoski Christopher M. Gomez Tianny Gomez Daniel Gonzalez Daniela Gonzalez Jose Antonio Gonzalez Sarah Naomi Gonzalez Sarai Gonzalez Darlene Gonzalez-Rosales Lorenzo Martin Granadoz Chavez Malia Simone Greene Jeremie Jeremain Griffiths Adam Guajardo Miguel Angel Guerrero Martinez Adrian Paul Gutierrez Darina Esther Gutierrez Itzel Gutierrez Juventino Gutierrez Ismael Gutierrez-N II Alexander Javier Guzman Aleyna Michelle Halatyn Karla Esmeralda Hawkins Meshelemiah Henderson Laura Mae Heredia Alexander Hernandez Ana Carol Hernandez Jasmin Anahi Hernandez Laura Hernandez Jesus Armando Herrera Jr.
The Department of Geological Sciences would like to congratulate each of the graduates of Spring 2019. We wish you the best of luck in all of your future endeavors.
- Department of English
You ROCK! - Geological Sciences
Stephanie Allison Herrera Ana Jazmin Herrera Aquino Abel Alexander Jaquez Julio Cesar Jaramillo-Reyes Kristen Marybeth Jimenez Kaitlin M. Johnson Sarah Cristina Justus Martha Elia Komiyama Cenaida Georgina Lather II Timothy Isaiah Lerma Andrea Lopez Andrew Jesus Lopez Diana Lizet Lopez Kevin Chase Lopez Mariana Lopez Robert Joseph Lopez Katryna M. Lord Ricardo Javier Loya Darsy L. Lozano Stephanie Paige Lozano Salma Lozoya Paola Fernanda Lugo Jasmine Monique Luna Melissa L. Macias Joseph Edward Madrid Joshua Justiss Madrid Carolina Magdaleno Rebecca Maldonado Andrea Gabriella Marcum Ivan Marquez Paola E. Marrero Eric Martell Jason D. Martin Adrian Martinez Ana A. Martinez Eric Martinez Homero Noe Martinez Jorge R. Martinez Mario Martinez Mayra Alejandra Martinez Rebeca Martinez Xzavier Martinez Nicole Alyssa Mata Misty Matthews-Bhagat Gerardo Medrano III Heriberto Melendez III Rocio Nayely Mendez Landy Mendiola Breton Anthony Mendoza Jr. Daisy Mendoza Gilbert Mendoza Demi Renee Mimbela Ana Karen Miramontes Loya Gabriela Irani Miranda Krista Marlen Mireles Jose Javier Monsisvais Jaime Montelongo Alejandro Montiel Yazmin Dolores Mooney Breana Nichelle Morales Julie Danielle Morales Martyn Angel Morales Milca Morales Tania Alejandra Moran Abigail N. Moreno Megan R. Moreno Anthony Joseph Mottern Garrett L. Mowles Brittany Moyers Mario Omar Muniz Brittney Munoz Rebecca Jean Munoz Estevan Michael Murillo Giselle Murillo Natalia Anali Murillo
Congratulations on your recent graduation! This educational achievement is a significant milestone in your life and is highly commendable. As you consider your options following your graduation, consider pursing graduate studies at UTEP.
-THE GRADUATE SCHOOL
THE UNIVERSITY OF
Congrat
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20 19
F TEXAS AT EL PASO
tulations
ASS OF
019
20 19
Alexis N. Najera Jesus Roberto Najera Sarah Nicole Najera Jesenia Priscilla Navarrette Rafael Sebastian Navarrette Kellie Margaret Newport Eduardo L. Noriega Jr. Anthony Jessie Nunez Biridiana Nunez Aprial G. Ochoa Isabel Olivares Jaqueline Olivas Rosita Ontiveros Jacklyn Orellana Domonique Orozco James Adrian Ortega Haide Ortiz Valeria Ozuna Mayra Eydie Pacheco Jazmin Padilla Ramon Daniel Pagan Priscilla Pallares Dominique Rose Pandy Vianni Elyse Paquian Danny Allen Parks Jr. Monica Partida Pedro Alex Partida Alvaro Ivan Pedraza Casie Jeen Pedregon Alan Tyler Peinado Alejandra Perez Ariana M. Perez Britney N. Perez Maria R. Perez Perla G. Perez Milou Pietersz Rodolfo Plascencia Jr. Andrea Emelyn Polar Ashley Ann Prieto Erik Ivan Prieto Krystal Angelica Puentes Lauren Celeste Quezada Alfredo Ramirez Catherine Rose Ramirez Jose Antonio Ramirez Jr. Karina Ramirez Lauren Alberta Ramirez Karen Morayma Ramos Tannia Vanessa Rangel Marylou Raphael Warren Michael Redix Mario Renteria Melissa Renteria Alejandro Jose Reta Natividad Reveles Celeste Reyes Jessica Aurora Reyes Salvador Reyes III Jose A. Rico Anais Rivas Christopher Rey Rivas Katherine Michelle Rivas Jolene Roa Adrian Arturo Rocha Andrea Marisol Rodriguez Brianna Rodriguez Jacob Jorda Rodriguez Marisol Rodriguez Steven R. Rojas Denise Yvonne Romero Leticia Romero Alberto Jorge Romo Melissa M. Ronquillo Alexandra Christine Rubio Alejandro Ruiz
Daniel Paul Ruskowski Gianna Lorena Salas Ostos Marc Kurkova Salazar Karina A. Salcido Joseph I. Salgado Jose A. Samaniego Amanda Marie Sanchez Jorge Alfredo Sandoval Ernesto Santillan Jessica Sapien Christa Nell Schafer Lorena Serrano Omar Adrian Siegfried Milagros Sierra Jared Timothy Sievek Zachary Martin Silva Kevin Carlos Smith Elizabeth Solano Melisa Soriano Amanda Renae Sosa Ruben Soto Jr. Gerald Wayne Stewart Jessica Alexandra Stone Kevin Strombel Idalia Suarez Felipe Roberto Talavera Sharlene Marie Tandy Maria Soledad Tarin Steven A. Taylor Katie Lynn Tepezano Felipe Ernesto Terrazas Celeste Simonet Thomas Priscilla Thomas Andrea Elizabeth Thompson Christopher Ryan Thompson Selena Tinajero Alejandro Torres Alyssa Rene Torres Benjamin Eduardo Torres Maria Luisa Torres Andrea Tovar Brianna Dawn Newton Trejo Ronnie Antonio Uribe Jr. Mario Jonathan Valadez Crystal C. Valdez Karen Ashley Valdez Alejandra Aimee Valdez Carrasco Christie Marie Valenzuela Roxanne Van Ruiten Dania Vance Stephanie Sarahi Vargas Joseph Anthony Vasquez Rebekah Elena Vasquez Susana Vega Nicole Christine Velarde Gabriella Berenice Velazquez Alexandra Vidali Pamela Ines Vigo-Sanchez Alejandra Villarreal Rosalinda Villarreal Anacristina Villegas Lauren Ashley Viramontes Emily S. White April Woods David Isai Yeverino Vacil Gonzalez Zabanal Ricardo Zaragoza Adrian Omar Zavala Mercedes J. Zavala Edward Zach Zuloaga Bachelor of Fine Arts
Andrea Victoria Ariza Barba Jared Christopher Berry
Hugo Hiparco Brito Patrick Sean Chavez Rene Alexander Delgado Bianca Sabrina Diaz Lucero Espinoza Calderon Barbara De Anne Evans Michelle Kristi Fluekiger Gabriel J. Franco Kull Nichole Audrey Hardgrove Ashley Christine Martinez Jaxs Alexis Munoz Karla Sofia Perez Lopez Jeffrey Dannel Quintana Arianna Jeanette Rodriguez Jose Angel Salazar Louie Salazar Victoria Salmeron Lauren Taylor Wagner Marissa E. Whitaker Bachelor of Multidisciplinary. Studies
Joshua Isaac Abraham Estephania Acosta-Hayen Stephanie Nicole Albright Alba E. Alvarez Diane Marie Apodaca David E. Armendariz Crystal Avila Silvia Ayala Emmanuel Becerra Veronica Becerra Jacob Joseph Belpedio Sammut Alexander Randolph Bohler Cornelius D. Brown Darius Ammier Brown Vilma Evelina Burman Gregory Cardenas Emily Teresa Caro Naomi Cervantes Ariel Chavez Kaitlin Amasa Conner Nicholas Cordova Christopher Coronado Jessica Cortez Jeannie Lisa Crowell Joann Julie Cubillos Yolanda G. De La Rosa Christel Delgado Israel Delgado Alexander M. Dennis Pamela Diaz Lilia Duenas Ayan Dutt Adele Mahina Escobedo Rosa P. Estrada Bethany Marie Felton Melissa Flores Katrina Rhiannon Forti Keynan Selwyn Foster Javier Adrian Fraire Pena Ashly M. Franklin Enrique Gallegos III Almendra Garcia Karen Hernandez Nerea Hernandez Escobar Armando Ibarra Jerome Shelby Isaac Jr. Victoria Lynn Jeffress Jolene Victoria Keipp Chantele Flemister Krabill Luis Gerardo Lares Victoria Lynn Leos Elaine Naomi Leyva
Miguel Lopez Carmen Adela Lozano Charles Luevano Hailey Kristina Macias Damaris Martinez Gabriel A. Martinez Patricia Martinez Javier Mateos-Campos Ryan C. Mattison Rene Ivan Maynez Daniel Mendez Bianca Yolanda Mondragon Vincent Morua Alejandro Munoz Samuel Murillo Jr. Ricardo Luis Olivarez Jr. Christopher M. O’Neil Amanda Leigh Ontiveros Ricardo Perez Jasmine Phan Hector Portillo Yvette Ramos Brenda Lizath Reyes Paola Rimada Melinda Rivera Valorie Camille Rivera Julio C. Rodriguez Marco Rodriguez Randy A. Ross Daniela Ruan Janine Ruiz Samantha P. Rutledge Adriana E. Sarabia Taylor Aubrey Sargent Manuel Saucedo Jr. Dionne Marie Siava Alexandra R. Sotelo Audrey Adele Spearman Michael Robert Tipton Ariana Torres-Guerra Abel Arturo Valenzuela Joseph A. Vazquez Christina Viramontes Roger Dung Vu James Kenneth Wilson Bachelor of Music
Annie S. Aguilar Orlando Javier Barajas Soria Jesus Ramon Burciaga Rita M. Canava Samantha Victoria Chavira Shannon Alicia Clark Samantha Davalos Tiffany L. Davis Victor Xavier Diaz Suzanne Marie Graham Raul A. Medellin Cristina Melendez Rascon Juan P. Palacios Jr. Carlos E. Pedroza Raymond Nicholas Perea III Paul Joseph Reid Caleb Ryan Tullius Mikaela R. Valdez Rene Varela Torres Bachelor of Science
Michelle Alvarado Desiree M. Aragon Jazmine Andrea Arreola Francisco Arriaga Pazos Brenda Carreno Barraza
As this chapter of your UTEP journey comes to a close, be inspired by the many successes you have achieved and the dreams you have realized. May your future be filled with bold new beginnings and unlimited possibilities.
Class of 2019! - UTEP President's Office
Cynthia Alicyn Buell Lorena Graciela Calvillo Daniela Gonzalez Catarino Arely Guadalupe Contreras Delmarie Delgado Valeria Alexa Dominguez Jose Ignacio Echeverri Alegre Karen D. Flores Grace Flores-Robles Ana Fuentes Antonio Garcia Silva Erika Leslie Guedea Morales Halee Nicole Hester Sabrina Naomi Hill Japheth Daniel James Alejandra Maciel Luis-Alberto Magallanes-Duarte Natalie Nicole Melgoza Omega Michelle Najera Daniella Julia Nemecek Leslie Ornelas Laura Estefanie Orozco Aguayo Stephanie A. Paz Mariana Paola Ramirez Daniela Sarai Ramos Erika Mirelle Rios Arturo Rubio Dominique Yvonne Saldana Kiana Elyse Schultz Jacqueline Serrano Gonzalo Silva Jr. Karla Samantha Tarin Murillo Brianna Dawn Newton Trejo Paulina Valles Adriana Vasquez College of Science Bachelor of Arts
Ramon Chavez Jr. David Esparza Jr. John Matthew Gilbreath Karina Leon Bachelor of Science
Patricia Ablanedo Morales Susmaury Acosta Miriam Maytee Aguilera Nava Kristen Aida Ahumada Laila Saeed Al Saihati Edgar Aldama Hassan Nazir Aldaz Gloria Juarez Aldrete Sandra Aleman Idhali Alonzo Taylor Alexandria Alonzo Guadalupe Alvarez Rodriguez Miranda R. Amato Kevyn Abraham Amezcua Stephanie Renee Anchondo Daniel Andrade Miriam Rebeca Aragonez Pablo Arenaz III Nikkita Marie Arras Melinda Sue Arrieta Bianca Victo Augustain Athulya Gijo Augustine Victor Avila Francisco Ayala Rodriguez Seham Zoheir Azzam Madelyn Kenna Babst Jr. Isabel Barraza OJ Barrera
Dania Yin Barroso Ariadne Beanes Claudia Isabel Becerra Paul Gabriel Beltran Madison Leah Bencomo Laura Borunda Sara Cathe Bustamante Lauren R. Camarillo Karla Gabriela Cano Hernandez Yuliana Cardoza Daniela Vanessa Carrera Deidrah Carrillo Melissa Casas Luisa Fernanda Castillo Aida Alejandra Castro Alfredo Cera Alexis P. Cervantes Karla Chavez Courtney S. Chesanek Aaron Nicholas Clark Kylie Renee Cole Francisco Contreras Denisse Corona Sofia Corral Angela Victoria Correa Lindsey Renee Dacey Erika Miche De alba Diana Michelle De Leon Anita Cherie Deblois Florbeatriz Delgadillo Paola Ivonne Delgado Karma Dema Georgina Diaz-Escandon Valeria Simone Diaz-Pacheco Briana Dominguez Gilbert Sebastien Dominguez Nohemi Alicia Dominguez Ana R. Duenez Esmeralda Duenez Jose Ignacio Echeverri Alegre Christina Marie Eckels Joachin Daberechi Eddi Theresa Rose Edmonston Alondra Elizalde Susan Paola Enriquez Victor Hugo Erives Jr. Gabriel Armando Estrada Eleazar Fierro Amanda Rae Flores Daniel Flores Jerrica Michelle Foster Valeria Ariel Franco Valerie Gallegos Hiram Gameros Garcia Adalberto Isaiah Garcia Lizette Garza Steven Brion Glovier Alejandra Gomez Celia Elena Gonzalez Desiree Seleste Gonzalez Meela Grey Oscar Manuel Guerra Thomas Jacob Guinto Anthony Gutierrez Dawa Wangchuk Gyalpo Hazael Hernandez Samantha Hernandez Grecia Hinojos Raymond Holguin Jessica Ann Hopkins Daniel Ibarra Zachary G. Jennings Amber Nicole Jernigan Joshua Duane Joyner
Sangeeta Priyanka Kurada Arabella A. Lino Bruce Nicholas Lomeli Tilett Lomeli Leslie Ayleen Lopez Luis Alejandro Lopez Ledezma Joachim Edmundo Lucero John P. Luevano Jr. Adrian Gustavo Luna Chase Everett Mackey Kristine Alyssa Magallanes Marybel Arai Manriquez Miguel Angel Manriquez Jr. Daniel Martinez Karla Martinez Kathy Marie Martinez Leila Alejandra Martinez Lisa M. Martinez Mike Martinez Reynaldo Martinez Jr. Alexis Dominique Mata Mariah Aracely Matos-Nunez Luis Miguel Maynez Magda Christine McClendon Nasttassja G. Medina Luis-Ignacio C. Mendiola III Daniela Luisa Mendoza Margie Meza Tania Guada Miramontes Ivan Nathanial Miranda Amanda R. Mitchell Jaime Molina Karina Nicole Monticone Andrea Celeste Morales Leonela Morales Sarah Jasmine Morales Cynthia Rae Moreno Michael Eduardo Moreno Sebastian Gage Muncrief-Saldivar Ana A. Nava Alondra Navarrete Krysten A. Navarro Susan Giselle Nevarez Elizabeth Noriega Landa Valerie Nunez Katia Elizabeth Ochoa Janet Jaqueline Olivas Rafael Ornelas Oscar Jacob Ortega Samara Ortega Tania Ortega Aneka Grace Otero Valerie Renee Papa Tiffany S. Parra Eric Matthew Patton Britanny Lizeth Payan Baca Samantha Renee Pena Breanna Chantal Pence Brenda I. Perez Valerie M. Perez Magaly Perez Rodriguez Alejandra Pina Sara Ezat Pourjavaheri Angelica Quinones Preetha Rajkumar Idalis Malika Ramirez Juan Luis Ramirez Jr. Paola Ramirez Jesus Manuel Reyes Desiree Elizabeth Rios Daniela Arian Rodriguez David Rodriguez Gloria Rodriguez Leslie Rodriguez Vanessa Rodriguez
Congratulations on graduating, Miners! We encourage you to continue mining for knowledge, think in terms of your community in your future successes, and DO NOT be afraid to RE-CREATE what the world needs. We look forward to hearing from your accomplishments! -Recreational Sports Department
Congratulations Class of 2019 Housing and Residence Life
Ysenia Nicole Rodriguez Aldo Isac Rojas Benny Adrian Rosales Celeste Marie Rosales Ronal Alberto Ruiz Christian Lee Saiz Ibrahim Feras Salama II Carina Amanda Salazar Luis Alberto Salazar Brianna Brissa-Marie Sanchez Lizette Sanchez Luisa Maria Sanchez Maria D. Sanchez Pamela Isabel Sanchez Valerie Sanchez Marisela Sanchez Alonso Valeria Ileanna Saucedo Marisela Ivonne Seanez Emily T. Sena Denise Sherwood Cristina Gavaldon Sifuentes Adrian Silerio Maria Isabel Siles Asaff Ruta Simanavicius John Byron Snell Carolina V. Solis Marco Enoc Soto Paola Alejandra Suarez Itzel A. Tejeda Kira Maria Tiula Dina Torres Gabriel Trevino Lluvia Vanessa Trevizo Ugyen Samdrup Tshering Jenna Nicole Turza Humberto Galo Urrutia Cedillos Ana Marcela Valdez Karen Rocio Valdez Claudia Alejandra Valdiviezo Ivan Rene Valenzuela Kassandra Mae I Valerio Jessica Vasquez Aaron E. Vazquez Elizabeth Dolores Vicencio Neha Vijay Elizabeth Michelle Waldrop Hyung Kyung Suh Yi Gerardo Zavala College of Education Bachelor of Arts
Gabriela L. Aguilar Maria Fernanda Baca Theresa Mary Cataldi Ingrid Irasema Favela Penelope Garcia Fernandez Ruby Gonzalez Rebecca Albina Hernando Luisa Fernanda Legarreta Jorge Luis Lopez Priscilla Marie Luevano Itzel Areli Martinez Mariana Mendoza Del Valle Celeste M. Meza Martina Murillo Valeria Angelica Ocana Tania Orellana Debra Oropeza Mariana Palacios Samira Ponce De Leon Marcia Sofia Ramos Aide Rivera Nancy B. Rivera Ariadne P. Ruiz Marisol Sifuentes Luz M. Torres Lauren Lisa Vargas David Anthony Vijil Anna Sophia Villalobos Nallely Villalobos Bachelor of Interdiciplinary Studies
Denise Acosta Korina L. Arras Vibrianna E. Avila Alicia Fernanda Camargo Casey Diana Ceniceros Kristina Alma Cicchetti Jessica L. Cortez Destanee Brianne Cruz Claudia Del Valle Kimberly Lee Diaz Jennifer Yvette Fematt Yessica Fernandez Acosta Natalia Galvan Paulina Garcia Medina Amanda Nicole Gomez Irma V. Guerra Leeza Marie Gutierrez Yasmeen Hamdan Andrea Herrera Cabral Fernanda Jimenez
ser ity of Texas
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Congratulations to the graduating Class of 2019! May you keep reaching your goals as you embark on the next journey in your life.
Go Miners! -Student Engagement and Leadership Center
Arlene Lozano Yvette Lujan-Rodriguez Karla Leticia Martinez Gutierrez Paola Leticia Martinez Gutierrez Vianey Miriam Medina Leslie Meraz Savannah M. Nieto Anahi Olague Liliana Victoria Ortiz Ariel Alexis Patino Andrea Carolina Perez Lopez Liliana Iveth Ramos Jose E. Rodriguez Mary-Elizabeth Rye Rocio A. Santos Jessica Sarmiento Ana Cecilia Solis Mayra Ramos Torres Lauren Kristine Walker College of Business Administration Bachelor of Arts
Isabella Rene Caro Sarah Valadez Bachelor of Business Administration.
Ryan Abraham Alyce Kristin Acosta Jocelyn Paulina Acosta Barraza Socorro Monserrat Aguilar Jesus Aguilar-Arroyo Zaira E. Akhtar Rebeca Alba Farah Ziad Aldasouqi Victoria Aurora Aleman Ian Angelo Alvarado Ruben L. Alvarado Albert Alvarez Patrick Andrew Alvarez Sarah Alvarez Yanette Amparan Gregg Matthew Anaya Jacqueline Andrade Michael R. Antisdel Isaac L. Armendariz Denis A. Arras Jr. Joshua S. Arriaga Carlos Avalos Padraic Nolan Baily Kimberly Alexis Barba Melissa Barbosa Cristian Hael Barron Mora Karen R. Benavides Cynthia Bermea Pamela Cecilia Blanco Zevanda Lisel Borjon Francisco Botello Jr. Kenneth Charles Boyd Christian S. Bravo Darius Devon Brown Daniel J. Bueno Jr. Leticia Bueno Alondra Alexandra Burciaga Erika Denise Burnett Eduardo Camacho Ana Cecilia Camargo Tellez Javier Cardenas-MuĂąoz Jr. Mario Alberto Carranza Juan Pablo Carrasco Palacios Eduardo Carrera Alexis Nicole Carrillo Miguel A. Carrillo
Jennifer Pamela Castro Brenda Lizette Ceniceros Caitlin Christine Cervantes Ileana Jocelyn Chacon Garcia Neferteti Chavarria Andres Armando Chavez Ordonez Anais Chavira Zachary Chenoweth Ruth Isabella Clark Jose Daniel Colon Eduardo Alejandro Contreras Robert Michael Corbin Christopher Cordova Claudia Cortes Jessica Denise Cortez Miguel Angel Cortez Sonia Cortez Daniella Cruz Eduardo De La Rosa Michelle Yazmin De La Rosa Melany De La Rosa Cangas Darielle Arissa De La Torre Alfredo De Santiago Oscar A. Del Valle Isaac Yahir Delgado Krystle Delgado Silvia Delgado Emily A. Diaz Victor Diaz Aaron David Dominguez Benjamin Dominguez I Diana Valeria Dominguez Marco Antonio Dominguez Paula Giovanna Dominguez Parra Jaqueline Dominguez Villalba Chencho Dorji Kesang Tshomo Dorji Marianna Duarte Andrea Dulche Gaetane Edouard Alexa M. Enciso Jodie R. Enokson Victor Alejandro Enriquez Silva Amy Cristina Espinola Ignacio A. Esquivel Karen Michelle Favela Escobar Justin Robert Fawcett Francisco Alfredo Fernandez Jacqueline S. Fernandez Jason Dwight Filley I David Flaco Amanda Liane Flores Argelia P. Flores Erika Flores Gustavo Flores Jr. Jairo U. Flores Natalie Alaine Flores Marisol Flores-Moreno Adriana Marie Franco Jennifer Franco Omar C. Frausto Brenda Arely Fuentes Ortiz Naidid Gallardo Kay Gamboa Abraham Rodolfo Gandarilla Jonathan Derek Garcia Joshua Nathaniel Garcia Antonio Garcia Ceja Michael Randy Gibson Andrea Giner Vega Pablo Ginther Gongora Celeste Gomez Denise Michelle Gomez Elsa Leilani Gomez Rene Gomez
Andrea Gonzalez Gustavo Gonzalez Jr. Jocelyn Itzayana Gonzalez Apodaca Valeria Guadalupe Gonzalez Munoz Isis Yuritzi Grajeda Rosa Emma Granados Gabriel Guillen Hector Daniel Gutierrez Jessica Eileen Gutierrez Kimberly Guzman Gerardo Hansen Stephanie Brooke Hart Jason David Henry Aylin Paola Heredia Enrique Hernandez Estefania Hernandez Jared Hernandez Karla Edith Hernandez Keren Areli Hernandez Rebecca Hernandez Edward Lee Refugio Herrera Jesus D. Herrera Iris Jazmin Hita Natalia Huerta Erik Gerardo Hupfer Jacob Matthew Hupfer Qusai Wael Issa Daniel Trinidad Jaso Arlene Yadira Jasso Antonio Jerman Johnson Mandy Michelle Kruse Stephanie E. Lara Mariana Leyva Laurence Loiselle Samuel Longoria Mathew G. Looney Allan Lopez Elaine Yamiles Lopez Esther D. Lopez Junior A. Lopez Savannah Monique Lopez Sara Gabriela Lopez Parra Isaac Lopez-Hurtado Celeste Marie Lucero Leonel Lucero Jr. Mario Allen Luna Brian K. Lynch Mariana Madero Guerrero Alexis Magallanes Cecilia A. Magana Hector Aaron Maldonado Judith Maldonado Tiffany Maldonado Zenia Karyme Maldonado Breeana L. Mapes Jessica Samantha Mariscal Quintana Adrian Michael Martinez Alejandro Martinez Denise C. Martinez Maria Elena Martinez Matthew A. Martinez Meghan Renee Martinez Rosario Inez Martinez Samantha Marie Martinez Raul Isaac Martinez Rodriguez Victoria Marissa Matos Christina Darlene Mayorga Raul Antonio Mena Jr. Raven Rose Mendez Gisela Itzayana Mendoza Luis Angel Meza Devin Mikael Mina Erika Idaly Miranda Tania Monarrez Maria Montanez
Wishing all Spring 2019 UTEP graduates continued success and achievement. Thank you for letting us be a part of your educational journey, we look forward to being part of your bright future as well. Congratulations from the UTEP Division of Student Affairs
Giselle Montoya Juan E. Montoya Fernando Moreno Villarreal Mallory Sue Mosher Gabriel Alejandro Munoz Diego Munoz Mendez Saul A. Murillo Mark Alexander Myers Jr. Jessica Alejandra Nevarez Cesar A. Nunez Juanjose Nunez Angel K. Odriozola Landry J. Olivar Adrina Aileen Oliver Luis Eduardo Olivera Norma Daniela Ovies Leticia Pacheco Leslie Padilla Frida Naomi Paez Sethavuth Paradee Justin Robert Paxton Monica G. Pena Claudia Angelica Perez Ngawang Tobgay Phuntsho Matthew Edward Pinho Jonathan Polanco Karla Elizabeth Ponzio Alessandra Marina Portillo Bernardo Eugenio Prado Christian M. Prawel Angel Anthony Quintana Luis Quintero Edgar Quiroga Jessica Quiroz Maria Salette Quiroz Arthur D. Ramirez Jazmyne Danielle Ramirez Jonathan Ramirez Levi Jefferey Ramirez Manuel David Rendon Valeria Renteria Daniel Jaime Reyes David Cuauhtemoc Reyes Sonam Rinchen Antonio Alfredo Rios Jr. Bianey D. Rios Roland A. Rios Horacio Rios Vega Kimberly Michelle Rivera Kimberly Preci Rivera Ricky Robles Brianda Susana Rocha Vejar Donna Rodela Jessica Elizabeth Rodriguez Jesus Rodriguez Mary Rodriguez Viviana Irais Rodriguez Juruby Romero Ashley Rosales Stephanie Rubio Saenz Corinna Salas Adrian E. Salazar Angel Lee Salazar Giselle Saldana Lilian Estela Salgado Chavez Monica Sanchez Nayha Sekhani Pamela Sepulveda Anthony Shiner Erika V. Sianez Daniela Sifuentes Andres Sol Serena Rose Soledad Abril M. Solis Sofia Solis
Congratulations class of
Kevelin C. Sosa Leslie Sosa Natali Sosa Nohely Sosa Gustavo Soto Candace D. Swindell Paul E. Thomas Zih Yun Ting Donitza Marie Tirado Jonathan Torres Cindy I. Trammell Clara Elizabeth Trevizo Sebastian Uribe Saidah Angelica Valenzuela Abigail Valles Acosta Aaron N. Varela Jessica Vargas Alfonso M. Vasquez Coral Ivonne Vazquez Rafael Vega Gabrielle Monica Velasquez Jimmie Villa Tania Villa Andrea Paulette Villalobos Luis Alonso Villalobos Ricardo Villalobos Jr. Raul Ivan Villarreal Deanna Vitela Gerardo Vizcaino Jessica Daniela Zaragoza Junkai Zhong College of Health Sciences Bachelor of Science
Megan Melis Acevedo Joshua Benjamin Alfsen Federico Alvarez III Celeste Anahi Alvidrez Jovana Antunes Lorena Arredondo Alonzo Q. Astorga Macey B. Austin Brenda Carina Baca Jackeline Baca Martha Lizze Bazan Lauren Maree Betance Ariel Jae Blair Kimberly Cabral Mauricio Calvo Daisy Cardenas Sergio Castaneda Bricia Castrejon Aaron Anthony Cervantes Andrea Janeen Cervantes
Lauren E. Chacon Nayely Rocio Chacon Aaron M. Chavez Alyssa M. Chavez Erica Nicole Chavez Jose Carlos Chavez Kayzang Chimmi Ashlyn Scoutt Colon Hugo Alejandro Cordova Jennifer Lee Courtright Itzel Natalia De La Torre Josue Delgado Miraal Shafik Dharamsi Chantal Diaz Rosa Elvira Escalante Lopez Ronda Nancy Esper Adriana Estrada Cynthia Estrada Leslie Estrada Andres Horacio Fernandez Emily Flores Melissa Flores Marcos Flores Calderon Kirsten Angela Franka Marion Dewey Franklin Allison Arlette Garcia Gloria Paola Garcia Maida I. Garcia Sebastian Saul Garcia Georgina Alejandra Garcia Bustillos Raul Andres Gardea Mariana Garza Jonathan Jesus Gomez Alejandro Gurany Jr. Angelina Gutierrez Syed Ammar Haider Bianca Renee Hatch Brandi Ann Henderson Cynthia Maritza Hernandez Estefania Hernandez Claudia Gabriela Hernandez-Herrera Nathan Andrew Herrera Brandon J. Howard Grace Angela Hubbard Ileana Abril Jarquin Jose Vicente Lamas Jr. Sarrah Frances Loera James W. Lomeli Matthew Lopez Amber Luna Ailed Macias Bianca Lisette Magallanes Anne Leris Macaraeg Manio Nadia Marquez Alyssa Andrea Martinez Angel Martinez
2019
Melissa Renita Martinez Armando Martinez Ruiz Raphael John McCullen Eduardo Alejandro Medina Jasmine Alexandra Mendoza Mariza Annette Mendoza Eduardo Merino Canizales Ruth Meza Vanessa Miramontes Amanda R. Moore Yvette Morales Madeline Jaine Morgan Efren Narvaez Amanda Nash Cristian Nieto Kassandra Kiana Olivas Alex Rene Ornelas Marlyn Orozco Jesus Armando Ortiz Gabriel A. Pacheco Mario Alber Pacheco Karen Pacheco Ochoa Miranda Leonor Padilla Frances A. Paez Derrington J. Perez Mayte Perez Mauricio Said Polanco Leslie Porras Luis Carlos Porras Juliana Arissa Ramirez Clarissa Gonzalez Rasberry Errica Suzette Reynolds Jonathan Andre Rivera Emmitt Enrique Rodriguez Christina Roman Lorena Romero Alberto Georgina Salas Nora G. Salgado Chavez Edward C. Sanchez Stephanie Santiesteban Maximiliano Sarmiento Jasmin Rosio Segovia Jeremy Matthew Serrano Alejandro David Silva-Lopez Luis Miguel M. Solis Alberto Torres Jr. Ruben Torres
Sergio Ivan Urena Eduardo Marcelino Urueta Lizeth Valenzuela Abey Valles Michael Jose Vazquez Vicente Veck Megan R. Veeranna Marc Anthony Veliz Madison Venegas Francisco Villa II Bachelor of Social Work
Rocio Barajas Dennise Cano-Sanchez Hazel V. Cazares Jacqueline Anissa Cuellar Maribel De la O Juan Carlos Dominguez Yohana Edith Duarte Brenda I. Esparza Aaron Anthony Flores Idaly Galindo Angela Louise Gutierrez-Macias Christina Lopez Ingrid Marcela Loya Sofia Macias Rafael Martinez Jennifer Munoz Alexandra Polanco Alexis Andrea Ramirez Esmeralda Ramirez De Carrion Julia Elizabeth Rodriguez Yajaira Eliza Rodriguez Diana Lizette Romero Tania Romero Kimberly Rubio Carolina Soto Alondra Suarez Xarenny Trujillo Edlin Haydee Tuda Monica Vasquez Kayla Villegas Marisela Zuniga
University of Texas at El Paso
School of Nursing BS in Nursing
Robin Rhiannon Acevedo Aida Gabriela Acosta Ashley Marie Aguilar Zandra M. Aguirre Jenean Ahmad Coral Alaniz Valerie Ann Aldous Reena S. Amaro Jennifer Marie Barragan Clarissa Isabel Bernal Lauren Gayle Black Joslyn J. Bringas Juan Jose Calderon Jacqueline Campos Maria Adriana Cardenas Deandra Idalis Carrillo Evelyn Castaneda Margarita Castorena Ayleen Castro Lizet Chavez Sarah Elizabeth Chavez Adela Marie Colmenero Zoe Elizabeth Contreras Karen Pearl Copp Melissa Corral Jasmin De La Fuente Adriana De La Torre Afton Donne Deleon Yessica Delgado Rachell Dawn Dixon Cristina Dominguez Brianna Hope Duchene Ayveri G. Durand Dalia Samir Elbo Heidi Drylie Eshleman Ellie Lauren Felix Ana Isabel Fernandez Alexandra Alyse Furman Victoria Ann Fuss Travis William Gardner Esmeralda Gold Janice Gomez Lira James Phillip Gonzalez Nancy Gonzalez Kyle Morris Graham Fernanda Iliana Grajeda Ashley N. Grolou Antionette Grove Cassandra Alexis Hellard Edith M. Hernandez Reahnna Hernandez
Alfred Hijar Salma Sofia Ikhlail Salma Yamel Issa Rios Charity Kiplagat Linda Lelingis Beatrize Lopez Cesar B. Lucero Carolina Sarahi Lucero Salas Alissa Luna Teresa Mares Amy Miller Brienna Mitchell Brisa Maria Molina Analia Montoya Desirae Nicole Morales Lakishia Shontika Muniz Angelica Ruth Munoz Ana Patricia Nouel Krystal L. Ortiz Linda Marie Ozuna Joe Pabon Victoria Christine Padilla- Villescas Alma Angelica Palacios Karen V. Palacios Tara Michelle Paxton Maya Pedersen Nathan Pedregon Adriana Perez Hector Manuel Perez Dennise Ponce-Quintanilla Ashley Marie Purcell Elizabeth Ramirez Mattye A. Rash Gabrielle Reyes Jodi Yvonne Reyes Stephanie Reyes Toni M. Rocha Minaxi Marga Rodriguez Brandi Nicole Romero Stacy Romero Yessenia Ross Victoria Saenz Lilly Sanchez-Hernandez Eric A. Santeliz Christopher Steven Sapien Wesley R. Solis Sydney Sutton-White Novelyn A. Tapia Kristina Anita Therese Torres Salvador Valdiviezo Stephanie Marie Valenzuela Brittany Irene Wemhoff Sara Lee White Jessica L. Williams Sarah Wolf Elizabeth K. Zydonyk
From Office of the Provost
MAY 7, 2019 NEWS SERVICE from page 10
19
2006
2006
“Glory Road” celebrates the 1966 Texas Western Men’s National Basketball Championship Team
Received distinguished alumnus award, Texas Exes, UT Austin
2002 President Natalicio signs an agreement with NASA officials to create a network of research for students
2008 Sworn in as board chair of the American Council on Education, the largest national higher education organization
2013
2011 Received the Orden Mexicana del Águila Azteca the highest honor bestowed on foreign nationals by the president of Mexico
Named one of the 35 people who will shape the future of Texas, Texas Monthly Magazine
2010 Natalicio discussed Tier-one status at the opening of the new student Health Center at Union building East
2016
2017
Named to the Time magazine 100 Most Influential People list
Named among the Top 50 world Leaders by Fortune magazine
2019 Natalicio is the all time longest serving female president of a four-year public university. Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019. UTEP announced its status as an R-1
20 NEWS MAY 7, 2019 NATALICIO from page 9 the female students were taught secretarial skills and home economics. “When I finished high school, I went out like all my fellow graduates and got a job. I mean, that’s what we did. So, I was working at a large manufacturing company as a receptionist and switchboard operator,” she said. There she learned how to plug in and change the cables swiftly to connect telephone calls. Within the first month of doing so, something felt off. “I looked at that switchboard. And I realized I can’t live my life just be swallowed up by this by this box,” Natalicio said. A scared 17-year-old girl who had never left her neighborhood did something out of her comfort zone. She walked into St. Louis University, a private Jesuit college, and asked how she could enroll. “They knew from the high school’s name and reputation that it wasn’t very strong so they told me, ‘Look, you can come, but you’re going to really have to work hard; you’re going to have to really catch up,’” Natalicio recalled. So she did. Natalicio took classes in the morning, walked to work after class and studied on the bus on her way home. Her collegiate journey taught her the importance of a higher education and why students, like the ones at Socorro High School she had spoken to earlier that day, need to realize that. “I really understand how important it is not to get into the trap of not going to college and telling yourself ‘I’ll go later’ because it doesn’t happen, seldom happens,” Natalicio said. “And sort to trying to grapple with the fact that you’re going to have to step up your game, you’re gonna have to do this, if you want a different kind of life.” The idea of having a better and different life for herself resulted in several personal achievements. During her time at SLU, she became a part of the honors program which eventually opened the doors to a fellowship that sent her to Brazil—a trip she said changed her life. “I was on my own. I’d never been on an airplane. I’d never traveled anywhere, really. I was kind of transformed,” Natalicio said. It also gave her the opportunity to connect with the then-chairman of the languages department of the University of Texas at Austin. She became a teaching assistant and earned a master’s degree in Portuguese and a doctorate in linguistics from the university.
From professor to president
Natalicio arrived at UTEP to become a visiting assistant professor. She said she wanted to try out the job and the university for one year, but one year turned into 45. Natalicio fell in love with the city and all it had to offer, including the drive and motivation many UTEP students have. She went on to become professor of linguistics, chair of the modern languages department, dean of liberal arts, and vice president for academic affairs. Natalicio said the process to become president is much different today, but becoming president
PRISCILLA GOMEZ / THE PROSPECTOR UTEP President Diana Natalicio bids farewell to UTEP. In a exclusive interview with The Prospector, Natalicio said the 2019 spring and summer commencement ceremonies will be her last. was never really a goal of hers until she realized her der to provide students, faculty and staff with bet- different pathways, different things,” Natalicio said. plans could change if she didn’t. Natalicio was three ter resources. During her final year of her tenure, “I’m thinking a lot about what I’m going to do and years in to her five-year plan as provost when she UTEP was able to obtain a national top tier ranking. how I’m going to do it. I’m going to breathe first, you UTEP’s charted course and its mission, led by Na- know, that’ll be good.” applied for the position. “As the process began to develop, I began to talicio, has become a model for other universities. Natalicio said it will be difficult to down“You’ve just got to do both access and excel- size as she is preparing to move out of the understand that if I didn’t get the job as president, I wasn’t going to get to do my agenda anyway. So, lence, because too many students don’t have any Hoover House. I might as well throw my hat in the ring,” Natalicio other options. We have to give them the best educa“I have a lot of work to do at home, because tion we can, so that this college investment, this big I’ve accumulated so much,” she said. “I’m going said. After several interviews, Natalicio—the only bet that they made on themselves, is going to pay to have to get a little faster at it. Because my woman out of five finalists—was selected to become rich dividends,” Natalicio said. pace is too slow, I wouldn’t be able to move for president in 1988. During her 30-year tenure, the at least five years if I stay at this pace.” university has worked tirelessly to provide access She plans on traveling, she said. She will Looking to the future and excellence for all UTEP students. The UT Board of Regents unanimously selected visit Portugal this summer, a place where she “Thirty years is enough time to get something Dr. Heather Wilson, U.S. Secretary of the Air Force, said she feels “in her element” and once called like that done because executing a strategic plan as Dr. Natalicio’s successor, on April 2. home for a year and a half. takes time,” Natalicio said. “I love Portugal, it’s a place where I feel tall. Natalicio said the most important advice she When her tenure year began, Natalicio said one can give is to get to know and understand the UTEP Portuguese are fairly short and that’s always reof the challenges she faced in order to provide ac- students. assuring,” Natalicio said. cess was getting the student demographics to mirWhile she may be stepping out of the ad“I think the hard part will be somebody comror El Paso’s demographics. ing in new, and not having that kind of ecosystem ministration building and the Hoover House, “I mean (UTEP is) a public university. You have understanding, and having to develop it quickly Natalicio will still call El Paso her home. She a public mandate. You’ve got to do that,” Natalicio in order to be successful,” Natalicio said. “Because said she will still be cheering the university said. “So, that’s one of the things we set out to do and here, the surrounding area, and the people who live on and offer her opinions “if anybody wants not without resistance from a lot of people who kept in it, are really important factors. … Our role here is them.” telling us ‘you’re going to have to lower standards.’ I to educate the people who are here.” It’s hard not to call Dr. Diana Natalicio—a told them ‘no, we’re going to raise standards.’” In March 2018, The Prospector spoke to Na- woman who saw the university’s potential and She added that in order to create access for stu- talicio as she celebrated her 30th year as president. pushed students to achieve their goals just as dents, UTEP needed to be able to do it well in order She said at the time she had a long list of things she she did—irreplaceable. But, we won’t say she’s to give students access to the highest quality degree wanted to accomplish before she retired. When irreplaceable. Instead, we’ll say she’s one of a they need to compete with other people out in the asked about that list and what has been checked off, kind. We’ll say she has definitely impacted the world. she simply said “many things,” but she’s also added lives of many people within the UTEP commuNatalicio said the excellence aspect of the uni- to it, too. nity, and that will forever be cherished. versity’s mission has taken a bit more time in or“The list never really shortens. You just have Brianna Chavez may NOT be reached at theprospector1@gmail.com
EDITOR CATHERINE RAMIREZ, 747-7446
MAY 7, 2019
e n t e rta i n m e n t
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Graduate Amy Miller masters the cello
BY GLENDA AVALOS The Prospector
Graduation marks the end of an exciting, frustrating and enriching part of a student’s life and after two years as a graduate music performance student, Amy Miller is ready to receive her master’s degree in music performance. “My first year here, I was the only cello master student and I was principal on the UTEP Symphony Orchestra,” Miller said. “It taught me a lot—to step up when you’re put in that role.”
It’s one of those things where you have to take it day by day, and think ‘my life is not over, what else do I want to do?’ - Amy miller Music Performance graduate student Born in the small town of Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Maryland, Amy grew up playing lacrosse until an injury, and during her junior year of high school, Amy picked up the cello. “I’ve been playing lacrosse since I was four, and that was something that I loved to play. I was recruited and got signed to a university in Boston and then I tore my ACL and meniscus, and that’s when everything shifted,” Miller said. “It’s one of those things where you have to take it day by day, and think ‘my life is not over, what else do I want to do?’ Music was something that I had loved to do.” Throughout high school, Miller was a
member of the Youth Symphony Orchestra and participated in the Kennedy Center Youth Fellowship Program. Although Miller spent a lot of time working on her musical talent, she never expected to make it her career. “I found myself at the University of Michigan, doing my cello performance as an undergraduate and there’s where I developed my taste for music and kind of really getting into that world,” Miller said. Miller said the experience that she received at Michigan was eye-opening for her since her classmates were studying music seriously their entire lives and she hadn’t. She worked to introduce herself to that world and started to see what it took to be a musician. “I decided that I really wanted to be a cellist and I wanted to work hard and be the best that I can be,” Miller said. Miller has participated four times during the summer in a small music festival at the Meadawmount School of Music in Westport, New York. “That experience taught me a lot about the stamina that you need to have as a musician. It taught me about myself, and what I actually want to do,” Miller said. After graduating from the University of Michigan, Miller has continued her education at UTEP and has since been involved with the El Paso community by participating as a substitute cellist in the El Paso Symphony Orchestra and Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra. Miller has served as a teaching assistant for the String Project at UTEP, a program that helps tutor students from kinder to fifth grade who can’t afford individual music lessons. “We teach them how to play their instruments privately and then as a group together. It’s just a really good experience for them and for us as teachers,” Miller said. After graduation in May, Miller wants to engage with the community by getting to know her audience through music. In the future, she wants to keep teaching students about music and plans to dedicate herself to art management. Glenda Avalos may be reached at theprospector1@gmail.com.
SPECIAL TO THE PROSPECTOR Miller has served as a substitute cellist in the El Paso Symphony Orchestra.
22 ENTERTAINMENT MAY 7, 2019
DesignHaus highlights seniors BY DANIEL MENDEZ The Prospector As part of earning a graphic design degree at UTEP, one must complete the portfolio class. It’s a class that usually is the first to be filled once registration starts and overflows with students. Each semester these students must curate a student-led exhibition to showcase the work they have done throughout their years at UTEP and present it at the Glass Gallery in the Fox Fine Arts building. This semester’s exhibit will showcase a total of 16 students as they present DesignHaus 2019. “Each student in the class presents their work in the showcase, so we put forward our best work,” said Laura Chaidez, double major in graphic design and media advertising. “And we present it to the community, it can be either to our family members or friends and, preferably, to professionals.” Clive Cochran, senior lecturer for the UTEP graphic design department, states that this is the department’s 10-year anniversary of hosting the event. The department has hosted 20 shows (two per academic year). The event was born when six students took it upon themselves to create an exhibition to present their work. They did it off campus at an art studio and that event evolved to what the class is today. Cochran orchestrated his senior portfolio class to emphasize the word “teamwork.” Teamwork is necessary to the students’ success as they control everything—from the theme, to the organization and scheduling. The students handle the catering, scheduling the Glass Gallery for use, arranging and cleaning the gallery, marketing, the graphics of posters and more. In the first week of class, the students usually
hold a meeting and discuss the plan for the exhibition, thus creating leaders in the group to help make sure everything goes as planned, Cochran said. For him, a goal for this class that came to fruition over time were the teachable moments for the students when they seek employment in the real world because they are working with others to make sure the graphics present the message relayed. Brooke Crisp, senior graphic design major, created a poster for the event, but later gave the task to another student whom she felt would execute it better. So, she gave herself the task of making sure everybody was on schedule and not falling behind. One of the group’s biggest obstacles is that students have varied schedules, causing several occasions when not everybody was present to hash out all the details to ensure plans were executed on time. So communication through texts and meeting in person have been the key to making it all possible. “Since it is student-led, and we are all doing other things, (it’s) sometimes very hectic to get everybody together,” Crisp said. “There hasn’t been an instance where we could all get together,” Crisp said. This year’s inspiration for the exhibition is from the Staatliches Bauhaus, commonly known as the Bauhaus in Germany. It was a short-lived German art school that was made famous for the approach to design it publicized and taught. This year the school turns 100 years old, so the class felt that they should honor the school that is ubiquitous in today’s work. An opening reception will be held 6 to 9 p.m. May 9 at the Glass Gallery and will run through May 17. Daniel Mendez may NOT be reached at theprospector1@gmail.com.
COURTESY OF DESIGNHAUS 16 students will be displaying design work as part of their senior showcase before graduation.
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MAY 7, 2019 ENTERTAINMENT
Goodbye, UTEP. It’s been real.
BY CATHERINE RAMIREZ The Prospector
Alas the time has come, and where to begin? I’ve always loved writing, and I never considered a career in journalism—until recently. In the summer of 2018, I walked into The Prospector office to give real journalism a shot. It was definitely a challenge, but a challenge I enjoyed nonetheless. The biggest test I faced was the leap I took from a contributor to entertainment editor in the fall of 2018. The amount of responsibility increased by about 80 percent and it really kicked me into gear and allowed to me grow professionally. To all aspiring student journalists, one of the biggest challenges for me was realizing as a student working for a college newspaper we might not receive the recognition or praise compared to someone from a large or local news/media outlet, but we all are equal and it’s important to remember that. It’s not only hard for student journalists to feel respected professionally but also, it’s hard to be respected as students in all job sectors. It is
important you keep your head high and remind yourself of your goals. No matter what job you take as a freshman in college or as a graduate, you will start from the bottom, but it will benefit you professionally in the long run. Although no one wants to be an intern doing dirty work, it is necessary because you network and become emerged to your industry that will eventually lead you to your goals. Aside from all the deadlines, layouts, long production nights and re-writing headlines a thousand times—being part of The Prospector has introduced me to a new love for El Paso and the UTEP community. From covering concerts, theatre productions, festivals, art exhibitions, feature profiles on artists, to Trump’s MAGA rally, I have found a new appreciation for this community and city all thanks to The Prospector. The events and the stories I’ve covered created a sort of bond with this city and community that I will carry with me forever, wherever I go, and I am forever grateful. I will admit when I attended my first semester at UTEP I was not the biggest fan of the school or the idea of college in general,
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but over time and after some realizations, I began to love the college experience as a whole and UTEP, in particular. For anyone wondering if they should join that club, sorority/fraternity, run for a position in SGA, or join a work study program—if you can afford it, do it. Spending four to five years in college sounds dreadful, but it actually flies by. I don’t really remember every late night I stayed up crying because of how frustrated I was with school, but those tears and late nights toughened me up. What I do remember are all the fun times I had at UTEP games, concerts, and other activities that brought me into the Miner community. So, get involved. Undergraduate time is a little awkward. You feel grown, but you’re not. You feel free, but you’re not. You’re trying to figure life out and what step to take next, but it’s important to enjoy each day as much as you can because even as grown adults we will still be trying to figure life out. Although graduation is only days away, I still have much to “figure out,” but I know that, eventually, everything will fall into place. I hope to continue my education by attending grad
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school and seeing what happens from there. But before it all ends, I can’t finish without thanking those who supported me through it all —my parents, my sister, family and friends who pushed me continuously when I wanted to give up. I want to thank all my Prospy team, all 31 of them for being great coworkers and cool people. I want to personally thank Vero and Tracy for teaching me the ins-and-outs of working for a newspaper and the support they gave all semester long; your work doesn’t go unnoticed. To all the Prospector editors, Gigi, Brianna, Ashley, Claudia, Christian, Curly and Isaiah for long production nights, budget meetings and other shenanigans that I will definitely take with me forever. You all are amazing, smart and just awesome people. I wish you all nothing but the best I know you all will succeed in all that you do. So, to close, goodbye UTEP. For now. Catherine Ramirez may NOT be reached at theprospector1@gmail.com.
RECEIVE YOUR UTEP GRADUATION DISCOUNT! Call Renee Griffith before May 15th to set up your graduation party or sleeping room block. 900 Sunland Park Dr. El Paso, TX 79922 915-833-2900 x 680 renee@elevationhm.com
24 ENTERTAINMENT MAY 7, 2019
ENJOY THE ULTIMATE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE Dance seniors present
final project performanc es BY ALEXIA X. NAVA CARMONA
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OMG Monica, I feel so nostalgic and excited I know, can’t believe we graduate today, you ready?
I’m sooo ready, but I don’t wanna leave my casita Can’t believe we’ve made so many friends Also our RA’s has been the best!, they’ve helped us get to this day
The Department of Theatre and Dance will present “Trajectory: Senior Dance Capstones” May 10 as part of a final senior dance project. The capstones are a series of eight- to 10-minute choreographed pieces directed by the graduating dance seniors, including group and solo dances. The student projects include a written paper proposal with a thesis statement. The seniors work with designers from the department to set up a show. “It’s basically an opportunity for us to get to work with lighting designers and the rest of the department to build a show and build the show that we want,” said Marayah Vigo, a senior majoring in both dance and psychology. “It gives us a great opportunity to learn how to work with dancers in a choreographer-dancer setting and seeing how can we work together to create this show.” The choreographies in the Capstones are of different themes. Vigo’s capstone piece named “Caldo de pollo” is about hunger and how one in six people go hungry every day. “(I’m) really playing with this idea of utilizing my dancers’ own movement, instead of just saying, like, ‘This is what you’re going to do and you’re going to do it’ but really asking them to come up with their own ideas of hunger and poverty, and constructing it in a way that I guess feels organic for them,” Vigo said. Senior Yazmin Norris created the choreography and directed her piece “Taking Away From Ourselves” that speaks about anxieties with the participation of nine dancers. Norris is also doing a second piece involving two dancers called “3 a.m.” about her recurring nightmares. “I have a lot of nightmares and night terrors, so I’m trying to think of all those feelings that I get when I’m waking up scared, or yelling or crying after a nightmare and I’m trying to
make it into a dance,” Norris said. “(This) piece is called ‘3 a.m.’ because, when I wake up from these night terrors, (it’s) usually 3 a.m.” Both Vigo and Norris are planning to pursue a dancing career once they complete their capstones and graduate from UTEP. Vigo wants to take a break for a while before studying for her master’s in dance movement therapy, where she will use what she learned at UTEP by majoring on both dance and psychology. “I feel like I added the psychology major in order to be able to prepare myself for the things that I can and will be doing as a dance movement therapist, and there’s a lot of psychology things that are considered prerequisites for the master’s program.” Norris said she wants to be a dance teacher. She has had a studio for two years now and at first she wanted to remain self-employed. “I opened up my own studio because I didn’t want to ever go back working for someone else. In my mind, I was just coming back to finish my degree, but now that I’ve been here, and I’m about to graduate, I think I will go back to trying to teach,” Norris said. “My plan is to maybe find a studio this summer to maybe have a part-time job and teach and then eventually, I’ll look into teaching at a high school or a studio.” “Trajectory: Senior Dance Capstones” will have its first show 7:30 p.m. May 10 in the Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall. Following shows will be at 2:30 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m. May 11. For information, visit events.utep.edu/ event/trajectory_senior_dance_capstones. Alexia X. Nava Carmona may be reached at theprospector1@gmail.com.
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EDITOR ISAIAH RAMIREZ, 747-7446
sports
MAY 7, 2019
Senior centerfielder Ariel Blair
Deuces UTEP BY DANIEL MENDEZ The Prospector
Graduate to end season with tourney success BY MICHAEL CUVIELLO The Prospector
El Paso’s own Ariel Blair, a graduating senior center fielder for the UTEP softball team, looks to close out her collegiate career with a second trip to the Conference-USA softball tournament. The Miners clinched the seventh seed in the conference tournament, winning two out of three games versus Florida International University this past weekend. Blair did her part with her first career triple, and the first run batted in this season in the Sunday matchup against the Panthers. The Hanks High School graduate has been a four-year starter for the Miners primarily in center field. At Hanks, she compiled a .510 career batting average and as a senior was named the El Paso Times All-City First Team. As a senior, Blair ranked third nationally in stolen bases with 39, and second statewide with 65 runs scored. The quick-footed Blair was ranked 94th ranked prospect in the state of Texas by MaxPreps, one of the top sources for High School athletics. During her career at UTEP, Blair has contributed with excellent defense and is a significant factor on the diamond. Overall, Blair has 23 stolen bases in her career and has stolen 16 out of 17 bases in the past two seasons. Her 10 total stolen bases in 2018 tie for sixth all-time in Miner history for a season. For her career, Blair has 92 hits and 70 runs, to go along with 175 putouts in the field. Blair said she overcame much adversity to be able to play. She started playing softball at age six and made the varsity team as a freshman. As a sophomore at age 14, Blair came down with a throat infection that turned out to be much worse, with numbness of her hands and feet. She became paralyzed in her limbs from the elbow and knees down and diagnosed with GuillainBarre Syndrome (GBS). GBS is a rare neurological disorder which causes the body’s immune system to
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PRISCILLA GOMEZ / THE PROSPECTOR Senior centerfielder Ariel Blair had 10 stolen bases in the 2018 season, ranking her sixth all-time in program history. attack part of the body’s nerve system, which can result in weakness to paralysis. Blair recovered from this rare illness and became one of El Paso’s best softball players and translated that into an athletic scholarship at her hometown university. When asked about her decision last year about
I love being able to wear UTEP across my chest every game and support my hometown. - Ariel Blair
Senior centerfielder UTEP Softball attending UTEP to The Prospector, Blair said “This is probably one of my best decisions I have ever made. I love being able to wear UTEP across my chest every game and support my hometown.” Blair comes from a family of athletes. Her father,
Jason Blair, was a tight end for UTEP from 1993 to 1996 and had 43 receptions for 503 yards along with two touchdowns during his career. Blair’s father was recently named the head coach of the football program at Hanks High School after two seasons as the offensive coordinator, replacing former UTEP assistant Aaron Price. Her sister, Alyesse, is currently on the softball team for Hanks and her mother, Rachel Blair, ran cross country at UTEP and coached at Hanks for five years. An excellent student, Blair has been named to Conference-USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll every season she has been at UTEP. Student-athletes named to the Commissioner’s Honor Roll must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average or better. Blair will complete her bachelor’s degree in Health Promotion. Blair looks to extend her college playing days as far into the postseason as possible. The Miners (1732, 10-14) will open versus defending conference champion and sixth seed Middle Tennessee State (27-26, 11-13) in a single elimination game at 2:30 p.m. May 8 in Birmingham, Alabama. All four firstround matchups will be streamed on ESPN +. Michael Cuviello may be reached at theprospector1@gmail.com.
“They say ‘they never really miss you ‘til you dead or you gone’ so on that note, I’m leaving after this song,” are words on Jay-Z’s Black Album, the album that was supposed to be his retirement album. But that was not the case and those opening bars on the album share my same sentiment about leaving UTEP. UTEP and I haven’t had the best relationship from the jump. I mean, I hated you. I despised you on my first go around at the university. But after some academic probation, where I really found myself and found what I actually wanted to do in the real world, I came back, got off probation, changed my major and now I’m finally graduating. It took a while, but greatness is a process that is what I keep telling myself. But on this second go-around at UTEP, it came with a certain appreciation. The fact that this second go-around, all my friends had either dropped out, and proceeded with life—or one graduated here or there—but I was alone, made it different this time around. It made me concrete on academics and eventually led me to The Prospector, where I’ll be honest, it has been my favorite thing about my last two-plus years at UTEP. My Prospy career started off by being drenched in beer and champagne when the first thing I was assigned was an El Paso Chihuahuas game where they won the 2017 PCL Pacific Conference Championship. I’ll never forget that experience. It was then on my drive home that I confirmed to myself that the world of media and sports is what I want to do in life. From covering a winless football season, to a new athletic director to the sudden retirement of Tim Floyd and the hiring of Rodney Terry to the football program’s first win in two seasons, UTEP Athletics has given me an opportunity that I’ll forever be thankful for. From growing up as a fan to doing media for events, it has been one of my favorite things to cover while I’ve been here despite the struggles. Shoutout to Drew Bonney and Jim Senter, especially you Senter, I’ll forever appreciate our off-the-record convos. The Prospector and UTEP Athletics made me appreciate the university. see DEUCES on page 26
26 SPORTS MAY 7, 2019 DEUCES from page 25
Heading into this semester I told myself that I didn’t want to be pigeonholed. Just writing for sports, I had been sports editor, I wanted something a bit more. I wanted to be a well-rounded journalist, so the fact that we didn’t have that many writers this semester, or the fact that I wanted to challenge myself, I found myself doing more news stories. Some of the news stories I had been able to cover have been some of my favorite experiences. From O’Rourke’s presidential campaign launch, the Trump rally, and all that it entailed, to highlighting professors who are doing incredible research for the university. This is where you can say my appreciation for the university grew to admiration. But it’s not only the assignments that made me open my arms up to UTEP, it was the people I met along my journey at the good old Prospector. From our original director Kathy and AB who was editor-in-chief (EIC) at that time and took a shot on me and gave me the opportunity to do this. Thanks, AB. To our current director Veronica Gonzalez, I’m going to miss going to your office and talking about life and its tribulations and my countless attempts of stealing your Paydirt Pete bobblehead. You’ve been a great source for me especially when I was depressed at the end of
last semester. Thank you, Vero. To all former editors, especially The Prospector graduating class of 2018, I learned a lot from you guys. If it wasn’t for you guys I don’t think this semester would have been that great. To this current staff, it’s been a dope time. Granted there was some drama with some crazy stuff happening at the beginning of the semester but we prospered. From being declined at the Trump rally where Bri Bri, Gigi and myself seemed defeated we still came back to school and produced a paper adding in the stories we worked on after the rally. In all honesty, I hold that event as something that made us better as a staff. From Bri Bri’s freakout and having our newest assistant director Tracy Roy coach Bri Bri through it, to Gigi feeling she was a horrible EIC, which you weren’t. To me, trying to remain cool and level-headed through it all despite it being one of the most stressful issues I ever got to be a part of. You two may not know it, but you’ve helped me get through this semester – so thank you Bri Bri and Gigibertha. Also, one time for Cat because if it wasn’t for her we would’ve been so screwed for our cover. Also, Christian, you are the GOAT of covers. To the next editors in line, I’m sure you’ll be great, just don’t burn the paper to the ground. Sort of intrigued to see where you guys take
Prospy next. Isaiah (aren’t you happy I finally spelled your name right) bring back the sports podcast that’s all I ask from you and, one last thing go all out and cover this upcoming men’s basketball team. I think they might be special and I’m jealous I won’t be here for that. Also, make sure the Kat senior basketball feature is top notch, that’s another story I’m jealous I won’t be able to do. By chance, if Katarina Zec reads this, just know you’re my favorite player at UTEP. And last but not least, these final thanks goes out to the family and my G.O.O.D. family. To my older brother and sister, you two paved the way for me to be here and are my biggest inspirations. Becoming my legal guardians at the time when everybody doubted you. The tripod bond we have, I’ll forever be appreciative of it. Even though now its a square because of the older brother’s wifey. That bond helped me get through this semester. To my grandmother, who made it all possible. I made the promise to not only her but to me that before she eventually passes away, I needed her to see me walk across the Don Haskins stage. To my mom, you’ll have the best seat at graduation as you did for my older siblings right above looking down. Thank you. To the homies, it’s dope that we are all slowly but surely getting our dreams. From Perkins becoming a flight attendant and moving to Oakland, week one is my goal Perky. To Veggie and Marty: I told you two how depressed I was at the end of last year and, man, I would be lying if our group chat isn’t one of my favorite things on my phone. You two helped me beat depression. To my two homies that protect and serve the city, firefighter Bama and officer AJ, continue being great. To Manny and Kidney (especially Kidney), you weren’t supposed to live this long without a kidney, but
man I’m glad you’re alive because you’ve been there for me when I needed it. To Ak and Mata: Ak keeps life in perspective for me to continue that dream chasing money to Mata and everything you do for me. You’re probably the homie I see the most so thank you for being there. To Precious, I’m still salty I’m not the best man, but I understand. I look forward to yours and Elise’s future though, taking the jump and looking for houses is a huge step forward and I’m happy to be a part of it. And last but not least, the two wolves of Cinci street, Tubs and Briones, you two are crazy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. To the homies, I mentioned in this graph just know I love you and thanks for being there. Thank you. “Strive for what you believe in, set goals and you can achieve them,” Jay-Z. So long UTEP, Curly out. Daniel Mendez may NOT be reached at theprospector1@gmail.com.
The Prospector has been my favorite thing about my last two plus years at UTEP.
- Daniel Mendez Web Editor The Prospector
MAY 7, 2019 SPORTS
Highlights of 2019 spring athletics
BY ISAIAH RAMIREZ The Prospector
The 2019 spring semester featured tournament wins, names being placed in record books and a conference championship. Miner fans have plenty to look forward to after a solid outing by several Miner programs. Let’s take a look at the notable events that took place in UTEP athletics during the 2019 spring semester. Women’s Track and Field For the fourth time in five years, the UTEP Women’s Track and Field team won the ConferenceUSA indoor track and field championship Feb. 17. Senior Lilian Koech won the gold medal in the mile run, with sophomore Carolyne Chepkosgei earned the silver medal in the same event. Junior Linda Cheruiyot earned a gold medal in the 300 m race winning with a time of 9:30.67. The Miners also excelled in the field with freshman Roosa Yloenen throwing her collegiate best mark of 50.44 in the javelin throw at the Texas A&M Invitational. This throw placed her at seventh all-time in the UTEP record book. Men’s Golf A Conference-USA championship was not evident this season for the UTEP men’s golf team, but there were some great moments for team.
The Miners won the Pepsi Cola Classic and sophomore Oskar Ambrosius showed great promise for this program having six top 10 finishes and winning the Bearkat Invitational. Senior Aaron Terrazas was named to the AllConference USA second team with a senior season that included four top-five finishes. Terrazas also earned Male Athlete of the Year at the first annual Golden Pick Awards. As a team, the Miners capped off the year with four top-five finishes and having junior Eduardo Gonzalez returning for the Miners who shot a careerlow of 67 during the third round of the Western Intercollegiate Tournament. Women’s Tennis The UTEP women’s tennis team has a lot to look forward to next season after an improved 2019 campaign. Freshman Kirsten Prelle who was recently named to the All-Conference USA singles second team led the Miners with 22 wins and is the first allconference Miner since 2016. Prelle’s overall winning percentage of .733 places her at eight in the UTEP record books, and her 22 wins places her at 11th all-time. Prelle also earned a 17-7 record in doubles competition and comped at the No. 1 position in singles and doubles for the Miners. The Miners earned three straight wins for the
COURTESY / UTEP ATHLETICS ABOVE: UTEP women’s track won the Conference-USA title Feb 17. RIGHT: Senior Aaron Terrazas had four top-five finishes. first time since the 2015-2016 season defeating Portland State, Boise State and UT Tyler. Sophomore Erandi Martinez earned a win in straight sets at the ITA Mountain Regional Tournament and was named the Steve Hoy UTEP Athlete of the Week going 2-0 in singles play against Boise State Apr. 5, and Wyoming Mar. 2. The two recent additions of international standouts Thassane Abrahim and Eve Daniels along with returners in Prelle and Martinez bring plenty of promise for this young program. Isaiah Ramirez may be reached at theprospector1@gmail.com.
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