The Prospector 05 04 21

VOL. 106, NO. 15

T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F T E X A S AT E L PA S O

M AY 4, 2021

GRADUATION ISSUE Congratulations, graduates!

Cross-border graduates share concerns Nicole Lopez The Prospector Family members of international college students at UTEP who are graduating in May are facing the possibility of not being able

to attend commencement due to restrictions on the U.S.-Mexican border.

In March 2020, the first COVID-19 case was reported in El Paso, followed by the U.S.Mexican border restricting nonessential travel to prevent the spread of the disease. The restrictions do not affect

UTEP international students, as attending an educational institution is an essential reason for cross-border travel. Only U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents are allowed to cross freely to the U.S. from Mexico.

Some international students from

UTEP have family members who do not have citizenship or permanent residency, thus the inability to cross.

In April, a group of eighteen UTEP students sent an email to See Border page 6

Graphic by Teddy Baylon

Opportunity builds a top ten senior Students look for Julian Herrera The Prospector Andrea Danielle Mata, a senior in sociology at UTEP, has been selected as a Top Ten Senior for the graduating class of 2021.

Born in McAllen, Texas, Mata moved to El Paso to help build a community around herself, peers, professors, and administration at UTEP. “I was really alone, I didn’t have a lot of community, so I had to build one,” Mata said. “That was a staple of my character, I persevere and thrive.”

Coming from a family of modest means, Mata dedicated her time to excelling in her academic career and quelled all concerns of financial support when she received the UTEP BUILDing Scholars undergraduate scholarship, a research-intensive program that offered her a full ride scholarship at the university.

Mata accumulated numerous prestigious awards and participated in multiple research groups throughout her years at UTEP. In

addition to the BUILDing Scholars program, Mata participated in the UTEP Minority Health International Research Training Program (MHIRT), a program that connects students with participating research universities internationally to address health disparities, predominantly in the Hispanic community. She conducted research at partner Arizona State University and had her findings published in 2018.

At UTEP, she conducted research concerning pre-imposed natal immigrant women with Carina Heckert, Ph.D., assistant professor of anthropology and sociology at UTEP. Her involvement in MHIRT gave her the opportunity to perform research in Panama City, Panama.

Despite an internship opportunity being disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mata participated in the Law School Preparation Institute (LSPI) at UTEP, which prepares students for legal education through critical and analytical thinking and writing skills.

This summer, Mata will be conducting research concerning asylum seekers with Jeremy Slack, Ph.D., associate professor of sociology and anthropology.

After graduation, Mata will head to Michigan to begin her Ph.D. program in special education after having received another full ride scholarship for a five-year program in the college of education.

“There were a lot of surreal moments in these past few years.

After getting a full ride for my Ph.D. program, my mentor said, ‘I worked at NMSU at the college of education for 10 years and have never seen that scholarship be awarded,’ ” Mata said. “I am leaving with an incredible GPA, graduating Suma Cum Laude and will be the banner bearer for the College of Liberal Arts.”

Some of Mata’s most memorable experiences at the University include being in attendance at the announcement of UTEP as an R1 Research Institute. Additionally, See Top

Ten page 6

jobs after graduation amid pandemic Katrina Villarreal The Prospector With UTEP graduation nearing, students are beginning to take the next step in their career by searching for jobs in their desired field, with places like the UTEP Career Center Borderplex providing a helping hand.

The UTEP Career Center helps students prepare documents for employment, provides interview workshops and prepares students to engage with employers for job opportunities, career advising, as well as negotiating job offers.

According to Betsy Castro, director of the Center, the department helps students find jobs and internships as early as their first year at the university to the time they are about to graduate.

“We help students find on-campus jobs and work-study positions that are posted on our online portal called Job Mine,” Castro said. “We help students identify internships with employers, to helping them find professional jobs nearing their graduation date.”

Castro explained the type of jobs students look for variate, but the center typically sees more business and engineering majors. Liberal arts, education, nursing, physical and occupational students are some of the other majors the center has assisted.

“We still talk to all the graduating classes, and we help them, because they may know how to get their first See Jobs page 5

2021Annual Juried The Stanlee and Gerald Rubin Center for the Visual Arts proudly presents

UTEP Student Art Exhibition

May 10th - July 30th Rubin and L Galleries and Online

UTEP.EDU/RUBIN

PAGE 2

REFLECTIONS ANAHY DIAZ, 747-5161

M AY 4, 2021

Grateful for the memories and hopeful for the future

Marisol Chávez The Prospector You can change someone’s life if you believe in them just enough.

That has happened to me countless times.

I remember every single one of the people who helped me become the person I am today. Every. Single.

One. My family, of course, will always be first. They have always supported my journey, even when there wasn’t a journey quite yet.

During my freshman year, Rebecca Hernández convinced professor María de los Angeles Flores, Ph.D., that I was a good fit to participate in a research project. One summer later, I was presenting in national research conferences.

Areli Chacón Silva, Ph.D., saw my work at one of those conferences and hired me as a research assistant for the Leadership and Community Engagement Program. There, I met Omar Gandara, Ryan Metz, Zalma Hernández, Matthew Leal and Steve Telless. All of them became my second family, support system, and the best cheerleaders one could wish for.

That job also gave me my best friend, Nayla Bejarano. Since I met her, I have learned to live better. She

taught me the importance of taking care of my mind and body, and that of those around me. With her light and passion, she inspires me to be the best version of myself, or at least try.

A few semesters later, I met Valeria Olivares, a great friend and incredible leader. Together, we wrote my first published story for Borderzine.com. She was patient and sympathetic, and even drove me home that night after working together at the library.

Valeria pushed me professionally because she believed in my potential as a journalist, even more than I believed in it myself. Thanks to her, I decided to knock the door of The Prospector and apply for an internship. Two months later, we were working together leading the newsroom.

My first week as web editor at The Prospector taught me much more than any journalism class I had ever

attended. Thanks to Tracy Roy, who to this day keeps answering every question I have, I was able to figure out my job and learn CMS, SEO, and many other acronyms that same week. I am eternally grateful with Tracy and Verónica González, who somehow thought it was great idea to hire a novice as web editor, six weeks after she arrived at the newsroom.

I’ve learned so much since then, personally and professionally, from the people that surround me: Michael, Anahy, Paulina, Heriberto, Victoria, Teddy, and Exodis, you’ve made me a better writer and a better person. Working with you and reading your work inspired me every week for four semesters, and I look forward to your incredible futures.

I thank The Prospector for helping me gain the skills necessary to open the doors of my future.

To my favorite journalism professor, Kate Gannon, thank you for believing in my aspirations

and introducing me to my now great friends and mentors, Alfredo Corchado and Alfredo Carbajal.

Luis, I love you. You make me a better person every day.

After an internship with Al Día Dallas this summer, I will be starting a new chapter as a law student at William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV. I am sure law school will be challenging, but Brent McCune, Lisa Soto and Bill Weaver, Ph.D., have given me the necessary tools to succeed and a solid foundation to build upon.

After I walk the stage, this May, and move to Las Vegas, Nevada, to start my new life, I know I will always find a home in El Paso, UTEP, and The Prospector.

I am grateful for the memories and hopeful for the future. Thank you, UTEP. Marisol Chávez may be reached at prospector@utep.edu. @marisolchs on Twitter.

Graduation, seven years in the making The Prospector, a second home

Paulina Astrid Spencer The Prospector Graduating during a pandemic is something I never imagined would happen to me. But here we are, one year and a half into a pandemic that shook the entire world, achieving a goal I didn’t always believe I could achieve.

It somehow feels like a year was stolen from me, and I know I am not alone in this, but this pandemic has taught me much about perseverance, personal trust and growth.

I can’t help but feel nostalgic as I walk the quiet UTEP hallways and empty Union building, but I will always carry the memories of college with me.

It has taken me seven years to get my bachelor’s degree and at several points in my life I felt like giving up, but I am glad I stuck with it because there is nothing that satisfies me more than making myself proud.

People often say college radicalizes you and I would agree to an extent.

During my time at UTEP I found my identity, voice and ambition. Walking into my first Chicano Studies class and feeling right at home is the most valuable lesson I learned. Being proud and knowledgeable about your identity is empowering.

I will always remember getting lost on Rim Road on my way to the business building on my first day of class. I will always fondly remember meeting my first group of friends in a class none of us really wanted to take but making the most of it.

Playing UNO at the second floor of the Union instead of studying for midterm exams. Ed and Naomi, I will miss “studying” at the Tea Spout with you guys.

But the memories I will hold closest to me are the ones I made at The Prospector. If you know, you know. There isn’t a greater bond than the bond you create with your journo friends. From covering political events, to watching movies in the office, to walking to Whataburger after class, to editing and a billion other things, I will miss my Prospy pals. I am so proud of all of you, and I know we will do great things.

I want to thank Tracy and Vero for letting me grow and always making the Prospy office feel, at times, more comfortable than my own home.

To Vicky and Glenda, thank you for making my college experience so fun. From shooting photos downtown, to attending Halloween parties to blasting Bad Bunny on

STAFF VOLUME 106, NO. 15 Editor in Chief: Anahy Diaz Web Editor: Maria Salette Ontiveros Layout Editor: Cynthia “Teddy” Baylon Copy Editor: Marisol Chavez Sports Editor: Michael Cuviello Entertainment Editor: Exodis Ward Photo Editor: Hugo Hinojosa Staff Reporters: Heriberto Perez, Isaiah Ramirez, Julian Herrera Photographers: Alberto Silva, Jasmin Campoya Contributors: Victoria Almaguer, Daniel Alec Lopez, Nicole Lopez,

Victoria Rivas, Alyson Rodriguez, Katrina Villareal Sven Zackey-Kline, Julia Lucero Advertising Graphic Designer: Hugo Hinojosa Administrative Secretary: Crystal J. Brown Accounting Specialist: Isabel Castillo Assistant Director: Tracy Roy Director: Veronica Gonzalez

Transmountain, every moment spent with you was always the best. I know you will both do amazing things, because you are so talented.

I want to thank my parents for the constant support throughout my life.

Mamá, gracias por estar siempre a mi lado ayudándome, escuchándome y apoyándome. Todo lo que tengo te lo debo a ti, y este logro es tu logro también.

I also want to thank the incredible professors and mentors in the communication department. Maria de Los Angeles Flores, Ph.D., for believing in me and trusting me to help her with research. Thanks to you I learned how to stand my ground and be a “Latina ching*na.”

I also want to thank Professor Kate Gannon for always pushing me to be better. You taught me perhaps the most valuable lesson I have ever learned, to let go. We are often taught to keep going and do more, but Gannon taught me to focus on the things that really matter and let go of things that don’t.

For anyone who is struggling with the societal pressure of being “too old” to pursue a degree, or you feel like a failure because you are a certain age and haven’t graduated, I say this, keep pushing, you will get there eventually. I can’t wait to see what is next for me.

Paulina Spencer may be reached at prospector@utep.edu @paulinaaspencer on Twitter.

Isaiah Ramirez The Prospector Throughout the course of my life, I have been grateful for the amazing opportunities and blessings that have shaped the person I am today.

At The Prospector, I have friendships and memories I will appreciate for the rest of my life.

I worked at this distinguished publication for three years, and it is a surreal feeling looking back on it now.

I knew that I wanted to study journalism when I entered UTEP, since writing and reading stories is an interest of mine. It was a happy accident as to how I began working at The Prospector.

I wanted to get my foot in the door in the world of journalism, so I decided to apply to Minero Magazine, but on the application paper there was another section with job descriptions regarding The Prospector, which I knew nothing

about, so I checked the contributor position box thinking nothing of it.

After being hired to write for Minero Magazine, Jerremy Carranco, the former sports editor, approached me and asked about my interests in journalism to which I replied “sports” and from there in an impromptu interview, I became a contributor for The Prospector.

Fast forward three years later and here I am writing a farewell column.

Although it feels like yesterday I was walking into the Prospy office for the first time (with a perm on my head that I regret to this day).

Right off the bat I began covering numerous sporting events across El Paso, which opened my eyes to what it takes to be a journalist.

For students looking to become sport journalists or journalists in general, the best advice I can give you is to take every opportunity you are given and run with it. From working at The Prospector as a contributor, reporter, and editor, I have learned a lot about myself and the amazing people I have been blessed to work with.

I would like to take this time to say thank you to all those I have worked for and with at The Prospector, which became a second home to me during college. This past year we have worked through tough times together and I am proud of you for coming together and producing quality content.

To the director of Student Media Publications, Veroncia Gonzalez, See Isaiah page 3

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 titile if applicable.

Address and phone number will be used for verification only. Write to 105 E. Union, prospector@utep.edu, call 747-516 or fax 747-8031 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.

Due to COVID19, the office of Student Media and Publications is working remotely.

This issue was not printed and is only available in this digital PDF format.

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 necessary those of the university.

THEPROSPECTOR

REFLECTIONS | 3 |

M AY 4, 2021

My last piece for The Prospector

Heriberto Perez The Prospector I am a faithful believer everything happens for a reason. Some people believe destiny does not exist, but I believe it can be built.

Nearly five years ago, I graduated from high school in Ciudad Juárez and took my next step and enroll in EPCC. I entered with fear and nerves.

Once I attended UTEP’s journalism core courses and met people more prepared, knowledgeable, and experienced than me, I was even more afraid to take the next step.

This fear rose in me because I thought I was late on knowing what I wanted to do in my life.

Nevertheless, I decided to begin adjusting my life on a path to grow my confidence.

Once I entered COMM 2310 with Professor María de Los Angeles Flores, Ph.D., she invited me to work on a research project she does every year with students. Although hesitant at first, now I realize accepting her proposal was one of the best decisions I have made during my time at UTEP. I am grateful to Flores for being one of the first people who believed in me and helped develop my career, as she was also one of the various people who pointed me to the direction of The Prospector.

Professors Kate Gannon, Zita Arocha, Dino Chiecchi and Corrie Boudreaux, as well as former EditorIn-Chief Valeria Olivares, gave me advice to start at The Prospector.

I remember when I went to the Student Media and Publications office and gave my resume to director Veronica Gonzalez, I was nervous and scared because I thought I would not receive the opportunity since my work experience was summarized to being a waiter at Souper Salad.

A few days after applying, I received a text message from sports

editor Michael Cuviello asking me if I was still interested in working as a sports reporter. I said yes.

I thank all the people I met here since I do not remember one that has not served as an example or has helped me become the person I am today.

I am also grateful to professors Angela Kocherga and Gannon who I recognize as some of my main mentors, along with Tracy Roy. At the same time, I would like to thank Marisol, who has been one of my main support systems, not only in classes or at the Prospy but also in life. I am proud to call her a friend.

To Mike, thank you for being one of my role models in sports journalism. The work you do and the effort you make is to be admired; it has helped me become a better person.

I would also like to thank Isaiah for helping me improve as a journalist, Maria from Minero Magazine for believing in me and for giving me the opportunities to grow. Anahy, Tracy, Salette, Vero, Vicky, Isabel, Crystal and the entire Prospector family, I appreciate you for welcoming me and helping me, even though my stay with you was not very long.

I feel more prepared thanks to this team, above all, I feel confident in

something I had never done before.

Thank you, Maria, the Editorin-Chief for Minero Magazine, for believing in me as a journalist, friend, and human being.

Thank you, Anahy (Boss), for your trust and everything you have taught me, for your patience and love for what you do. You and Maria are my role models as women and journalists.

Being part of this team helped open doors for me and gave me opportunities I did not know I could gain. I experienced the real world a little more before graduation and realized it does not compare to what we see in class.

Thank you, Prospector, for being an eye opener. I am eternally grateful for your trust and giving me this opportunity. You guys really changed my life.

thank you for giving a lanky kid from Riverside High School the chance to work for you and this amazing publication. You are one of the kindest people I know, and I will forever be grateful to you. I always strived to make you and this publication proud of the work I produced.

To Tracy Roy, thank you for all the advice and time you spend making this publication what it is today.

Your hard work and help to make this publication succeed does not go unnoticed. Thank you for making me a better journalist. To those working with Tracy in the months and years ahead, please ask her for as much advice as you can, as she is a fountain of knowledge in the field.

I cannot say I would have had as much fun as I did working for The Prospector if it weren’t for people like Daniel “Curly” Mendez and Adrian “AB” Broaddus who took me under their wing and showed me the ins and outs of sports journalism. I had a great time working for and alongside you guys and arguing about “all-time greats.” I learned so much from both of you and I am proud to call you my boys.

To Michael Cuviello, thank you for being a hard-working and dedicated journalist. I look at your stories now and I am proud of the growth you made as a journalist.

From writing recaps to making some of the best work The Prospector has produced, you are a perfect example that hard work pays off. I know you may see this as a jab, but I see you as father figure and someone I could always depend on when I worked as sports editor. I wish you nothing but success in your life, thank you for being a great colleague and friend.

Finally, I want to thank my family, my mom, dad, grandparents, cousins, sister, aunts and uncles and my girlfriend Audrey for always being there for me. I attended college not only to fulfill my promise to my mom to earn a degree, but to make all of you proud. I love each one of you.

My future as a journalist is put on hold as I plan to join the United States Air Force after graduation, but I plan to work within its public affairs to continue this passion of mine.

Thank you, The Prospector, for all the great memories. I will deeply miss working here but I am grateful for the time we had together.

Maria Salette Ontiveros may be reached at prospector@utep.edu. @salette2098 on Twitter.

Isaiah Ramirez may be reached at prospector@utep.edu. @IsaiahRamirez1 on Twitter.

myself and what I can achieve.

I am grateful to my family, especially my parents, Anayensi Lara and Heriberto Perez, because I wouldn't be the person I've been along this path if it weren’t for them.

Thanks to my grandparents. All the effort I make is for you, Anita (my grandmother), to be proud of the person I have become.

And finally, thanks to my biggest role model, my uncle Reynaldo Lara.

Thanks to him, I knew I wanted to study journalism. Thanks to the support and help he has given me, I have stood firm to achieve what I once told him I would achieve, which is to be in the sports journalism industry. There is not a day that goes by where he he does not ask me how I am doing, what I am doing and how I can improve as a professional.

I know one day I will get to where I want to be and once I am there, I will remember it was thanks to the support and teachings The Prospector gave me.

Thank you to the Prospy family, UTEP, and the people who surround me. I hope to see you succeed and find you throughout this career.

Heriberto Perez may be reached at prospector@utep.edu. @heriperezlara on Twitter.

The Prospector helped shape my inner self

Maria Salette Ontiveros The Prospector I was unsure to apply to The Prospector two years ago because I thought I needed experience to be there. I looked at the opportunity as something far away from my abilities. And when I got there, I learned I could do anything through hard work and determination.

I have a special love for everyone who helped me become who I am today, and I will be eternally grateful.

Working with every single student and putting effort on each story I wrote and each picture I took reflects who I am today. I have grown as a person in an unimaginable way.

I began as a contributor, and I was super shy on the first meeting, but former Editor-in-Chief Valeria, helped me gain the confidence that I needed to be the journalist I am today. I really believe she left a legacy behind, as a leader and human being.

I am thankful for Professor Eraldo Chiecchi because he made me fall in love with photography, more than I was before, to the level that I once woke up at 4 a.m. just to capture the sunrise alongside my peers. That is an experience I will never forget, and I am pretty sure I will do it again.

Thanks to him, I was able to capture the essence of stories and special moments in a photo. I am grateful for Claudia, former photo editor at The Prospector, because she

thought me a lot about patience and gave me the opportunity to expand my skills as a photographer.

I am thankful for Professor Kate Gannon too, because she helped me a lot to shape my future. I took more than two classes with her, and she advised me several times. Thanks to her too, I know who I want to become one day.

Even though half of my time at The Prospector was online because of COVID-19, I was able to learn even more about myself.

This last semester was challenging for me because I did not know much about being a web editor, but Tracy, Vero, Anahy and Sol, were there for me to answer any questions. This opportunity made me realize another route of my career that I have never experienced before and noticed that I equally love it.

Working with the Minero Magazine team also made me grow as a journalist and helped me explore my roots, giving me the opportunity to write in Spanish, which was

Isaiah from page 2

Farewell, The Prospector, and thank you, UTEP

Victoria Almaguer The Prospector After many sleepless nights and a stressful year filled with uncertainties, it feels surreal my last college semester is finally here. The feeling of seeing the end of the line

feels bittersweet, but I am excited for the journey that lies ahead.

As a transfer student from EPCC, I was nervous to start my journey at UTEP. During my orientation I was in awe of the university’s big buildings and the space the campus had. It felt like a small city within the city. Coming from Socorro, roughly a 30-min ride, I enjoyed the time to sing my lungs out and de-stress.

Still, I was not prepared to face a big campus. I remember the feeling of being engulfed by the mass of people as I made my way from the Cotton to Liberal Arts building.

The urgency we all felt to go to our destinations under the warm sun. It all became a wonderful memory that I could not experience once again due to COVID-19, but I will keep it close to me.

I got to experience wonderful things thanks to my professors in

the communication department, especially Professor Kate Gannon.

She pushed me to try my hardest and inspired me in so many ways. I will always be grateful for her advice and jokes. Always the best jokes. Also, to reporter Mallory Falk, who worked with us in our research course.

Thank you for always listening and being a great role model as to who I want to become.

I would also like to express my gratitude to the KTEP staff. Words cannot express how grateful I am for the opportunity to work at the station. My big thanks to Dee Woo, whom I randomly met on the trolley on my way to my old job. Thanks to Sam Cassiano for your marvelous jokes. And to Paul, Alex, Maria and Seth, thank you for your continuous help. I would have been lost without you all.

Thank you to the Student Media and Publications staff. Working at The Prospector made the office my safe haven. Walking from class to the office to find everyone working or having lunch, has no comparison.

I will miss every single one of you.

From Tracy, Vero, Isabel, and Crystal to Anahy, Claudia, Sol, Michael, Valeria, Isaiah, Mena, Exodis, Hugo, Teddy and the new contributors.

It has been a pleasure to get know you as coworkers and students and I cannot wait to see what life has in store for us.

Lastly, I would like to thank my friends, family and coworkers, who have always supported me during troublesome times. Working two part-time jobs while in school is no fun but graduating makes it all worth it.

This pandemic might have stolen memories we were yet to have made

but I am lucky enough to graduate in person with my two best friends and family by my side. Without UTEP I would have not been able to meet my best friends Glenda and Paulina.

God knows what I’d do without you and our late nights at Eloise. You both have given me memories and a friendship I know will continue beyond college. I owe so much to this institution and hope new students get to experience and make even more memories, just as I have.

Thank you, UTEP. Victoria Almaguer may be reached at prospector@utep.edu. @vitoriaalmagu9 on Twitter.

THEPROSPECTOR

| 4 | REFLECTIONS/NEWS

M AY 4, 2021

Looking back and moving forward

Nicole Lopez The Prospector I believe receiving a college education is key when it comes to manifesting your passions. With higher education, you have the freedom to choose your own path and master your professional goals.

I always knew this, but now, as a graduate-to-be, there is nothing truer than the gift of education and all the opportunities it comes with.

From a young age, language arts was my strongest and favorite subject. I always found myself lost in

NEWS

a book. There was always something about the art of writing that intrigued me. My interests only grew with every passing year.

Like others, I had a difficult time finding what I wanted to do after graduation. Ever since the eighth grade, I was under an immense pressure to determine what it was that I wanted to study once I got to college.

I happened to take a journalism class by chance when I was a junior in high school. I needed to fill a course on my schedule, so I agreed.

Little did I know that I would end up enjoying it so much that it would become my desired career path.

When I enrolled at UTEP, I was beyond excited to start my career, to receive the experience I always wanted as a writer and journalist in the making. I got my first real taste of the journalism field when I reported on the Women’s Conference that was held at UTEP during the spring 2019 semester. At the time, I couldn’t have been more confident journalism would be my life.

Stubborn and determined to find experience as a young journalist, I spent the summer of 2019 visiting news stations and newspapers,

demanding they let me speak with an editor about an internship position.

After going from one organization to another, KVIA ABC-7 News was gracious enough to take me in. I never thought I would want to pursue a job at a TV station, but when I shadowed producers at KVIA, I learned it could be a potential career.

While I interned at KVIA, I also worked as a content writer for AGI Marketing, a local digital marketing company in El Paso. Although balancing both was tough, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity of gaining experience.

Now, I’ve had the honor to contribute at The Prospector while working as an intern with El Paso Matters. From covering education to arts and entertainment, I feel confident I can go out in the world prepared.

Now, graduation is quickly approaching, something I never thought would fly by so quickly, but it did and I am thankful, nonetheless.

I am thankful for the communication department at UTEP. Professor Eraldo Chiecchi, one of my favorite communication professors, always asked his students,

Senior heads to work for the U.S. Senate Victoria Rivas The Prospector For Luis Hinojos, 21, determination is something that has never lacked in his life. The drive to succeed was there when he entered UTEP in 2018 as a political science and economics major and continues to be there as he prepares to graduate this Spring and start his newest adventure as a U.S. Senate staffer.

Hinojos was born in El Paso, but lived six years in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, before moving with his family for three years to Miami, Florida, because of a job opportunity for his father.

“Some of the challenges I faced was, particularly when coming into the United States was going from an education in Mexico to an education in the United States,” Hinojos said. “I didn’t know the language, and I was six years old, and there was also a cultural shock.”

That 6-year-old did not let a cultural shock get in the way of pursuing a higher education in the U.S. Hinojos, is among 18 recipients of UTEP’s 2018 Terry Foundation Scholarship, which is awarded to Texas high school seniors who show promise in leadership.

“I owe a great deal of debt to the scholarship because, without it, I wouldn’t be able to do many of the things that I have been able to do,” Hinojos said. “It allowed me to focus on my education rather than being concerned about or being preoccupied, or worried on how I was going to pay for college.”

Although the Terry Scholarship helped ease financial worries, before coming to UTEP, Hinojos said he constantly struggled with overdemanding himself and dealing with self-induced stress. It wasn’t until he arrived at UTEP that he took advantage of the resources and the support provided by the university, that he stopped overwhelming himself with the opportunities presented to him.

“Don’t be a victim of your opportunities,” Hinojos said. “I am very fortunate for the opportunities

“If you don’t have an internship or aren’t looking for one, what’s your plan?”

Chiecchi and other communication professors never hesitated to give their students the push they needed to build on their journalism careers.

I would also like to thank Bob Moore, CEO for El Paso Matters, for allowing me to contribute to his media organization as an intern. He has allowed me the freedom to report on topics and issues throughout the borderland. I have learned so much from Bob and the team at El Paso Matters.

I thank the team at The Prospector for allowing me to work with them. I am forever grateful Editor-in-Chief, Anahy Diaz, and assistant director for Student Media and Publications, Tracy Roy, were able to fit me in for my last spring semester at UTEP as a contributor. Early in the semester, I spoke with Tracy about my goals and how I want to challenge myself as a journalist. Since then, I have worked on a variety of stories, including audio and video packages. I know that as a journalist, I will never stop learning and there is no limit when it comes to growing professional and

The Prospector

Photo courtesy of Luis Hinojos

that were offered to me. When I think about the challenges I’ve faced, I think about the opportunities that I had to be able to overcome them.

Think about the opportunities more than the challenges.”

And so Hinojos has done just that, focused on the opportunities presented to him. As former officer of UTEP’s Student Government Association (SGA), he is currently in Washington D.C. as a member of the 2021 Archer Fellowship Program.

As an Archer Fellow, Hinojos interns with the U.S. Senate, where he is involved with federal policymaking.

“I know that without the fellowship, I would not be where I am.,” Hinojos said. “Even if it was one semester, now I am staying in D.C. for the foreseeable future. I do want to return to El Paso, but I want to immerse myself into federal policymaking, to be able to bring outside experiences and outside knowledge. “ During his time in SGA, Hinojos served as co-chair of the document review committee where he worked on reforming the student government’s bylaws

and constitution. He also founded committees to increase accessibility to the underserved population on campus. He started the “Pop-Up Stage,” a special project that included live music at the Union from UTEP’s Fox Fine Arts students to highlight the strong artistic community on campus.

“What I wanted to do was to advance and heighten up the perception of UTEP’s strengths,” Hinojos said.

Hinojos hopes to take the lessons he learned as a UTEP student and apply them into his new role as staffer for Senator Marco Rubio in the U.S. Senate. Here, just like with the rest of his endeavors, he is determined to continue devoting his career to public service “Sometimes our goals, dream jobs, or our dream professions can seem so distant. We sometimes undervalue ourselves and have a perception of us smaller than we are, but miners are strong,” Hinojos said. “We have a world-class education, and we can go anywhere.”

Victoria Rivas may be reached at prospector@utep.edu @VicRivas_18 on Twitter.

Nicole Lopez may be reached at prospector@utep.edu @nicoleilopez on Twitter.

Graduates prepare to celebrate as regulations loosen Alyson Rodriguez

Hinojos received the Leaders of Mines Award, the oldest student leadership recognition for outstanding students shaping the university and community.

enhancing my skills.

I used to be the kind of person who was comfortable in one place. I am grateful to say that is no longer who I am. Entering college, I became a person who is willing to take on any task, no matter how big or small.

I am open to taking on any kind of beat or story knowing these projects could bring a whole new meaning to my journalism career.

I’ll admit, saying goodbye to school (at least for now) is not easy.

I have been in school for most of my life and as stressful as it may be, I enjoy learning and being part of the education community. But as long as I focus on what’s important and give it my all, all will be well.

I have learned everything I know today thanks to my education, great educators, and to the amazing opportunities I partook in along the way.

This is not the end, as I still have a lifetime left to learn and grow. Even more, I will take every opportunity to become the best journalist I can possibly be.

As UTEP seniors prepare their cap and gown for commencement ceremony on May 14 and 15, some are also preparing to celebrate inperson with their loved ones as COVID-19 restrictions loosen and more community members receive the vaccine.

In 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, graduates across the country virtually celebrated their accomplishments, while others faced postponed or canceled ceremonies.

At UTEP, the more than 3,000 spring and summer graduates were celebrated with a virtual ceremony in September 2020.

At the time, students took to social media to express their sadness, disappointment and frustration at having to celebrate a major milestone at a distance.

Now, as COVID-19 restrictions in El Paso and the rest of Texas loosen as more people become vaccinated against the virus, UTEP hopes to make up to the Class of 2020 and its spring and summer graduates by hosting an in-person ceremony at the Sun Bowl Stadium.

At first the university announced only two guests would be allowed to accompany each graduate, which made some graduates disappointed that not all their family members could be there to see them walk the stage.

“I was so crushed it felt like a slap in the face. My career at UTEP meant so much to me and I put in so much effort into it. I wanted to celebrate with my grandma because I had promised her for so many years that she would be front row at my college graduation,” said David Castillo a spring 2020 graduate with a Bachelor

of Arts in History with a minor in international comparative politics.

Even though the ceremony was virtual 2020 graduates like Castillo and Oscar Sanchez, who studied operations and supply chain management, still virtually celebrated their great achievement with their loved one’s last year and hope to do so in-person this year.

“I celebrated my graduation last year with a small group of friends and family at my house,” Sanchez said. “This year I’ll celebrate by going to the ceremony and taking pictures with all of my friends who are graduating also.”

In an email sent out by UTEP President Heather Wilson to all UTEP faculty members and students on April 22, it was announced graduates walking in May are allowed to bring up to eight guests.

According to Wilson, this is due to the decreased level of COVID-19 in the community and the increase of people immunized with the vaccine.

At 7 p.m., Friday, May 14 the colleges of Business Administration, Education, and Liberal Arts will be celebrated at the in-person event.

On Saturday, May 15, 2021, at 7 p.m. the college of Engineering, Health Sciences and Science, and the school of Nursing and Pharmacy will be graduating.

The graduation ceremony will also be livestreamed at www.utep.edu.

Alyson Rodriguez may be reached at prospector@utep.edu @alyson_rod1127 on Twitter

THEPROSPECTOR

NEWS | 5 |

M AY 4, 2021

Jobs from Cover Page job, but do they know how to get their second job when they’re already out in the industry?” Castro said.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Castro said employment and internship opportunities are still “slightly soft,” but the Career Center has seen more employers looking to hire students.

According to Castro, the Career Center meets with different companies to see how many people they need or want to hire, which is why having experience in one’s desired field is important since it’s what most employers look for. Castro explained employers look to see if students have had an internship or an on-campus job for the desired field.

“We tell students, even when you are a freshman, you have to develop skills that are going to help you become more marketable down the line,” Castro said.

Borderplex is a local organization working hand in hand with companies wanting to expand or relocate in the borderland.

Borderplex has brought companies to El Paso such as Amazon, ADT, and Prudential, among others.

According to Kassandra Huhn, vice president of workforce development and analytics, in the past, Borderplex has hosted presentations at UTEP to give students an overview of which industries are growing or what they are targeting, as well as what skills or soft skills students should have entering the workforce.

“We work off a strategic plan,”

Graphic by Hugo Hinojosa/The Prospector via Canva

Huhn said. “For the strategic plan we have a couple of targeted industries that we are trying to help develop, including logistics, manufacturing, business services, life sciences, and defense in aerospace.”

Borderplex helped introduce Prudential to the borderland, which allowed the company to open a risk management academy at UTEP’s College of Business.

“When we talk with these companies, we always try to find a way they can engage on campus, this includes opening up an academy,” Huhn said. “In other cases, we’ve at least been able to make introductions to executives that we meet, so

that can speak in classes about internships that they have available.”

This past year, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, some students have struggled to find jobs .

UTEP student Itzyiana Nuñez, is a junior graphic design major who got laid off from her job due to COVID-19, but said she saw the situation as sign to begin looking into something that will benefit her in the future.

“I have started to look for graphic design internships here in El Paso and outside of the city, and it has not been successful,” Nuñez said.

“Although I know my professors and advisor could guide me in the right

direction and help me with tips and how to better my portfolio, it is hard to communicate with everything being online.”

As for after she graduates, Nuñez plans to stay in El Paso, but has also thought about leaving the city.

“Graphic design is very beneficial since you can work with someone from outside of the city without meeting them,” Nuñez said. “If there is a better opportunity for me outside of this beautiful city, I will most likely take it.”

UTEP student Brianne Williams, is a junior multimedia journalism and mass communication major with a minor in creative writing.

Williams currently works at Cinemark 20 and XD and Papaya at Cielo Vista Mall; she has worked at Cinemark for two years at Papaya for seven months.

“Juggling the two and school has been a bit of a challenge but I’m doing what I can to pay for school and my car,” Williams said. “I picked up the job at Papaya because hours were slow at Cinemark due to the pandemic, I applied everywhere— Target, Menchie’s, Bath & Body Works, and luckily Papaya called me back right away.”

Williams explained her dream career is to be a journalist for a newspaper, magazine, or blog. After she graduates, she plans to stay in El Paso.

“I love living in El Paso and hope to work for the El Paso Times," Williams said. “I am hoping to intern with them sometime while attending UTEP.” According to a 2016 report by the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems, employment in retail trade, transportation and warehousing, and public administration are higher in El Paso and lower in construction, finance, professional, and scientific and management, and services other than public administration.

Meaning, El Paso has more jobs concentrated in traditionally lowwage industries and relatively fewer jobs in traditionally high-wage industries, forcing some El Pasoans to pursue their career endeavors outside the city.

Katrina Villarreal may be reached at prospector@utep.edu.

THEPROSPECTOR

| 6 | NEWS

M AY 4, 2021

2020 graduate returns to walk the graduation stage Nicole Lopez The Prospector With UTEP’s commencement ceremony taking place May 14-15 at the Sun Bowl Stadium, Winter 2020 graduates will be able to participate.

Adriana Mares, 22, who earned a Master’s of Science in Public Health and Biological Sciences in December 2020, is looking forward to walking the stage this may in honor of the success she accomplished throughout her college career.

Mares knows the definition of hard work. As a senior in high school, she was among 14 recipients of the prestigious Terry Foundation Scholarship at UTEP, which awards a full-ride scholarship to Texas high school graduates who demonstrate promise of being future leaders in the state.

“The Terry Foundation Scholarship has really helped me focus on, purely, my education, and these professional development opportunities, such as volunteering, shadowing, and all the organizations that I'm part of,” Mares said. “I've been able to really dedicate time to each one of them, because I'm not stressed about how I'm going to be able to pay for my classes, nor are my parents stressed about helping me pay for my classes.”

Mares has spent her college career focusing on attending medical school where she hopes to learn about interventional cardiology and structural and or congenital heart defects.

Mares enjoys learning about the heart, but her passion for this field of medicine goes beyond a simple interest.

“My interest in cardiology originated when I lost both of my grandfathers when I was only one year old,” Mares said. “It makes me wonder how different my life would be with my grandfathers still here,

Border from Cover Page UTEP President Heather Wilson, to inform her about their concerns regarding being able to have their parents, who live outside of the United States, attend their graduation commencement. The students asked for her assistance, considering her status as president at the educational institution.

In response to these concerns, Wilson has been in contact with the Consulate General of Mexico in El Paso, Consulate General of the United States of America in Ciudad Juárez, and Customs and Border Patrol.

According to the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico, these cross-border travel restrictions are to take place until May 21, 2021.

Landy Mendiola, a business administration graduate student at UTEP, is one of various international students whose parents are affected by the restrictions on cross-border travel on the U.S.-Mexico border.

“It’s sad because for my bachelor’s degree, everyone was here, and now, with my master’s degree, not even my parents are going to be able to cross,” Mendiola said.

Mendiola was able to have all of her family attend her graduation when she received her bachelor’s degree, but she is unsure about who she will be able to invite considering all of her family lives in Mexico.

Mendiola said events such as graduation should be considered an essential reason for cross-border travel.

“It’s not only my accomplishment, it’s my whole family’s

Photo courtesy of Adriana Mares

Adriana Mares is a 2020 graduate walking the stage in May after having earned her master’s degree. Mares was named a top ten senior in 2019, when she graduated with a bachelor’s in biological sciences. but then again, it inspires me to help children because I don’t want them to lose family members due to cardiovascular disease.”

With Mares’ persistence in pursuing a career in cardiovascular disease, she has been a part of several community organizations where she’s been able to show her dedication to the field.

Mares is an organizer for the American Heart Association Go Red for Women Event, held annually, which aims to bring awareness to women’s heart health. Mares is also a co-leader for the Pulmonary Hypertension Support Group, which brings together patients who have been diagnosed with a complex form of capillary hypertension.

Additionally, Mares is a member of the American College of Cardiology, a medical students leadership group. She is the editor accomplishment,” Mendiola said about graduating with her master’s degree. “They helped me.”

Due to her status as an international student, Mendiola cannot receive financial aid and it is more difficult to receive scholarships.

“If I’m graduating, everyone should be able to come see me celebrate,” Mendiola said.

Josiah Heyman, director of UTEP’s Center for Interamerican and Border Studies, said the social relationship between people on both sides of the border is suffering due to cross-border travel restrictions.

“Public health criterion says that there shouldn’t be people going back and forth, but I’ll underline this idea: I think it’s very important that it’s not the case that bad things only come from the outside,” Heyman said about the Mexican side of the U.S.Mexican border.

The building of the border wall under former President Donald Trump administration, heightened the idea Mexico is the dangerous side of the border. According to Heyman, this may have influenced CBP to react subjectively to how relationships between people on both sides are impacted, including the effects between international students and their foreign-born family members.

“There is two-thirds of the population (in El Paso) on the two sides of the (U.S.-Mexico) border who have close relatives who live on the other side of the border,” Heyman said. “We experience this as a day-to-day reality in El PasoJuárez, so the border is a place where we have related communities.”

of this group, which has allowed her to advance her writing skills in medicine and learn how to summarize clinical trials. Each of these organizations has presented her with the opportunity to network with cardiologists around the world and medical students who have similar interests as hers.

Mares is also an ambassador for the All of Us research program under the National Institute of Health, which aims to focus on areas like El Paso to ensure they receive medical research.

“My participation in a wide range of organizations, whether that is specifically in cardiology, or something very broad, like the National Institute of Health, have all really contributed to my professional growth because I've gained a lot from each one of them,” Mares said.

“I have been able to seize every

opportunity because my mentors presented them to me.”

Mares finds it important for college students, regardless of the major, to have not just one mentor, but several.

“They can all advise you on different aspects of what you’re going to expect later on in the future as a professional,” Mares said.

Mares is not only a part of various organizations, as she has also taken it upon herself to lead aspiring medical students.

In her first semester at UTEP, she founded the Institute of Cardiology at El Paso, where students can network with cardiologists to learn more about the medical field.

“Knowing that this was possible, I then found really brilliant friends through some of my first classes at UTEP,” Mares said.

Although her college career was filled with accomplishments, it was equally filled with challenges which included balancing an academic and personal life.

“All my experiences have really kept me busy,” Mares said.

Mares gives her thanks to her father, Adrian Mares, her mother, Veronica Mares, and her brother, Emiliano Mares who have been by her side, supporting her throughout her studies.

“I really want to thank my family for their understanding and cooperation with everything,” Mares said.

There were times where Mares had to miss out on family events, but her parents and brother always gave her the kindness, cooperation, and understanding that motivated her to keep going.

Which is why, juggling classes while shadowing doctors and volunteering at hospitals was a task Mares knew she could take.

Mares volunteered in several settings including Hospitals of

Providence, University Medical Center, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and private clinics.

“Whether you’re doing research or you need to finish this biochemistry exam, it always comes down to putting your absolute best in all of those tasks,” Mares said. “We’re not just college students. Many of us are involved with organizations and we have so many shoes to fill. Whenever I am in those positions, I know I just need to overcome it.”

Now that Mares has completed her Master’s degree, she is looking forward to the future.

Mares has applied to various medical schools and is currently waiting to hear where she will be placed. Some medical schools she could potentially attend include the Paul Foster School of Medicine, Galveston Medical School, Southwestern Medical School, Rio Grande Medical School, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Stanford University School of Medicine.

“I’m not entirely sure where I’ll be going for medical school, but my future, very soon, will include being an official medical student, which is a position I have been very hungry for,” Mares said. “As the years go by, in medical school, I look forward to where we see patients and where we can put all of our knowledge to the practice.”

Mares looks forward to becoming the professional she has always dreamt of being now that she has earned her Master’s and walking the graduation stage in person is just one step closer.

“This a steppingstone to help me become the most prepared medical student I can possibly be,” Mares said. “I’m not done yet.”

Nicole Lopez may be reached at prospector@utep.edu @nicoleilopez on Twitter.

Top Ten from Cover Page

Photo courtesy of Jonathan McIntosh/ CC, licensed under CC by 2.0

International student’s family members face travel restrictions, as the U.S.Mexico border remains closed until May 21, 2021.

Because of how unified the borderland is, Heyman emphasizes on the importance of maintaining cross-border relationships so graduating students don’t have to experience the effects of not having their families with them to celebrate.

“We need to think about how to restore the normal flow of people back and forth across the border,” Heyman said. “As unnecessary as I think the COVID-19 reduction on border crossing was, it did occur under a very difficult time and very

difficult circumstances, but we’re beginning to pull out of it.”

Wilson said she is still working with authorities to make it possible for family members to come from Juárez to attend the graduation commencements in May. Nicole Lopez can be reached at theprospector@utep.edu @nicoleilopez on Twitter.

she recalls her “incredible” time representing the University in Washington, D.C., as part of the Archer Fellow Alumni Association.

Mata attributed her success to the support she received from those around her and shared the significance of charity and giving to others, whether it be time or a helping hand.

“Always pay it forward. That’s what I have lived by and my parents have instilled that in me,” Mata said.

“All of my success is communal; I would be remiss to think I did it on my own. It is through my family, professors, administrators, and friends that guided me through these years to where I am now.”

As she prepares to take the next steps in her academic career, Mata offered a few parting words of wisdom for her fellow and incoming miners.

“Do that application. When it comes down to it, stay up those extra hours, don’t think twice about asking for help or for a letter of recommendation. If you want to do something, just go for it,” Mata said. “You blink an eye, and an opportunity will fly by… A quote I live by is, ‘don’t be a victim of your own opportunities.’ If you have an opportunity, take advantage of it.”

Julian Herrera may be reached at prospector@utep.edu.

Working hard is important but

God made it possible. To Him be the glory forever. Thank you!

there is something that matters

-Alma Idalí Hernández

- H. Potter

even more , believing in yourself.

-Alieya Marquez

Thank you for the life lessons! I also appreciate the 15min walks between classes that helped me stay fit. I’m off! GO MINERS!!!

-Cedrick Miller Thanks to my classmates and all I want to dedicate this Bachelor’s

my teachers for their help. But

to my mother who never gave up

especially thanks to God, all my

on her children, my boys who are

family and my parents because

always watching, my husband

they have been a constant

who supported me since day one,

support for me all this time. Thanks

and my siblings whom I want to be

to my fiancé who was always

that example for. Without God this

there for me in all aspects.

wouldn’t be possible. We Did It!

Congratulations to everyone on our graduation! #gominers

- Wendy Canales

- Lizeth J. Molina Ortiz

I am a part of the graduating class of 21’. I am forever thankful to my family, friends, professors, and everyone who has supported me along this journey. Now it’s my time to teach, Ms.Baffert signing out.

-Brittany Baffert

Life can be simple, or we can

I am proud to be a Hispanic woman

make it extraordinary.

in STEM graduating from my

I went with extraordinary, sharing

master’s degree. I want to thank

my journey along the way with

Johnson & Johnson for giving me

such intelligent people.

the opportunity to start my

Thank you, we have created long

professional career. Tambien quiero

lasting friendships. Lucky me.

- Arlene Hernandez

agradecer a mis padres por su Thank you UTEP for everything!

amor y apoyo los cuales formaron a

Nursing school was fun, but I'm

una mujer independiente.

finally DONE! -Dulce Zamorano - Priscilla Rodriguez

7

I am leaving here today with an

I thank God and family for their

abundance of knowledge and

strong support. It has been a

great memories. I want to thank

tough four years but this PharmD

God, my family, friends, and the

has been a huge

excellent staff and faculty. Your

accomplishment. Thank you for

guidance and support shaped

believing in me. I am going to be

me into the well-rounded person I

the best pharmacist I can be.

am today. Congratulations to my

¡Todo lo que necesito ya existe en mi! !

- Krista Ramirez

peers; we did it!!!

If Covid-19 couldn't even stop us from graduating, nothing should

- Isabela Garcia

stop us from pursuing our futures.

-Jonah A. Pierce

Thanks to my mom, sisters and grandparents for being encouraging along this journey. I did it for you all. Your unconditional love and support helped me achieve this dream.

My friends Yanika, Yasmine and Juan, thank you for being my best friends and helping me along this journey. I Love Y’all.

-Aaron McTague

I am so thankful for the Long story short it was a great

opportunity of having both my

time! (except Covid) I am so

BBA and MBA from UTEP, a

happy to accomplish this

university that does so much for

milestone. Thank you so much to

the community where we live in.

my parents, my sisters, my

The preparation and knowledge

professors, my family, and my

I’ve learned from being here is

friends that accompanied me and

something I’ll take with me

supported me during my college

forever. Picks up and Go Miners!

experience. Proud to be a Miner!

- Lucia D. Mata Sanchez

Cuando me veas volar

Thank you to my family and my

recuerda que tu me pintaste las

loved ones. This odyssey has

alas, ¡lo logramos mamá!

come to an end, and I could not

Coming soon to a hospital

be any happier. From the bottom

near you.

of my heart, thank you! This is y’all’s, too!

8

- Pamela Rios

- Gerardo Eufracio BSN, RN -Victor Lopez

"It always seems impossible until it's done" -Nelson Mandela - Karina Rivera

With the grace of God and

I want to thank God, my

support of my family and friends,

husband, and my parents

I’ve achieved my graduation and

because without their support I

moving forward to a new journey.

would not be here. I dedicate this to my daughter, Merab.

- Mario Gomez

- Damaris Alcala

They say sometimes you win some, and sometimes you lose some. Right now, I’m winning big.

I worked hard and accomplished I would like to thank my parents,

my goal. I thank God, my family,

Elvia and Rafael Modesto for

and professors for supporting me

supporting me throughout my

throughout pharmacy school.

I thank God, my parents and

Anette for pushing and

If you’ve set a goal, start working

milestone would not have been

encouraging me to be stronger.

towards it. Trust me, the result is

To my friends, family and babe,

rewarding.

and continuous support. Thank

- Erica Boakye

and mentors for your

journey in life. My sisters Kim and

thank you so much for everything, I love you.

family because achieving this possible without their endless love you to my professors, preceptors encouragement and guidance.

- Aileen Modesto

For all those who were a part of this journey with me, thank you.

- Cristina Ortega

I’m very grateful for all the Thank you to my fiancé and family for your support during this journey. To my parents, your inspiration and guidance have led me to this point. I cannot thank you enough, but I promise to continue making you proud of the son you raised. This PharmD is dedicated to my grandmother, Juanita S. Acosta.

- Albert Nava

opportunities I had at this University. It made me a new person.

-Demy Rodriguez I want to thank all UTEP community and athletics department , it’s been an amazing 4 years, I will take you with me where ever I go.

- Vanessa Valdez

9

I am very excited to be

Thank you UTEP for giving me

graduating with a BBA in Finance

some of the best years of my life!

after four rewarding years. Thank

- Paola Ruiz

you to my incredibly supportive family for helping me along the way! I am a proud UTEP Miner and proud to be a part of the class of 2021.

- Olivia Olivas

The thought of attending college was never in my plans. Though, later, I realized college had chosen me. I am very thankful for the great opportunity and experience UTEP granted me.

Hope everyone best wishes to their future ahead of them. Thank you! UTEP '21 - Arturo Castorena

Seize Your Moment - Daniella Pagan

Farewell, it has been fun!

- Angela Alanis

I want to thank my parents, my

I am very happy to meet the best

siblings, mi niece, and my

of you at UTEP, congratulations!

brother-in-law for all their support and love throughout my career. I

-Yan Zhuang

specially want to thank God who has been with me all along Thank You to UTEP for all the

encouraging me. Everything was

experiences and skills I acquired

done through Him and for Him.

and especially want to thank my family for all their support. I'm

- Paulina Sarinana

eager to begin working within the engineering field.

- Daniel Barron

Take pride in how far you have come and have faith in how far you can go.

- Destiny Ruiz

10

This challenging journey has

A tree would not survive without

helped me grow as a person.

support from its roots. I’d like to

Thank you UTEP!

thank God, my family, and my friends for supporting me in

- Edna Diaz

everything from my academic endeavors to my lifelong hopes and dreams. Your care and love allow me to thrive even in the most trying times.

- Laura Mae Bagwell

Gracias a mi familia y todos aquellos que me apoyaron. Sin su amor y su ayuda, este logro no seria possible. Ahora nos toca ver el resultado de esta gran lucha.

Thank you to UTEP and UTEP Athletics for providing me endless opportunities , and thank you to God, my family and friends who

Audrey, this is for you, my princess. Know that for you, I rose against all odds.

- Francy Franco-Holguin

helped me achieve my goals along the way.

- Joshua Ortega

My success is owed to my family and friends as they supported me through my academic journey. If it was not for my support system, this would not be possible. Thank you all who stood by me.

- Eric Guzman

Attending utep has been an amazing experience that I will never forget. I have so many great memories here that I will cherish forever. UTEP and the Gracias a mis papás por

aspiring professors solidified my

inculcarme el valor que es la

love for science and assured me

educación. I’d like to thank my

that I was going on the right path

husband for being my biggest

in my career. Although at times it

supporter through this

was tough, I made it through and

challenging journey. Finalmente

now can move on to graduate

quiero dedicarle este logro a mi

school.

hija Claribel y demostrarle que “si se puede”. I love you all!

- Danipsa Rodriguez-Garcia

- Karen Campos

“So, for now I say goodbye to this chapter of my life and I look forward to what comes next.”

- Brooke Davis - Evelyn Lopez

11

The pandemic reminds us of what

After 7 years in college, I’m so

human nature does: be resilient,

happy to finally be graduating. I

fight for our dreams, and adapt

want to thank my family for their

to circumstances. Here we are

unconditional support and love. I

UTEP 2021 class, after a year of

will miss walking through campus

Zooms and endless Blackboard

and hanging out with friends at

assignments, we made it.

the Union. Until later!

Felicidades a la class 2021. Go,

- Paulina Spencer

Miners!

- Maria Ramos Pacheco I would like to say thank you to my family, friends, and my girlfriend for always being by my side and I hope I made all of you proud. I will forever be grateful for all the love and support you have given me.

- Isaiah Ramirez

I want to thank my family for always believing in me, I want to

I thank God for this wonderful

thank all my friends for supporting

blessing. I am grateful to my

me and I want to thank me, for

parents for their encouragement

always keeping my head up.

and confidence in me which

Thankyou father Jesus for this

helped me reach this milestone.

incredible life you gave me to live.

To family and friends for their continual support. I also thank all

- Maria Dolores Benitez

my professors, preceptors, and mentors for all their guidance throughout this journey.

- Babette Pedregon

I give my biggest thanks to the team at The Prospector. I am more than honored to work with a dedicated group of student journalists. Now, I am confident that I can pursue my dreams as a journalist. To The Prospector staff, thank you for everything, and best of luck to you all!

- Nicole Lopez First and foremost, I want to thank God, my parents, husband, family, and friends for their unconditional

Thanks to UTEP for the infinity opportunities that help me grow professionally and made me the scientist for the future. Gracias a mi familia que me apoyo en todo este camino.

- Lauren Patricia Berdeja Beltran

12

love and support that made this huge accomplishment possible.

Special thank you to all my preceptors, professors, and mentors for guiding me in becoming the pharmacist I want to be. Go Miners!

- Sandra E. Saenz

Spring 2021 Graduate

College of Engineering Doctor of Philosophy

Matthew Alonzo Kazi Md Masum Billah Felipe Batista Da Silva Victor Manuel Garcia Jr. Rafael Gerardo Lopez Nanthakishore Makeswaran Jonathan Alejandro Valenzuela Brok Vishal Bhimrao Zade

Master of Engineering in Civil & Environmental Engineering Ana Cristina Acosta Carlos Anguiano Chavez Mariana Benitez Ileana Jeanette Breceda Daniel Carrera

Master of Science

Ahmad Omar Abu-Issa Jacob Alcantar Aldo Alcantara Guardado Andres Aranda Muhammad Azim Idham Azmi Brett Babcock Jesus Baca Sarah Marie Ballard Isaac Bautista Aaron Joseph Berndt Juan Manuel Canales Jr. Rocio Cardona Jairo Castillo Pablo Elias Castrejon Ponce Jesus Castro Perez Victoria Lissette Centeno Ana Cecilia Chavez Lopez Edgar Alberto Chong Luisana Clarke James Matthew Cleary Joe Porifirio Contreras Hector Cruz Javier Cuellar Kuyey Alejandro Cuevas Prya Darshni Armando Esquivel Aaron Flores Cesar Arturo Franco Blanca Esthela Galvan Villarreal Luis Ricardo Garcia Ramos Ivan Gastelum Sebastian Gonzalez Eunice Aidaly Guerra Cardenas Peter Gustav Hanson Gustavo Adolfo Hernandez Anaya Aurea Herrera Brian Randall Hinton Jesus Carlos Hurtado Andrea Fernanda Ibarra Chacon Olugbenga Temitope Iyiola Prathmesh Deepak Jichkar Charlie G. Juarez Eduardo Arturo Lara Jason Laster Jose Antoine Leon Cordero Edgar Jose Lopez Dominique Luevano Valeria Macias Stewart Mason Stephanie Medina Andres Mendez David Mendoza Hernandez Mohammad Sujan Miah Marco Antonio Munoz Jr. Saif Abdullah Nauman Ifeanyi Jeremiah Nwabueze Ngozi Chinoyerem Ubani Ochoa Mario Alberto Orrantia Muela Alejandro Ortiz Jazmin Idhali Paz Ricardo Pena Jazmin Puebla Cruz A. Quinones Sebastian Xavier Quinones Tahsin Rahman Diego Ivan Ramirez Garcia Jesus Enrique Reverol Prada Elizabeth Irene Reza Sayed Mohsin Reza Daniel Rivera Diego Armando Rivera Jose Rivera Jr. Angelica Andrea Rosales Adolfo Rubio Hidalgo Hasan Shaheed Adrian Sosa Leila Maria Subia Aileen Aime Tapia Amanda Urenda Sirko Billy Anthony Valencia

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO

Class of 2021

Ivan Alberto Valenzuela Jaime Varela Carlos Ivan Vargas Rodriguez Valeria Vega Rayfield Velazquez Garcia Jr. Dulce Gabriela Zamorano Orozco

Master of Science in Data & Information Sciences Ricardo Alejandro Contreras Antonio Sosa

College of Liberal Arts Doctor of Philosophy

Billy Joe Cryer Rubi Guadalupe Gonzales Shuv Raj Rana Bhat Nora Karina Rivera Tetyana Zhyvotovska

Master in Public Administration Heroides Aguirre Michael Clint Bass Maribel De La Huerta Gregory Allen Elderkin Brandon Fairbanks Kenia Grisel Guerrero Anderson Jarvis Amerika Lizette Jayme Grant Lawrence Erin Jaune Magee Brian McFarland Sr. Sylvia Muro Sergio Venegas

Master of Arts

Kyran Vernell Adams Arturo Altamira Aaron Jamal Anderson Jessica Armendariz Annabella M. Attaguile Alondra Avila Laura Mae Bagwell Timothy Barr Tyler Fox Beltran Ricardo J. Burciaga Alejandro Campos Anna Alexis Carrillo Steven Cisneros Gabriel D. Cleveland Devaughn Cooper Carey Vanessa Cuevas Gabriel Delagarza Marissa Eliana Delgado Anna Dmitriyevna Drozdova Osvaldo Enrique Echavarri Joshalyn Andrea Estrada Christopher Wayne Farrell James Rojas Fortier Kenneth Dueon Fox Ana Fuentes Valeria Garcia Gerardo Godinez Christopher Gojanovich Joseph Anthony Gonzalez Christopher Paul Gramling Ashley Taylor Grzebeniak Pedro Guevara Bonnie Michelle Gutierrez Samuel Evan Horwitz Victor Andrew Huber Rebeka Isaac Sean Jerkins Tracy Lynn Jones Marcos Esteban Lerma Edgar Mauricio Llamas Santos German Lopez Sr. Georgina Alicia Lopez Cabral Steven Lorey Karla Martinez Michelle Martinez Chad Michael Matthews Kyle Eric Matus Ashley Annette Mcafee Michael Angel Mejia Gabrielle Clarisse Mendoza Ryan Mosher Sandra Nehring Beau Henderson Oakes Elias Antonio Page Eddy Perez Carlos Portillo Jr. Victor Manuel Portillo Ochoa Sandra Ramirez Katherine Michelle Rivas

Rebeca Rivas Janette Rodriguez Hugo Roman Jaime Ignacio Rubio Nathaniel K. Sample Jeremy David Scott Javier Segovia Harper Sheets Jennifer Renee Sherwood Robbie G. Sierra Caleb Joel Smith Chyanne N. Smith Dawayne Smith Juan Antonio Soliz Darium Thomas Konner Vaughn Tucker Melynda Ann Venegas Andraus Lamar Williams Claudia Jane Woloshchuk Tasha Jacinda Wright

Master of Defense & Strategic Studies

Irene Esther Camacho Martha Carlos Margaret Eileen Cotton Stephen Matthew Detty Caitlin V. Doornbos Carlos Roberto Escobar Matthew Wyatt Graham Grayson Murphy Hughes Hamza Oliver Kazzaz Vu Van Le Ernesto Estevan Rios Jr. Randy Alexander Ross Anthony Roger Welch

Master of Fine Arts

Edgar Aguilar Araoz Kimberlee Bethany Bonura Eraldo Enrico Chiecchi David Alonso Cruz Sr. Timothy B. Dodd Regina L. Fiddler Sunny Garcia Giancarlo Huapaya Sarah Huizar Maria Isabel Pachon Emily Jordan Parsley David Andrew Place Laura Andrea Vazquez Lopez

Master of Music

Laura Aguirre Jesus Tomas Candela Caitlyn Capella Collette Porfirio Diaz III Nadiah Alexis Eleskandrany Flor de Liz Fierro Munoz Jorge Alfredo Flores Valles Kristiana Ignatjeva Kornel Juhasz Roberto Matias Jurado Molinar Daniel Adrian Maciel Juan Pablo Palacios Jr. Raymond Nicholas Perea III Benjamin Luis Perez Ricardo Salvador Rodriguez Mariana Sandoval-Diaz Caleb Ryan Tullius

Master of Science

Antonio Josue Carrillo Albert James Contreras Juan R. Gonzalez Joseph Leonard Herrera Gabriel Isaiah Koshinsky Mia Ruby Montes Gloria Alicia Rios Mark Eduardo Riusech Gregory Lorne Smith Jr. Priscilla Vasquez

College of Science Doctor of Philosophy

Parth Chaturvedi Hector Patricio Del Castillo Jose Antonio Garcia Jiye Guo Amanda Leane Labrado Nina Raquelle Ortiz Abhijeet R. Patil Ashley Nichole Payan Elkin Libardo Romero Penaloza Mark Scott Teshera Paulina Jasmine Villanueva

Master of Arts in Teaching

Sheri K. Arevalo Ingrid Isela Arreola Abbie S. Rodriguez Claudia Liliana Torres Rincon

Master of Science

Liliana Acosta Alvarez Karsten Dieter Amezcua Winter Eric Anto Zachary John Buschmann Paul M. Djangang Patricia Daniela Dobos Nathan Christopher Episcopo Roland Fiagbe Alejandra Maria Flores Avila Raul Adrian Higuera Perry Ivan Houser Tahmida Raheen Iqbal Reagan Kesseku Stephen Michael Molina Diana Isuiss Olivas Mariana Orejel Gonzalez George Ekow Quaye Jazmin Quezada Carlos Sebastian Reyes Clarissa Reyes Christian Lee Saiz Julie Marie Schlichte Diego Seira Nicole R. Setzu John Byron Snell Shengjie Sun Peter Obinna Ufondu Zulema Uresti Andrew Anthony Vernon Yixin Xie Hyungkyung Suh Yi

College of Education Doctor of Education Joshua Acevedo Olympia Caudillo Souraya Antoine Hajjar Gustavo Monzon Myra Ortega Rachel Serrano Jovita Simon Steven Smith

Doctor of Philosophy Michael Lewis

Master of Arts

Alanis C. Carreon Alexis Christine Carreon Heriberto Jose Garcia Jr. Jessica Ann Gonzalez Bethany C. Lackie Adam Ray Montero

Master of Education

Rawah A. Alani Ana Rosina Alarcon Fernandez Rocio Arana Elizabeth Armengol Diana Ayala Villalobos Claudia Beanes Maria E. Becerra John William Burdan Jr. Alexis Bustamante Maria A. Carrillo Caroline Elizabeth Carter Adriana Castaneda Davila Terry Davila Claudia Gabriela Diaz Hernandez Elizabeth Favela-Tomlinson Samantha Nicole Fernandez Kaitlin Randi Fifield Jessica Flores Elesa Joy Fouche Elsa Kristina Franco Daniela Garcia Joanna Garcia Viridiana Garcia Sylvia Guerrero Andrea Guevara Cesar Gutierrez Adriana Guzman Danny Angel Hernandez Jose Luis Hernandez Maria De Jesus Hernandez Shelly Holcomb Nicole Marie Holmes Roger Eric Isaac Jr. Celeste Kieffe William C. Ljungdahl Heather Lopez Jose Raymundo Lozano Ana Martinez Pratimaben J. Mehta Rebecca Rose Mengle

Krissis Yvette Monarez Maryam Najafi Maria M. Navar Jennifer Maureen Nelson Sharada Neupane Lohani Maria Magdalena Newbern Deidra Del Carmen Nida Ana Laura Ordonez Estefania Ordonez Rachel Pena Stephen Robert Perez Sylvia Judith Porras Andrea Fernanda Ramirez Flor Patricia Ramirez Jennifer Ann Rau Juan Alberto Remigio Ana Laura Rios Arlene Marie Rivera Danipsa Rodriguez Garcia Jennifer Rubio Annette Santana Victoria Naomi Servin Adda Priscilla Torres Isabel Christina Villa Julie Ward Jessica Rae Warner Carmen Cecilia Zaragoza

Master of Science

Lorenza De Los Santos Jose E. Gallegos Melissa Color Lehto

College of Business Administration Doctor of Philosophy

Gabriel Moreno Justin Ruben Munoz Franziska Maria Renz Julian Ulrich Norbert Vogel Chao Wei

Master of Accountancy

Michelle A. Alvarado Elena Calugher-Swiderski Ricardo Dragone Fatima Escarcega Francisco Javier Espino Meiliana Indriyani Gonzales Diana Ivette Hernandez Mary Elife Ilaboya Nidia Yazmin Martinez Joseph Martin Olson Adrian Palacios-Garibay Adriana Perez Rodriguez Garcia Fernando Ramirez Krystal Amanda Saenz Javier Alberto Sierra-Rodriguez

Master of Business Administration

Paola Acosta Dominguez Michael Anthony Alcala Marco Antonio Alonso Giovanni Botello Kenneth Charles Boyd Veronica Chavira Anthony Cordova Yoly M. Cortez Miguel Angel Cuevas Perez Makayla Elaine Dawson Anaid Del Pozo Jorge Alberto Estrada Sandra Guadalupe Franco Amparan Jesus Jacobo Fuentes Felipe Garcia Jr. Valeria Garcia Edgar Esteban Gomez Sarahi Gomez Rivera

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO

Class of 2021 Bertha Elena Gonzalez Celia Elena Gonzalez Grant Eugene Gonzalez Gabriel Guillen Jose Adrian Harari Erika Lin Harrawood Blanca Astrid Hernandez Luis F. Herrera Alex R. Hill Gluck Fritz Hunter Yair Jalil Vladimir Juarez Martinez Alexis J. Labrado Kevin Lackey Enrique Lechuga Jr. Claudia Ivette Lopez Karina Lujan Landy Mendiola Breton James Stephen Milam Maria Del Rosario Nunez Adidoreydi Ontiveros Jose Luis Pacheco Jr. Luis Alfonso Padilla Salmon Casie Jeen Pedregon Carlos Manuel Ramos Pamela Rios Astrid Roman Isabel Rubio Crystal Annette Saavedra Fabian Aurelio Saenz Antonio Salais Ramon Esteban Salais Dianne Alejandra Saucedo Salvador Sias Edna Adriana Solis-Haas Ana Karina Sosa Salgado Ronnie Antonio Uribe Jr. Jorge Ivan Vargas Gabrielle Monica Velasquez Edgar Noel Verastegui Jurado Abelardo Yeomans Burruel Briana Melissa Zepeda

Master of Science

Sokaina El Bekri Ignacio Santana Ramirez

College of Health Sciences Doctor of Philosophy Michelle Del Rio Samuel Montalvo Amy R. Nava Sarah Leticia Ruiz

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Patricia Isabela Acosta Manuel Amador Jr. Andrea Baralt Sarah Emily Brehn Landon Drapela Valerie Crystal Favela Morgan DaNae Gardner Kevin Michael Harris Marcos Hernandez Jonathan Antonio Huerta Mason Demi Huston Bailey Justine Inman Jennifer Kotowych Blaine Antonio Marshall Kevin Joseph Mathew

Juan Carlos Dominguez Daniela Garcia Elisa O. Given Becky Gonzalez Joshua Green Lourdes Perez Guadian Bridgette Danielle Leyva Tania Vanessa Leyva Jimena Jacqueline Maciel Joseph John Mazzuca Victoria Rose Moor Stephanie Lynn Puente Shania Romero Ramirez Angela Reyes Clarissa Iliana Romero Tiana Renee Sias Fabian Sigala Orozco Alondra Suarez Julie Ann Tirrell Naomi Torres Fatima Valles William Vasquez Shawn Stanley Vosburg Mitsue Yoshimoto

Evan Mccann Bailey Evonne McGehee Steven Ray Medina Mariel Melchor Yoselyn Mendoza Branko Miljkovic Clancy Bryce Nelson Edward Scott Nicklas Sarah Skov Ortiz Stephanie Ramirez Adriene Rose Salgado Krystal Marie Salinas Tori Stanzeski William Clay Swanks Clare Rose Swietlik Ana Therese Carandang Uniforme Ralph Vargas David Villarreal III Megan Waters Danielle Renee Wright

School of Nursing

Master of Occupational Therapy

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Valeria Alvarez Kristen Clarno Andrea Colindres

Master of Public Health Jaleen G. Avila

Master of Science

Maritza Alvarez Paola G. Barahona Reyes Victoria C. Chacon Joshua Gilbert Del Rio Jacob Ryan Deslongchamps Viviana Dominguez Yarassette Fabela Jordin Gabrielle Hanley Erin Marie Hendricks Francesca Julia Hernandez Genevieve Renee Hernandez Ileana Abril Jarquin Maiya Lorenz Jorge Cameron A. Lazcano Arline Loya Allison Nicole Luna Tierra Marchese Armando Martinez Ruiz Gladys Melendez James Allen Nichols Javier D. Padilla Leanna Christine Peru Heather Marie Ramirez Sergio Alfonso Rodriguez Jr. Georgina Lissette Salas Owen Frederick Salmon Susan Anne Winters

Master of Social Work

Odette Rocio Abbud Aguero Cindy Rose Arana Ashley Janette Armendariz Jessica Ayala Ivonne Barrios Rivyann Nicole Blount Rosanna Reyes Camarena Dennise Cano-Sanchez Ilse Aimee Carrillo Hazel V. Cazares Jocelyn Alexis Cepeda Rosemarie De La Hoya Jaime Armando De La Paz Jr. Hayley Renee Depew

Michelle Lee Calderon Angelica del Toro George Egesi Tanya Marlene Guerrero Lirio Elizabeth Lopez-Urias Monicke Magnon Guillermina Alicia Nelson Pamela Olachi Ogbonna Chinonye Ogechi Onuchukwu-Azuonye

Master of Science in Nursing

Hannah Yeggy Abram Jennifer Nicole Acata Alma Acosta Vincent Lee Alexander Jr. Cynthia Amaya Tonya Baker Desiree Elisabeth Barnard-Peterson Heather Barraza Jennifer Anne Bias Peaches Landry Booth Alejandra Borja Alyssa Cepeda Alba Esther Cereceres Kayla Dawn Chung Kylie Michelle Clay Alisa Cupp Justine Danielle Dominguez Amber Marie Ellis Sarah Michelle Ellis Michelle Torres Espinosa Stephanie Ann Gallegos Jason Reign Garner Katherine Gray Heidi Lee Heinrichs Michael Anthony Heredia Jr. Suzanna Marie Hewtty Zayra Jimenez Garcia Karina Kalmbach Robert Lee Klein Edra Manzo Alene Davis Marrott David Eduardo Miramontes Idali Miranda Maria Teresa Moreno Jill Murdock Blanca E. Nunez Silvia R. Olivares Mendoza Adriana Michelle Orozco Rayna Jean Ramirez

Sandra Lynn Ryan Selamnesh Said Yesennia Grace Salinas Rudy Sanchez Jr. Sarah Morgan Sanchez Adrianna Sandoval Rigales Sheila Mae Vicencio Sazon Vanessa Jean Schiafone Jessica Cruz Sikazwe Sheronda Michelle Smith Monique Tafoya Courtney Paige Valenzuela Jessica Valero Emmanuel Villanueva Kelly Wedel Kankiza H. Wegman Amanda Brooke Wendenburg Mariaha Dayleon Wilson Charmeshia E. Wren Elizabeth Ann Yells

School of Pharmacy Doctor of Pharmacy

Marisol Blanco Erica Tekyiwaa Boakye Jesus Roberto Camacho Andrew John Carrion II Jacqueline De la Vega Isaiah Michael De Santiago Diego M. Duran Ranielle Linette Espinoza Marlene Rodriguez Gallegos Sarah Emily Garcia Robert A. Gutierrez Diana Herrera Ivanka Liliuokalani Jaquez Hendreta Tangie Kinbong Matthew Joseph Macias Michael Aaron Maxwell Lorenzo Ray Mendoza Alberto Nava Jr. Yvette Olivas Jose O. Ontiveros Jr. Omar M. Ordaz Cristina Angelica Ortega Presciliano Ortega III Babette Pedregon Alejandro Perez Gaspar Arturo Quintana Krista Amanda Ramirez Seyed Amir Mohammad Rastegari Marissa Marie Reyna Elizabeth Louise Riley Julieta Esmeralda Rodriguez Manuel Alejandro Rodriguez Alec Ruiz Christian Ruiz Sandra Esmeralda Saenz Andrea E. Salazar Annette Sanchez Philippe Sangsun Taylor Alejandro Urueta Monica Elizabeth Zeschitz-Garrison

Engineering Science/ Interdisciplinary Doctor of Philosophy

Abhilash Aditya Omar Sulaiman Belhaj Iyasu Gebrezgabher Eibedingil Estrella De Jesus Herrera Sarah Elizabeth Mccord

Spring 2021 Candidates Undergraduate

College of Engineering Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Jacob Aguirre Paul Nathan Aguirre III Saad Alemtairy Alexis F. Alvarez Nicholas Cheyenne Apodaca Pedro Barraza Juan Carlos Berjes Jr Carlos Cabanas Lopez Luisa Andrea Castrejon Varela Mario Alberto Cazares Dominguez Jr Sandra Paulina Estrada Arzate Selene Fernandez Aranza Fons Cesar Saul Frutos-Lopez Adrian Alexis Garcia Ruiz Jr. Larissa L. Hernandez Carlos Herrera Viviana Marie Lewis Edgar E. Lopez Sebastian Lopez Karen Luna Alejandro Santiago Mandujano Luis Daniel Meraz Isaiah Alexander Montgomery Danny Moreno Jesus Julian Moreno Chavez Alondra Nunez Armando Olivas JR Alonso Robles Jr Jesus Rodriguez Jr. Enrique Antonio Saenz Carrillo Matthew Anthony Salas Raoul Edoardo Salas Monica Santillana Jose Luis Satarain Jr. Ramon Raymundo Valencia Mario Alberto Vazquez Ostos Jr. Leonardo Demetrio Vazquez-Raygoza Isaac Esteban Zuniga

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Sean R. Aguilar Aaron Michael Alarcon Emmanuel Alvarez Joel Anguiano Jonathan Argumedo Nathan Anthony Aun Jacob Barberena Ivanna Becerra Mildred Valeria Brito Carlos Cabada Rodriguez Carlos Alberto Cardenas Gallardo Johnny Cruz III Manuel Delgado Edgar Josue Escobedo Jorge Alfredo Flores Jr. Jesus D. Garcia Sebastian Gomez Adrian Gonzalez Julian Gonzalez Manuel Ivan Gutierrez Victor Huicochea Solorzano Lester Leonardo Ibarra Steven Ibarra

Christopher Paul Janicki Cesar Lopez Jebel A. Macias Alejandra Maciel Cuevas Robert Anthony Marc Airam A. Martinez Nicolas Cruz Menchaca Emmanuel Alejandro Menier Escalante Bryan Alejandro Molina Adrian Monreal Kimberly Morales Abram Miramontes Nguyen Alejandro David Ortega Armando Ortiz Aryn Christina Marie Parker Erick Perchez Ivan Perez Dilan Raul Ramirez Ramirez Bryan Ramos Denzell Miguel Robinson Steven Jesse Robles Jr Laila Maria Romero Jaime Otoniel Salas Andres Silva Jennifer Annette Sims Jose Heriberto Smith Jr Leslie D. Sosa Marcoantonio Rene Soto Paola Terrazas Andrea F. Torres Nicole Ileana Torres Ruth Trejo Christopher A. Uriel Zabdi Jazer Valenciana Gilbert Velasquez Jerardo Agustin Velazquez Kenneth Randall Ward Jr. Wenbo Xie

Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering & Management Daniela Gonzalez

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Lars Ache Musad Nayef Almutairi Abdulrazzaq Duaij Alqabandi Carlo Alejandro Alvarado Jorge A. Alvarez Grajeda Arthur Mitchell Baray Diego Alfredo Calzada Jose Carlos Dominguez Cisneros Hasan Saadi Elwir Stefania Esquer Angel P. Favela Christopher Andy Garcia Nahum Jared Garcia Jose Carlos Garcia Marquez Basaldua Andres Ibarra Juan Andres Lazo Eduardo Lopez Jose Armando Luevanos Jr Jesus Alexei Lujan Arleth Marin Gutierrez Erik Marquez Juan A. Marquez III Marsell Alexandro Marquez German Martinez Bryan Gerardo Medina De La Paz Luis Roberto Melendez Andres Meza Isaac Monroy

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO

Class of 2021

Jesus Ivan Morales Miguel Morales Travis Michael Moore Newbolt Arturo Perez Roberto Ponce Garcia Marco Antonio Ramirez Castro Miguel Reyes Edgar Adrian Rodriguez Kenji Gabriel Santacruz Javier Isaiah Saucedo William Michel Shaghoury Nannam Simla Alberto Pavel Sosa Ian Alexander Torres Manuel D. Valenzuela Axel Vazquez Montano Brian Joseph Wyman Daniel Alejandro Zambrano Raquel Alicia Zubia

Bachelor of Science in Engineering Leadership Cesar Arturo Caraveo Noel Ruiz Lopez Denise Saenz Bryant Durham Sanchez Evelyn Torres

Bach of Science in Industrial & Systems Engineering Hussain Abdullah H Al Yami Mohammed A Z A Alaazmi Abdullah M A F M A Alajmi Valeria Alaniz Abdulaziz S E S E R Alazemi Khaled Alazemi Meshal B S A Alazmi Barjas M. Alkaamar Masoud H M D H Almutairi Abdulazis B Y M Alshaban Bader A. Alshemeri Maribel Alva Priscila Balanzar Almazan Enoc Israel Bordier Ana Sofia Cardona Sanchez Miguel Angel Castano Mariana Cervantes Ruiz Andres Gomez Jr. Gerardo Daniel Gonzalez Humberto Hernandez Rios Silvia Guadalupe Meza Arreola Alexandra Montes Aaron Munoz Humberto Munoz Jr Diana L. Pablos Gabriel Quesada Jr Samantha Ramirez Ariadne Sheccid Reveles Deanna Layne Richie Adrian Rodriguez Ana Yajaira Ruiz Edgar Estefano Solis Jose Rafael Vasquez Perez

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Amanda Acosta Louis A. Alarcon Mehana A M Gh M Alfadhli Adam Murhaf Al-Tabbaa Jose De Jesus Alvarez Duenas Aaron Daniel Amato Natalie Beth Arellano Sergio A. Arriola Mauricio Arzate Jr Jacob Andrew Barajas Karina Barraza Sol Alejandra Barraza Daniel Barron Guillermo A. Beckmann Alejandro Gabino Beltran-Alvarez

Ruben Esteban Bolado Garcia Jr. Elsa Bramasco Rivera Michael Stephen Brink Alejandro D. Calvillo Joel Cardoso Miranda Catherine Michelle Carrillo Diego A. Carrillo Rafael Castaneda Gustavo Gabriel Castillo Arturo Castorena Cassandra L. Cazares Ramon Eduardo Chavez Jr Santiago Clarke Hernandez Kristina Marie Coria Michael O. Cruz David De La Rosa Alejandro Diaz Jr Brittany Isabel Enciso Robert Estrada Sergio Tomas Estrada Francisco Fabela Sergio Dante Favela Reynaldo Flores Julian Franco Ernesto Gamboa Tiscareno Dante Gamez David Andres Garcia Jr. Vanessa Garcia Jonathan Arturo Garcia-Diaz Sofia Gabriela Gomez Alejandro Gonzalez Cristina Gonzalez Stephanie Guerra Arias Carlos Guerrero Armando Gutierrez Cano Jr Cesar G. Guzman Alonso Herald Jose Noe Hernandez Luis R. Hernandez Nicolas Shane Holguin Andrea Irigoyen Dominic Diamante Kelly Dennis Wayne Kemp Jr Monica Alejandra Labiaga Jose Antonio Lopez Monica S. Lopez Miranda D. Lucero Hector Arturo Mancha III Alejandro Marin-Sanchez Daisy Haidee Mariscal Alejandro Marquez Andujo Alexandro Martinez Julio Cesar Medina Rodrigo Alberto Medina Hernandez Victor Adrian Medrano Balderas Alejandro Angel Mejia Carlos Alberto Meraz Alireza Mohammadi Yvan Montoya Dante A. Monzon Jorge Moran Raul Navarro Michael Alexander Nigro Eduardo Ochoa Jr Sincleer Orona Rafael Payan Guerrero Henry Perez Fernando Ramirez Frias Rogelio Ramirez Saucedo Eyner Raya Christopher P. Reynolds Juan Rivilla Casado Aaron J. Robledo Jr Carlos Rocha Jr Carlos Ariel Rodriguez Gilberto Enrique Rodriguez Jr. Aida Mariana Rodriguez Ballesteros Brianna Itzel Sanchez Abraham Rey Santamaria Jesus Saucedo Marcos Silva Angela Renae Torres

Congratulation

THE UNIVERSITY OF

Aaron Rey Tovar Flor Alejandra Urbina Araiza Johan S. Valcarcel Bryan Edward Vasquez Edgar Adrian Vazquez Jesus Vazquez Jimenez Roberto Villalobos Jr. Andrew Jacob Villalva Antonio J. York

Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical & Materials Engineering Zayra N. Dorado Omar Fernandez Gabriel Adrian Flores Mckenna Mae Lin Hitter Raquel A. Medina Andie Elaine Padilla Jae Woo Park

College of Liberal Arts Bacherlor of Applied Arts and Science Shaheen Robert Amiri Maria Ines Delgado

Bachelor of Arts

Marah Alaa Abdel Jaber Gianna Margherita Abraham Mariela D. Acevedo Melissa Acosta Michelle Acosta Jailine Paola Acosta Salamanca Melissa Aguero Orozco Mary Olivia Aikman Quentin M. Alexander Victoria Almaguer Priscilla Almanza Baleria Alvarado Roxana Alvarado Alan Y. Alvarez Desiree Nicole Alvarez Sandra Berenice Amaya Brittany Anders Adriana Andrade Zury Melissa Andrade Sofia Antunez Karina Arellano Shalese Marie Arenas Daniel Antonio Rimada Arizpe Javier Armendariz Jr Valeria Armendariz Ricardo Arreola Jennifer Karina Arzate Torin Christopher Aschle Brandon Avila Brian Rene Avila Gene Avila Isaac Avila Jaritza Idali Ayala Gastelo Gloria A. Baca Aaron Alexander Balcazar Bryana Andrea Balderrama Priscilla Bernice Barba Sandra Montserrat Baro Hailey Barraza William Donald Barrios Stephanie Nicole Barron Angela Denise Barton Amy Cassandra Baylon

Cesar Beltran Elias Beltran Steven Jeremy Benavidez Itzel A. Bermudez Kenya Bernal Jorge David Betancourt Andrea M. Bojorquez Andres Felipe Bonilla Brandy Jasmine Bray Myra Yvonne Bryand Philip Alexander Bull Carolyn Coleen Myra Bulloch Sabrina Bustillos Eli Janett Cabanillas Jacklyn A. Caraveo Martha Cardenas Martin Cardenas Sergio Javier Carmona Jr Frances Eva Carrasco Jose David Carrasco Karen Vannessa Carrasco Sarah Thaddine Carrasco Justin Allen Carrillo Axel A. Casas Lillian Renae Casillas Karla A. Castaneda Gina Yadare Castrejon Yvette Y. Castro Stephanie Michelle Cedillo Irene Chacon Litzy Chavero Carlos Eduardo Chavez Karen Lizbeth Chavez Marisol Fernanda Chavez Ruben M. Chavez Destiny Alexa Clark Serena Alexandra Clifford Cristian A. Colmenero Celeste M. Concha Shane A. Cook Katarina Alexis Cordero Samantha Yiyi Cordier Lucero Corral-Arreola Rachel Correa Frances Monique Cortez Paulina Jennifer Cottom Ana Rosa Cranfield Jazmine Janay Cuevas Jose Luis De Anda Jr Daniel De La Rosa Jocelyn De La Torre

Luan Carlo de Todos Los Santos de Borbon

Jesus Del Rio Jr. Anahi E. Delgado Stephanie A. Duran Beth A. Edmonston Lauren Elyse Edmundson Valerie Grace Edwards Corina Carolyn Enriquez Adrian Escandon Adrian Escobedo Katherine Espinoza Jorge Aaron Estrada Katrina Estrada Zoula L. Fabela Alejandra Yrasema Fanith Desaraee Marie Fernandez Maria D. Fernandez Emanuel Flores Fernando Andres Flores L’renzo Ignazio Fraire Adriana L. Franco John D. Frederick Abigail Garcia Alba Mariana Garcia

Alexis Garcia Vanessa Garcia Daniel Garcia-Villareal Danitza Angelica Garibay Alyssa R. Garza Michael M. Gibson Daniel Gijon Jonathan W. Gilbreath Ian Curtis Gilliam Jesus Gomez Michelle N. Gomez Oscar Ivan Gonzales Alejandro Gonzalez Andrea Elizabeth Gonzalez Bridgette Gonzalez Hristo Eloy Gonzalez Jetsabel Gonzalez Michelle Teresa Gonzalez Veronica Gonzalez Victor Ivan Gonzalez Zulema Lizet Gonzalez Marigrace Gorden Alexander G. Greenman Rosie Berenice Guerra Gerardo Guerrero Selena Gurrola Antonio Gutierrez Vega Amanda Victoria Guzman Ariella Sanchez Guzman Diana Enith Guzman Farzin Hamed-Zanjani Darius E. Hamilton Valeriee Michelle Hamm Leslie Marilyn Haro Rubi Heredia Tania Heredia Adrian John Hernandez Andrea Hernandez Ashley Hernandez Brigette Yvette Hernandez Enrique Hernandez Jr Jesus Javier Hernandez Jr Juan Ramos Hernandez Marleen Hernandez Michael James Hernandez Noah Ezekiel Hernandez Yvonne Hernandez Rebeca Hernandez Ortega Alexandra E. Herrera Priscila Herrera Luis Gustavo Hinojos Juan Pablo Hobbs Kelsey A. Hollis Jacob Gordon Hoover Matthew Brian House Dominique Isabela Huerta Melanie Huerta Elisa Victoria Huizar Aaron Thomas Hunter Jessica Jauregui Kaitlynn Hollis Jensvold Abril I. Jimenez Rebecca Ivonne Jimenez Bryanna Rhea Johnson Flor Mariana Kuri Montes Amber Lanahan Paola Lemus Monica Lira Isis Deyanira Lopez Jesus Alfredo Lopez Sunshine Loya Cesar Enrique Loza Jorge Lozano Alexis Marie Lucero Kaitlin R. Lujan

ns Class of 2021

F TEXAS AT EL PASO

Alejandra Valeria Luna Elizabeth Marie Luna Linda Araceli Luna Gonzalez Mariana Luna-Saenz Briana Macias Lauren Rebekah Madrid Stephanie Madrid Kaitlyn Louring Magnuson Michael J. Mancill Crystal M. Marcantonio Christopher Daniel Marquez Emily Diana Marquez Luna E. Marquez Jessica Marie Martinez Juan A. Martinez Sara Alejandra Martinez Ariana Paola Martinez Franco Alejandra Martinez Reyes Andrea Danielle Mata Waldo Martin Mata William Mckeever Alyssa Claire Medina Breanna Monique Medina Marco Antonio Medina Jr. Anabel Melendez Andy Melendez Sergio Arturo Mendez Jr Jamie D. Mendoza Aaron Christopher Mietlinski Cedrick Randolph Miller Natalia Irene Minjarez Oppenheimer Omar Miranda Jr Carlos Fernando Mirazo Aileen Modesto Giselle Molina Dominique M. Molina Cazares Lizeth Judith Molina Ortiz Joe E. Molinar Andy Moncayo David Ian Mondello Estefania Montoya Gonzalez Manuel E. Mora Ileana Morales Jaqueline P. Moreno Roxann Moreno Danielle Mort Alvin Emmanuel Moya Olivia Teresa Mueller Ana S. Munoz Derick Munoz Mariana Munoz Sergio Eduardo Munoz Esquer Alyssa Mabel Navarro Olivia Teresa Navarro Alejandra Isabel Nevarez Amanda Nevarez Angelica Nevarez Jesus F. Ochoa Arreola Mayra Ontiveros Maria Salette Ontiveros Gama Christopher Stephen Ornelas Elizabeth Ornelas Andrea Orozco Rogelio Orozco Jr Pamela Anaiz Ortega Fernanda Ortega Luna Raquel Ostos Sarah Jane Ostrowidzki Priscilla Padilla Paola Padilla Flores Alexus Christina Padron Daniella Pagan Samantha R. Payan Juan A. Pedroza Jr Natalia Pelaez

Corina Perales Jacquelyn Elizabeth Perez Luis Angel Perez Mark M. Perez Heriberto Perez Lara Marissa Ann Piedra Kristin Ivette Portillo Paulina Portillo Ithzel Guadalupe Prieto Jose P. Quintana Maryam Motaz Ragheb Briana Noelle Ramirez Daniel Alejandro Ramirez Jared Michael Ramirez Karla Ramos Jessica Elizabeth Reyes Letty Reyes Jr Vanessa Reyes Perez Danielle L. Richie Jose Enrique Rico Cypress Jezebel Rios Maria G. Rivera Ana Valeria Rivera Gutierrez Stephanie Robledo Karen Rocha Carla Marie Rodriguez Samuel Rodriguez Tiffany Nicole Rodriguez Bryssa Jiovani Rodriguez Muro Demy Rodriguez Villanueva Karen Fabiola Rojas Cathy Roman Daniela Vianey Romero Luis P. Romo Magallanes Amanda M. Rosales Ariadna Rosales Andrea Rosen Eduardo Rubio Diana Ruiz Grajeda Ilse Denis Salas Juan D Jr Salas Jr Christopher Anthony Salazar Alejandra Salcido Jasmine Celeste Saldana Areana Saldivar Nicole Arlene Salgado Sebastian Samaniego Andrea Leticia Sanchez Daniel Sanchez Guadalupe Y. Sanchez Justine Marie Sanchez Luis Sandoval Ivy Saunders Lillian Diane Scott Patricia Christian Senter Jacqueline N. Sierra Sandra S. Sierra Breanna Aileene Silva Carla Alexandra Siqueiros Valeria Duran Sosa Evelin Soto-Ramirez Paulina Astrid Spencer Michael William Stark Joshua Sustaita Jessica Talamantes Azul Aranthxa Tejon Tania G. Tellez Jesus Manuel Terrazas Lauren Ashley Terry Keira N. Thomas Johnathan M. Thoreson Guadalupe Torres Guillermo Torres Veronica C. Torres Matthew Wayne Torrez Adan Trevino

Andrea Paulina Trillo Aylin Trujillo Sebastian Joel Trujillo Anthony R. Ulmer Carolina Valdez Lopez Yunnuen Valencia Edgar Emmanuel Valerio Gilbert J. Valerio Jr. Justine Lorraine Valles Noah Martin Vanderzwan Angela Giovanna Varela Fernando Junior Vargas Salvador J. Vargas Nahomi Itzel Velasco Crystal Velasquez Vianey Rocio Velazquez Ariadna Jazmin Velez Coronado Tydus J. Verhoeven Jose E. Villegas Markus Anthony Voit Zachary B. West Levi Matthew White Jacqueline J. Williams Kevin A. Wilson Michael S. Wood Carol-Anne Yerby Jennifer S. Young Mizael Zuniga Stephanie Nicole Zuniga

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Ruth Acuna Vidal Michelle M. Bautista Christopher Ulysses Delgado Xavier A. Felix Joseph Edward Fernandez Adrian Flores Lira Olivia Marie Giron Andrew George Hernandez Jade Carolina Hernandez Melinda Ann Hernandez Camila Grisel Hernandez Hernandez Pedro Antonio Hinojos Serrato Rachel M. Holliday Stuart Benjamin Kanof Victor Maldonado Alicia Priscilla Moreno Samantha E. Ochoa Hannah Michelle Perches Larissa Reyes Arzate Isabelle Karin Rivera Elisa Guadalupe Rivera Holguin T’Keyah Jordan Roberts Roxana Barron Rodriguez Alba Mercedes Saenz David Antonio Sanchez Carrillo Alissa May Smith Cereza John Strive Andrea Elissa Taman Dania Lizeth Villanueva

Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies

Monica Acevedo Lilian Acosta Andrew J. Agueros Johnnyjulie Belin Ahmed Melissa Avila Sean Donovan Bailey Jessica J. Basurto Achute Sharma Bhandari Valerie Elizabeth Broadie Macey L. Brown

Kimberly Buentello Eliana Calvillo Sergio J. Camacho Jr. Heavenly Star Canady Veronica Anguiano Cantu Diana Carlson Jordan Christine Carreon Hannah Alliyz Ceballos Pedro Ceballos Brianna Chavez Alyssa Loren Contreras Benjamin Alejandro Coronado Alejandro Cossio Jr Walter D. Dawn Jr Kimberly Lorraine Diaz Nadiezdha Dominguez Amanda Renae Estrella Beverly Fountain Cindy Franklin Alba Rocio Garcia Isabela Garcia Andrew Phillip Gonzalez Debra Gallardo Grado Connor Michael Graham Anahi Gutierrez Andres Hernandez

Tyreke Treshawn Clarence James-Quinney

Brian Anthony Janes Maria Rebecca Jaramillo Salonika Eftyhia Kakoulakis George F. Kareh Yazmin Paola Landeros Servando Leyva Jr Yolanda Lira Abril Llamas Cynthia Fabiola Marquez Crystal S. Martinez Margie Martinez Michelle Mendez Ivonne Mendez Enriquez Jennifer Ilene Munoz Jean Laura Brown Padilla Deandra Genesis Perez Kyanne Petty April Alexis Ramos Jonathan J. Renteria Karina Rivera Rebecca Alejandra Robinson Christopher J. Rojero Elijah Apolo Ruiz Oscar Alonzo Ruiz Gaurav Vardhan Singh Shakeem Marcus Smith John I. Smithdavis Virginia S. Tapia Irasema Torales Crystal Annette Torres Erika Valdez Olga H. Valdez Velez Lorena Vargas Eric Vila Martinez Bryson N. Williams Oseleonoleme E. Williams Samuel Ramon Zermeno

Bachelor of Music

Ramon Diaz Acosta Jr Sergio E. Amador Emmanuel Araiza Ji Ale Bocanegra Isabella Calderon-Martinez Shannon Nellie Davis Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr Giovanni Maldonado Eduardo Allen Mena Macedonio Julius Molina Jr Emilio Montoya Arturo Olivo Eduardo Ontiveros III Alejandra Sandoval-Montanez Daniel Eduardo Soto Gabriela Danielle Tellez

TH E O F F I C E O F TH E P R ESI D EN T

CONGRATULATES THE CLASS OF 2021

Ryan Carson Valencia Dario A. Vazquez Samantha Joy Whitaker Jacob D. Zavala

Bachelor of Science

Carolina Amaya Licon Alizah Jacilyn Arredondo Jannet B. Astorga Juleesi Azarian Miriam Carlos Gayl Vianney Chavez Kinley Rinzin Dorji Miriam Regina Escobedo Kendra Marie Farr Shayla Mckenzie Fernandez Audrey R. Garcia Ashley Marie Lindquist Erika Paola Lopez-Banda Jose Arturo Medina Iridian Molina Oscar Ignacio Najera Shelby Lynn O’Leary Jacqueline Orozco Victoria Anne Perez Joshua Preciado-Pina Gabriela Ramirez Syvannah R. Ramirez Roselvira Reyes Gwendolyn Ann Rivera Maria Isabel Rivera Stephanie Janae Rodriguez Andrea Rodriguez-Crespo Soreliz Roldan Soto Mary Elizabeth Russell Jaymee Kristine Saldivar Charlie Sioux Schaffino Demi Briana Torres Elizabeth Renee Torres Samantha Renee Torres Jenny Marie Unpingco Liana Victoria Villar Adriana Susana Villegas

College of Science Bachelor of Arts

Lillian Renae Casillas Alexis Selen Feliciano Richard A. Lazcano Dafne Zulema Medina Tomas J. Mijares Jr

Bachelor of Science

Wesam Daniah Alaa Abdel-Jaber Yasmeen Abugalyon Yendi Olivia Aguilar Palomo Angela M. Alanis Annika Z. Alarcon Jose Luis Alvarado Jr Sonia E. Alvarado Briana A. Alvarez Isaac Alvidrez Angelica Judith Amaya Giovanni Amaya Pamela Giselle Anderson Celeste Arreola Vianey Arvilla Joseph D. Avila Victoria Rain Azcarate Alejandra Baca Angel A. Badillo Braulio Jose Banuelos Joseph F. Barraza Cynthia Bautista Kennedy Lynn Behrens Lauren Patricia Berdeja Beltran Joanna N. Bernal Brittney N. Brito Ashlee Burkett Yency Seriochka Bustillos

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO

Class of 2021

Alondra Liz Caban Linda M. Calderon Karen Campos Ruben Cardoso Jr Leticia Caro Natalia Estefania Carrasco Rojas Diana Vanessa Carreon Jessica Carrera Emma Sofia Carrillo Jazmin Carrillo Deborah Castaneda Jahayra Jailene Chairez Caitlin Arianne Delgado Chanoi Carmen Abril Chavez Carolyne Chepkosgei Daniela Chow Bessie Alicia Christmann Chloe C. Clifton Jessica Chris Cordova Karina Cortez Keara Chantel Coulehan Karina Damian Carmona Alyssa Nicole Davila Anthony Duane Dennis Lindsey Dewey Edna Yamil Diaz Elizabeth Ray Diaz Luisa Nayely Dominguez Aldama Natalia Isabel Duenas Rodriguez Richard Duran Kin Lance Edusada Allison Taylor Emmett-Bailleres Saul Adrian Escarcega Judith Jacinta Ruth Escobar Christopher F. Espinoza Alejandra Flores Brian S. Flores Tytiana Mikale Ford Diana Franco Gutierrez Kennya G. Gamboa Andrea Teresa Garcia Isaac Garcia Matthew R. Garcia Victoria Garcia Rebeca Alejandra Garcia Vazquez Luis Arturo Gardea Andrea Sabrina Gomez Jose Gabriel Gomez Alejandra Gonzalez Lorenzo Andres Gonzalez Noemi Lizbe Gonzalez Sandra Lorena Gonzalez Cordova Luis Antonio Gracia Mazuca Jose Alejandro Grajeda Carlos Robert Guerrero Rogelio Gutierrez III Eric Manuel Guzman Naseem Ayman Hajir Sarahi Lizette Hardy Arturo Andres Heras Alma Idali Hernandez Niza Hernandez Juan-Julian T. Hisa Brittney Ann Hughes Seung Joon Hwang Roberto Paulo Iturralde Guerrero Karen Victoria Jacob Brianna Marie Jordan Brenda Yesenia Juarez Sangwon Kang Kameron Hoaloha Keoho Mariana Lafon Merlina Lazcano Derrick E. Littles Jr Ernesto G. Loera Elisabet Lopez Tapia

Gabriela Lozano Esther Emily Lujan Cristobal Gabriel Lujan Martino Aaron Luna Lucasantiago Henze Macias Luis Carlos Madrid Jr Mauricio Javier Magdaleno Gabriella Anyse Maldonado Leifitele Mamea Marianne Sofia Marin Yanine Marquez Alena Yvette Marrufo Ashley Nicole Martinez Diego Martinez Karla Vanes Martinez Gladys Vanessa Matiedje Raelyn S. Mcclellan Oavie J. Mcdermott Diego Armando Medina Karla Daniela Melendez Paola A. Mergil Alessandra Merino Gomez Bryan Anibal Meza-Gonzalez Mary Elizabeth Cloyd Miller Valeria Isabel Molina Celeste Monroy Pineda Katherine Montalvo Jahshua Gabriel Montero Joshua David Montes Angela Grace Montoya Chelsea Janette Moreno Diana Laura Moreno Ian M. Moreno Ianellie Munguia Jacob Thomas Najera Hector J. Naranjo Perez Jaime T. Natividad Valeria Victoria Nava Isaiah Israel Navarette Jazmin Navarrete Amanda Grise Nevarez Diana D. Nguyen Ismael E. Noriega Luis Carlos Nunez Ramon Ogaz III Kate Olivas-Cardiel Lilia Maria Olmstead Andres Orta Jimena I. Ortiz Nickolas Ryan Ortiz Samuel Andres Pacheco Brissa Korynna Pages Jacquelyn E. Palomares Enriquez Nancy Pantoja Ramon Parada Maria A. Pasillas Erick Roman Pena Vivian Ruby Perches Anahi Perez Leoncio Edmundo Perez Jr Ana Cecilia Perez Perez Linh Tran My Pham Xay Thi My Pham Janet Ponce Monica Sofia Ponce Ruiz Shayan Enriq Pourjavaheri Joshua Preciado-Pina Nicole S. Pugsley Breanna Alyssa Quinonez Jacob Quiroz Jr Brandon Charles Hall Raab Gianna Lysette Ragona Caress Jewel Riddell Alejandro Rincon Jacqueline Rivera Alvaro Rivilla Casado

Luis Alfonso Robles Jr. Daniela Rodarte Pamela Rodriguez Alheli Romero Margarita Romero Antonio Ruiz Destiny Antolina Ruiz Michael I. Ruiz Roberto M. Salas Esteban Milan Salazar Desiree Saldana Emmanuel Sanchez Iris Celeste Sanchez Sandra Odette Sanchez Ysabel Olga Sanchez Yazmin Sandoval Gicela Guadalupe Saucedo Salas Austre Yareli Schiaffino Bustamante Vanessa Gisell Serracin Danielle Grace Setzu Lynzie Ann Smith Diana Sotelo Itzel Aleja Tamez Larissa Ariana Tavizon Edna Daniela Tepezano Rhegan Michaele Thomason Paulina Tovar Aesha N. Ureno Anahi Natalie Uribarri Maria Sofia Uribe Oscar A. Valdez Vanessa Valdez Jacob Aaron Valdiviez Alexis Nicole Vallejo Adam Christopher Vanhoutan Alan Vaquera Crystal Angelica Vargas Ruby Vargas Veronica Marie Vargas Zelda Genesis Vargas Monica Vazquez Alexander R. Velasquez Steven Michael Venzor Silvia L. Villalobos Evan D. Villalva Justin Craig Von Seebach Kyle David Williams Joseph Jaymes Wingate Kayla Mari Young Sanaz Zareei Chaleshtori Sara Zareei Chaleshtori

College of Education Bachelor of Arts

Isabel E. Acosta Stacy Acosta Valeria Alferez Llojan Almaraz April Alvarado Nidia Aitza Alves Gema Valeria Armenta Brittany E. Baffert Raquel Barcenas Esmeralda Barraza Laisha C. Barraza Mercedes E. Barron Wendy Canales Barbara Cardiel Mariela Castro Crystal Deyaneira Chaidez Carlisa Vivienne Clarke Gabriela Contreras Jacqueline Marie Courtright Rebecca A. DeVore Kassandra Duarte Nino Alexis Andrea Duran Iridian Preciosa Escobar-Torres Amanda Jessi Espinoza Jailene Yazmine Fraire Paola Frias Aracely N. Gamboa

Briana Jasmin Garcia Sandra Alexia Garcia Paola I. Gardea Jeniffer Christina Glover Laura Gomez Leslie Kassandra Gomez Sagrario Gonzalez Myrna Guzman Paola A. Guzman Daniela Alejandra Hernandez Katelynn Sue Hernandez Aylin Herrera Samantha Nicole Jackson Rogelio Jaquez Jr Kashada Resha Jones Selina Beatriz Legarda Justin Scott Lockett Gihada Llovizna Longoria-Najera Shannon Marie Lovell Valerie Luevano Mariell Machado Celest A. Magallanes Jorge Martinez Jr. Ruby Candace Martinez Yelitza Daena Martinez Miriam Minjarez Kendra Vanes Morales Brianna Michelle Moreno Irma P. Moreno Arely Najera Christine Nunez Denise Nunez Eunice Ojeda Sofia Ortega Soto Alejandra Palma Blanca Leticia Payan Adali Iliana Perez Karla C. Porth Amanda Ramirez Claudia G. Rivera Keyla Veronica Rocha Christian A. Rodriguez Laura I. Rodriguez Valerie Rogers Rebecca Rojas Nataly Ruiz Paola Ruiz Bianca C. Ruvalcaba Paulina Salazar Sarinana Deontae Michelle Sears Jennifer Soto Krystal Nicole Summers Amaris Lizzet Tellez Jordan Thummel Nancy Tinoco Stephanie Denise Tovar Bernice Isabel Vargas Julieta Vela Marissa Velasquez Katrina Nicole Villalobos Crystal Lynn Westrick

Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies

Azrin Sofia Binti Azmi Larissa Lynn Elias Karen Dolores Garcia Rachel Elizabeth Kassner Paola Eliza Lozano Jessica Andrea Murguia

College of Business Administration Bachelor of Arts

Luis Gustavo Hinojos Marco Rayos-Velazquez

Bachelor of Business Administration

Aldemar Jouse Aburto Perez Aaron Alexander Acuna Ana Cecilia Aguilar Jocelyn Aguilera Mario Aguilera Jr Nicole Aylin Ajiz Ebrahim Alawadhi Alfredo Alcala Damaris Alcala Andrea Isabel Alcantar Saud Alhanfoosh Jacob G. Allard Jose Abraham Alvarado Diana Judith Alvarado Carreno Mildred Aneth Alvarez Grajeda Ricardo Alvidrez Rosas Jr Kevin Alberto Anaya Alexis Victo Archuleta Natalie Arellanes Joseph U. Arellano Luis A. Arias Fernando Arturo Ariza Arlette Carol Armendariz Cesar Armendariz Alyssa Arreola Estefania Arzate Almeraz Carolina Avila Medina Angie Azpeitia Mariana Bailon Fierro William James Baldwin Geraldy Barron Sofia Guadalupe Benavente Calvin Scott Brownholtz Bianka Cristina Bullon Mauricio Cabezuela Allison I. Cadena Andres Calderon Fernanda Monserrat Calderon Leslie G. Calderwood Diana D. Camacho Jennifer Canez-Rodriguez Ernesto Emiliano Cantu Brenda S. Carbajal Adriana Carrillo Guadalupe Carrillo Cynthia Michelle Carter Carmina Casas Herrera Eduardo Castaneda Marcela Castaneda Santiago Castilla Edgar U. Castillo Azalea Castro Martinez Dante Deakin Cella Jesus G. Cereceda Jr. Patricia Cereceres Daniel Cervantes Jr Vania Chavarria Hazel Jasmin Chavarria-Nunez Alejandra Chavez Guillermina N. Chavez Jorge Chavez Jose A. Chavez Rocio Chavez Eduardo Chavez Delgado Justin Lorenzo Chavira Alonzo Conde Thomas Ransom Conn III Elena Contreras Margarita Contreras Paula Lucero Contreras-Torres Andrea Corral Jacklyn Cortez Aaron A. Cota

Nicholas S. Cuevas Pedro Andres Curiel Gerardo Delgado David Eduardo Deluna Karla Paola Dominguez Sebastian Dominguez Nathan Gregory Duran Subomi Elegbeleye Omar Enriquez Jr Fernanda Daniela Escalante Aileen Estrada Edgar Alexis Felix Jacqueline Fierro Jessica Fierro Argelia P. Flores Claudia S. Flores Danielle Flores Leslie Vanessa Flores Diana Flores Rodriguez Erik Roberto Flores Saenz Gabriel J. Flynn Martha E. Franco Juan Daniel Galindo Karen A. Galindo Blanca Larissa Garcia Carmen Garcia Ceasar Anthony Garcia Jose A. Garcia Jose A. Garcia Roxana Garcia Yasmeen Garcia Katia I. Garibay Georgina Y. Gastelo Brenda Michelle Gaytan Alberto Gomez Jr. Amey Marie Gomez Jose R. Gomez Mario Gomez Sergio Gomez Allen Isaah Gonzales Ryan A. Gonzalez Samantha N. Gonzalez Ana Sofia Gonzalez Chacon Elayne Govea Devante C. Granberry Robert James Greene Alfonso Guerrero Linda Valeria Guerrero Ana Cecilia Guevara Audrey Haddad Melanie Michelle Harper Thalia N. Hernaiz Christian Javier Hernandez Claudia N. Hernandez Katia Denis Hernandez Katia Denis Hernandez Sandra Hernandez Jose Juan Hernandez Bravo Sarah Alexandria Herrera Ruben Herrera Parra Jr. Michael Reece Hill Robert Blake Hitchcock Monica Holguin Jose Alejandro Huesca Michael Huitron Erika Alicia Hungate Jose D. Ibarbo Andres Infante-Rodulfo Nikolaos Antony James Jeremy Andre Jaramillo Camila Jauregui Viviana Lizette Jayme Frida Estefania Jerez Ezequiel Jimenez Brendan R. Johnston Cheyenne Darlene Jones

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO

Class of 2021

Chloe Cassa Jordan Karla Liliana Juarez Karol Koncos Monica Laureano Albert Luis Lawrence Jr Jared Daniel Ledesma Crystal Miyoung Lee Jaime Legarreta Jose Leyva Jr. Ana Paula Licon Paola Loaeza Chelsea Monique Lopez Evelyn Azalea Lopez Gabriel A. Lopez Jacob Frank Loya Enrique Loya Ronquillo Isaac A. Lozano Liliana Lozoya Michelle Lucio Sandra Veronica Lujan Elizabeth Heather Luna Yvette Marie Lynum Pablo Machado Seahony Alexandria Mack Vianey Magallanes Viridiana Magallanes Monica Ramona Marin Michelle Marroquin Saldivar Abigail Sabrina Martinez Cesar Martinez Evelyn Marian Martinez Isaac Eduardo Martinez Kristopher Martinez Diego Andree Martinez Mojica Lucia Denisse Mata Sanchez Isabel Mayagoitia Glenn F. Mccarty Saul Isaac Mena Teresa Del Rosario Mendez Jonathan Millan Daniela A. Miranda Brianna Christine Mitchell Marisol Molina Ivan D. Mondragon Gerardo Montes Adriana Montoya Kathia Morales Contreras Carlos A. Moreno Alan Noe Moya Vivian J. Muela Devin Torrence Mungro Astrid Norely Munoz Lozano Jacqueline Muratalla Lily Murillo Perez Alejandro Isaac Najar Sandra Navarrete Meza Angel Nevarez Ariana A. Nunez Gisel Guadalupe Nunez Alejandra Ochoa Anthony J. Ochoa Jacob Manuel Ochoa Brenda Christina Olivas Olivia Alexa Olivas Ana Paola Ontiveros Salas Steven Ornelas Diego Andre Ortiz Sergio Pacheco Daniel Alonso Padilla Landeros Ana K. Palacios Ruben Elder Pando Hazel Paris Pardo Kristi M. Parrish Julio Payan Robert Payan Jr Elizabeth Pena Alan Daniel Perez Daniela Andrea Perez Samantha R. Pinon Luis Pinto Marlenne Prieto Moreno Elizabeth Quinones Rajan Jaysukh Ramani Gabrielle Felicia Ramirez

Georgina B. Ramirez Raul Eduardo Ramos Jr Esmeralda Guadalupe Ramos Bitter Laura Isabel Raygoza Ashley Reichelt Myriam Reyes Ana Alicia Rico Claudia Paola Riojas II Andres A. Rios Brian E. Robles Angel Daniel Rodriguez Carlos Rodriguez Gabriela Lizeth Rodriguez Iberia Rodriguez Kimberly B. Rodriguez Matthew Rodriguez Pedro A. Rodriguez Sergio A. Rodriguez Eric I. Romero Sienna Angela Rubio Natalia Ruvalcaba Erica Salas Michelle Alejandra Salas Matthew Ryan Salazar Vanessa Salazar Angel Isaac Salcido Padilla Iseah Sanchez Luz Alejandra Sanchez Nancy Aylin Sanchez Juan Manuel Saucedo Michael Wayne Setliff Jr Ricardo Sifuentes Jose R. Silva Melanie J. Silva Genesis A. Skull Aaron Paul Smith Mauricio Alberto Solano Jesus Solis Luisa Solis Carolina Solis-Cervantes Adam Christopher Sorli Ana Sofia Sosa Cesar Alonso Sosa Jr Rogelio Soto Jr. James D. Spray Blake Chandler Thompson Frank Torres III Juan Pablo Torres Mendez Trang Thi Thien Tran Lluvia Lizeth Trevizo Gonzalez Isaiah Daniel Troncoso Ryan Turner Vanessa Leticia Valdez Casas Leonardo Valencia Adan Jair Valenciana Bianca Pamela Valenzuela Elena Guadalupe Valenzuela Karen Gabriela Valenzuela Lara Martin Varela Tamara P. Vargas Emily Ruth Elysabeth Vasquez Matthew Vasquez Carolina Vazquez Abelardo Vega Jr David Ricardo Vega Alejandro Velez Francesco Vento Sara S. Vicencio Namgyal Uzer Wangchuk Christopher Wayne Washer Aileen Wiebe Alejandro A. Wohlwend Abril Alejandra Woocay Pinal Jesus Apolinar Yanez Maribel Yanez Ileana Zuniga

College of Health Sciences Bachelor of Science

Sang Min Ahn Yesenia Alarcon Manuel Alberto Almaraz Susana Andujo Karen Arias Miguel Angel Avina Victoria Quintana Bailey Adriana Balcorta Daniel Adrian Barraza Janelle Alicia Barrera Edward Abraham Barrio Alina Isabel Barrios Melissa Bautista Tasha Nicole Bergstrand Isaac J. Bermudez Issac Borunda Jr Eyshabela Estre Camacho Sofia Alejandra Camps Alondra Cano Jose Luis Timothy Cervantez Anthony I. Chacon Crystal Ariana Chavez Arturo Ciriza Jr. Christian Y. Compian

Brenda Cecilia Contreras Josue Abraham Contreras Jr. Jed Kriston V. Cordero Edgar Alons Corral Juan D. Cruz Michelle De La Cruz Xavier De La Cruz Bianca C. De Santos Jared Delgado Jessica Escobar Martin Escobedo Kiran Victoria Esparza Ishmael Cyrus Espinal Elishia B. Fitzgerald Stephanie Cecilia Flores Alan Frausto Alejandro Frausto Sergio Ismael Frias Jr Denise Laneth Galaviz Sierra R. Galvan Breann Kali Garcia David A. Garcia-Leyva Alfredo Jose Gomez Diego Gomez Roy Albert Gonzales Samantha Gonzalez Garrett David Goodroe Yvette Granados Lovins Alejandro Giovanni Guerrero Valeria Guevara Orona Isabel Gutierrez Monica Elisa Gutierrez Samantha Marie Gutierrez Brittany Hampeys Damian Harmon Alexis R. Hernandez Geovannie R. Hernandez Matthew J. Hernandez Sara Mia Herrera Brianna Solei Jacquez Joel H. Jauregui Aaron T. Jesel Erika M. Jimenez Chelsea Symone Jolivette Alma R. Juarez Janeth Berenice Juarez Aguilera Raneem Ismail Muhammad Karboji Joseph Kennerly III Elena Alejandra Lebario Johnathan Alexander Link Adan Isaac Lopez Jessica Michelle Lopez Juan P. Lopez Sayra S. Malanche Sofia Guadalupe Maltos Valenzuela Gage Elise Manriquez Sofia Abril Marquez Adriana Marquez Vazquez Vanessa N. Martinez Oriann D. Mcdermott Justin Jerrod Mckenzie Cesar Alejandro Meraz Chacon Samantha M. Miller Alvaro Andres Montes Galvan Mariel Suracci Morales Maria Julie Moyers Zachary S. Mucha Elizabeth Paz Navarro Alissa Nieves Marco A. Nigaglioni Carina Belen Ordonez Jesus Fernando Padilla April Marie Palomino Melissa Perez Miguel Andres Perez Annabel Prieto Daniela Quinones Carlos E. Quintana Jr. Jessica Quiroz Anuradha Stephanie Rajpaul Gilberto Joseluis Ramirez Irving Alejandro Ramirez Vega Jennifer Ramirez Yee Andres I. Ramos Edgar Ramos Kristen Danielle Ramos Randall M. Ramos Yadira Idali Reyes Ryan F. Reza Gary Rhymes Daisy Rico Emilio Rico Lisa Ashley Rodriguez Rosemary Rodriguez Vanessa Rodriguez Alissa G. Saenz Patricia Michelle Saenz Rudy Andrew Saenz III Brianna Salais Corey J. Salazar

Celida Sanchez Heriberto Sanchez Jr Kassandra M. Sanchez Manuel Alejandro Santillan Alvidrez Brenda D. Saucedo Riley William Scott Edna Serna Rebecca Lynn Silva Edwin Kipkirui Sitienei Alexa R. Solis James Cody Spence Christopher Herna Tarango Stephanie Tellez Ashley Brin Torain Joel O. Torres-Gardon Hanh Thi Hong Tran Isabel Brooke Trevino Jasmine Nicole Urbina Isaiah E. Valdez Dalai Daniela Vargas Harrison Dale Varnell Guadalupe Vazquez Kayla Marie Vega Kevin Vicencio Kevin Villarreal-Rodriguez Sonam Wangmo Melanie Marie Wise Christopher M. Zubia Jr

Bachelor of Social Work

Daniella Hope Apodaca Tiana Pualani Babers Jennifer T. Camacho Natalie N. Castro Andrea Liliana Chavez Gabriela Paola Cobos Emily Ann De La Pena Jessica Monique Dominguez Jeanett Fernandez Alejandra Nicole Garcia Maria Andrea Gutierrez Richard Manuel Hernandez Briana C. Ibarra Erika Landeros Angelica Lastra-Farley Khristina Magdaleno Corina Aurelia Marrufo Marcelo Martinez Cassandra Marie Mena Ana Victoria Nunez Jennifer Nunez Soto Andres Ontiveros Paola Ortiz Denise Rascon Terrazas Anahi Violeta Rico Jodie Amanda Rodriguez Monalisa Sanchez Karina Sida Ericka J. Silva Virginia Soto Tiffany Torres Amanda Lee Valverde Brenda Beatriz Lupe Varela Ashley Monique Villarreal Fernanda Irene Villarreal I Naomi Ryan Withers

School of Nursing Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Nana Yaa Afari Kiara N. Aguirre Amber A. Alcazar Jose Armando Amparo Jennifer Armendariz Adriana Paola Arroyo-Santos Alexis Marisela Avila Monica Blue Brittany Anna Louise Buitron Victoria Elizabeth Bustillos Julian Edward Campos Jose Alejandro Carbajal Daniela Carrillo Saenz Amber Noelle Castillo Elisa Alejandra Castillo Wendolyne Castillo Natali A. Castro Salvador Roberto Chavez Osiris J. Clark Ricardo Corona Andrea Ixel De La Rosa Zapata Cameron Lorenzo Deadmon Cristina C. Espinoza Gerardo Eufracio Marisol Favela Sergio Cristian Fernandez Yamileth Fong

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO

Class of 2021

Karen Paulette Galan Tiffany Angelica Gandara Araceli Garcia-Canada Veronica Margarita Gomez Rafael Servando Gonzalez III Latasha Dominique Haskins Ilse A. Herrera Natalia Ibarra Jeremie Sean Kelt Jake Stone Kimball Ma. Julia L. Labayen Ruben Laguna Ashley N. Lake Samantha Ilene Limon Mary Veda Lively Ashley A. Lopez Victor Lopez Destiny R. Lopez-Vargas Mariam Sophia Marquez Angely Andreis Martinez Madisen Renee Martinez

Guillermo Antonio Matamoros Rios

Stormy Dawn McCarty Raul Armando Medina III Diego A. Mendez Mayra I. Mendoza Pearla Marie Mendoza Gabriela Adilene Miranda Stephanie Isis Morales Christy Angelina Moreno Elizabeth Nyawira Mugane Ashley Nicole Munoz Diana Elena Munoz Juan Jose Nanez Fernanda P. Nevarez Jessica Nunez Alejandro Osorio Brittany Danielle Palacio Melissa Pena Sarah Michelle Phelps Kayla Jo Ann Pina Isaac Edward Pineda Brianne Aleyse Reeders Elishoel Allen Reyes Valeria Rico Molinar Jr Juan A. Rios Priscilla Rodriguez Austin Ray Rojas Nasreen Roohi Karina Rubio Nicole Ashley Rueda Maria G. Ruiz Savannah Salazar Sabrina Denise Sanchez Scott Richard Schultz Joshua Sepulveda Santina Solis Jessica Dawn Torres Mariana Urias Alexis Dawn Villalobos Judith Kay Williams Jessica Christina Yancy Diana Zapata

Este doctorado está dedicado

I thank my entire family,

para ustedes, papá y mamá.

especially my mom, sister, aunt

Que con su apoyo, motivación, y

and grandparents for their

amor pude realizar este sueño de

continuous support in my

ser Doctora Simón. Ustedes me

education and helping me

han apoyado en todos mis

achieve this PharmD. Above all, I

objetivos y son la base de mi

thank God that with Him all things

estabilidad. “¡Aveces lloré,

are possible.

aveces dudé, pero nunca me

Thank you to my family, friends,

rajé! Me puse las pilas y lo logré.”

professors, and the Terry

¡Los quiero mucho!

Foundation for all your kindness

- Jovita Simon

- Ivanka Jaquez

and support throughout these four years! I am excited to continue my education journey at UIUC, where I will be pursuing a Master’s in Music Performance and will study with UTEP alumnus, Ricardo Herrera!

- Alejandra Sandoval-Montanez

A journey full of expectations, global challenges, and unknown outcomes. Inspired by adorable

Another life goal complete. I

Goddaughter Brianda Herrera class

appreciate the love and support

of 2015 RIP. I acquired my goal to

from my amazing husband and

be a UTEP College of Engineering

my two wonderful children

Master graduate. I am dedicating

throughout this journey of

this achievement to my father,

obtaining my master's degree. A big thank you to UTEP faculty and

Take pride in how far you have

staff who have been a great help

come and have faith in how far

and inspiration these past two

you can go.

years. It’s been a wonderful experience. Up next, Doctoral

example of honor and success, my lovely Mother, my courageous daugher Juliette, my hardworking son Nicholas, and Professor Marshall.

- Sofia Ruvalcaba -Aurea Herrera

Degree. Go Miners!

- Silvia Muro

Le doy gracias a Dios por este logro tan grande, a mis papas y a mis hermanos por siempre Any goal is accomplishable if you

apoyarme, y a mis amigos por

take it one day at a time.

estar conmigo durante este camino.

- William Henry

- Paola L. Rios

Thank you to everyone who believed in me, provided me support and guidance, and helped me succeed."

- Katrina Villalobos

21

This achievement is for you, mom

Thank you mom and dad! This

and dad.

one is for you!!

- Carlos Cabanas

- Ruth Granados

Thank you to my family for their continued love and support, I hope to one day be as big of an inspiration as my parents were to me.

- Brianna Sanchez

I thank God for accomplishing my

It's been a blessing to have been

goal of serving patients. I also

able to complete my

thank my family, friends, and

undergraduate degree here at

everyone with UTEP SOP for

UTEP. To have served my

helping me reach the finish line.

university and its' community throughout my time as a student,

I wish the class of 2021, my lifelong

has been a true honor. Thank you

friends, all the best as they begin a

UTEP, for all the amazing and

new chapter in their lives!

beautiful memories.

Picks Up and Go Miners!

- Amir Rastegari

- Kassandra M. Sanchez I would like to thank my parents and sister for their sacrifices, love and support they have provided through this journey. Thank you to my family and friends for their love and support. I wouldn’t be here without the amazing teachers and preceptors who have guided me. Veni, vidi, vici.

- Monica E. Zeschitz

"I thank my family, friends and

Primero que nada, quiero

professors for their support though

agradecer a mis padres por ser

this journey. Your encouragement

siempre un gran apoyo, estoy

helped get me to where I am

muy feliz de haber terminado y

today, and I am forever grateful.

finalmente graduarme. También

This degree is dedicated to my

quiero agradecer a todos los que

Mom, Dad and Sister whose

me rodearon a lo largo de mi

confidence and guidance has

carrera. ¡Muchas gracias!

pushed me to reach the finish line."

- Kassandra Duarte Nino

- Andrew J. Carrion II New Miners Alumni !

- Jazmin Carrillo

22

This wouldn’t have happened

I’d like to thank my family for the

without the love and support from

endless support that was given

my wonderful girl, my amazing

throughout this wonderful

family, and everyone who saw

journey. Larissa, this one’s for you

the potential in me.

baby girl.

Thank you to everyone who gave

- Myrna Guzman

me the tools and knowledge I needed to continue to do what I love for the rest of my life.

I am incredibly grateful to all my

- Jonathan Gonzales

family for their endless support throughout my entire academic journey. It’s thanks their words of wisdom and guidance that I have been able to accomplish everything up to this point. I look forward to giving back to them and to my community.

Do your best, God will do the rest.

- Alec Ruiz

Have faith!

- Viridiana Magallanez

I want to begin by thanking God for all the blessings and great people he has placed into my life. Thank you to my family and fiancé, for the unconditional support and pushing me to always be better. It's been a hell of a ride, and we're just getting started!

- Eyner Raya The key question to keep asking is, are you spending your time on the right things? Because time is all you have.

- Vianey Magallanes

I would like to thank everyone who has offered their support to me these last four years. As long as you put in the effort and time you can get through anything.

- Christian Ruiz

Great things come from hard work and perseverance. No excuses

Success doesn't come to you, you

- Ryan Reza

go to it - Derian Burciaga

23

Dream big and set your goals

Thank you to everyone who has

high, make those dreams come

been a part of my pharmacy school

true as you accomplish your goals.

journey. To my colleagues, professors, preceptors. I love you all.

- Bridgette Gonzalez

- Lorenzo R. Mendoza

There was a time in my life I thought I would never get here, and after many obstacles, I'm a few weeks away from graduating.I will forever be grateful for the people I'd met during my undergraduate time.

I wish nothing but the best to every single one of my classmates.

Congrats class of 2021 "El no puedo, no existe", so here I am

We did it!!

- Denise Rascon Terrazas

- Valeria Sosa

My time at UTEP has been filled with memories that will forever be engraved in my heart. The myriad of opportunities for personal and professional growth made UTEP a great decision, but it was the faculty, staff, and classmates that made it feel like home.

To God be the glory.

- Karina Damian

It always feel impossible until it’s done.

- Melanie Huerta

Thank you to my family, friends and educators for always giving me constant support in order to achieve this milestone in my life.

Always chase your dreams to the fullest. Keep setting new goals and do everything with heart.

Picks Up Miners - Jesus G. Cerceda I would like to start of by thanking God for all the blessing he provided me. I would also like to thank my parents, siblings, family, and friends for all the support, and for believing in me!! Sí Se Pudo!!

Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value -Albert Einstein - Carina Cardoza

24

- Paola Padilla Flores

Take pride in how far you've

These past few years have been

come. Have faith in how far you

a learning experience full of

can go. Life is a darling

commitments, challenges, and

adventure towards an unknown

accomplishments. I can say with

future; a never ending journey.

certainty that the preparation I received has guided me to

- Andrea J. Flores

become a better man for tomorrow.

"Scars are a truly beautiful thing.

Scars show that you're a survivor,

- Alejandro S. Mandujano

that you made it through something, and not only did you make it through, but now you're stronger and wiser and more educated because of that tough time that you went through." Kyle Carpenter - Jessica Monique Dominguez

Thank you to my family and friends who always believed in me and pushed me through it all.

My cheerleaders, mentors, and inspiration in my life. To my Thank you to my university for

professors, thank you. Finally, I want to thank God for giving me

giving me the gift of education and

the strength and wisdom to

the tools to succeed in my future.

complete another goal.

Most of all thank you mom for being by my side every step of the

- Rocio Arana

way, believing in me, and inspiring me to accomplish my goals.

- Guadalupe Sanchez We did it! Finally I close this chapter in my life. Jayden, Mommy did it for you! I love you always and forever! Mami gracias por todo no me alcanza la vida para regresarte todo lo que has echo por mi. Tita la amo! Y Tito gracias por cuidarme desde el cielo!

- Kimberly Buentello

I have been waiting for this moment when I can finally say

Don’t be afraid to go after your

that I am graduating from

dreams. You will only know if you

college. I’m extremely happy and

face your fears. If I can do it at

thankful for the people who have

age 36, than anyone can do it!

been in my life throughout my college career family, friends,

- Mauricio Cabezuela

and mentors.

- Laisha C. Barraza

25

It’s bittersweet to finally reach the

As I graduate, a new journey

end of this journey. I am glad that

begins. I thank my mom and dad

we were able to to make it

for their endless support,

despite the hardships that came

thoughtfulness, and prayers.

along with 2020. I want to thank

Graduation reminds me of

my friends and family for

everyone who has touched my

supporting me and loving me

life. I also appreciate all the time

through this journey.

and energy that the UTEP team

Congratulations Class of 2021!!

put into helping me throughout my college days.

- Elizabeth Riley

- Alireza Mohammadi Glory to God for blessing me with so much; including an amazing family who has supported me and encouraged me through all my struggles and helped me achieve this milestone. I don't know where I'm going, but I know I'm on the right path.

- Fernando A. Flores

Despite the difficulties I faced

Thank you to my family and

while completing my degree

friends for all your support and

remotely, I am proud of all my

encouragement throughout my

academic achievements and

time at UTEP! I feel so lucky that I

being one step closer to becoming

have you all to share this special

a mental health professional. I am

achievement with.

immensely grateful to my loving family and close friends for

- Adriana Balcorta

believing in me and supporting me through this journey!

- Melissa Acosta

I am loud a voice that won’t be calmed a tone that is my and only mine to hear - Andres Gomez

“Congratulations Tyler! We are all so proud of you and are so excited to see you grow and succeed! Love you!” From the

As I reach an end to this chapter,

Miller Family.

my heart is full of love and happiness. Thank you to everyone who made it possible - Sabrina Sanchez

26

- Tyler Miller, Class of 2020 Enjoy the journey as much as the dream.

- Sarahi Hardy

PAGE 27

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR EXODIS

M AY 4, 2021

WARD, 747-5161

UTEP hosts Spring Fest, largest in-person event yet Julian Herrera The Prospector Spring Fest, the largest in-person event of the semsetr, welcomed approximately 100 students and staff outdoors at the Student Recreation Center’s University field, April 23.

As guests entered the field, they were welcomed at the signin table and received a list of all the university organizations and programs attending the event.

Miners dawning shirts that read “Students First” were eager to reach out to every guest. Among some of the groups at the event were UTEP Recreation the social media team, the Career Center, the Collegiate Recovery Program, sorority groups and the rugby team, each providing valuable information about their duties to current students and prospective Miners that attended with their families.

Annet Rodriguez, program coordinator for the Terry Scholars Program at UTEP, was grateful to return to in-campus activities and interact with students once again in a safe environment.

“I work with all the current Terry Scholars at UTEP, so I miss seeing their faces. It’s very exciting to have these events on campus, that way any student can have a good time,” Rodriguez said. “We have

Photograph by Alberto Silva/The Prospector

UTEP students play ultimate Frisbee at the university’s Spring Fest celebration on April 23. all been taking the safety measures necessary to make sure all students and employees feel safe, so I am very excited for students to be back on campus.”

There were many activities on the field for attendees to enjoy, including

grass volleyball, soccer, frisbee, a tugof-war game and inflatable knockerballs. As more guests arrived, students began holding friendly competitions against one another, while UTEP Cheerleaders cheered from the side.

The back area of the field was dedicated to a wide, safely distanced seating area where guests could enjoy free food and individually packaged s’mores as treats served by students wearing protective, sanitary serving gear like gloves and face masks.

Music for the event was provided by guest DJ Johnny Cage. Tents were set up around the event providing protective gloves and hand sanitizer for everyone and the Student Recreation Center provided free face gaiters.

Perla Ricartti, a Junior mechanical engineering student at UTEP, praised the university’s dedication to sanitary practices and prioritizing cleanliness.

“It’s really exciting. I think we are doing it one step at a time, and we are going to get through the pandemic this way,” Ricartti said. “I feel so safe. I work at the [Recreational Center], and we always disinfect and clean all the equipment and machines, so I think we are going through a lot of safety protocols, and we are doing good.”

Overall, students expressed gratitude to be on campus with their fellow miners and some even stated that in-person classes are an aspect of campus life they anticipate returning to the most.

Spring Fest marked a joyous occasion of relief and school pride for students as the University takes the next steps to return to in-person events.

Julian Herrera may be reached at prospector@utep.edu.

UTEP raises sexual violence awareness Alyson Rodriguez The Prospector UTEP’s Campus Advocacy, Resources and Education (CARE) hosted the Take Back the Night event on April 22 as part of raising awareness for sexual assault month.

They had a movie screening of “Roll Red Roll,” followed by a discussion led by UTEP lecturer Ruby Montana and a candlelight vigil for victims of sexual assault.

This event was both in-person and virtual through Zoom. Students watching virtually watched the movie on their own and then rejoined the call for the discussion portion of the presentation.

The Take Back the Night event originally started in the 1970’s to

combat sexual violence and abuse on campuses and in communities around the world. UTEP has been in collaboration with the Take Back the Night movement and has brought awareness to the campus with important discussions and events.

“Roll Red Roll” is a documentary directed by Nancy Schwartzman.

The movie, released in 2018, is a true-crime thriller that goes behind the scenes to uncover the truth behind a rape of a young woman in Steubenville, Ohio in 2012. The story centers around Alexandra Goddard, a true crime blogger’s investigation and documentation of the tragedy.

It also focuses on the aftermath of this event and how the small town handled it, while exposing an entire culture of complicity and the roles

Photo courtesy of Camila Marquez

Students gathered Wednesday, April 24, at the Union Cinema listening to UTEP lecturer Ruby Montana’s testimony of those who once were victims of sexual and domestic abuse.

that social media, peer pressure, sports machismo and denial played in the tragedy.

The discussion that took place after the film centered around sexual assault, rape culture, the difference in terms used for both male and females and toxic masculinity. The talk also mentioned the gender gap in sexual violence statistics such where 1 in 4 women experience sexual violence compared to men, where 1 in 10 experience it. There were more alarming statistics such as how 73% of LGBTQ+ college students who experience sexual violence or abuse change their major or school as a result, 11.2% of all college students experience rape or assault, 1 in 5 college women are a target of sexual assault, 19 in 20 sexual assaults on college campuses go unreported.

Montana went into detail on these topics and showed pictures as examples on how woman are judged and blamed more than men when theyexperience assaults. Montana shared her own personal experience with abuse by a previous partner and how she persevered.

After the discussion, the audience was invited to ask questions . Some audience members shared their own experiences with sexual assault, while others thanked Montana for being brave enough to share her experiences and educate others.

“Instead of teaching our girls, ‘don’t get raped,’ ‘don’t go to that party,’ ‘don’t have too much to drink.’

How about we start teaching our boys, ‘don’t rape’?” Montana said.

You can learn more about sexual assault awareness month or learn about other events CARE is hosting and other resources by visiting their website at www.utep.edu/care.

Alyson Rodriguez may be reached at prospector@utep.edu @alyson_rod1127 on Twitter.

Photo courtesy of SobControllers/ Licensed under CC by 2.0r

Mortal Kombat is a 2021 American martial arts fantasy film based on the video game franchise of the same name and a reboot of the Mortal Kombat film series.

Review: Mortal Kombat’s reboot lacks substance, could but please fans Sven Kline The Prospector A fresh reboot of the fightingaction arcade game Mortal Kombat hit the big screen April 16 in theaters and homes.

The Midway Games and NetherRealms franchise returned with a new director, Simon McQuoid, to revive the series and set a new bar that the predecessor failed to reach 25 years ago. The film is set in the original series and seeks to rekindle original fans’ excitement for the beloved characters and origin stories. The film opens in medieval Japan with Hiroyuki Sanada portraying Hanzo Hasashi,

also known as Scorpion, as the last member of his clan is hunted down.

Joe Taslim portrays Bi-Han, also known as Sub-Zero. When Hanzo is killed, one of his children is saved

by Earthrealm’s guardian thunder god, Raiden (Tadanobu Asano), who safeguard’s Hanzo’s bloodline till present day with main protagonist Cole Young (Lewis Tan).

Learning about an ancient tournament called Mortal Kombat, Young chooses to journey alongside veteran special forces Sonya Blade, played by Jessica McNamee, and Jax, played by Mehcad Brooks. Together, they solve the mystery surrounding See Review page 28

THEPROSPECTOR

| 28 | ENTERTAINMENT

M AY 4, 2021

UTEP alumnus publishes two books Heriberto Perez The Prospector Alex Diaz is a UTEP alumnus who is now the published author of two books: “Love and Wine” and “In the Books.” His journey to becoming an author wasn’t the typical path. It started with Diaz studying business.

“That’s what my dad wanted me to study. I asked myself if I really liked the business and the truth is that I didn’t,” Diaz said.

In questioning his passions, Diaz figured out that reading and writing are what he enjoyed most. He then decided that he would write a book.

Diaz graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor’s Degree in English and would later teach in Soccoro Independent school district in 2018.

Teaching played a critical role in Alex’s life and career. As a middle school teacher, he didn’t have the time to write his books. Diaz had to choose to pursue what he loved or what others wanted for him.

He discussed his decision with his students.

“I told my students that I was thinking about quitting my job to be a writer and I was surprised because they were so supportive,” Diaz said.

“That was the starting factor for me to becoming a writer.”

In 2019, Diaz returned to UTEP and enrolled in an master’s in English rhetoric and writing studies. He also worked at the University’s writing center at the library.

Diaz says the writing center was a vital element for his writing and finishing his books because he got help to edit both of his books.

“I would want to give a big shoutout to the UTEP’s creative writing center because it helped me so much as a writer. It helped me so much to help others and everybody there is so helpful, so brilliant, and so

Alex Diaz is a UTEP alumnus, aurthor of ‘Love and Wine’ and ‘In the Books.’ kind,” Diaz said.

Alex’s book “Love and Wine,” is about romance, love, and everything is positive. Alex didn’t wanted to write or add anything dark along the lines of the book.

The second book is called “In the Books.” It centers around what a young person can learn about life, homosexuality, non-religious faith and everything that life has taught Diaz throughout his 25 years.. Diaz describes this book as poetry, but overall a story.

“I tried my best to express my mind and write these books.

‘In the Books’ is more like the

representation of my mind and ‘Love and Wine’ is the representation of my heart,” Diaz said.

Future projects for Diaz include writing a screenplay. It’s something that he mentions he was introduced to in college, and he would like to write one sometime in his career.

In the short term, Diaz would like to have his books in bookstores like Barnes and Noble, but for now, he is selling through Amazon. Diaz would also like to finish his Ph.D. in Literature.

For the moment, Alex has been working on the marketing for his books. It is a long process and

Photo courtesy of Alex Diaz

requires most of his time, so he has paused his MA studies, but he promised his family that he would complete his master’s degree in the near future.

Though his journey to becoming an author has been unique, Diaz accredits his success in a constant belief in his passions.

“It really took me a long time to finally publish something, but I am extremely proud,” Diaz’s books can be found here and here.

Heriberto Perez may be reached at prospector@utep.edu. @heriperezlara on Twitter

Review from Page 27 Mortal Kombat and save their universe from Outworld’s corrupt god, Shang Tsung.

This leads to a training sequence and a series of near-death escapes.

The film includes each character undertaking individual enemies in duels to the death before the climactic ending fight between Young, reincarnated Scorpion, and Sub-Zero. There is also a final scene teasing Luke Cage leaving audiences to speculate another film in the works.

The film had potential to settle the age-old confusion of the purpose of Mortal Kombat and the importance of the dragon marks given to each fighter. It also could’ve focused on the undeveloped story between Scorpion and Sub-Zero and explored their relationship, but it rather focused on the importance of training.

The true takeaways of the film for fansare the familiar characters, their fights, and the “fatalities” they unleash upon their opponents. A fatality is a finishing move coined by the franchise in which a character kills their opponent in an excessively gory fashion that is achievable through a combo. Notorious catch phrases are included in the film such as Scorpion’s “Come Here!” or “Flawless Victory,” from Liu Kang, but aside from that the story lacks substance. It makes the film seem like a cash-grab attempt from Warner Bros.

At best, this film delivers filler ambient media to play while focusing on other things at home. It’s not worth investing your time and attention, except for bloody action scenes. I rate this film a solid three out of five stars.

Sven Kline may be reached at prospector@utep.edu. @SvenKline on Twitter

Spend summer break pandemic style, on the couch Alyson Rodriguez The Prospector COVID-19 shut down movie theaters and restricted the release of many anticipated films. More people spent their time at home watching whatever was new on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus and all other streaming sites.

As summer 2021 rolls around, things are different. COVID-19 vaccines are becoming more available, things start to slowly open up and people are finding themselves less confined at home. There’s a solid

chance they might miss out on some hidden gems that weren’t advertised in theaters.

Below, I reflect on a few of the films I watched to pass the time while in quarantine.

“Moxie” is a film available on Netflix. This movie is based on a book titled by the same name and written by Jennifer Mathieu. “Moxie” was directed by comedic icon Amy Poehler who also stars in her movie as the main character’s mom, Lisa.

The story centers around protagonist Vivian who is fed up with the sexist

and toxic status quo at her high school. She then finds inspiration from her mother’s rebellious past and anonymously publishes a magazine that sparks a school-wide revolution.

This movie will definitely become a cult classic in years to come.

It is the epitome of what a good feminist movie should be. It is a very optimistic coming-of-age film. The theme of the movie was to stand up for what’s right and to use your voice to be heard. This movie was very witty and inspirational and will inspire everyone who watches it.

If you’re in the mood for a feelgood family movie, “Yes Day”, is the movie for you. The movie directed

by Miguel Arteta and is also available on Netflix. This movie is about two parents who always tell their kids no,but one day they decide to only say yes to their kids for 24 hours and let their kids make the rules. They end up having a whirlwind family adventure, while running into a couple of obstacles along the way.

“Yes Day” stars A- lister Jennifer Garner and also Disney channel star Jenna Ortega. This movie is rated PG, so there’s something in it for everyone in the family.

Thunder Force was directed

by Ben Falcone and is available on Netflix. The film is a comedy, adventure film that stars Octavia

Spencer and Melissa McCarthy. The pair stopped talking after a fight and have become estranged. In hopes of rekindling their friendship, they meet up and accidentally become superheroes when they’re injected with a secret formula. Throughout the film, they try to figure out their new powers and become a cohesive crime fighting duo.

I liked this movie because it was hilarious. It had a good storyline and starred some of my favorite actors.

It is a hidden gem for sure. This movie is PG-13 as well, so it’s safe for families.

Alyson Rodriguez may be reached at prospector@utep.edu @alyson_rod1127 on Twitter.

To read more stories, visit theprospectordaily.com Students react to UTEP’s plan for fall in-person classes UTEP set to allow eight guests at in-person graduation Poet Joy Harjo recites poems, songs at Somos Writers series Graphic by Hugo Hinojosa/The Prospector via Canva

PAGE 29

SPORTS EDITOR

M AY 4, 2021

MICHAEL CUVIELLO, 747-5161

Four C-USA players selected for 2021 NFL draft Seminoles before being kicked off the team due to the school judicial panel finding he committed dating violence.

C-USA did also have 14 undrafted free agents that were signed to teams right after the draft

Michael Cuviello The Prospector The NFL once again feasted on Power Five schools to supply their rosters and largely ignored minor football conferences such as Conference-USA (C-USA). Overall, 191 players out of the 259 total players drafted were from Power Five schools, while only four total players were recruited from C-USA. Dominating the draft picks was the Southeastern Conference, with 65 players chosen from its ranks.

National Champion Alabama had 10 total players selected, including six first-round picks. C-USA’s grand total of 4 players is down from the 2020 draft, where 10 players were chosen.

For the third consecutive year, no UTEP Miner was taken. Will Fernandez, a second-round pick by the New York Giants, was the last Miner selected in the 2018 draft.

Since 2008, the only other Miner selected in the NFL draft was Aaron Jones in 2017.

The highest-drafted C-USA player in this year's draft was defensive tackle Milton Williams of Louisiana Tech. Williams was drafted in the third round with the 73rd pick by the Philadelphia Eagles. A –Pro-Football focus All-American and C-USA all-conference player this season, Williams was third overall in tackles for loss in conference. He had 4.5 sacks and 30 pressures for the 2020 season. At 6-4, 278, Williams can play both tackle and end and is a freakish athlete with 4.6 speed.

In the fourth round, Jordan Smith, a linebacker out of UAB, was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the 121st pick. Smith, who has quite a troubled past, originally signed with the Florida Gators out of high

Michael Cuviello may be reached at prospector@utep.edu: @dlockz on Twitter

Alabama Birmingham Spencer Brown RB- Carolina Panthers Myron Mitchell WR- Minnesota Vikings Austin Watkins WR- San Francisco 49ers Marshall Darius Hodge De- Cincinnati Bengals Brenden Knox RB- Dallas Cowboys Tavante Beckett LB- Detroit Lions

Photo courtesy of UTEP Athletics

UTEP defensive back Broderick Harrel celebrates a defensive stop versus Abilene Christian Sept. 19, 2020. school. After a disciplinary incident involving credit card fraud, he found his way out the door and on to the junior college route.

After signing with UAB in 2018, Smith was immediately a force for the team with 10 sacks in his first season. In 2020 his sack total fell to 4.5. A tall, rangy player at 6-6, 255, Smith projects as an edge rusher for an Urban Meyer defense who could become a solid starter. He will need to improve his NFL strength but should earn playing time on passing downs.

Eight picks later in the fourthround wide receiver Jaelen Darden out of North Texas was by the Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Bucs.

Standing 5-9, 174, Darden was one of the most productive football players in all of college last season with 19 receiving touchdowns, second only to Alabama’s Devonta Smith, who had 23.

Darden is the all-time leading North Texas receiver in receptions (230), touchdowns (38) and yards (2782). Named the C-USA MVP this season, Darden was also named to multiple All-American teams. In his final game of the 2020 season, Darden had eight catches for 173 yards and four touchdowns versus UTEP. Darden is also a dynamic return man and should instantly impact a team that sorely needs a punt returner.

In the fourth round, the Dallas Cowboys selected tackle Josh Ball out of Marshall as a tall project lineman. First-team all-conference tackle that was a key blocker for 2019 C-USA MVP Brenden Knox, who led C-USA in rushing that season with 1284 yards. Marshall was again one of the top rushing teams in the conference in 2020, placing fourth overall. Ball is tall at 6-8, 309 and will have to add some weight to his frame.

Ball is another former top player from a Florida School that ended up transferring due to disciplinary issues. Initially signing with Florida State as a four-star prospect, he started seven games for the

Charlotte Trey Harbison RB- Cleveland Browns Ben Deluca QB- Los Angeles Chargers Western Kentucky Jordan Meredith C- Los Angeles Rams Devon Key S- Kansas City Chiefs Florida Atlantic Leighton McCarthy Edge- Tampa Bay Buccaneers B.J Emmons RB- Seattle Seahawks Middle Tennessee State Rob Jones LB- Miami Dolphins Southern Miss Tim Jones WR – Jacksonville Jaguars

A look at UTEP’s top senior athletes of 2020 through 2021 Michael Cuviello The Prospector With the end of the university school year at hand, many of UTEP’s top athletes will depart the programs that saw the fruits of their efforts over the years. Below is a profile on many to some of the standouts for the Miners over the past season.

Cheyenne Jones- Volleyball (International Business) Jones was a four-year starter for the volleyball team and made all-conference both her junior and senior seasons for the Miners and all academic all four of her seasons at UTEP. She was the first Miner to make the all-conference first team since the 2013 season. Finishing second on the team with kills this season with a 152, Jones was a big part of the C-USA semifinalist Miners run in volleyball this season with her leadership. The Missoula Montana native had a career-high .325 attack hit percentage for the Miners this season and has logged 774 total kills in her career.

Michelle Pruitt- Basketball (Business Administration)

Pruitt was the second-leading scorer and leading rebounder for the Miners this past season. The team

went 17-8 overall before falling in the semifinals to NCAA tournament bound Western Kentucky. Improving in every category from her junior season, Pruitt averaged 9.3 points and 6.7 rebounds as a senior after averaging 5.6 points and 2.9 rebounds as a junior. Pruitt increased her playing time from 12 minutes to 21 minutes a game. Currently, Pruitt, a Chicago native, is in the transfer portal as a graduate transfer.

Dejanae Roebuck-Basketball (Criminal Justice)

After only playing about seven minutes a game for the Miners as a junior, Roebuck emerged as a starter her senior season and started all 25 games for UTEP. Roebuck averaged 7.3 points and 3.4 rebounds a game and became one of the Miners’ best 3-point shooters this season with .364%. In the C-USA tournament. Scoring a team-leading 17 points, Roebuck led the Miners to a 74-67 comeback victory over Florida Atlantic in the conference tournament. Roebuck also made the commissioners honor roll for the season.

Bryson Williams-Basketball (Multidisciplinary Studies)

Over the past two seasons, Williams has started every one of the

Miners’ 56 games and was the first Miner since Vince Hunter to make all-conference two seasons in a row.

Over two seasons with the Miners, Williams averaged 16.7 points and 7.3 rebounds a game while shooting 53% from the field. Both seasons with the Miners, Williams made the commissioner’s academic honor roll for C-USA as well as the District 11 all NABC team. Williams has entered the portal as a graduate transfer and has multiple Power Five offers, including Texas, USC, Texas Tech and Oklahoma.

Sean Bailey- Track and Field (Multidisciplinary Studies)

Bailey was the first UTEP Miner 400m runner since Bert Cameron in 1983 to be named to an NCAA All-American team in the distance in 2019. Winning a C-USA title in both the indoor and outdoor 400m, Bailey ran the third-fastest time in UTEP history at 400m during the 2020 indoor track season with a time of 46.42 seconds. A C-USA all-conference athlete in the 200 m, 400m and 400m relay, Baily currently has two first-place finishes on the season and has C-USA’s top time this season in the 400m with 45.46. He is the favorite in the upcoming C-USA See seniors page 30

File photo of Michael Cuviello/The Prospector

Graduating senior Bryson Williams drives to the basket for a layup against New Mexico Highlands Nov. 2, 2019.

THEPROSPECTOR

| 30 | SPORTS

M AY 4, 2021

Miners reload women’s basketball roster Michael Cuviello The Prospector The UTEP Miners women’s basketball team added its seventh transfer of the offseason to bring its roster back to full strength with the addition of freshman forward Adhel Tac from Texas Christian University (TCU). For the 20-21 season, the Miners lost seven players to the transfer portal.

During the season, the Miners lost Tatyana Modawar and Ariana Taylor.

Neither player was a significant contributor at the time of their departures. The Miners finished 17-8 and clinched a top-four seed in the conference and made it to the semifinals of the C-USA tournament.

Seen as a major step up for the team from the previous season’s 1614 record, the team would return four of its starters for the next season as well as significant contributors from the bench. Unfortunately, UTEP’s success would come at a cost and five more players would enter the transfer portal.

Senior Michelle Pruitt, the Miners second-leading scorer and top rebounder and sophomore Isis Lopes, the team’s best 3-point shooter and fourth leading scorer, entered the transfer portal. They were joined by junior Sabine Lipe, senior Tia Bradshaw and Sophomore Arina Khlopkova as transfers.

During the early signing period, Head Coach Kevin Baker secured three early signings, including two transfers.

The one high school player to sign with UTEP was point guard Grace Alverez from Heights High School in Houston. As a senior, she averaged 15 points, four assists and 2.4 assists per game. Among the early transfers were sophomore guard Eliana Cabral from New Mexico Junior college and 6-3 junior forward Masha Vasilevko from the University of San Francisco.

Cabral averaged 9.4 points and 3.8 rebounds a game last season for New Mexico Junior college and is a member of the Portuguese national team.

Vasilevko last played for Weatherford College in as a sophomore. During her sophomore season, she averaged 18.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.

She also shot 49% from the floor,

Seniors from Page 29 Championships and has made the C-USA commissioners academic list two years in a row.

Carolyne Chepkosegei-Track and Field (BioMedical)

File photo of Michael Cuviello/The Prospector

Miner women’s coach Kevin Baker argues a call with referee, during the Miners game against Old Dominion Feb 8, 2020.

44% from the arc and 88% from the free-throw line resulting in her being named to third team All-American at the junior college level. A native of Belarus and has participated in multiple FIBA European championships averaging over 13 points a game.

Since April 20th, the Miners have secured the services of five more transfer players to complete its roster.

On April 20, the Miners announced the signing of graduate transfer forward Teal Battle from the University of Arkansas Little Rock(UALR). Battle averaged 13.5 points and 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting 41% from the floor as a senior. Over the past two seasons, Battle has made All-Sun Belt Conference for her contributions on the court.

“Teal got our attention this year as she was one of the top players in the Sun Belt Conference,” Baker said.

“At UALR, Teal improved every season and grew into one of the conference's best. She has the ability to play with her back to the basket, shoot the mid-range jumper, and she is great on the offensive glass. Teal will give our team a solid threat to score in the interior. Defensively, Teal can guard multiple positions because of her athletic ability. Finally, being

a graduate transfer, she will bring a level of maturity and leadership to our program."

The following day the Miners announced that the team had landed Kansas State University (KSU) transfer Makayla Pippin. Pippin, a 6-1 junior guard, only played in six games for the Wildcats of KSU before opting out of the season Jan.1. Previously, Pippin was a junior college All-American at Central Arizona College where she averaged 16.8 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game and 1.7 steals in 54 career starts.

“Makayla is a fantastic addition to our program,” Baker said. “Coming out of junior college, she was one the most talented and highly coveted players in the country. She has a natural ability to score the ball in a variety of ways. She has developed her perimeter shot but can still play inside with the forwards. Makayla is a relentless rebounder and is willing to defend with a ton of energy. Overall, her versatility will fit very well in our system and she will flourish into a top player in Conference USA." On April 29, UTEP announced the transfer of 5-11 guard Mahrie Petree from Bradley University.

Petree is a sophomore that averaged

7.2 points and 3.7 rebounds per game for the Braves of Bradley last season.

She also shot 42% from the floor, 35% from the arc and 88% from the charity stripe. Petree made the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) all-freshman team and helped lead her team to an NCAA Tournament birth and an MVC championship while starting all tournament games.

"Mahri brings to UTEP a ton of experience and a very talented skill set,” Baker said. “ Mahri was a big piece of Bradley's winning season and advancement to the NCAA tournament. That kind of winning pedigree is invaluable. She can play any position on the court, from point guard to power forward. Offensively, there is not much she can't do. She fits perfectly into our positionless offensive system. Her natural position is shooting guard but her ability to play any spot on the floor will make her a constant scoring threat. Lastly, Mahri has a very high basketball IQ that will mix well with her new teammates.”

April 30th, the Miners added a former McDonalds All-American nominee in 6-0 forward Tac from TCU. Tac, as a freshman, played in 14 games for the Horned Frogs of TCU but only played 55 total minutes, shooting 41% from the

Over the past three indoor seasons, Chepkosegei has made All conference in the indoor 800m. In total, Chepkosegei has made allconference eight times in all events and was a member of the 2018 conference champion cross-country team. At the C-USA championships, Chepkosegei won gold in the 800m

and a bronze in the mile. Her indoor 800m time of 20.09.50 was the best UTEP time in the event since 2008. Currently, Chepkosgei has the second-fastest time in the 800m at 2:08.81 and should be a strong challenger for a gold medal in the C-USA Championships. Chepkosegei is a three-time academic

commissioner’s list recipient.

Stephen Forrester- Football (Leadership Studies)

As a senior linebacker, Forrester led the Miners team in tackles with 62 total and five for loss, along with a fumble recovery. After becoming a starter in the final three games of the 2019 season, Forester made the most of his opportunity making 24 tackles in those contests and earned a starting assignment his senior season. Forrester made allconference academic honor roll all four of his seasons.

Illena Santos-Softball (Kinesiology)

Santos is a four-year starter currently second on the team with a .300 batting average and has eight runs batted in on the year. Overall, Santos has started 123 games in her career for the Miners and has 52 total runs batted in with a .272 average.

During the 2020 season, Santos led the team in home runs with eight and runs batted in with 24. Santos is a three-time commissioner’s allacademic honor roll recipient.

Photograph by Michael Cuviello/The Prospector

UTEP senior Carolyne Chepkosegei runs at Lori Fitzgerald cross country meet in at Chamizal Park in El Paso Sept. 13, 2019.

field. Tac was considered a threestar prospect out of Sachse High school as a high school senior after being named Texas Girls Coaches Association all-state two years in a row.

“Adhel was one of the top forwards in the country coming out of high school,” Baker said. “ We are very excited to know that she will be joining the Miners this fall. In addition to being a strong forward, Adhel has really improved her skills on the perimeter. She can now handle the ball like a guard and is even a three-point shooting threat. Adhel can guard with great defensive energy and purpose. She will be a great fit in all that we do on the floor. Adhel is a very intelligent player and this will allow her to do even more within our system."

Filling out the roster for the Miners will be junior guard Gabi Sales out of Northwest Florida Community College(NWCC). Salas played in 34 games for NWCC and averaged 5.3 points and 2.6 rebounds, along with six starts.

Hailing from Sau Paulo, Brazil, Salas has played in the FIBA under 17 championships for Brazil.

Overall, the Miners have been aggressive in the transfer portal, replacing departing players and will still return four starters from the previous season with Sophomores Katia Gallegos, Avery Crouse, freshman Elina Arike and junior Destiny Thurman. Battle will most likely join this group in the starting lineup with her extensive experience.

While the team lost some major contributors since the end of the season, the added talent does not seem a significant drop-off in quality and Battle gives the team its most experienced player at the Division 1 level.

With this signing class UTEP should be a contender to challenge in C-USA and should be able to take another step forward with the returning starters. The amount of changeover on the roster could be a challenge but Baker seems to have the program headed in the right direction.

Michael Cuviello may be reached at prospector@utep.edu; @dlockz on Twitter.

Bryanna Molina-Softball (PreScience)

Molina is a four-year starter and is the best year of her career with a .299 batting average, three home runs, and 10 runs batted in. An El Paso Born native and graduate of Hanks High School, Molina has started a career-best 29 games this season and has been a defensive stalwart at first base with only three errors on the year. Molina has made the commissioner’s all-academic honor roll all four seasons.

Erandi Martinez- Tennis (electrical/ computer engineering)

Over her four-year career, Martinez has 47 victories in singles play overall and paced the team with a 7-4 record this season. During her freshman season, Martinez posted a career-best 20-10 record. For the past three seasons, Martinez has made the all-conference academic honor roll.

A miner salute to these athletes as well as the numerous too many to name that gave valiant efforts in on the field, on the court and in the classroom this past year.

Michael Cuviello may be reached at prospector@utep.edu; @dlockz on Twitter

THEPROSPECTOR

SPORTS | 31 |

M AY 4, 2021

Miners survive late Utah Valley rally to win 10-9 Michael Cuviello and Heriberto Perez The Prospector The UTEP Miners (10-23, 4-12) held on to defeat Utah Valley Wolverines (20-26, 5-10) in its last home game of the season at Helen of Troy Field.

In the bottom of the second inning, the Miners scored its first runs of the game. Graduating seniors Bryanna Molina and Illena Santos led off with back-to-back singles setting up two runners in scoring position. Sophomore catcher Katrina Somoza then proceeded to hit her first home run of her career off former Miner pitcher Devyn Cretz, driving in three runs to give the Miners an early 3-0 lead.

After a one-out double by Utah’s Madison Carr, junior third baseman Kasey Flores overthrew first base for her 11th error of the season, setting up a runner on first and third with one out. On the very next atbat, Utah Valley scored a run on a sacrifice fly before being retired for the inning. At the top of the third, the Miners were up 3-1.

To start out, the Miners’ inning freshman Lexi Morales was able to draw a walk followed by a single

from its leading hitter, sophomore outfielder Idalis Mendez. With two players on base Flores was able to earn a base on balls to load the bases.

Molina came to bat and hit a sacrifice liner to the right-field, bringing home a run for the Miners.

An error on junior Pate Cathey’s at-bat scored another run for the Miners giving the team a 5-1 lead.

With her second hit of the day, Somoza drove in two runs on a centerfield single that was followed by back-to-back sacrifice flies by Valles and Molina. At the end of four innings, the Miners would have a seemingly insurmountable 9-1 lead.

"The first couple of times through the lineup, I thought we were really locked in and doing what we needed to do to give ourselves those opportunities," UTEP coach T.J Hubbard said. "And on top of that, we scored with a runner in scoring position. I felt like even if we didn't score that at-bat, we at least moved someone up (a base) and advanced someone to pass the bats to the next teammate."

Utah Valley started the fifth inning with a bang as first baseman Peyton Prigge sent a leadoff homer over the right-field wall. On the

File photo of Michael Cuviello/The Prospector

UTEP Head coach T.J Hubbard and senior first baseman Bryanna Molina look on as sophomore catcher Karina Somoza hits her first home run May 2, 2021.

next play, Flores committed her second error of the game and 12th of the season, putting a second base. Another run would score on an infield sacrifice, leaving the Wolverines trailing 9-3 after five innings.

Miner’s coach Hubbard, swapped players around, putting Zaylie Calderon at pitcher. Continuing to chip away, the Miner lead the Wolverines put together three straight hits to load the bases with one out. UTEP survived the bases loaded and held Utah Valley to only two more runs, maintaining a 9-5 lead with one inning remaining.

Flores came to bat and hit a oneout homer for the Miners, extending the lead to 10-5. For Flores, it was her Miner leading seventh home run and 21st run batted in of the season.

Once again, Hubbard switched Calderon and Isabella Kelly, today’s starter, back at pitcher to begin the seventh and final inning. Kelly surrendered one walk but struck out the next player looking to put the Miners’ one out away from a hard-earned victory. A third error

by Flores at third base gave the Wolverines a runner in scoring position at second base.

Utah Valley’s Kyla Hardy was able to take advantage of the fielding mistake by hitting a double to center field scoring two runs for the Wolverines.

Prigge produced another pressure hit for the Wolverines and advanced to second base. On the next bat on a single from Utah Valley, the Miner’s fell victim to another error that put the tying run in scoring position at second. Kelly was able to force a ground out to close the game and secure the tight 10-9 victory.

For the Miners, the star of the day was Somoza, with a career day driving in five runs that were key to the UTEP win. Coming into today, Somoza had struggled at the plate and was hitless over her last eight games while batting .177 for the season. Somoza had her first multihit game and home run in the game.

"I thought we had some good offensive performances in the first half of the game, giving ourselves an opportunity to be up 9-1,” Hubbard said. "I think (sophomore pitchers Isabella Kelly and Zaylie Calderon) did what they needed to do pitching-wise in the circle to keep us competitive. We have to be able to make some better plays defensively

and try to limit the damage in those bigger innings."

After winning this nonconference match, the Miners’ playoff picture is clearer since Louisiana Tech (22-25, 10-6) clinched the third seed in the West Division of the Conference USA Tournament that will be held in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

UTEP will play for one of the two Wild Card seeds of the C-USA Tournament that are for the two teams with the highest winning percentage of any division.

The four teams that have a better winning percentage than UTEP (.250) are Western Kentucky (.500), FAU (.375), FIU (.313), and UTSA (.313).

Now the UTEP softball team will go on the road to face UTSA (1129, 5-11) May 7-9 with the chance of winning at least three of its four games and combine these results with others from FAU, WKU and FIU. This series at San Antonio has, of course, playoff implications on the line for its final regular-season road games of the year.

Heriberto Perez and Michael Cuviel o may be reached at prospector@utep.edu.

File photo of Michael Cuviello/The Prospector

Miner freshman second baseman Lexi Morales contemplates rounding for third as ball drops into shallow center field May 2, 2021.

File photo of Michael Cuviello/The Prospector

UTEP junior Pate Cathey just misses a putout on a close play at second base verus Utah Valley May 2, 2021.

File photo of Michael Cuviello/The Prospector

Sophomore Karina Somoza is greeted by teammates as she celebrates her first home run versus Utah Valley May 2, 2021.

Congratulations to UTEP's Inaugural Doctor of Pharmacy Graduating Class

CLASS OF 2021 Marisol Blanco Erica Boakye Jesus R. Camacho Andrew J. Carrion II Jacqueline S. De La Vega Isaiah De Santiago Diego M. Duran Ranielle L. Espinoza Marlene R. Gallegos Sarah E. Garcia Robert A. Gutierrez Diana Herrera Ivanka Jaquez Hendreta Kinbong

Matthew J. Macias Michael A. Maxwell Albert Nava Yvette Olivas Lorenzo R. Mendoza Jose Ontiveros Omar M. Ordaz Cristina A. Ortega Presciliano Ortega Babette Pedregon Alejandro Perez Gaspar A. Quintana Krista Ramirez Amir Rastegari

SCHOOL OF PHARMACY

Marissa M. Reyna Elizabeth L. Riley Julieta Esmeralda Rodriguez Manuel Rodriguez Alec Ruiz Christian Ruiz Sandra E. Saenz Andrea Salazar Annette Sanchez Philippe Taylor Alejandro Urrueta Monica Zeschitz-Garrison