09_09_2025_Prospector_Final (3) (1) by UTEP Prospector

UTEP sends UT Martin Skyhawks back to their nest

momentum throughout game.

Over 31,000 fans packed into Sun Bowl Stadium to witness

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Miners (1-1, 0-0 Conference USA) defeat the University of Tennessee Martin Skyhawks (0-2, 0-0 Ohio Valley Conference) 42-17.

“Coach Walden and the entire staff does a great job of getting us prepared for every scenario,” UTEP redshirt senior Micah Davey said. “So, we’ve actually practiced a weather delay scenario before in the locker room, so it was kind of routine for us.”

The Miners set the tone early, as the defense recovered a sack fumble on the Skyhawks opening drive which was scooped up by senior linebacker Joshua Rudolf.

Davey would finish the game with a season high of 14 tackles with others such as, sophomore cornerback Justin Content earning nine tackles and Rudolf making eight tackles, all achieving season highs in the same game.

UTEP’s redshirt senior running back Hahsaun Wilson sprinted for 94-yard TD, breaking the record for the longest play in program history, previously held by NFL running back Aaron Jones.

Even with a 40-minute lightning delay beginning halfway through the first quarter, UTEP Head Coach Scotty Walden was able to keep the team and crowd’s

Miner redshirt freshman running back Ashten Emory took full advantage of his reps during the game, earning a career high of two receiving TDs. UTEP redshirt sophomore quarterback Malachi Nelson won his first game in his second collegiate start passing for 278 yards and earning four...

The Miners won their first home opener since 2023. The Sun Bowl Stadium was filled with 31,000 fans under the Saturday night lights to witness the team take on UT Martin. UTEP pride filled the stands and field as the Marching Miners and the UTEP dance and cheer teams pumped up the crowd. Photos by Iziah Moreno/The Prospector

Opinion

Evelyn Palma, editor-in-chief

Hello, Miners!

A new school year has arrived!

A couple weeks in and there are already many new faces, good energy and so many great opportunities to make your mark on your college years. As editor-in-chief of The Prospector, I am so excited to be leading the initiative of bringing you another semester of studentdriven journalism, fully equipped with new ideas and creativity. To quickly introduce myself. I am Evelyn Palma, a multimedia journalism major minoring in management. I joined The Prospector in January and have gone through a process of self-discovery, professional development and gained

Welcome back, Miners!

many new experiences.

Throughout my time at the publication, I have had the opportunity to work alongside many incredibly talented student journalists, from our photographers and reporters to our designers, editors and now a cartoonist as well! Together, we create everything you see in our newspaper, website, podcast and across all our social media channels, all specifically with YOU –our readers– in mind.

Our team works tirelessly balancing schoolwork, student life, Prospector deadlines and everything else going on in their lives. Thanks to their dedication, The Prospector has continued its long tradition, since 1915, of producing coverage of what matters to the UTEP community. Our publication is built up of different sections: news, arts and culture, sports, opinion, and multimedia, to keep our readers both engaged and informed. You can expect even more exciting content from us this semester,

including exclusive interviews, such as our recent podcast episode with UTEP President Heather Wilson, student interviews on our social media accounts, and of course, lots of news. Please do not forget, we want you to be a part of the conversation about what matters most to you. If you ever have story ideas, coverage suggestions or want to submit your own work to The Prospector by sending us an email at prospector@utep.edu! We would love to hear back from our readers more often. So, please do not hesitate to make your voices heard and reach out.

semester full of stories. Welcome back to campus and welcome to The Prospector! Picks Up!

It all worked out

I’ve always carried a stigma about letting people down. During the first grade every couple of months we would pin a piece of paper onto the door to show what we wanted to be in when we grew up. I wanted to be as authentic as possible, so naturally as an adolescent, I chose to be a hairstylist.

I was not sure how to start this

semester, I have now been part of The Prospector for four semesters and a summer.

As I step into my final semester at UTEP, I am both excited and nervous for what is ahead. But I look forward to the idea that, with our incredible team beside me, and a growing readership, I will get to uncover a new beauty behind my college years that I would’ve never gotten to see otherwise.

The Prospector is ready to tackle the new semester and bring you our best work. I look forward to a great

Dedicating four semesters and a summer to you

Prospector in the first place–my love for writing.

As I got called up, I strutted passionately to put my paper on the door. Moving away to let people see what I wanted to be, it was a horrific feeling to be laughed at. Ever since then, I was insecure about what to be.

In spring 2025, I was promoted from staff reporter to audience and engagement editor by then Editorin-Chief (EIC) Avery Escamilla. It was a challenge, coming up with new post ideas and some days felt like all my creativity flew out the window, but I loved the position. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me confidence I would not have found otherwise. I also gained social media experience that, in another environment, I might never have dared to try. Still, something felt missing. That summer, our new EIC, Evelyn Palma, moved me into her old role as web and copy editor. Suddenly, it clicked. What I had been missing was the very reason I joined journalism and The

Vivien Noe, Staff Reporter

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Alan Acosta, Staff Photographer Nate Flores, Staff Photographer

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Veronica Gonzalez, Director Crystal Hinga, Assistant Director

Isabel Castillo, Accounting Specialist

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Adrian Gonzalez

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Dustin Perez

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Victoria Adler

Audience and engagement was the challenge I needed in order to grow, but web and copy felt like home. I get to edit my peers’ stories, see them improve with each one and watch as they step outside of their own comfort zones. And the bonus is that I have been able to write again, going back to my roots as a staff reporter. But more than anything, what makes this work possible are the people in my life, both inside and outside The Prospector office. This piece, and all my work, is dedicated to you.

Thank you to my past EICs who gave me space to grow, and to my old Prospector friends who have moved on to amazing things. You did not just teach me how to report and edit; you helped me navigate college life and reminded me it can all work out in the end.

To our front staff, Amy, Isa, Vero step

CONTRIBUTORS

and Crystal, thank you for always keeping your doors open, for advice, work help or just a laugh. You never let us think small.

To Professor Kate Gannon, thank you for pushing me to look deeper and to always ask the tougher questions. I will do my best to go on and save the world.

To my mom and dad, your constant encouragement means everything. Without you, I would not be who I am today. I hope I can always make you proud. And to my sister, you are my built-in best friend and the person who makes even the hardest days easier. I hope you know, even though you’re my little sister, I still look up to you.

To Sara and Hennessy, who have been with me since seventh grade, thank you for years of laughter, stories and support. You both have been by my side through so many stages of life, and I am so grateful for our friendship. And to Accalia...

forward school, I joined an early college program where I was faced with a conflict that I find to be big for a 13-year-old. What will I major in? Looking at my options, there wasn’t very much, but as I sat there on the floor in my mom’s room, I remember watching an anime where one of the character’s mom was a graphic designer. There it is. I want to be a graphic designer! Scrolling through the degree plans on my computer I was fast with my fingers. Only to scroll all the way to the bottom with no plan for graphic design. So, I chose the next best thing, journalism and public relations. Luckily for me, my high school did have a graphic design class. Little did I know by joining that endorsement I would soon find not only a career, but myself. By the end of my semester...

Illustration by Dustin Perez/ The Prospector

of the fall 2025

LAYOUT EDITOR THE PROSPECTOR MIA COLMENERO B Y

Evelyn Palma, editor-in-chief

Free student tickets, but few takers

As cheers echo through the stands on game day, one section has stood out the past few years, not for its energy but for its emptiness. Despite free admission for all University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) students, the student section often struggles to fill up.

What many students may not realize is that UTEP offers free entry to all home athletic events with no need to buy or reserve seats in advance. Tickets are distributed online and at on-campus tabling events while also being promoted through social media.

Yet, turnout remains low, and many tickets go unclaimed according to the UTEP Athletics Department. Now, the university is left wondering: why aren’t students taking advantage of their free entry to cheer on their teams?

UTEP Ticket Sales and Operations Manager Benjamin Cohen notes that students aren’t as aware as they should be of the ticket opportunities.

“I’ve talked with some students, and they didn’t realize that they had access to free tickets,” Cohen said.

For some students like Heidi Gonzalez, a junior education major, the reason for not claiming her tickets was a matter of not knowing, but now she sings a different tune.

“I would definitely [claim the student tickets],” Gonzalez said.

“I’d probably do like volleyball. My sister really likes volleyball.”

For other students including freshman digital media production major, Erick Garcia, disinterest or confusion plays a bigger factor.

“I was aware of it, but confused on how the process was,” Garcia said.

“I’m not a big sports guy.”

According to UTEP Athletics, one of their biggest challenges is keeping students engaged and spreading information on how students can claim their tickets.

One measure the spirit team has put in place is the pep rallies in the Union Building or even sporadic frenzies on campus that students can look out for. Athletic Director

for Revenue Generation Michael Levy emphasizes student awareness.

“Are they aware? If they are aware, do they know how to get their tickets?” Levy said. “I feel like that aspect is something that we’re really struggling with.”

Currently students can claim tickets online by logging in with their UTEP email and password and selecting one free ticket from a list of upcoming events.

Despite the confusion, student attendance has shown signs of improvement. According to athletics department data, the first game of the 2024 season drew 2,500 students, with a total of 7,000 throughout the season.

Football and men’s basketball remain the most attended sports on campus, but other sports including volleyball have seen growing student interest.

“Volleyball numbers from a student perspective, have grown pretty significantly over the past couple years,” Levy said.

A total of 1,600 student tickets were claimed for volleyball in just

last season alone.

To further boost turnout, UTEP has partnered with student organizations, sponsors and Greek life to increase game attendance. These include pep rallies and spirit as well as incentives such as rewards systems, swag in the student’s section and discounts after the game.

Another strategy involves more direct outreach, meeting students where they are, such as the Union Building or Centennial Plaza.

“I think students are looking

“I think students are looking for social experiences,” Levy said.

“How do we make this a can‘t miss social event regardless of the team‘s performance? Because it‘s a fun thing to do.”

As UTEP continues to explore new strategies, free tickets are only

STAFF REPORTER

JEWEL OCAMPO B Y

On Sept. 5, people of all ages came together to celebrate another year of Minerpalooza. This marked the 35th year of the University of Texas El Paso’s (UTEP) biggest celebration to kickoff the start of a new academic year.

Being one of UTEP’s longeststanding traditions, Minerpalooza highlights the best of El Paso using music, community, food and campus spirit.

The event was hosted around the Centennial Plaza spanning from the Union Building breezeway to the Fox Fine Arts. The main stage was set up at the plaza where this year’s Battle of the Bands (BOTB) took place. BOTB attracted many people to the event such as Mario Dayer, an El Paso music enthusiast.

“What excites me the most is listening to the artists at the Battle of the Bands, and seeing who will win this year,” Dayer said.

Sun City celebrates 35th Minerpalooza

and Beer Garden.

This year’s BOTB contestants were Acrolein band, Fear of Tradition, Mediocre at Best, Texas Hart and Stars in the Day. After a 3 rounds elimination process, the chosen winner was Acrolein, who played songs from their EP “Moonrise” which was released recently on Aug. 26.

The event included activities for all ages, Pete’s Playground was a place for children to have fun with games and bouncy houses, while the adults had the opportunity to relax and enjoy a drink at the Wine

Surrounding the plaza were many stands of games and activities organized by UTEP’s student organizations. These covered interests ranging from career goals like Pre-Law and Pre-Dental societies to students who were united by their love for sports like Women Miner Rugby or the Tennis Club at UTEP. Others came together to encourage students to make a positive impact in their community like Women’s Volunteer

Organization, or bringing awareness to mental health at UTEP. This is also a way for student organizations to fundraise.

UTEP student Paulina Ortega serves as president of IGNITE, an organization with the mission of empowering women to be politically engaged. Ortega assisted in the event to invite other students to join their community.

“Minerpalooza is an opportunity to be more engaged with the community members and their

families,” Ortega said, “Here you can find that community that supports you.” Federico Alvidrez, computer science student, and member of the Society of Physics at UTEP, agreed that engaging with the community through events such as these are a great way to find solidarity from...

Scan the QR code to see Multimedia Editor Sebastian Perez-Navarro go into detail about the behind-the-scenes of Minerpalooza

MINERPALOOZA VIDEO

Minerpalooza offered live music with guest musicians Luna Luna, Pie Sisters, DJ Osonus and Technotics. Photo by Iziah Moreno/The Prospector

On Sept. 5 Minerpalooza returned to UTEP with live performances, food and fun, bringing together students and the community. Photos by Iziah Moreno & Victoria Adler/The Prospector

UTEP construction updates

While students walk through campus, the sight of cranes, construction crews and work zones make it clear that big changes are coming to The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP).

Following the opening of the Aerospace Center in April, Texas Western Hall is the next building set to open in January 2026. According to Vice President of Student Affairs and Interim Vice President of Business Affairs, Catie McCorry-Andalis, Ed.D., the building will offer innovative spaces with roughly 30 classrooms and areas for students to better engage with their peers.

“This is going to be a transformational change when we do classroom and teaching, which will be super exciting,” McCorryAndalis said. “There‘s also a space for clubs and orgs (organizations) where they can come together and have small group discussions and work on projects.”

The building will include indoor and outdoor seating options, a food venue and a rooftop deck for students to enjoy. Once the current Liberal Arts building is demolished, the building will be more connected to Centennial Plaza and the arroyo that is set to be restored.

Mabel Caraveo, a junior majoring in digital media production shared that not only would a new building bring a modern and technologically advanced learning environment, but it would feel like recognition for Liberal Arts majors.

“It‘d be a lot easier to stay up to date with the new technologies and to learn in a better environment,” Caraveo said. “It feels good because it‘s always [felt] like the lower end of the straw...but I‘m glad that they‘re paying attention to everyone now everyone gets an equal experience.”

Demolition for the Liberal Arts building is scheduled for summer 2026 with the goal to have it down before classes begin in the fall.

Texas Western Hall is just one of the many projects the university has outlined in the 2024 Campus Master Plan. Another big project is the Union West replacement and Union East renovation, which students voted to increase the student union fee for in September 2024, and the University of Texas System Board of Regents approved on Aug. 21.

While there is no set timeline for the start of the project, the master plan states that the project will add new space including a new food court and/or recreation facilities. They plan to re-organize the existing space and update the Union building systems such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, electrical and even the plumbing.

This project will cause a phased fee increase which will begin in spring 2026 at $70 per semester, go up in fall 2026 to $120 per semester and reach $150 per semester

beginning fall 2027 through spring 2028. While some students may be wary over the increase, McCorryAndalis shared that these new and renovated spaces will provide resources and support that students are in need of.

“I think having this space, especially with our population, where you can come in and relax and take a break during the day. Whether that’s to study or catch up on homework or just hang out with friends. We don’t have a lot of spaces for that right now, because available space over the years has been used for other things, and this is going to be their space that they can have, which I think is a really exciting opportunity,” McCorryAndalis said.

The Board of Regents also awarded UTEP with $118 million for campus revitalization.

According to McCorry-Andalis, this funding will specifically target the $348 million worth of deferred maintenance the university has.

“There’s conversations right now about what we prioritize over the next three years, and so that will include a lot of different things. That set list is going to be confirmed very soon, but they generally fall into categories like updating roofs, envelopes of buildings, things that if you don‘t do, it can cost more,” McCorryAndalis said. “But we have three years to spend that, which is such a great gift from UT System, and I think really speaks volumes of the

which one of my friends was telling me about how it had happened to him when he comes in at that time too,” Caraveo said.

McCorry-Andalis acknowledged the issue and stated that UTEP is determining what the next steps for more parking spaces will be.

“I can tell you it will most likely be another garage. You can either flatten out, and we are sort of at the edges of that right now, or you start going vertically,” McCorry-Andalis said.

Junior computer science major, Carlos Gonzalez, shared that additional parking would be helpful for students due to the university’s growth.

“Parking garages or lots were established or built with a less populated university..., UTEP has broken their own record of registrations every year,” Gonzalez said. “So, it’s like every time we’re just growing [with] more students and faculty so definitely growing parking should help.”

An additional challenge for the university is the specific regulations about how parking can be funded as tuition cannot be used.

“It’s an auxiliary service, so it has to fund itself. So trying to manage keeping costs low while the same time, ensuring there’s parking is always going to be a challenge,” McCorry-Andalis said. “...But we are looking at that, and we’re aware that it needs to happen.”

Projects like the Texas Western Hall, the new Union, and new housing as well as a potential Student Success center will change the way students engage on campus as the university is already seeing a shift in how students spend their time at UTEP according to McCorry-Andalis.

“We already see a big uptake in students not leaving this campus,” McCorry-Andalis said. “We had more than 20,000 students last year engaged on this campus, and the trend is now more in the evenings than during the day, so they’re staying longer, which means we‘ve got to have the space, we’ve got to have the activities [and] we have got to have the events to make that happen.”

system’s commitment to maintain the buildings on our campus to continue ensuring that they have proper upkeep and are long lasting.”

Each semester, parking remains a major concern for UTEP students as many struggle to buy a parking permit before classes begin, and even with a pass, finding a spot during the first weeks of school is often a challenge.

Caraveo said she and her friends have experienced issues with parking in the Sun Bowl garage, especially when coming to the university later in the day.

“I came in at 10:30 a.m. because one of my classes was canceled, so, I came in a little bit later and there was no parking until the fifth floor,

That shift is expected to grow even more as there is an expected increase in students living on campus. The university currently has about 1,000 students on campus, which will potentially go up to 1,500, affecting not only housing but dining, student activities and the pathways to get around campus.

Students can expect many changes at UTEP between now and 2030, according to McCorryAndalis. The projects are designed to put students at the center by addressing enrollment growth, expanding learning and research opportunities, and creating innovative spaces for engagement.

Comparison of Texas Western Hall from the digital plan to current views as of Aug. 28. The Texas Western hall is set to have its grand opening in January 2026. Photo by Mia Colmenero/The Prospector

Digital models of views of the new Texas Western Hall interior, including the model one out of the 30 classrooms and entrance. Photo courtesy of UTEP News

The Miner guide to turning student pressure into diamonds

Many students have reported feeling panic, anxiety or uncertainty when asked if they feel prepared to navigate the work force for the first time. Statistics like Handshake’s report show that there has been a 15% drop on internship postings, while the number of applicants has nearly doubled. In addition the financial instability in today’s economy, has given rise to a phenomenon titled “The Gen Z Crisis,” which is the hopelessness and pressure students feel about the future, leading to mental health issues among students. With a job market that gets more and more competitive and a shrinking number of opportunities, many students are starting to feel increased pressure about their futures. The University of Texas at El Paso’s Career Center Director Betsy Castro is a career development expert who provides insight on how to strategize in these changing times.

Step 1: Don’t panic Castro is highly aware of the challenges students face: economic uncertainty, the fear of new technological developments like

artificial intelligence, and even the mental health struggle. This is why the first step to avoid student pressure is “don’t panic.”

Recent technologies such as AI are also a source of anxiety for students wondering if they will be detrimental to their dream careers. Do not fear the future, but prepare for it.

“Artificial intelligence is a tool, learn how to use [it],” Castro said.

“Machines will never be able to show up and make the connections, the way we do.”

Using AI as a tool and not as something to rely on will help students gain security in their own abilities.

Step 2: Self reflection

“When we get overly anxious, it causes inaction, and that is completely the wrong thing to do,” Castro said. “We first need to do some self-reflection. What skills do I have and where do I see myself working?”

By asking these questions, students can reflect on where the pressure is coming from. Fear of failure is normal when learning how to be an adult.

“When it comes to the fear of failure, as long as failing is not

hurting yourself or others, it is okay to fail because you are learning from it too,” Castro said.

Step 3: Connect

Some UTEP students face the challenge of being first generation students and not knowing where to look for help. This is why connecting is essential when fighting career doubts. Many times, especially in the social media age, anxiety comes from comparing yourself to others. Finding a mentor or joining an organization might be a place to find support. The key is to be reminded that success is different for everyone.

At the Career Center you can find resources to strengthen your resume or your CV, get interview preparation, or even career advising. UTEP also offers counseling services, where students can learn strategies to deal with their anxiety. Sometimes the best thing to do is to go to the recreational center and turn that anxious energy into movement.

Step 4: Strategize Students should start preparing themselves as soon as possible. This doesn’t mean internships or jobs are the only way to get experience. Experience can be volunteering

to get perspective, joining a research group or leadership organizations or learning about different careers that have to do with your interests.

“Experience gives you confidence and here at the Career Center, we can help you get those experiences,” Castro said. An exciting place to start is the 2025 Career Expo, happening on Sept. 18 and 19.

Even if students may not be on the hunt for a job currently, this is an opportunity to practice interview skills and conduct research about multiple industries.

Even though its true times are changing, and with them the job and internship market in itself is changing too, there is no need to lose hope. The important thing is to stay grounded, focused, and take care of your own mental health along the way. Remember Miners: pressure is what makes diamonds.

Have you read about the most incredible football season ever for the UTEP Miners?

Check out the novel “The Last Pass in El Paso” available at amazon.com in eBook, Paperback, or Hardcover formats.

Vivien Noe C. is a staff reporter at The Prospector and may be reached at vgnoe@Miners.utep.edu

UTEP Work at Campus and Community Job Fair

On Sept. 4, The University of Texas El Paso (UTEP) hosted its annual Work at UTEP fair. The event was hosted to invite students to work on campus and inform them of the resources available for them to get experience while in school.

UTEP departments such as the Center for Community Engagement and the Career Center were in attendance, as well as local employers off campus such as the YMCA.

Ariana Jimenez, a first-year nursing student attended the fair because she wanted to know how to get the most out of her college experience. Jimenez is looking to get customer service and time management skills out of a job.

“I want to know what options I have, since I commute to campus. I want to know how to make it worth it,” Jimenez said.

UTEP students such as Astrid Ochoa, an orientation leader at the Center for Community

Engagement, have found a sense of belonging by working on campus.

“I love UTEP, I’m always wearing orange and blue,” Ochoa said. “It‘s nice to help other students who may be struggling. You can go up

to students and inform them about resources they have.”

Yesenia Gonzalez, an employer relations assistant at the Career Center, shared the importance of engaging with UTEP departments.

“It’s important for students to come to the work fairs to get a sense of the departments here on campus,” Gonzalez said. “Personally, I think having a job on campus is the best decision for a

college student.”

One of the benefits of working on campus is that students can balance academic life with their school workload because they are studying and working at the same location. Supervisors understand that school always comes first and UTEP is committed to supporting students’ professional development.

Cosette Ruiz is a student staff member at the Center for Community Engagement and vouches that working on campus can have many benefits.

“It’s been really fun to work with community partners, to find a way to give back to the community and connect more here on campus,” Ruiz said.

Working on campus can be a starting point for students, because it offers the support from the UTEP community and can help students grow confidence in their abilities. Students can looking to apply for jobs can go to the UTEP Career Center’s Instagram to see more job postings.

Vivien G. Noe C is a staff reporter at The Prospector and can be reached at vgnoe@miners.utep.edu.

Miner Pride

Dustin Perez is a contributing cartoonist at The Prospector and can be reached at dperez54@miners.utep.edu.

Dustin Perez is a freshman at The University of Texas at El Paso studying art. He is currently a contributing cartoonist/photographer at The Prospector. As his ﬁrst year in college starts rolling he hopes to branch out and turn his passion for storytelling, art,comics and cartooning into a fuﬁlling career.

Hosted in the Undergraduate Learning Center lobby, Work at UTEP Fair invites UTEP students stop by employer tables to explore on-campus and local community positions. Photo by Victoria Adler/The Prospector

Arts & Culture

Abigail Pedroza, editor

Students turn passions into profit

At the forefront of student life, academics often takes precedence and is seen as a direct path to stability, livelihood and future success. But for many students, academics don’t travel alone.

Alongside the pursuit of grades and degrees lives another equally demanding force: creative expression. Whether it’s writing, painting, music, filmmaking or design, these passions demand time, energy and emotional investment often blurring the lines between discipline and desire.

Academics have long been considered the lone ranger in pursuing a commendable and secure livelihood. However, for three students, the itch for creativity cannot be easily dulled by the rigidity of academics.

A chance pairing in a high school engineering class marked the beginning of a creative partnership between Alyssa Contreras and Diego Carrasco. What started as casual conversations over shared nerdy interests, turned into a hands-on collaboration when Contreras’ growing interest in 3D printing aligned perfectly with Carrascos’ ownership of a resin printer at home.

started. This synergy led to the conception of Cheggo Prints, an aptly named venture combining their nicknames.

“We first started doing it for ourselves, but then we wanted to create figures, paint them, and it just happened that we decided to make it into a business,” Contreras said. “I can do the painting side, making the figure look presentable, and Diego can do the tedious manufacturing.”

Their small business stands as a tangible tribute to the fandoms they love—a homage to the worlds of Marvel, DC and video games like “Risk of Rain”. Behind each carefully crafted figurine is a partnership just as intentionally assembled, curated for support, shaped by shared passion and designed to fill in the gaps when one needs the other.

Bonded by their love for geek culture, the two friends turned a shared hobby into a small business. The partnership came together naturally: she brought the artistic flair, painting each figurine with care and detail, while he, conveniently, already had the machinery to get them

“Luckily, since it’s the two of us, we can always divide the work. If Diego has a lot of schoolwork, I’ll take over the 3D printing since in 3D printing you just have to start the machine. I’ll go ahead and sand the figurine, paint the primer,” Contreras said.

alongside creative and entrepreneurial pursuits, forming a partnership grounded in shared interests can serve as both a practical support system and a motivational anchor.

Sanchez said. “Then suddenly classes start, and I’ll be hit with one idea after another, seizing any free time to create.”

A passion that began at the age of 11 hasn’t been left behind; instead, it’s been refined into a viable source of income.

“But if I am busy, Diego will do so.”

As both students navigate the complexities of fulltime study

Isabella Sanchez, a graduate student pursuing her master’s in English and American literature, has been dabbling in digital art, branching into other mediums like designing merchandise such as stickers, keychains, bookmarks and prints.

What once was simply a creative outlet has evolved into a small business, especially appealing for the incentive of extra spending money to splurge on oneself.

For Sanchez, the demands of academia haven’t stifled creativity— they’ve helped sustain it. Despite academics taking precedence, the structure and intellectual stimulation of graduate life have served as an unexpected catalyst for artistic expression.

“Between semesters, I tend to be very creatively dormant; I’ll be strapped for ideas and unmotivated to finish anything I’ve started,”

“Offering commissions was really formative to me as an artist. Not only was it super validating to have people pay money for my art, but it was also empowering to feel like I successfully marketed myself,” Sanchez said.

Academic ambition and artistic integrity are not at odds. Instead, they coexist harmoniously. With nimble hands and a sharp mind, Tatiana Rodriguez expertly weaves together the demands of pursuing her master’s in English

and American literature and teaching crochet as an instructor for continuing education at El Paso Community College. Her dedication to both academia and craft exemplifies how students can nurture creativity while advancing their educational goals. Rodriguez’s creative journey unveiled itself to her as a freshman at Bel Air High School, where she joined the crochet and knitting club. What started as a small-scale business, crafting and selling handmade items to family, laid the foundation for her continued entrepreneurial spirit alongside her academic pursuits.

“Right now, I’m working on some ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ stuff,” Rodriguez said. “Before I was working on ‘Gravity Falls’ stuff and things like that. Things that I know are popular right now that I think will do good at markets, but I also have those more general items that can fill up the booth.” ...

A 3D print display of various characters made by Diego Carrasco and Alyssa Contreras. The two UTEP students run their own Etsy shop, where they 3D print and paint characters by made-to-order commission or for fun. Photo by Alan Acosta/The Prospector

Alyssa Contreras (left) and Diego Carrasco (right) pose with one of their 3D print character statues. The two UTEP students cite their shared creativity and engineering experience as the inspiration for their online shop. Photo by Alan Acosta/The Prospector

CONTRIBUTOR THE PROSPECTOR

JAZMINE GARCIA B Y

The team behind UTEP’s events: Mineros Entertainment Board

community centered, that really allow for students from all different backgrounds all across campus to come together in a more social setting,” Dehler said.

This year MEB is doing a series of social events, like Pete’s Brew Coffee Tour and their upcoming game night on Sept. 30. They also host many educational and cultural events with their Cultural Programs Student Katy Ruiz leading many of those efforts. She’s behind several campus initiatives, including exhibits at the Union Gallery.

their peers.”

According to Ciaccio, the team uses the summer to map out the academic year’s calendar of events before the semester begins. Even their more spontaneous popup events are planned months in advance.

“It takes all of us, you know, as a team, from our students to our leadership, all the way up in the department, our departmental leadership,” Ciaccio said.

to be as enjoyable for students as possible,” Dehler Said.

On any given week, students might stumble across flyers for one of the many events held across campus, from large-scale programs like Up All Night to casual pop-ups such as the Pete’s Brew Coffee Tour. These aren’t spontaneous gatherings; they’re the results of weeks and months of planning by the Minero Entertainment Board. The Minero Entertainment Board (MEB) is a primarily student-led organization dedicated to creating memorable experiences that bring the campus community together.

With a mix of large-scale and small-scale programming, MEB’s mission is to offer students moments of fun and connection amid the stresses of college life.

The board consists of four student leaders, Danna Castro, Katy Ruiz, Rolando Palomo III, and Valentina Vega, as well as staff from the Student Engagement and Leadership Center (SELC). This also includes Assistant Director Romi Dehler and Campus Engagement Coordinator Nick Ciaccio, who serves as the board’s primary advisor.

“I think the main goal is to create events and programs that are

Each MEB event starts with an idea, often brought forward by one of the student members, they follow trends and holidays in the process of coming up with ideas.

From there, the team collaborates on how to bring that vision to life. Every event is student oriented, and each is led by one of the student board members. That student takes charge of planning logistics, creating mood boards, organizing giveaways and ensuring the event stays on track.

“There is some sort of student ownership over the event in and of itself,” Dehler said. “The whole point is that the students are planning events for students, and that they’re planning events for

Each event requires detailed coordination from set-up to staffing. While numbers vary, even some of their smaller events gather around 100 attendees. Large scale events like Up All Night draw students in larger numbers according to Dehler and Ciaccio, ranging anywhere from 500 to 600 students.

MEB and all their events receive funding directly through SELC and their budget comes from student fees. According to SELC, the actual cost of programming often depends on what is being planned. For instance, the average costs for smaller pop-ups can be up to $500 but they’re spending around $20,000 on larger events.

“We do our best to maximize every dollar, because we want this

As a largely commuter campus student engagement can present unique challenges. With students often balancing work, family and classes, getting them to spend time on campus outside of academics isn’t always easy. These events are meant to bring students together. That’s why the MEB team focuses on creating accessible and inclusive events that appeal to the interests of as many students as possible and for them to build friendships and learn social skills.

“If you ever see a Mineros Entertainment Board event, or even a SELC event at large, don’t be shy, feel free to come by,” Dehler said. “These events that we’re putting on are for everyone.”

For the students and staff behind the Mineros Entertainment Board, each event is more than a checklist, it’s a chance to turn the campus into a space where every student can come to enjoy themselves and de-stress.

RECOGNIZE OUTSTANDING TEACHING STUDENTS

By planning activities and events like Minerpalooza for students to participate in, the board seeks to build a community for students to socialize in. Photo by Nate Flores/The Prospector

Rediscovering UTEP’s Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens

people to take away from it,” CareyWhalen said.

As the fall semester begins, new and returning students rush to class, passing by the Centennial Museum without a second thought. Inside its doors are artworks and exhibits that highlight the Chihuahuan Desert’s unique culture and environment.

As one of the oldest museums in El Paso, established in 1936, the Centennial Museum offers more than quiet galleries. It serves as a resource that blends natural history, regional identity and educational opportunities on the campus of The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP).

With features like the Chihuahuan Desert Gardens and the historic Bhutanese Lhakhang, the museum continues to grow as a cultural and educational hub.

As a part of UTEP, the museum supports student and faculty research, often hosting public programs and inviting the wider El Paso community to engage with its resources and build a genuine appreciation for the region.

Museum Director Daniel CareyWhalen shared what he hopes visitors take away from the museum each time they visit.

“Loving where you live. I hope people come here and learn more about life in the Chihuahuan Desert and they feel like it’s cool to live here. That’s what I would want

Just outside the museum, the Chihuahuan Desert Gardens showcases more than 600 plant species native to or adapted to the desert region. The gardens were first established in 1999 and certified as a Texas Wildscape. The garden serves as a scenic detour for students on their way to class and a quiet oasis from the summer heat.

One of the most visually striking parts of the museum is the Lhakhang, a Bhutanese temple originally built for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and would later become a symbol of friendship between Bhutan and UTEP. This relationship which has inspired much of the university’s unique Bhutanese-inspired architecture.

Today the Lhakhang serves as the cultural jewel of the campus, open to visitors every Wednesday and first Saturday of the month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Inside, visitors can admire colorful and intricate traditional artworks like the wall-to-wall murals depicting the life of Bhudda.

The Centennial Museum features a variety of exhibits, from semester long guest speaker events to exhibits based on conservation, prehistoric life, Indigenous artistry and a plethora of permanent and rotating artifacts.

As the Chihuahuan Desert Garden celebrates its 25th anniversary, a new speaker is

featured every month during a semester long celebration. The series began in May 2025 and will conclude on Dec. 10. The museum’s speaker series Cultivating Your Home: Embracing Chihuahuan Desert Diversity invites the community to learn about the Chihuahuan Desert.

As the largest desert in North America, the Chihuahuan Desert is also one of the most biodiverse in the continent.

“We want people in El Paso to love where they live and get out and explore the Chihuahuan Desert more,” Carey-Whalen said.

The Bees Wax Jaguar/ Wixárika Beadwork highlights an indigenous art form that uses beeswax to secure bead patterns.

The jaguar on display offers a stunning modern example of the beadwork that reflects their cultural heritage, belief systems and the development of this colorful art form.

The Centennial Museum’s latest exhibit, Biodiversity Hotspots Reimagined, opened Sept. 4, highlighting some of the most biologically rich and endangered regions on earth.

The exhibit spotlights the following three regions: The East African Mountains, Southwest Australia and the Sierra Madre The conservation exhibit is a collaborative effort between the museum, biology professors, and biology students

and graphic design students.

“This exhibit’s just about getting people excited about it,” CareyWhalen said.

The exhibit worked with graphic design students to create ways to interact with these animals that are in danger.

Alongside these exhibits, the museum works with student organizations, offering work study and volunteer educational opportunities across campus.

One highlight of this fall is FloraFest, a native plant sale taking place in the plaza space of the

Undergraduate Learning Center Building this October. The event serves to support the upkeep of the Chihuahuan Desert Gardens. Whether a student, faculty member or El Paso local, visitors can find an enriching experience at the Centennial Museum.

For exhibit hours, visit the Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens website.

is a Staff Reporter and may be reached at Jnocampo@miners.utep.edu.

A Lecture Series at the Rubin Center

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 | 12 PM

From Xerox to Archive: Zines as Resistance and Record

W EDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1 | 12 PM Permission to Fail: Experimentation and Play in the

A display of a femur bone from a Kritosaurus (late-Cretaceous period) located on the second ﬂ oor of the Centennial Museum. The fossil exhibit showcases the remains of many prehistoric animals from different time periods. Photo by Alan Acosta/The Prospector

STAFF REPORTER THE PROSPECTOR

JEWEL OCAMPO

Jewel Ocampo

Although some argue that younger generations are no longer interested in spending time outdoors, The University of Texas at El Paso’s student organization, Strategies for Ecology, Education, Diversity, and Sustainability (SEEDS), shows ongoing student interest in environmental engagement.

The team of environmental advocates is united by a common calling, using the power of education and teamwork to live up to their name SEEDS.

Their activities range from picnics, to thrifting and working on exhibitions like the UTEP Biodiversity collections

Members have also hiked trails in the Franklin mountains and participated in outreach efforts including a tabling they did at a

Coldplay concert in June. Through it all, they emphasize their mission of educating fellow students on topics such as sustainability and conservation of the environment.

As the new semester begins, the Fall 2025 SEEDS officers plan to keep up with building a community that cares for the environment.

However, they haven’t limited themselves to just El Paso. They have also partnered up with the Ecological Society of America (ESA) to make a bigger impact and give students a space to network and find professional opportunities.

SEEDS’ President Grace Lee and Vice-President Persephone Saavedra say their main goal is to reach as many people as possible.

“As an organization our goal is to advance underrepresented students in the ecology professional sphere,” Lee said.

Meet SEEDS: Planting the seed of a brighter future

SEEDS is not limited to only environmental sciences majors.

Members have many different academic backgrounds and career goals, including criminal justice, political science and biomedical sciences, yet together understand the importance of a healthy environment for a brighter future.

“We’ve had a lot of other majors. We are people who are interested in science and helping the environment,” Saavedra said.

Many wonder why students should care about the environment.

“Environment affects everything and is affected by everything, and El Paso is no exception” Lee said.

The Office of Climate and Sustainability here in El Paso, states that the city currently faces climate issues, such as urban heat, light pollution and dust storms. SEEDS has been making constant efforts to help the community.

“We do a lot of cleanups,” Saavedra said. “We collaborate with organizations, like Sun City Pickers and we do trash pickups all around the city. We also do trail work in collaboration with Frontera Land Alliance, to make trails safer and more accessible to everyone.”

Both students agreed that a key issue for generation Z is climate grief, the feeling that making

a change is hopeless, or that individual actions cannot help global conditions improve.

“Communication is very important, not a lot of people know what’s going on. There is a lot of misinformation. Education is the way to combat that,” Saavedra said.

To fight this, they plan to open a committee to publish posts about what people can do day-to day to help global conditions improve.

“Most climate

change news makes people feel really pressured to be this perfect person, but that’s impossible,” Saavedra said. “Encouraging people to do small things is what we want to do.”

SEEDS is an organization based on science and making an impact through teamwork. As Lee put it, the organization welcomes all students who want to help build a community while doing something that is good for the environment.

Getting a closer look at the garden President Grace Lee gives examples of the community work and activities SEEDS has done. Photo by Nate Flores/The Prospector

Vivien G. Noe is a staff reporter for The Prospector and may be reached at vgnoe@miners.utep.edu

Standing back to back, President Grace Lee and Vice President Persephone Saaverda talk about the sense of community that is found and made inside the organization. Photo by Nate Flores/The Prospector

STAFF REPORTER THE PROSPECTOR

VIVIEN G. NOE B Y

Sports

Kristian Hernandez, editor

“It felt great man, electric, the town showed up and to grow so I’m excited,” Nelson said. “I think we found a

total offensive yards running 54 plays while UT Martin ran 76. Key playmakers were redshirt senior quarterback Jase Bauer going 23for-33 in passing attempts with one passing touchdown, graduate student defensive lineman Jabaree Dawkins earning nine tackles and redshirt senior safety Jacob Stevenson accumulating eight tackles for the night.

“Malachi made really good decisions with the football.

[He] saw the field well and our offensive line had their best gain by far,” Walden said. “Defensively, I thought we played extremely physical, Micah Davey was all over the field. I love those short yardage defense, you know the ability to stop a team on third-and-one, fourth-and-one over and over.”

Sky-

The Miners will go on the road to Austin, Texas to face the No. 7 Longhorns on Sept.13, hoping to create an upset that would shake up the power four college.

I know it’s only going just offense finds that

groove. I was talking to coach all week I said, ‘When the groove you know we start rolling, the tempo starts rolling, I think it’s hard to stop us.”

Although the Skyhawks gained 371 yards in total offense, the Miners gained an efficient 472

The

and social media tags @northeastvideography.

Keeping athletes in the game: The works of science

Concussions are also a major concern, particularly in highcontact sports such as football, soccer and basketball.

Each year, millions of athletes worldwide experience sportsrelated injuries, from youth little leagues to the big professional stage. Still, no level of play is immune to accidents or even physical setbacks. Some injuries occur more frequently than others. Among the most common are ankle sprains, hamstring strains, shin splints, shoulder dislocations, ACL tears and concussions.

While researching this topic, I gathered that the region that lands on the list of injuries the most is the lower body. A 2024 NCAA injury surveillance report found that over half of all college athlete injuries across all sports involve the lower extremities—including the knees, ankles, legs, and feet.

2025 research at the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery & Orthopedic Sports Medicine (ISAKOS) inrevealed that 62.5% of injuries in contact sports occurred in the lower body, with ankle injuries making up nearly 40% of those cases. These injuries not only cause pain and the loss of playing time but could also have long-term effects if it’s not treated properly.

Today’s athletes face greater physical demands than ever before.

Training often runs year-round with little downtime, eventually working the body harder than previous generations experienced. While sports are constantly evolving, becoming faster and more physical in some aspects, places additional strain on every working part of the body.

According to the National Safety Council, 4.4 million people were treated in emergency departments for sports and recreation-related injuries in 2024, highlighting the widespread impact. College data mirrors these trends: concussions in NCAA sports have been increasing at nearly 7% annually, while ACL tears continue to rise by about 1.3% each year.

The modern style of play pushes athletes’ bodies to their limits, making recovery and injury prevention more important than ever.

Where once a serious knee or ligament injury could end an athlete’s career, science and kinesiology have advanced to match modern-day needs, now offering hope for full recovery. This field combines biomechanics, physical therapy, exercise physiology and technology to shorten recovery times and strengthen the body against reinjury.

According to C.J. Potter, assistant athletic director for sports medicine at UTEP Athletics, recovery is only part of the process; the final step is preparing athletes to return to game-level demands.

“We do everything that we can with them from a physical therapy rehab perspective, and then when we get to that sport transformation and that getting them back on the field or the court and that very high

level sport functional activity is where we also rely on the strength and conditioning coaches as well,” Potter said.

Cryotherapy, wearable tech and advanced rehab programs are just some of the tools helping athletes return to competition. For example, ACL reconstruction, which used to mean the end of an athlete’s way of life, now often allows a return within 9–12 months.

Universities highlight progress through their Department of Kinesiology and Sports Medicine programs, where research is focused on improving safety, recovery and performance.

Preventing injuries before they occur is a major focus of kinesiology research. Programs that include strength training, neuromuscular warm-ups and balance exercises have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of ACL and ankle injuries, especially for athletes with historys of sprains.

“The more things that you can monitor and measure and get objective data, the better, because obviously it’s all going to clue you in to injury trends, muscular fatigue, neuromuscular fatigue, so that we can try to identify things before they happen, be preventative, as opposed to be reactionary once an injury occurs,” Potter said.

College data emphasizes the

impact of these programs, in which implementing structured prevention protocols can reduce lower-body injuries by up to 50% in some NCAA sports.

In addition, what athletes consume in terms of nutrition and hydration is just as important as training and recovery.

A proper diet can reduce the risk of cramps, heat-related illnesses, and muscle strains, while adequate hydration supports endurance, muscle function and faster recovery between practices and games.

An old motto Potter used was, “Six-pack abs are made in the kitchen, not the gym.” He emphasized that everything from nutrition staff providing the right snacks to preparing recovery shakes, plays a role in an athlete’s health. Together, these strategies form a thorough approach to keep collegiate athletes healthy and performing at their best.

Injuries are not just physical setbacks, but also a challenge of the mind.

Athletes may experience depression, anxiety, or struggles with their physical gifts during recovery. Studies show that nearly 30% of injured athletes report notable mental health symptoms, and these challenges can even slow the healing process.

Kristian Hernandez

the sports editor at

Prospector and may be reached at kahernandez16@miners.utep.edu

UTEP Athletics combines technology, biomechanics and physical therapy to return athletes to game ready demands. Photo by Nathaniel Flores/The Prospector

UTEP’s defense held the

hawks to 76 rushing yards which helped the Miners’ offense create their 42-17 victory. Photo by Iziah Moreno/The Prospector

The Miners’ wide receiver squad accumlated 15 receptions for 278 yards. Photo by Iziah Moreno/The Prospector

Victory from cover

from page 13

As a result, addressing the psychological side of recovery has become an important focus in sports medicine, ensuring that athletes return to play stronger both physically and mentally. The psyche of an athlete is to dig deep within themselves to give it their all, and sports science is there to support them every step of the way. Kinesiology and sports medicine continue to transform how athletes train, recover and perform at their best. As research advances, one goal remains constant: to keep athletes healthy, resilient and in the game.

The Malachi Nelson Era Begins

Malachi Nelson finally made his debut as The University of Texas at El Paso’s (UTEP) starting quarterback on Aug. 30, and it was a mix of promise and challenges.

The Miners fell 28-16 to Utah State, but Nelson offered flashes of the talent that once made him the nation’s No. 1 high school quarterback prospect.

Nelson’s journey to El Paso was unconventional. A standout at Los Alamitos High School in California, he was a five-star recruit in 2021 and initially committed to the University of Southern California (USC), where he developed behind veteran players, such as NFL quarterback, Caleb Williams.

He later transferred to Boise State in search of more playing time before ultimately choosing UTEP to revitalize his college career and give the Miners a much-needed spark as quarterback.

In his debut, Nelson completed 22 of 34 passes for 178 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception. While the stats may not leap off the page, they reflect a quarterback who stayed composed in his first start and showed the ability to make impactful plays.

UTEP’s offense struggled at times, with stalled drives and pressure in the pocket, but Nelson demonstrated poise and leadership that the Miners have long been missing.

Nelson’s 34-yard touchdown pass to redshirt junior wide receiver

Kenny Odom early in the game highlighted his arm strength, accuracy and calmness under pressure.

Even when the Miners faced setbacks, Nelson continued to direct the offense with confidence,

showed that UTEP finally has a quarterback worth building around.

continued to direct the offense with confidence, showing that he can handle adversity and keep the

Even when the Miners faced setbacks, into his performance, many were excited to see Nelson’s debut. One fan talked about his takeaways from watching the new starting quarterback.

moving forward. As those who tuned

“I was kind of excited to see Malachi Nelson start… honestly I think he did very good for his first start. Granted, there was some errors, on his touches of the ball, especially on the deep throws and some of his reads,” history major Adrian Carranza said.

Expectations for Nelson were high. Fans and coaches hoped he could immediately improve the passing game, inject more speed and versatility into the offense, and serve as a leader both on and off the field.

“For it being his first start, he didn’t do too bad,” business major Joshua Esparza said. “Obviously, there’s stuff he could improve on, but that will come with playing more games.”

While Saturday’s game proved that talent alone isn’t enough, it also showed that Nelson has the tools to meet those expectations as the season progresses and the team develops around him.

UTEP’s offensive line and receivers still have work to do, but Nelson’s ability to stay poised, make quick decisions and connect on big plays gives fans a reason to believe in the program’s future.

His debut demonstrated that he can be the leader the Miners have needed for years, providing a foundation for improvement and growth.

For Nelson, the road ahead is long. He must continue developing chemistry with his receivers, improving decision-making under pressure, and learning to operate in an evolving offense.

His debut was a reminder that football is a team sport, it also

game of the season, built on that debut commanding against University of Tennessee at Martin (UT Martin) on Sept. 6. He completed 23-of-31 passes for 278 yards and threw four touchdown

key improvements: quicker decision-making, better accuracy on intermediate and deep throws, and improved chemistry with his receivers. Nelson also demonstrated his ability to read defenses more effectively, avoid pressure in the pocket and make plays under stress.

Across both games, Nelson’s strengths were clear: strong arm talent, leadership qualities and the ability to make big plays. Areas for continued growth include consistency on deep passes, timing with his wide receivers and minimizing turnovers.

As the season progresses, these adjustments will be crucial for Nelson to maintain offensive momentum and for UTEP to become more competitive.

While the Miners’ overall team performance remains a work in progress, Nelson’s growth from his debut to the home opener provides optimism. His ability to learn from mistakes, make quick corrections and elevate his game gives fans a reason to believe that the Miners have found a quarterback worth building around.

novel by Darrell Berry.

CONTRIBUTOR THE PROSPECTOR ADRIAN GONZALEZ B Y

Photo courtesy of UTEP Athletics

Cameron Mason is a staff reporter for The Prospector and can be reached at cmason@miners.utep.edu

In the second Nelson performance

passes in a 42-17 victory. The game highlighted several

Nelson

team

Adrian Gonzalez Jr. is a contributor for The Prospector. He may be reached at agonzalez255@miners. utep.edu.

To match the needs of athletes UTEP Athletics has advanced recovery to meet the demands of the game Photo by Nathaniel Flores/The Prospector

The Marching Miners march to the beat of Miner pride

Marching bands are often viewed as the heartbeat and illuminators of a game’s atmosphere, and the Marching Miners are no exception. This fall semester marks the beginning of the football season, and with it, the rigorous training of these students, whose musicianship is a testament to their vital role in showcasing the university’s talent and school spirit.

This season’s pre-game and halftime performances by the

be the result of a nearly yearlong creative plan along with personal sacrifices.

Director of Athletic Bands and Associate Director of Bands, Brandon Houghtalen, D.M.A, did not waste any time preparing music for this semester’s shows and began as early as last fall.

“Some of our arrangements take months to complete, so we have to work on them a lot,” Houghtalen said. “There’s never a moment where I’m not working, and our staff isn’t working to plan ahead.”

requirement, and meeting it entails personal sacrifices. Balancing their time between band and academic obligations, adjusting to the fatigue brought on by intense routines and extreme weather, and finding time to socialize are some of the challenges that, while not impossible to manage, remain for the Marching Miners.

Also, over half of them have jobs outside of college, according to Houghtalen.

performance date approachs. In the week before a game, band member Ian Primero, devotes approximately 20 hours to rehearsing. As a trumpet player, he must also constantly take care of his facial muscles, as they retain a lot of stress and tension from his embouchure.

“If you don’t warm down, you are setting yourself up for failure,” Primero said.

Over 200 members that make up the band work at a nonstop pace. They already know the music

having performed their first. Unlike typical high school marching bands, which learn a show in August and September, and perform it for the remainder of the semester, the Marching Miners will perform around eight different shows this fall. Shows that listeners can expect to feature a variety of musical arrangements, with Houghtalen’s goal for everyone in the stands to connect with the music. “My job is to be thinking about what music is popular right now, what’s going to be popular with parents, what’s going to be popular with grandparents, and what’s going to be appropriate for little kids,” Houghtalen said. “If you don’t recognize what we’re playing, wait five minutes because you’ll hear something that you like.”

Constant rehearsing plays a crucial role in fulfilling such a task. Members must exhibit solid discipline, as the performances they do are especially notable for their musical proficiency, synchronization and marching technique.

Time commitment is a major membership

“In addition to being full-time students and being in a band, the average number of hours that our students that work is 23.8,” Houghtalen said. “So, every week the members of the Marching Miners work 2,789 hours besides classes and marching rehearsal.”

Before the first day of classes, the band attended a two-week pre-season camp in August. It consisted of foot drills at the Sun Bowl Stadium and learning music in the Fox Fine Arts Center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Since the start of the school year, they have continued to rehearse every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. This does not include the individual practices that each student conducts in their spare time.

The Marching Miners are constantly learning, refining and perfecting their skills. The process gets more intense as each

Despite admitting that practices and game shows can be very draining, Primero maintains that all of his efforts have been worthwhile. For him, there’s nothing better than doing what you love and doing it right.

There’s pressure and high expectations, but not a shortage of dedication. Houghtalen, who is actively involved behind the scenes, is perfectly aware of the amount of effort that goes into making their shows a reality.

“They [Marching Miners] are the hardest-working students I’ve ever had the privilege to teach, and I respect their work incredibly,” Houghtalen said.

Be sure to look for the Marching Miners, UTEP’s largest and almost century-old music ensemble, at games and other public events to see their display of dedication to musical excellence.

BRISA SILVA B Y

Colorguard, will for their third show

Constant rehearsing

Student musician Tito Ramirez plays the bass drum during a rehearsal. Students of the Marching Miners learn to practice together with triweekly rehearsals. Photo by Alan Acosta/The Prospector

The University of Texas at El Paso welcomed students to the Doctor of Pharmacy Program at its White Coat Ceremony on Saturday, August 23. These students will be part of the UTEP School of Pharmacy’s graduating class of 2029.

As a rst step, these future pharmacists accepted their white coats as a symbol of professionalism and excellence in pharmacy practice. This ceremony was also an opportunity to remind students of the importance of balancing excellence in their eld of study with compassionate patient care.

SCH O OL OF P HAR M A C Y

During the ceremony, students recited the Oath of a Pharmacist and promised to maintain the skills, knowledge and responsibilities needed to devote themselves to a lifetime of serving others.

Thank you to the community supporters, faculty, staﬀ, receptors, students, and their family members and friends who joined us for this special event.