Registered student organizations are preparing for a busy schedule of traditional and new events with a centennial spin.
According to Catie McCorry Andalis, associate vice president of Student Life, a myriad of campus organizations will take part in centennial events including Greek organizations, honor societies, special interest groups and service-learning organizations.
McCorry-Andalis said the events are an opportunity for the organizations to be recognized for their service to the community.
“These events are also opportunities for the members of these organizations to practice what they are learning in the classroom,” she said. “To plan an event, to facilitate a meeting, to engage with community leaders, to work with someone different from themselves, to demonstrate the incredible talent of our student body.”
During halftime at the Jan. 9 basketball game, 20 student organizations were recognized and helped UTEP athletics kick off their centennial celebration.
McCorry-Andalis said Student Life hopes to more than double the number of organizations that participate in Minerpalooza.
“Although there are many more opportunities throughout 2014 for student organizations to be involved, Minerpalooza 2014 will be the premier opportunity for student organizations to showcase their talents,” she said.
Junior mechanical engineering major Jose Martinez is the president of UTEP MAES/SHPE, a joint student chapter for Latinos in engineering and science. Martinez said that his organization is very active in the UTEP community and they are excited to participate in the series of centennial events.
“This is a great way to engage our students,” he said. “Having them be involved in events such as these encourages our students to be more involved in school activities by being a part of this one-time only celebration.”
Student organizations still have time to join centennial events.
“My hope is that students know how much they are valued and appreciated at UTEP,” McCorry-Andalis said. “That they are a part of something big—100 years of alumni—and most importantly, that through their service and leadership, students are impacting the next 100 years of Miners at UTEP.”
For a complete list of the centennial events, visit transformations.utep.edu.
Amanda Guillen may be reached at [email protected].