UTEP has been recognizing a select group of alumni as the cream of the crop for 64 years, but this year the usual process is not going to suffice. Instead, to honor UTEP’s centennial year, there will be a celebration of all of the previous recipients.

The selection process takes place prior to homecoming week, and both Gold Nuggets and Distinguished Alumni will take part in the homecoming festivities.

Executive Director for Alumni Relations, Richard Daniel, said it is important that this year is different
from others.

“It is going to be a celebration for them, to pay tribute to them for what they have been able to accomplish and helping elevate the university because with their successes, come our successes,” Daniel said.

More than 100 past Gold Nuggets and Distinguished Alumni are expected to attend the week-long celebrations that started on Oct. 6.

The Distinguished Alumni and Gold Nugget Centennial Celebration Gala will take place at 6:30 p.m., on Oct. 10 at the Don Haskins Center. There will be food and entertainment.

All of the past award recipients will also be honored on Oct. 11 at halftime of UTEP’s game against Old Dominion on the Sun Bowl football field.

Overall, Daniel said that bringing back these alumni is important for them, but also for current students. He said that many alumni have not been back to the university in a while and have not seen the change and growth that the university
has undergone.

He also said that students would be able to learn from other fellow Miners that were once in their shoes.

“Our students can see that these individuals that walked around this campus at some point in their life have been able to achieve their career dreams and they have been able to do great things and that is because they were persistent, and they understood that if they kept moving forward, things would pay off,” he said.

Amanda Guillen may be reached at [email protected].