Wilson to graduates: Class of 2020 will endure

Photo courtesy of University Communications

UTEP President Heather Wilson writes to the graduating class of 2020, reassuring them amidst the “uncertainty that the pandemic challenge has brought.”

This spring, you are among the more than 2,300 UTEP students who will join the ranks of Miner Alumni. Not too long ago, when you began this journey, you made a commitment to work hard. To recognize your potential and to uncover the very best in yourselves.

In normal years, our spring semester – like that of universities across the country – would end with the celebration of this milestone in your life with family and friends. Because this year is anything but normal, we will delay that celebration until the fall, when I hope to see you again.

While I won’t shake your hand until the fall, I wanted to let you know now how proud we are of you. In many ways, the oddity of this semester highlights your accomplishments in ways you might not have considered.

No matter how you found your path to college, the degree you earn this semester is your ticket to a dream. Each of you has reached this milestone through determination and perseverance. When there were challenges, you met them head-on. With the support of your family and the UTEP community, you did it.

Despite the uncertainty that the pandemic challenge has brought, you have once again pushed through, looked forward, and focused on what needed to be done for yourself, your family and your community.

Adaptability.

Perseverance.

Resilience.

Engagement.

These qualities have defined our graduates since the very first of our alumni received their degrees in 1918.

Looking back through history, almost every generation has faced significant challenges either at the time of their college graduation or shortly after. From world wars, to civil unrest, to threats of terror – students met the challenges of their day. They adapted, persevered, and found ways to build their lives and their communities.

Class of 2020, your lives and your community – our community – will endure. And we will do so, in part, because you have reached this milestone with a sense of purpose. You’ve persevered, and you’ve capitalized on the opportunities this University has provided to you. And no matter what challenges lie ahead – big or small – you have the skills and knowledge necessary to adapt and to keep moving forward.