Fort Bliss celebrated UTEP President Diana Natalicio’s contributions to the military by announcing that her portrait would be added to the post’s Wall of Patriots during an evening ceremony April 26, 2017.
The event, hosted by Maj. Gen. Robert P. White, commanding general of the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss, similarly recognized El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser and El Paso Times military reporter David Burge. Their portraits will be added to the 23 that adorn the walls of the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center at Biggs Army Airfield. This honor is for those who have gone above and beyond to support the post, its soldiers and its mission.
President Natalicio said she accepted the honor on behalf of the University personnel who work hard to create a positive experience for students from the military and throughout the community.
“It really does take an entire team,” the UTEP leader said. “We have a great commitment at UTEP to help everyone in this community achieve their full potential and their biggest dreams. That includes everyone at Fort Bliss.”
Army Capt. Rose Horswill, the event’s emcee, highlighted some of President Natalicio’s efforts that helped build a strong relationship between The University of Texas at El Paso and Fort Bliss, whose members face unique challenges when it comes to furthering their education.
Horswill mentioned UTEP’s development of online coursework that better accommodated the schedules of military-affiliated students and their families. Among the first online degree plans offered was the Master of Leadership Studies that launched in 2009 for students enrolled in U.S. Army academies. She also mentioned the opening in 2012 of UTEP’s Military Student Success Center, a one-stop shop where military-affiliated students can find answers to navigating the sometimes complex path of higher education.
“Dr. Natalicio’s tireless efforts have ensured soldiers have every opportunity to succeed in the classroom,” Horswill said.