by Daniel Perez
Warm spring winds swept through the Undergraduate Learning Center’s plaza as UTEP President Diana Natalicio shared the uplifting news that The University of Texas at El Paso’s most ambitious fundraising campaign had exceeded its $200 million goal.
The clearly elated campus leader, backed by about 150 boisterous, orange T-shirt-wearing UTEP students, told the crowd on April 2, 2015, that the seven-year campaign collected in excess of $226 million.
The money will be used to build academic, research and student support endowments, expand campus infrastructure, and enhance academic and athletic programs that contribute to the University’s mission of access and excellence.
“Creating access to enriched educational opportunities for the talented students in this region is exactly why we are all here,” President Natalicio said.
She thanked everyone involved in the campaign’s success, calling it a huge source of pride and a demonstration of support that will fortify the University as it defines a new direction for U.S. higher education.
Whether the donations were meant as a “thank you” for the past or an investment in the future, the largesse will benefit future generations of Miners.
Centennial Campaign Support / Current Use & Endowments
Student Support (Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships, Fellowship & Student Excellence) $48,439,411
Faculty Support $8,238,233
Program Support (Includes research) $148,524,953
Capital (Equipment, Facilities and Gift-In-Kind)$21,551,142
TOTAL $226,753,739
Centennial Campaign raised
$226,753,739
Centennial Campaign GOAL
$200,000,000
CAMPAIGN GIFTS & PARTICIPATION
Total number of gifts to campaign:
124,549
Total number of donors:
26,449
Endowment support summary
149 New endowments for student support (Totaling over $21 million)
49 New endowments for program support (Totaling over $7 million)
15 New endowments for faculty support (Totaling over $7 million)
TOTAL: 213 NEW ENDOWMENTS
TESTIMONIALS
“Funds from the Centennial Campaign have helped the University to organize Project MOVE (Miner Opportunities for Volunteer Experiences), UTEP’s annual day of community service. More than 1,600 volunteers work with scores of nonprofit organizations that day to build a better El Paso. Our students benefit from learning about different El Paso area neighborhoods and the needs of the people who live there. Whether their gratification is immediate or delayed, it’s the kind of experience that makes them a better person and more attractive to future employers.”
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Ryan Holmes, Ed.D., assistant vice president for student support, and lead organizer of UTEP’s Project MOVE
“My scholarship has provided me with the opportunity to succeed at UTEP through academics and membership in several occupational therapy student organizations including the Pi Theta Epsilon honor society. The University is helping me to realize my dreams of earning my occupational therapy degree and eventually working at a clinic where I can help others reach their fullest potential.”
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Brittany Diaz, occupational therapy graduate student who earned the Scholarship for Disadvantaged Students from the Department
of Occupational Therapy
“The Student Government Association reinvests the resources it receives from the University into its students. We allocate $78,000 annually to students and student organizations that use the funds for activities on campus as well as out-of-town events and research conferences that help with their personal, social and academic growth. It enhances our college experience and helps groom the next generation of community leaders.”
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Robert Dominguez, junior biochemistry major, Student Government Association president 2014-15
“This scholarship is a testament that others share my confidence in my abilities to reach my academic and professional potential. It bolsters my determination to do my best in class, and reminds me of the successes I am capable of everyday. I look forward to the time when I can give back to UTEP and help others the way I have been helped.”
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Renee Malooly, senior multimedia journalism major, recipient of the Roy S. and Helen Magruder Endowed Scholarship