Originally published May 18, 2016
By Christina Rodriguez
UTEP Communications
The annual UTEP Student Leadership Awards, organized by the Student Engagement and Leadership Center (SELC) and the Student Government Association (SGA), recognized students for their excellent leadership development, academic achievement, and service to the community.
Numerous awards were handed out during the ceremony including the Men and Women of Mines, Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities, Registered Student Organization Awards, SGA Awards and a recognition of UTEP’s Top Ten Seniors.
The Men and Women of Mines Award is the oldest honor that UTEP bestows upon its students. This award recognizes students who have demonstrated outstanding service to the University. Students chosen for this award must demonstrate outstanding campus involvement and service in student organizations and campus activities, college and academic departments and university-wide committees – all while maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2.
Out of 1,600 applicants for this prestigious award, only 14 individuals were selected. The 2016 Men and Women of Mines Awardees were Richard Alegria, Jane Aman, Crystal Avila, Amanda Barraza, Matthew Chavez, Mario Herrera, Angelica Martinez Jovel, Cinthia Meraz Pantoja, Jose C. Pineda, Alexis Ramos, Ryan Saenz, Natalie Serna, Adrian Terrazas and Evelyn Villarreal.
“Receiving this award is a culmination of a lot of really hard work,” said senior Jane Aman, one of the recipients. “I really love this university and getting involved in any way I can. It’s an honor to be recognized for that.”
The evening had special significance for the Alegria family, who demonstrated that success is a family affair. Both husband and wife were recognized for their leadership roles on campus. Computer information systems and finance major Richard Alegria was one of the Men of Mines Award recipients, and interdisciplinary studies major Desiree Alegria received the Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities award. The couple’s two children joined in the celebration to honor their parents’ achievements.
“This recognition is very meaningful to me,” said Richard Alegria. “It shows my two kids that it is never too late to go back to your goals and achieve great things. I want to show them that taking a stance and getting involved makes all the difference in the world.”
Desiree Alegria also wanted to show her children that you can succeed at any age.
“I’m accomplishing what I set out to do, which is to get my degree and show my kids that I can still receive awards and accomplish my goals even though I am older than most of the students on campus,” she said. “Anybody can receive these awards if you work hard and are determined.”
This year, 125 students received the prestigious national Who’s Who award, which recognizes outstanding campus leaders for their scholastic and community achievements.
“UTEP means a lot to me and this honor is a great opportunity to show students what the University has to offer and how easy and rewarding it is to become a leader on campus and inspire others,” said Karen Aguilar, vice president of external affairs for SGA and one of the recipients of the Who’s Who award.
Awards also were presented to the many registered student organizations for their outstanding achievements throughout the year. The ceremony was especially lucrative for the UTEP Medical Professions Organization (MPO), which received seven awards including: Academic Organization of the Year, Volunteer Organization of the Year, Professional Organization of the Year, College of Science Organization of the Year, Gold Standard Organization and the highly coveted Registered Student Organization of the Year Award.
All the individuals celebrated at this year’s ceremony exemplify a commitment to excellence. Their initiative, strength, determination and commitment to serve is what paves a path for future leaders to follow.
“Through my actions and dedication to the University and giving back to the community, I want to encourage everyone to do the same and embrace every opportunity that comes your way to become leaders on campus,” said Ramon Ontiveros, who received the SGA Senator of the Year Award.