George Lopez Supports Obama
February 28, 2008
|
|
|
Photo by Chad Puerling | Supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama united in laughter during a free performance by comedian and television star George Lopez Thursday at the Magoffin Auditorium.
Lopez, a strong supporter of the Obama campaign, performed before an audience of 1,200 people with hopes of drawing support for Obama in the upcoming elections.
The comedian emphasized the importance of Latino and young voters.
“Listen, it is your time to take this country over. I’m 46 years old. Ya, acabado, ya,” he said. “This is your county and it’s your time to step up. The young educated kids of the United States of all colors—it’s your time to make Washington realize how important your vote is.”
Lopez acknowledged local leaders and the university’s women basketball team.
“I’d like to congratulate the Lady Miners for being No. 1 in the USA Conference,” he said to cheers. “Oralé, Lady Miners.”
The crowd bent over with laughter as Lopez performed many of his well-known jokes interwoven into serious comments about tax breaks, immigration and health care.
Lopez said society tends to overlook the Latino. He urged the audience to go out and vote and make their voices heard, saying “’Sí se puede’ doesn't mean anything unless you go out and make it happen."
The event was hosted by the UTEP University Democrats student group. The group does not endorse candidates for political office.
Click here to view the photo gallery...
– Cerrissa Cuellar
February 27,2008
|  | | Photo by J.R. Hernandez | Susan Hackwood, executive director of the California Council on Science and Technology, spoke to an audience of more than 100 at a Millennium Lecture Series event this week. Her lecture focused on the growing role of technology and science in confronting the challenges of the future. “Science and technology are affecting us now and will continue to affect us in the future,” she said. “The challenges of the future all have big science and technology components.” CCST is a not-for-profit corporation which advises the state on all aspects of science and technology. Hackwood, who is also a professor of engineering at the University of California, Riverside, shared some of CCST’s achievements in forming a close relationship with the government in California – a bond she says is critical to achieving her group’s goals. Since its inception in 2000, the Millennium Lecture Series has welcomed more than 30 prominent speakers to campus to present on topics that have a broad impact on society and culture. This year’s theme, “Defining Security in the 21st Century,” explores the many facets of security that have become central themes in political debates and popular media coverage in a rapidly changing global context.
Upcoming speakers include Ambassador Larry L. Palmer on Tuesday, March 18, and Dr. James Steinberg, Dean of the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin, on Wednesday, April 2. –Kimberly Miller
February 25, 2008 | 
| | Photos by Chad Puerling | The UTEP women's basketball team has claimed the Conference USA championship title after overcoming a nail-biting game against Southern Miss and pushing through exhaustion to beat last-place Central Florida. "I'm so proud of our team," UTEP Head Coach Keitha Adams said. "We never gave up and found a way to get the win.” The No. 19 Lady Miners (23-2, 14-0) are the first team in C-USA history to go unbeaten on the road (8-0) and have matched the longest winning streak in the nation with 19 consecutive wins. The team has also given UTEP a program record for victories in a season. On Friday, the Miners rose above a 12-points deficit at half time against Southern Miss’ Golden Eagles to tie the game and enter overtime. It was the Miners’ defense that helped them keep a one-point lead in the last seconds of the game. With only 14 seconds left, Jareica Hughes was whistled for a charge giving the Eagles’s Andrea Barber an opportunity to win. But Barber’s ball bounced off the rim, and UTEP’s Kasia Krezel seized the ball and held on as time expired giving the Miners a 73-72 win. Sunday afternoon, UTEP raced out to an early double-digit lead against Central Florida and never looked back. The Miners cinched the conference title with an 89-74 triumph and gave Adams her 100th-career win as UTEP’s head coach. The men’s basketball team also showed off their court skills this weekend by earning a 91-62 victory over East Carolina on Saturday. The Miners (16-9, 7-5 C-USA) are now tied for fourth place in the conference standings with Southern Miss and Central Florida. The top four teams receive byes in the first round of the conference tournament. The men’s team will next take on UAB at 7:05 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, and the women’s team will meet SMU at 6:05 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, both at the Don Haskins Center. – Laura Cruz Acosta
Engineering Week Descends on UTEP
February 25, 2008
|
 |
|
Photo by Chad Puerling | UTEP students jumped into the cockpits of various fighter jet simulators to hone their dogfighting skills while learning about engineering education and careers at UTEP’s annual Engineering Week, or E-Week.
Since its beginning, E-Week has grown from a simple community open house to a week of events on campus, including a job fair with more than 80 employers. E-Week not only reaches out to the university community, it is also used as an opportunity to introduce and encourage high school students to learn about science and technology fields that the nationally ranked school of engineering has to offer. This year alone, over 400 local high school students participated in various activities sponsored by the national engineering week.
– Cerrissa Cuellar
| UTEP alumna Karla Soto stepped into the cockpit of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter simulator to test her jet-flying skills. Soto received her doctoral degree in engineering from UTEP in May 2007 and currently works for Lockheed Martin’s Aerospace Research & Development department. |
Higher Ed Committee Chair Visits UTEP
February 21, 2008
|
|
|
Photo by Chad Puerling |
|
UTEP President Diana Natalicio (center) and students Nicole
Martinez (far left), Aaron Rosas (center right) and Christina
Ruiz (far right), met with State Rep. Dan Branch during his
visit to campus. |
State Rep. Dan Branch, R-Dallas, who chairs the House Select Committee on Higher and Public Education Finance, visited UTEP Wednesday to learn about the university’s achievements and challenges.
The Select Committee is charged with coordinating policy to improve college and workforce readiness, and is at the forefront of discussions and legislation on higher education funding and affordability.
During his visit, Branch toured the campus and heard student, faculty and staff perspectives on the university and higher education in Texas. He also spoke to a group of university administrators.
Citing the university’s many successes in the areas of enrollment, degree completion, research and athletics, Branch said, “In many ways, UTEP is an example of what is right in higher education.”
He said the Select Committee is seeking input from higher education leaders on the most pressing funding issues it faces today. He hopes the committee will use that feedback to create legislation to address those issues.
“What you do everyday at UTEP is really important,” he said. “What we do in Austin is to fund the critical infrastructure for the future. If we don’t invest the right amount now, the implications could be serious.”
Branch has served as a member of the Texas House of Representatives from Dallas since 2002. In addition to chairing the select committee, he serves on the House Appropriations, Calendars and Public Education Committees.
A corporate lawyer and shareholder of Winstead PC, Branch is a member of the bars of Texas, New York and the District of Columbia. A graduate of the Southern Methodist University School of Law and the Institute on Comparative Political & Economic Systems at Georgetown University, he holds two undergraduate degrees from Oklahoma Christian University.
– Kimberly Miller
February 20, 2008 | 
| | Photos by J.R. Hernandez | Artist Jesús Moroles spoke about his inpiration for the ZigZag
Diamondback Totem at a dedication ceremony. | ZigZag Diamondback Totem, a more than nine foot tall granite sculpture, was unveiled Tuesday, Feb. 19, on the lawn in front of the Administration Building. | 
| | LtoR: UTEP Gallery Director Kate Boninsinga,
UTEP President Diana Natalicio, Artist Jesús
Moroles, Adair Margo, founder and president
of the Adair Margo Gallery | Carved by renowned sculptor Jesús Moroles, the piece was donated by Jeanne and Michael Klein of Austin. An audience of more than 60 gathered to hear Moroles talk about the sculpture and his work, much of which focuses on creating a sense of place. “We are here and we’ve made this place special,” he said of the important role the university plays in El Paso. “I’m happy to be a part of what is going on here.” Moroles lives and works in Rockport, Texas, in a unique facility that allows for the making of large-scale sculptures. His most visible work is Lapstrake, a 64-ton, 22-foot-tall sculpture for the E.F. Hutton, CBS Plaza in New York City located across the street from the Museum of Modern Art. Philanthropists and collectors of contemporary art, the Kleins have supported the University of Texas System for many years. Recent notable endowments include the Michael and Jeanne Lee Klein Endowed Presidential Scholarship in Education (College of Education, The University of Texas at Austin) and The Jeanne and Michael Klein Gallery at the Blanton Museum of Art at The University of Texas at Austin. – Kimberly Miller
February 19, 2008
|
|
|
Photo by Chad Puerling |
The UTEP women’s basketball team is climbing the Associated Press Top 25 poll, moving from No. 24 to No. 19 in the nation as it prepares to face off against Southern Mississippi’s Golden Eagles at 6 p.m. Friday at Hattiesburg, Miss. The team could clinch a share of the C-USA championship and the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament.
The team also earned its first appearance in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches' Top 25 poll at No. 25 with 61 points.
Last week, the Miners defeated the Rice Owls, 65-53, giving UTEP a 17-game winning streak. The team now claims the best-ever start in the history of Conference USA play with a 12-0 record.
UTEP is the only team in the conference with a perfect record in league play, followed by Southern Methodist University with a 9-3 record.
Click here to view the UTEP v Rice photo gallery...
– Laura Cruz Acosta
February 15, 2008
For the first time in its 34-year history, the UTEP women’s basketball program has made it into the
|
|
|
Natasha Lacy | Associated Press college basketball Top 25 poll. The Miners are ranked 24th, with 112 points.
Tied with Georgia Tech in 26th place in last week’s poll, the Miners’ blazing 28-point victory over East Carolina University on Feb. 10 gave the team the final push it needed.
More than 7,000 fans showed up to support the team in another first that night: Its first nationally televised game on ESPN2. The team responded to the enthusiastic crowd, scoring 51 second-half points, including 45 points during the final 13:22.
The win marks the team’s 15th consecutive Conference USA victory and brings the team’s records this season to 19-2 overall and 10-0 in conference play.
The ranking also marks the first time a Conference USA women’s basketball team has made the Top 25 since the current teams joined the league.
The team followed up its victory over East Carolina with another big win, this time toppling Conference toppling Conference USA’s No. 2 team Houston 80-55 on Thursday night at the Haskins Center.
The team’s success has led to more national attention, including a feature story on ESPN.com. To read the story click here.
Fans can catch more Miner women’s basketball action this week:
Miners vs. Rice
7:05 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 16
Don Haskins Center
Information: www.utepathletics.com
– Kimberly Miller
Clinton Made "Honorary Miner"
February 13, 2008
|
|
|
Photos by J.R. Hernandez | Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton began her Texas campaign at UTEP’s Don Haskins Center Tuesday night before a crowd of more than 12,000 people.
U.S. Rep. Silvestre Reyes introduced Clinton and made her an honorary UTEP Miner by pinning her with the university’s signature silver pickax pendant.
“I can't think of any better place to start our campaign for Texas than right here in El Paso,” Clinton told the audience. “And I am honored to be an honorary Miner.”
The public rally was hosted by the UTEP University Democrats student group. The group does not endorse candidates for political office.
Clinton spoke for 25 minutes about various issues, including universal health care, increasing minimum wage, immigration and education.
“I see an America where every young person who is willing to work hard will be able to go to college. They will not have the door slammed in their face because of the costs of higher education,” she said. “It is wrong in America when families have to mortgage or sell their homes to send their sons or daughters to college. It should be an investment we all make in you.”
Clinton will continue her Texas campaign today in McAllen, Corpus Christi and San Antonio to drum up support for the March 4 primaries. “We're going to sweep across Texas in the next three weeks, bringing our message about what we need in America, the kind of president that will be required on day one to be commander-in-chief to turn the economy around,” she said. “I'm tested. I'm ready. Let's make it happen.”
Click here to view the photo gallery... – Laura Cruz Acosta
February 12, 2008
The UTEP University Democrats student group will hold a free public rally for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton at 6:30 p.m. today, Tuesday, Feb. 12, at the Don Haskins Center. The University Democrats does not endorse candidates for political office.
No tickets are needed for the event. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. and all seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The Don Haskins Center has a limited capacity and guests are encouraged to arrive early.
Cameras and video cameras are allowed. Baby strollers, balloons, noise makers, glass containers and banners are not permitted in the Don Haskins Center. Concession stands will be open throughout the event, but no outside food will be allowed into the center. Official signs will be provided to those who want them.
The University Democrats is a student organization whose mission is to promote the Democratic Party and the overall democratic process on the UTEP campus.
– Laura Cruz Acosta
February 8, 2008
|
|
|
Photo by J.R. Hernandez | “Hair,” the controversial and groundbreaking 1968 musical credited with defining the genre of the "rock musical,” will open this weekend at the UTEP Dinner Theatre. The musical mirrors the thoughts and feelings of a generation in turmoil over the Vietnam War, and its songs have become anthems of the anti-Vietnam War peace movement. The musical’s hits include “Aquarius,” “Let the Sunshine In,” “Hair,” and “Good Morning, Starshine.” The production is equivalent to an R-rated film due to the portrayal of the use of illegal drugs, sexuality and profanity. To buy tickets or for more information, call 915/747-6060.
– Laura Cruz Acosta
Engineering Ranks Tops for Hispanics
February 7, 2007 |  | | file photos | The College of Engineering has been ranked tops for Hispanic students once again. New data from the Engineering Workforce Commission of the American Association of Engineering Societies show that UTEP ranks: • No. 1 in awarding bachelor’s degrees in engineering to Hispanics • No. 4 in awarding master’s degrees in engineering to Hispanics • No. 2 in awarding doctoral degrees in engineering to Hispanics The rankings are based on data from the 2006-2007 academic year for colleges and universities in the United States (not including Puerto Rico). The Engineering Workforce Commission monitors engineering job statistics that help universities, corporations, and government set salary, hiring, enrollment and degree trends. The degree rankings are among the many reports the organization releases each year. UTEP’s College of Engineering has received numerous accolades in recent years. In September 2007, the college was recognized as the top graduate engineering school for Hispanics for the third consecutive year by Hispanic Business magazine. The college consistently ranks as one of the top 5 schools in the continental U.S. in awarding bachelor’s degrees to Hispanics, and has been named a "Model Institution for Excellence" by the National Science Foundation. – Kimberly Miller
February 5, 2008
|
|
|
Artist rendering | Growth on campus this year kicks off this month as construction begins on a $5 million University Bookstore that will welcome alumni and visitors to our campus while equipping our students for their academic endeavors.
The multi-level bookstore will be located at the corner of University Avenue and Sun Bowl Drive next to the new Sun Bowl Parking Facility, a convenient stop for shoppers. The bookstore will feature dedicated sections for Miner fan gear and student supplies and textbooks.
Construction of the 31,000-square-foot facility is expected to be complete by the end of 2008.
The new facility will replace the current Bookstore in the Union Building East.
Also this year, construction will continue on the Foster Stevens Basketball Center, a new Ticket Center, and the completion of the Bioscience Research Building. We will also break ground on a new science and engineering facility and the Health Sciences Complex, which will house the College of Health Sciences and the School of Nursing.
- Kimberly Miller
February 4, 2008 Students who are short on cash can watch a movie at UTEP's Union Cinema for less than the cost of a small popcorn at an area theater chain. UTEP and the Cinéma Novo Film Society of El Paso invite students and the public to enjoy the latest in independent, offbeat and foreign films. In the lineup are several award-winning movies, including the Oscar-nominated film “Across the Universe,” Sundance Film Festival winner “Rocket Science,” Cannes Film Festival nominee “Woman is the Future of Man” and winner of three Oscars “Pan’s Labyrinth.” Movies are shown at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Union Cinema, Union Building East, first floor. General admission is $2; $1 for students, faculty and staff with a valid UTEP ID; and free for Cinéma Novo members. Tickets can be purchased at the University Ticket Center or at the door 30 minutes prior to show time.
For a complete list of film dates, visit http://www.utep.edu/events/films.html. – Laura Cruz Acosta
February 1, 2008 UTEP’s Sun Bowl Stadium will play host to the second annual Texas vs. The Nation football game at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2. The Division I-A Collegiate Senior All-Star Bowl game pits top college players originally from Texas or who play college football in Texas against top players from around the nation. Former Alabama and Texas A&M Head Football Coach Gene Stallings will lead the Texas team and, for the second year in a row, former Philadelphia Eagles Coach Buddy Ryan will lead the Nation team. The game will be nationally televised on CSTV. Tickets are on sale at all Ticket Master locations, at the UTEP Ticket Center or online at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit http://texasvsthenation.cstv.com. – Laura Cruz Acosta
February 1, 2008 The inspirational fifth annual Gospel Explosion kicks off this year’s Black History Month at 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at the Fox Fine Arts Center, Recital Hall. Gospel Explosion is an afternoon of song and dance performed by gospel choirs and dance groups from around El Paso. The free event is open to the public and is sponsored by the Student Development Center, Campus Activities Board, and the Women’s Resource Center. For more information, call 915/747-5670. – Cerrissa Cuellar
|
|