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The Top Ten Seniors Awards are presented each spring to students who have achieved academic success and a proven commitment to the community.
They represent the best and brightest graduates of the university and are measured not by class ranking, but by what they’ve accomplished and what awaits them in their careers and personal lives.
Juan Carlos Muñoz
Juan Carlos Muñoz, like countless immigrants before him, came to the United States with his parents and siblings from Mexico in search of a better life.
Muñoz, the University Banner Bearer for the morning commencement ceremony, said he found a better life with the help of UTEP's High School Equivalency Program (HEP).
“At first I didn’t want to come because I could only speak Spanish and I would have to start at the very bottom, but my mom convinced me,” said the industrial engineering major. “Now that I think about that … it would have been a shame if I hadn’t.”
With the help of the federally-funded program to kick-start his college life, Muñoz was able to obtain various scholarship and educational opportunities, including a National Science Foundation Scholarship and a General Motors Industrial Engineer Co-op.
Muñoz said he can never forget the support he received from the HEP program, which is why he volunteers as a motivational speaker, a math tutor and a recruiter.
“I like helping the HEP students because I was there once,” he said. “Where ever I end up, I’m going to try to continue to help the program.”
Sara Choi
Sara Choi can still remember the first time she saw the plaques of past Top Ten Seniors along the Student Union’s wall.
“I remember thinking, ‘Wow, they must be remarkable people,’” she said. “I really wanted to be one.”
Choi fulfilled her dream of becoming a Top Ten Senior while obtaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Choi now turns her energy toward her goal of helping people around the world by becoming a medical missionary.
“I feel a calling to go to other countries and help other people,” she said. “Our world is so diverse, and I believe it is essential to embrace other peoples.”
While at UTEP, Choi participated in a mission to China where she taught English to North Korean refugee children. Choi also served as vice president of the nonprofit organization called Lead, Encourage and Dance and as the outreach/activities coordinator for the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship.
Alejandra De La Cruz
Once shy and introverted, Alejandra De La Cruz has grown out of her shell and become a confident and well-rounded person because of her experiences at UTEP.
De La Cruz will graduate with bachelor’s degree in accounting and master’s in accountancy under a combined degree plan.
De La Cruz, a Shiloff Family Foundation Endowed Scholarship recipient, also served as the vice president of the Beta Alpha Psi, a member of the Accounting Society and was a teaching assistant for the Department of Accounting.
Grisel Galvan
Grisel Galvan will graduate from UTEP confident that she will succeed as a law student and attorney, as well as a community leader and role model.
Galvan, a Presidential Excellence Scholar and a graduate of UTEP’s Law School Preparation Institute, will receive a bachelor’s degree in history.
Outside of the classroom, Galvan was involved in numerous organizations, including the Mortar Board National College Senior Honor Society, the Alpha Chi National College Honor Scholarship Society and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.
Shelby Manney
Shelby Manney began her life at UTEP with a determination to become a successful engineer. Instead, she discovered an intense passion for literature that reverberated within her and altered her life.
Manney will receive a bachelor’s degree in English and American Literature with a minor in music performance.
In addition to being a member of various organizations – including the UTEP Fencing Team, the Honors Council and Anthropology Club – Manney is a violinist with the UTEP Symphony Orchestra.
Christina Mendez
As a Hispanic woman in the male-dominated field of engineering, Christina Mendez overcame the statistics and is now preparing to begin a career as an engineer for IBM.
Mendez, a Presidential Scholar and vice president of Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.
“My college career has been a fulfilling experience from the Miner games, to the labs, to community service, to the classroom lectures,” she said. “I will carry the knowledge I have gained at UTEP to further my future and to lead me into fascinating directions.”
Gabriel David Nevarez
Commitment and determination brought about great success for Gabriel David Nevarez, including his December 2004 graduation with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.
Nevarez, a 2003 Dwight D. Eisenhower Transportation Scholar and a Houston Endowment Honors Award recipient, kept busy as a member of various clubs and organizations, including the Student Government Association, the Engineer Student Leadership Council and the Institute of Transportation Engineers.
“I am thankful to an institution that provided the technological and academic preparation that I need to succeed as a professional,” he said.
Mónica Ortiz Uribe
An advocate for women worldwide, Mónica Ortiz Uribe dedicated an immense amount of time and energy to feminine causes such as childbirth education among low-income women and anti-violence toward women.
Ortiz Uribe, who will receive a bachelor’s degree in history, said UTEP allowed her to make an impact on the world through community service. She said the most significant community work she has done was coordinating a week-long series of events at UTEP that raised money for Casa Amiga in Juárez and STARS of El Paso.
“As a professional I want to contribute to the further development of the El Paso/Juárez area and build up its recognition as a more noteworthy region in the United States,” she said.
Lucia Adriana Payan
As a member of 10 student campus organizations and an officer of six, Lucia Adriana Payan has become an expert on time management. More over, she has learned about the importance of leadership and being a team player.
Payan, a member of the Alpha Epsilion Delta Pre-med Honor Society and a Student Government Association Senator-At-Large, will receive a bachelor’s degree in Biology.
“I am proud to be a Miner. I have been since the first day of school,” said Payan, who was voted the “Most Spirited” by the Campus Activities Board. “Because of my love for UTEP I have had the best college experience I could have hoped for.”
Amanda Vasquez
Amanda Vasquez began her college life in 2001 at Stafford University, but transferred to UTEP in 2002 in search of intimate knowledge of border studies and greater hands-on learning.
Vasquez graduated with Departmental, University and Summa Cum Laude Honors in December 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in political science.
Outside of the classroom, Vasquez served as the president of the UTEP International Relations Society, extemporaneous speaking co-captain for UTEP’s Forensics Program and a coordinator for “Vote Now” under the Center for Civic Engagement.
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