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Summer 2007 Nova Quarterly: The niU versity of Texas at El Paso The niU versity of Texas at El Paso University Communications

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•CONTENTS•

COVER FEATURE 10 Mission Accomplished UTEP grad Danny Olivas captivated Miners across the globe by his journey 200 miles above the Earth as part of the space shuttle Atlantis crew. FEATURES 4 Top of the Class For these Top Ten Seniors, life's journey has just begun. They now venture into graduate studies, prepare to enter the nation's top medical schools, and more.

6 Economic Impact UTEP continues to grow as a key economic force in the Paso del Norte region, contributing millions to the local economy and more.

DEPARTMENTS 2 Innovations Because even light smokers are at risk for deadly illnesses, these psychology students are helping smokers quit now.

8 Highlights UTEP tops in the nation for Hispanic students; million­ dollar grants advance research; and much more

14 Profiles in Giving Charles Coy was an engineer by trade - and by heart. How his family commemorates his life by inspiring future engineers. 15 In the Spotlight Volunteerism and skateboarding- coupled with determination and talent- led these Miners to success. It's the As earl new bl to retu: as two Weeks aft a ck to their . er quitti • or•ginal ca pac•ty. ng smoking, lungs b ... and color egin •INNOVATIONS•

Researchers Aim to Reduce Dangerous Habit g by David Peregrina and Laura S. Ruelas

aybe you've enjoyed a cigarette or two A high level of carbon monoxide displaces opportunities to participate in research and M while hanging out with friends at the oxygen in the bloodstream, thickening the health promotion programs such as StopLite. club, or needed a relaxing smoke after a blood and making it difficult for the heart to "The lab is a great work environment filled rough day at work. A cigarette now and then pump blood and oxygen around the body. with amazing people," says graduate student can't hurt. "Part of the intervention is to provide Julie Blow. "We have a grearopportunity to Or can it? feedback to participants about their (carbon shed light on issues that have long been monoxide) levels, with hopes that sharing overlooked with the (Hispanic) population. Even light smokers are at risk for deadly information will help them Our field allows us to take already researched illnesses, says Ted Cooper, supervisor of the health-related issues and develop a new take on things, and Prevention and Treatment in Clinical Health recognize that smoking has health help the underserved." lab in the Department of Psychology at consequences," says Cooper. UTEP. The group also creates media campaigns to The reward for the PATCH lab staff is seeing people improve their lives via quality Cooper and his team of researchers in the get its message across. With the help of focus health education. In the case of StopLite, PATCH lab, as it is known, investigate groups and student graphic designers, the Cooper says it is plain facts, and not scare methods of disease prevention and health PATCH team created anti-smoking posters tactics, that to help people understand the promotion, with an eye on issues such as that are placed around campus. risks of casual smoking. sedentary behavior, diet and tobacco use. With the help of the UTEP Student Health Many of their projects focus on Hispanics in Center, PATCH signed up 258 students to "A lot of times they just need to be the El Paso and Juarez area. participate in the cessation program. The informed, educated, and it turns the light on for them," says Cooper. "They learn it's One major initiative of the lab is StopLite, students said they smoked to manage their never too late to quit." N a program aimed at helping light smokers at weight, relieve stress and to feel included in UTEP and across the Paso del Norte region social settings. kick the habit before it turns serious. More than 40 percent of them estimated StopLite is funded by grants totaling they smoked at least one cigarette per day, • Coronary heart disease, stroke, and $170,500 from A Smoke Free Paso del Norte, and considered themselves light smokers. peripheral vascular disease an initiative of the Paso del Norte Health Thirty percent said they smoked one to six • Strained respiratory quality, such as Foundation. while the rest of the cigarettes per week, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of even less per month. "We're trying to uncover the issues behind group said they smoked breath this habit, in order to help people quit, get Preliminary results are encouraging: 41 healthy, and ultimately save Jives," says • Cancers of the bladder, oral cavity, percent of the participants reported cervix, Cooper. pharynx, larynx, esophagus, decreasing their smoking after one month; kidney, lung, pancreas, and stomach, and Recent research reveals the dangers of and two months later, the number rose to 47 causes acute myeloid leukemia casual smoking. A 2005 study of more than percent. • Women who smoke before or during 42,000 adults in Norway over the course of "I have not been smoking for about three 30 years found that light smokers, defined as pregnancy increase their risk for adverse months now and I feel great. I appreciate reproductive outcomes such as infertility people who smoked one to four cigarettes their help and concern," said a StopLite times as likely to die from or having a low-birth-weight baby. daily, were three participant whose name is being kept heart disease than were nonsmokers. Men confidential. were more than three times as likely to die from lung cancer, and women were five Amalia Dudzienski, director of the Student times more likely to succumb to lung cancer. Health Center, is hopeful the continued • Oxygen level in your blood increases to partnership will raise awareness and help normal and carbon monoxide level drops StopLite uses counseling, behavioral and reduce smoking. to normal health therapies, and person-to-person contact to educate participants on the health benefits "I hope it reiterates the fact that smoking • Reduce the risk of a heart attack is not healthy, that there are consequences. of quitting. • Body is free of nicotine, allowing I've seen the results from their efforts and The smokers participate in an hour-long bronchial tubes to relax, making it easier l'm happy that many people have either quit intervention which includes an assessment of to breathe. or reduced their intake," says Dudzienski. and a the problem, counseling and education, • Risk of lung cancer decreases test measuring the level of carbon monoxide The PATCH lab offers nearly a dozen in their blood. undergraduate and graduate students

SUMMER 2007 • 3 Each spring, the UTEP Alumni Associatil achieved academic success and show1

MICHAEl URIAGA JOAINA FAVEll Age:21 Age: 22 Degree: Microbiology Degree: Accounting Next: Medical school at the Next: Master's in University of Texas Health Science accounting at UTEP Center at Houston Notable: Accounting Notable: Accepted to five medical intern in UTEP schools Provost's Office High school: Ysleta High School: Eastwood "My time at UTEP has allowed me "UTEP has stayed to work side-by-side with my peers on top of changes in and community leaders to improve the demanding field the lives of the underprivileged in our of accounting and area." provided me with a modern foundation that is the key to my future." MICHEllE COCHRUE Age: 22 Degree: Accounting and GABRIEl GOMEZ finance Age: 21 Degree: Microbiology Next: Graduate studies in Next: Medical school at accounting at UTEP Notable: UTEP the University of Texas cheerleader Health Science Center at San Antonio High School: Maxine Silva Health Magnet Notable: Participated in "The university helped me medical mission trips to Mexico discover my talent, and I High School: Franklin f eel as though I found my true calling. " ''I'm leaving UTEP with a mind ready for the future and a heart full of life­ changing experiences." DIIIEl DE lOS SIITOS Age: 21 Degree: Kinesiology GABRIElMUSOURITY Next: Medical school at Age: 22 the University of Texas Degree: Microbiology Health Science Center at San Next: Medical school at the Antonio University of Texas Medical Notable: Miner Maniac of Branch at Galveston the Year in 2006 Notable: Earned early acceptance High School: Cathedral into medical school "! have gained valuable High School: Coronado leadership, teamwork and "El Paso is my home, and I will communications skills, all return to it and give back all that the while increasing my I can." determination and passion to become a great physician."

4 • UTEP NOVA 1nors the universitv's Top Ten Seniors, students who have •mmitment to the communitv.

ANGEliCA MDLIX CHRISTOPHER Age: 38 WHAliN Degree: Bilingual Age: 22 education Degree: Philosophy Next: Will teach in the Next: Master's in El Paso area philosophy at Columbia Notable: Mother of four University children Notable: Active in High School: Socorro Philosophy Club, Tri-City "Going back to school Philosophical Society and after 15 years of life Honors Council experiences was not easy. High School: Cathedral I learned that you have to "Working as part of a set goals and keep going." team not only speeds up progress, it creates a diversity of interesting PRATISH PARBHOO ideas. You learn how to be Age: 23 a leader and a follower Degree: Metallurgical from one moment to the next." and materials engineering Next: Veterinary medicine school at Texas A&M Notable: Eagle Scout; intern for lion R 0 UGH conservation program in I N T H E South Africa this summer CLAUDIA ARIAS High School: Hanks Age: 26 "I feel! will succeed in Degree: Mechanical whatever I put my heart engineering into, and I owe much of Next: Already working on that to the experiences I a master's in engineering at gained while attending UTEP UTEP." Notable: University Banner Bearer at December 2006 commencement AARON ROSAS High School: Preparatoria Age:21 El Charnizal, Juarez Degree: Microbiology "Extracurricular activities Next: Graduate studies at UTEP helped me earn in public administration outside opportunities. I at UTEP participated in several Notable: Also wants to conferences, research attend medical school projects and internships." High School: Bel Air "I'd like to be a pediatric For more UTEP success stories, visit surgeon in El Paso, and eventually work in www.utep.edu/horizons student affairs at a med school or university." Photos by J.R. Hernandez

SUMMER 2007 • 5

~~ ~ ' ' ' ~"""'"""'"""'"'-·~ ~ ~ . . • HIGHLIGHTS • UTEP TOPS IN EDUCATING HISPANICS leading educational magazine ranks The previous year, UTEP awarded 98 bachelor's A UTEP among the top four universities in in engineering and ranked third in the field. the nation in awarding undergraduate degrees The university's success in educating Hispanic to Hispanics. engineers has also been noted by Hispanic Business magazine, which ranked UTEP as the The "Top 100 Schools for Hispanics" in nation's No. I graduate engineering school for Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education magazine Hispanics in both 2005 and 2006. N ranks colleges and universities based on the number of degrees awarded to Hispanics in TOP NASA OFFICIAL 2005-06. According to the May 7 issue of KEYNOTE SPEAKER Hispanic Outlook: he Honorable Shana Dale, deputy administrator • UTEP awarded I ,555 bachelor's Tat NASA, addressed nearly 1,600 graduates degrees to Hispanics in 2006, ranking during commencement ceremonies in May. the university fourth in the nation. The previous year, the university "NASA has shown the world that humans can feats," she awarded I ,229 bachelor's to achieve previously inconceivable Hispanics, ranking seventh. told the crowd of graduates. • For the second consecutive year, "I believe this spirit of persevering and succeeding UTEP is ranked sixth in the nation in in the face of hard challenges resides in you, awarding master's to Hispanics, with too. It is time for you to embark on your own 408 students receiving the degrees in journey of exploration and discover what life 2005-06. The previous year, 385 has to offer you and what you have to offer master's were awarded to Hispanics. yourself, your community, and your nation." Hispanic Outlook also ranks UTEP among Nominated by President George W. Bush and the top universities in awarding bachelor's confirmed by the United States Senate, Dale degrees to Hispanics by academic program in began her duties on Nov. 14, 2005. As deputy 2005-06, including: administrator, Dale is the first woman to serve • No. I in engineering ( 168) as the agency's second in command and oversees • No. 2 in foreign languages (65) the day-to-day work of NASA's functional • No. 2 in multi- and inter-disciplinary offices, such as the Office ofthe ChiefFinancial studies (272) Officer, Office of General Counsel and Strategic • No. 3 in health sciences (158) Communications. N UPWARD BOUND AWARDED NEARLY $3 MILLION he U.S. Department of Education has Tawarded UTEP nearly $3 million for its Upward Bound program, a federal academic initiative that helps prepare low-income students for college. The program will receive an annual award of about $738,000 for four years, helping more than 140 high school students from the Anthony, Canutillo, El Paso and Ysleta school districts participate in the program. More than 590 students in schools across El Paso County have already participated in UTEP's Upward Bound, one of among 800 such programs nationwide, since 1990. Upward Bound is open to high school freshmen, sophomores or juniors who have demonstrated a need for academic assistance, come from low-income families, and are first­ generation college-bound students. N

8 • UTEP NOVA "'"'" "\~::"' t~"·'1~~:11f!?h~?'%'\f~~'<."~l';~.., ""'~"'"':'"" . ' •HICHLICHTS•

RECORD NUMBER TO ATTEND MEDICAL SCHOOLS record number of UTEP graduates A will attend medical, dental and veterinarian schools this fall. Twenty-nine Miners have indicated they will attend these professional schools - a 70 percent increase over the previous academic year. "We have an outstanding group of students at UTEP who are working very hard to be successful candidates for medical and dental schools," says Donna Ekal, program coordinator of the university's Medical Professions Institute. The Medical Professions Institute (MPI) is GRANT HELPS STUDY OF HUMAN dedicated to preparing UTEP students for a successful transition into these schools. DISEASES Because of the program, an increasing number of UTEP students are applying to, faculty $1.6 million grant from the National The four-year grant will fund 11 being interviewed by and accepted to A focus on Institutes of Health will support UTEP research projects, many of which graduate medical professions programs. researchers studying treatments for a number infectious diseases of concern to the border of human diseases, including West Nile virus, community, said biology professor Dr. Renato "It is important for our community to Chagas disease and Giardia infection. J. Aguilera, director of the SCORE program at acknowledge and support these students so UTEP. they may return to El Paso and serve our The grant will fund UTEP's long-standing community needs," Ekal says.N Minority Biomedical Research Support I Support "This program is unique in that these research of Continuous Research Excellence (MBRS/ projects are focused on training underrepresented SCORE) program, now entering its 37th year minorities in the biomedical sciences and health at the university. professions," Aguilera says.N UTEP PART OF MULTIMILLION COMPUTING CONSORTIUM he U.S. Army Research Laboratory has Tawarded a contract valued at $215 million to a consortium of research groups BUSINESS COLLEGE and universities, including UTEP, to manage RE-ACCREDITED the Army's High Performance Computing Research Center. he College of Business Administration Thas earned re-accreditation by AACSB The consortium also includes High International, a benchmark of excellence Performance Technologies Inc., NASA Ames to fewer than 10 percent of the Research Center, Stanford University, New awarded Mexico State University and Morgan State world's business schools. University. The Association to Advance Collegiate The program will focus on several research Schools ofBusiness granted re-accreditation areas, including lightweight combat systems to the college in Business Administration survivability, computational nanotechnologies and Accounting. Accreditation is a process and biosciences, battlefield network and of voluntary, non-governmental review of information sciences, advanced algorithmic educational institutions and programs. development, and other high-performance computing technologies. The college enrolls some 2,800 students each year in accounting, economics and Initial funding of the program will last five finance; information and decision sciences; years, with an optional renewal for another five years. At least 30 percent of funding is and marketing and management. The college designated for minority-serving institutions in awarded 400 undergraduate and more than the consortium. N 100 graduate degrees in 2005-06. N

SU MMER 2007 • 9

I • PROFILES IN CIVINC •

({It was a great way to pay back his alma mater for the high-quality education he received, which ultimately lead to a very successful career. "

-Richard Garrett Coy about an endowment established in honor of his father, Charles Coy

AN ENGINEERED GIFT FAMILY OF ALUMNUS AFFECTIONATELY KNOWN AS "MR. SQUARE ROOT" GIVES BACK Charles Coy by Laura Cruz

Charles Coy was a stereotypical engineer, from the slide rule in his pursuing degrees in electrical and computer engineering, with a pocket to the passion in his heart. preference for electrical engineering. "He was the mold of a typical engineer: Slide rule, pocket protector, "I believe that my father intended to give back to the university," and thick black framed glasses similar, to the ones that the military issues says Richard, who received his bachelor's and master's degrees from out," recalls Ester Coy of her husband, a UTEP graduate who became a UTEP in 1999 and 2005, respectively. "We think it was a great way successful engineer. He passed away in November 2006 at 64. to pay back his alma mater for the high-quality education he received, "His friends sometimes jokingly called him 'Mr. Square Root,"' she which ultimately lead to a very successful career." says. After graduating from UTEP, Coy served at White Sands Missile A graduate of Burges High School in El Paso, Coy enrolled at Range in the Office of Missile Electronics Warfare, where he worked on Texas Western University (now UTEP) in 1962 to become an electrical various anti-aircraft systems, including the HAWK, M247 Sgt. York and engineer after serving in the U.S. Navy as an Electronics Technician the Patriot missile. Communications 3rd Class. In 1974, he earned master's degree in electrical engineering "Because of this experience with electronics and the desire to from New Mexico State University and took a job at the Radar Target build or repair anything electrical or mechanical in nature, electrical Scattering Facility at Holloman Air Force Base. In 1982, he earned a engineering logically seemed like a good major to further increase his professional engineering license for the State ofTexas and accepted a job knowledge in the field," says Coy's son, Richard Garrett Coy. at the Air Defense Artillery Test Directorate at Fort Bliss. Richard says his father loved his alma mater because of the Coy also participated as a member or officer in various professional opportunities it provided him. But his affection for UTEP was also more organizations, including the Association of Old Crows, Institute of personal: It was there that he met his wife. His children, Richard and Electrical and Electronics Engineers and Texas Society of Professional Eric Steven Coy, also received their degrees from UTEP. Engineers. Ester says she still remembers the day she met her husband at "The He retired in 1993 to spend more time with his family and work on Sub," now the Union Building. his other interests, which included New Mexico real estate development, "When we first met he was rather thin and wore clothes that were stock market investments and city politics. worn out at both the knees and elbows. However, under all that, he was "We will always treasure the fond memories of activities we still very handsome and charming." engaged in with our father," Richard says. "I think that he would like to In honor of his memory and his love of engineering, his family see UTEP continue to excel and be among one of the leading academic and the University have established the Charles I. Coy Excellence institutions for engineering, math and science throughout the state as

Endowment for Electrical Engineering. well as the nation." 1111 The endowment will be used by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering to improve the academic skills of students

14 • UTEP NOVA ' • I :\ I H L S P e I L I <, H I •

MINER ACHIEVEMENTS STUDENTS AND FACULTY IN THE SPOTLIGHT

DAVINA Davina Heredia has always known she wanted to work with HEREDIA children. Deciding what route to take was not so easy. She considered teaching, but soon reali zed that her desi re to he lp Junior, psychology children went beyond the classroom. Age: 19 "I have always wanted to have a positive infl uence in young Hometown: El Paso; peopl e's li ves, to show them they had potentia l," says Heredia. "1 Burges High School decided that being a youth and fa mily therapist would better help me Notables: 2007-08 reach my goals." ni zations in the community, Houston Endowment Heredi a volunteers with various orga including the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and the Child Crisis scholarship recipient; Center. president, UTEP "Volunteering is a way to give back, to have fun and learn. All these Chapter of Alpha things are part of what I need and want to do, to go toward my future Lambda Delta; UTEP work," she says. Student Leadership Heredi a recently graduated fro m the elite UTEP Student Leadership Institute; chair, Susan G. Institute, an initiative of the University College Entering Student Komen Breast Cancer Program. The competitive program began in February 2000, and students Foundation Teens for are nominated by facu lty based on talent, drive and focus needed to be a a Cure peer leader. M

WILLIAM "BILL" ROBERTSON "UTEP has also chall enged me to grow as a scholar and a community member," he says. "For example, I have made a goal to improve my Assistant professor of education abil ities in Spanish, and I have received he lp and encouragement from Education: B.A. , Duke University; B.S., Northern Arizona University; everyone I work with at UTEP." M M.A., University of Colorado; Ph.D., University of New Mexico Notables: Creator of Dr. Skateboard's Action Science educational video series; winner of the Master's Freestyle World Championship, 2004; Top Developer of Online Science Education, Department of Education, 1999; participated in over 400 demonstrations at venues including NBA half times Skateboarding is more than a sport for professor of education Bill Robertson. It's an opportunity to inspire children and prove that when combined with sports, subj ects like physical science and math can be fun . "Science and math are often seen as disconnected from your personal experience," says Robertson, also known as Dr. Skateboard. "If students can encounter relevant science that is applicable and interesting, then they'll want to learn more." That's the idea behind his new educational videos, Dr. Skateboard's Action Science, which combine skateboarding and BMX tricks with physical science concepts. A collaborative between UTEP and the El Paso Independent School District, the video series will be introduced into middle school classes this fall. Robertson, who learned to skateboard barefoot on a plastic board at 13, reached a lifelong goal of becoming a professional skateboarder in 1988. He continued riding banks, bowls and fiat land while working on his undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees. He came to UTEP in 2004.

SUMMER 2007 • 15 •ATHLETICS• Brick by brick Construction on the new Foster and Stevens Basketball Complex is slated to begin in August. The two-story complex will have two practice courts, coaches' offices and a reception area. The 43,000-square-foot basketball practice and office facility is expected to be completed by fall 2008. The cost of construction of the much­ anticipated project is estimated at $13 million. Two generous gifts of $3 million each have been pledged by UTEP supporters Jeff and Sharon Stevens and Paul L. Foster. Jeff Stevens is Executive Vice President of Marketing for Western Refining, Inc., and Foster is President and CEO of the company. "We are very grateful for the generosity of Jeff and Sharon Stevens and Paul L. Foster. Their support has enabled us to make The 2007 football season will pit the we' ll be able to do something in the month our continuing vision of developing first­ Miners against long-standing rivals and of November that we haven't been able to do class athletic faci lities at UTEP a reality," several teams with bowl games under their - - finish strong." Director of Athletics Bob Stull says. "The belts. UTEP will open the 2007 slate in the Sun complex will enhance the performance of "It's a great schedule, particularly at home," Bowl Sept. 1 against long-time rival New our current student-athletes and coaches, Head Coach Mike Price says. "We'll have Mexico. Several games will be nationally and be a tremendous aid in the recruiting of rivalry games in the month of September, televised on CSTV, available via satellite future student-athletes." either at home or within driving distance for on DirectTV's Total Choice Plus package As part of the project, a 2,800-square­ our fans. In October, we'll face some of the Channel 610 and Dish Network's America's foot Ticket Center will be constructed at the best teams in the conference at home." Top 120 package Channel 152. north end of the Don Haskins Center's east "We' ll have good weather as we build Ticket information: 915-747-6150 or www. walkway. The Ticket Center has temporarily momentum," Price says, "and hopefully utepathletics.com N been moved to the north end of the Sun Bowl Stadium. N Date Opponent Time (MST)

Sept. 1 New Mexico (CSTV) 8p.m. Basketball assistant Sept. 8 at Texas Tech, Lubbock 5p.m. coaches Venezuela UTEP women's basketball assistant coach Sept. 15 at New Mexico State 6p.m. Ewa Laskowska served in the same capacity Sept. 22 Texas Southern 7:05p.m. for the Venezuelan U-17 national team at the South American U-17 championship in Sept. 29 at *SMU, Dallas (CSTV) 2:30p.m. Cuenca, Ecuador, in June. Oct. 6 *Tulsa 7:05p.m. Laskowska was asked to work with the team by Venezuelan Federation President Oct. 13 *East Carolina 7:05p.m. Carmela Cortez. Oct. 27 *Houston 7:05p.m. "It was a privilege to be invited to join the Venezuelan national team and to coach on Nov. 3 at *Rice 1 p.m. the international level," she says. N 5p.m. Nov. 17 5:30p.m. For more news and information Nov. 24 at *UCF, Orlando TBA about UTEP athletics, visit www.utepathletics.com * C-USA p

16 • UTEP NOVA "~ "" " ~,~ ~ .. ~ 'tt\'W', ··~ "~r"·~~.,w~~~ •ATHLETICS• Scholar athlete awards A pair of UTEP athletes has been honored by Conference USA as 2006-07 Scholar Athletes of the Year. Melissa Abraham received the distinction for women's soccer, while Mickael Hanany brought home the men 's track and field award for the second consecutive year. The awards are presented to the top student -athletes in each conference­ sponsored sport. The award is based on academic achievement (GPA), athletic achievement and service. Abraham boasts a 4.0 GPA while majoring in kinesiology. The two-time Dean's List member and C-USA Academic Medalist completed her eligibility with the Miners this past fall. Abraham volunteered at the Armijo Center and the Asthma Camp. Softball ranks nationally .rrrr't'r-r;. UTEP softball's Ashley Ellis, Simone winningest season on (' ~ .•' ~ Holland and Stacie Townsend have earned record, posting 28 -.... ~ All-Conference USA honors. Ellis and victories. UTEP will ::::'\: Holland were named to the second team while go down in NCAA ~ Townsend earned a spot on the all-freshman history, scoring 17 ~\~ squad. runs in an inning This marks the second consecutive season against Houston, the Miners have had three members of its which ties for the second squad named to the C-USA All-Conference in NCAA annals. The Miners also rank team. Former Miners Sarah Ramirez and nationally in scoring (10), doubles per game current Miners Kelly Lombard and Amber (13) , batting average (24), home runs per Bennett were awarded all-conference honors game (37),fielding percentage (90), win-loss in 2006. percentage (93), and they rate 28th in slugging The Miners concluded 2007 with the percentage and double plays per game. N Okusanya earns postgrad award Conference USA Commissioner Britton Banowsky has named UTEP's Olatunde Okusanya as one of the Hanany is a biology/chemistry major 12 recipients of the Postgraduate who carries a 3.20 GPA. He was tabbed an Scholarship Award. Academic All-American by the USTFCCCA The conference annually presents in 2006 while being a Dean's List and the $4,000 Postgraduate Scholarship C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll member awards to graduates as selected by the the past two years. A 15-time conference Faculty Athletics Representatives and champion, Hanany has also been highly approved by the Board of Directors. involved with service programs at UTEP. Okusanya was a four-year letter He has been a member of the Student­ winner as a sprinter for the Miner Athlete Advisory Committee for three years, track and field team. She was the 2006 C-USA bachelor's in kinesiology with a concentration while volunteering with the Adopt a Miner champion in the 400-meter dash and qualified in exercise science. program for two years. N for the NCAA Championships that season. She plans to continue her studies in She graduated cum laude from UTEP with a chemistry at UTEP. N

SUMM ER 2007 • 17 • A L U ,\t N E \\' S • ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CHAPTER UPDATES The El Paso Chapter hosted an "After Hours" business networking reception in conjunction with the Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce. APRIL The Juarez Chapter held its 4th annual "Symphony at the Movies" fundraising event. The UTEP Wind Symphony under the direction of Col. Lowell Graham and Dr. Ron Hufstader performed before a sold-out crowd. The chapter presented two scholarships. Members of the Dallas Chapter hosted a UTEP ON THE MOVE reception. More than 100 alumni came out to meet fellow Miners and UTEP President Diana Natalicio.

CONTACT USI To join the UTEP Alumni Association or JUNE to learn more about alumni events, pre-game Miners travel he El Paso Chapter participated in the Down Glory Road" featured Nevil Shed, a parties, chapters, or the Movin' T Miner Mission Control Launch Party at member of the 1966 national championship program, UTEP June 8 to celebrate the launch of space Texas Western College basketball team, who visit www.ia.utep.edu/alumni shuttle Atlantis, which carried Miner John talked about his experiences during that or e-mail us at [email protected] "Danny" Olivas into space. About 500 people spectacular season. Proceeds from the UTEP Alumni Association attended the event, where a handful of evening are helping build an endowed Peter & Margaret de Waetter Center Miners signed up as new members of the scholarship for UTEP students. 500 W. University Ave. association . MAY El Paso, TX 79968-0724 The San Antonio Chapter held its annual Members of the Austin Chapter Phone: 9I5-747-8600 meeting and fundraising reception. "Walk celebrated Cinco de Mayo on Lake Travis. Toll Free: 1-866-GO-MINERS Miner on the Move I am the Director of Las Pal mas Outpatient UTEP's Kinesiology Program allowed me Services, which includes the LifeCare Center, to understand that fitness is not just about the Burn and Wound Management Center extracurricular activity, but is one specialty and the Center for Hyperbaric Medicine. important to keeping our society healthy and These specialty areas care for patients who disease-free. My professors helped me are on the road to recovery. develop an expertise I didn 't realize I could use in a hospital organization. You've been instrumental in bringing together the many services people need to Your creativity allowed you to carve a recover and lead healthy lives. How did niche for yourself in a place that might not that happen? have existed before. I began my career at Las Palmas LifeCare It was very important for me to stay in El Center, which offers a fitness center and Paso but f had to develop my own rehab and therapy services. opportunity to fit in. Many people didn 't think a fitness professional, like me, was the As director of the LifeCare Center, I began right fit for a career in a hospital. to involve myself in other departments within the Medical Center. Our wellness department When I first began, our services were very segmented. It made sense to me to bridge the TEP graduates often find they have to was an important link in a "circle of care" services and establish complete, quality U leave El Paso to find jobs within the that included other services such as surgery, patient care. field of their degrees. With a little creativity the Diabetes Treatment Center and the Heart and persistence, Mike Flores (B.S., Institute. This link created an opportunity for New opportunities are often waiting to be kinesiology '98; M.S., kinesiology '05) me to bring together services and offer revealed by someone with drive and passion. found a dream job where he could use his patients the best care possible. 1 am certain that future UTEP graduates will education and stay in El Paso How did your UTEP education prepare have the creativity and drive I did and will find awesome opportunities here in El Paso.N Tell me a little about your work. you for your unique job?

18 • UTEP NOVA " ~ ! "' - "'" • A L Ll M N E \X' S • SAVE THE DATE: Upcoming Alumni Events OCT. J3 Alumni Pre-Game Party Oct. 27 vs. Houston For more information or a schedule of Nov. 17 vs. Southern Miss all Homecoming events, visit www. AWAY GAMES homecoming.utep.edu Sept. 8 at Texas Tech,* Lubbock, Texas NOV. 4-9 Movin' Miners: Mexico's Sept. 15at NMSU, Las Cruces, N.M. Copper Canyon Sept. 29 at SMU, * Dallas NOV. 27-DEC. 13 Movin' Miners: Nov. 3 at Rice,* Houston Southeast Asia Land and Sailing Nov. 10 at Tulane,* New Orleans, La. Adventure Nov. 24 at UCF, Orlando, Fla. •special UTEP alumni fan packages available

AUG. 3 J MINERPALOOZA, UTEP's CATCH ORANGE FEVER annual back to school party and pep Miner Football is back, and the UTEP rally. Center of campus, 6 p.m. to Alumni Association will be cheering. midnight Make plans to join fellow alumni at all OCT. 8· J3 HOMECOMING 2007 pre-game parties. OCT. J0 Ron Harvey Golf HOME GAMES Tournament Sept. 1 vs. UNM OCT. J J• J3 Golden Grads Reunion Sept. 22 vs. Texas Southern Weekend Oct. 6 vs. Tulsa OCT. J2 Distinguished Alumni Oct. 13 vs. East Carolina Awards Dinner (Homecoming) Alumni relations has new leader Ring of pride handful of Miners were honored with TEP has appointed Richard C. Daniel as A U the official UTEP ring during the assistant vice president for Alumni Alumni Association's Ring Ceremony in Relations, leading a department responsible April at the Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall. for keeping more than 78,000 alumni The ring is designed to exemplify connected to the growing university. excellence, integrity and leadership. The ring Daniel says he is excited about the is reserved exclusively for graduates of the opportunities to grow the Alumni Association University and senior students in good and strengthen its ties with current students. standing. The ring serves as a symbol of academic accomplishment and aims connect Daniel comes to UTEP after two years as current and future alumni to the proud Director of Recruitment and Advisement at tradition of Miner excellence. South Mountain Community College. He Each ring captures UTEP's uniqueness, previously held positions in alumni relations featuring the university seal, the Texas flag, at the University of Nevada, Reno and the "M" on the mountain, the Bhutanese Arizona State University. He also has years architecture, and our founding year of 1914, of experience in student affairs and and Paydirt Pete with the UTEP pick logo. N admissions and recruitment. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, a master's in Higher Education Administration and a bachelor's in exercise science from Arizona State University.N

SUMMER 2007 • 19 •ALUMNOTES•

Lt. Col. Joseph P. O'Connor Davidson County, Tenn. '40s '80s Jr. (M.A. '74) is an assistant McClung resides in Antioch, Margaret B. "Mardee" de Yolanda Delgado (B.A. professor of management at Tenn. Wetter (B .A. ' 43 , M.A. '46) '65) owns a training and UTEP. is an El Paso poet and writer. consulting service, Child Care '90s Sue A. Shook (B.S.Ed. '74, "Written in the Sand," an Consulting, in Austin, Texas. M.Ed. '78, Ed.D. '00) will be Yi-Yin "Ian" Chao adaptation of her poetry for John B. Powers (B.A. '68) honored by El Paso's Socorro (M.S.M.M.E. '90) is vice the stage, was performed at retired from Merck and Co. Independent School District president - commercial the Plaza Theatre in March. Inc. after 20 years as a sales with a school named in her of Cambridge Display Catherine Kistenmacher manager. Powers lives in memory. Shook, who died in Technology in the United (B.A. '48) is a 2007 inductee Morrison, Colo. 2003, retired from the district Kingdom. to the El Paso Women's Hall '70s as assistant superintendent for Richard N. Murg (M.B.A. of Fame in the arts category. instruction. Dr. Sue A. Shook '92), of Irvine, Calif., is sales She is an artist, a continuing Vernon L. "Vern" Butler Elementary will open in fall director of Phoenix Data education teacher at UTEP, (B.A.'71 , M.S. '74), an 2009 in Horizon City. Systems in Anaheim, Calif. and president of the El Paso educator and administrator in Michael E. McKenzie Laurie D. Biddle (B.A. Art Association. the El Paso area for 36 years, is a broadcaster '94) is an in-house corporate retired from his position as (B.A. '75) Betty M. MacGuire (B.B.A. for Hall Financial superintendent of the Anthony who hosts the "Music with attorney '48), president of the Lee Independent School District. Michael" radio program Group ofFrisco, Texas. and Beulah Moor Children's on KLAV 1230 AM in Las Biddle lives in Allen, Texas. Home, is a 2007 inductee to Vernell T. Gregg (B.S.Ed. Vegas. His 2005 broadcast on the board Emilian M. "Emil" Moroz the El Paso Women's Hall of '71) is a trustee of"The Dick Lane Quartet of the Lewisville, [Texas,] (M.S.M.E. '95) is executive Fame in the civic leadership Tribute" was accepted into Independent School District. vice president of engineering category. the Nevada State Museum's A retired educator, Gregg at De Wind Inc., a subsidiary Cora Norman (B.A. '49) permanent collection. lives in Flower Mound. of Composite Technology received the Friendship Susan B. Horne (B.A. '78, Corp. that produces and J. Manuel Bafiales (B.A. Award from Jackson [Miss.] M.P.A. ' 83) is the president markets utility-scale wind ' 72), judge ofthe 105th 2000, a racial reconciliation and chief executive officer turbines. Moroz resides in San Judicial District in Corpus organization, for her work of Lead Virginia, a nonprofit Diego, Calif. Christi, Texas, received an to promote improved race educational program that appointment by Gov. Rick Carolyn Cooper (B.S.N. relations in Mississippi. addresses issues affecting Perry to serve as presiding '96), of Chatham, Ill., Norman, now retired, was the quality of life. She is also the judge of the 5th Judicial wrote the feature article in founding executive director vice mayor of Leesburg, Va. Administrative Circuit. the March 2007 edition of of the Mississippi Humanities the American Journal of Council. Kurt F. Muse (B.A. '73) is '80s Nursing, "Multiple Chemical co-author of"Six Minutes to Richard C. Bailey (B.S. '83) Sensitivity in the Clinical '50s Freedom," an account of his is the owner of Bailey's Rocks Setting." Patricia "Pat" McCormick, imprisonment in Panama by and Minerals, a geological- the first American woman Gen. Manuel Noriega and his items and -supplies shop in 'OOs bullfighter and the only rescue by the U.S. Army's Frederick, Md. Bailey lives in Josefina Carmona (B .S. woman ever admitted to Delta Force. Muse's rescue Middletown, Md. '00) earned her master's the bullfighters' union, was the subject of a February Robert J. "Jacob" Cintron degree in marriage and family was the subject of a tribute 2007 edition of "Combat (B.S.I.E. '83, M.B.A. '96, counseling from California evening at the Big Spring, Zone" on the Military M.Acc. ' 02) is chief executive State University. Carmona Texas, Heritage Museum. Channel. officer of Del Sol Medical resides in El Paso. The event included a video W. Patrick Resen (B.A. '73) Center in El Paso. documentary produced by is a transitional deacon for Linda D. Medina (B.I.S. local columnist and radio the Diocese of Knoxville in Darleen McClung (B.S. '01) is the founder and personality Tumbleweed Tennessee. Resen is expected '85) is director of the president of the Young Smith. McCormick resides in to be ordained into the Sheriff's Alcohol Awareness Hispanic Professional Austin Del Rio, Texas. priesthood in July 2007. for Everyone program in Association, in Medina was a

20 • UTEP NOVA •ALUMNOTES• finalist in the youth/education Mary H. Daniels Taylor Scott Edward Segall (B.B.A. Braulio Vargas, Kermit, category for the 2007 Austin (B.A. '43) Mesilla, N.M.; Jan. '71) El Paso; Feb. 8, 2007. Texas; March 12, 2007. Under 40 awards. In October 10, 2007. Roberta Ruth Potts Carmen Shirley Bunn 2006, online magazine The Don Lee Wofford (B.S.Ed. Walker (B.A. '47, M.A. '54) Mosher (B.S.Ed. '68) El Latina Voz recognized her as '70, M.Ed. '75) El Paso; Jan. Colorado Springs, Colo.; Feb. Paso; March 16, 2007. Latina of the Week. 15 , 2007. 10, 2007. Michael J. "Mick" Cristina Rodda (B.A. '04) is Barbara Joy Barnes (B.A. Amory Dean Hale (B.S. Anderson (B.A. '82) Forney, weekend anchor on El Paso's '52) Ruidoso, N.M.; Jan. 17, '59) Tularosa, N.M.; Feb. 11 , Texas; March 17, 2007. KDBC4News. 2007. 2007. Col. John T. Bracey Sr. In Memoriam Paul Van Geison (B.S.Ed. Perry R. Ehrenstein (B.A. (B.M. '50, M.A. '52) El Paso; '71) El Paso; Jan. 17, 2007. Robert David Blanco Sr. '54) Beaverton, Ore.; Feb. 14, March 19, 2007. (B.S.Ed. '66, M.Ed. '75) El Jack H. Heinzel, Melbourne, 2007. Lt. Col. Gloria M. Leon Fla.; Jan. 19, 2007. Paso; March 6, 2005. Lester R. Webel (B.M. '52) (B.S. '51) El Paso; March 19, David Hustace (B.B.A. '53) Mario Alatorre (B.B.A. '74) ElPaso;Feb. 16,2007. 2007. El Paso; Jan. 21, 2007. Austin, Texas; Nov. 25, 2005. Frederick Douglas Capt. William A. Burgett '65) El Paso; March Charles A. Steen (B.A. '43) Charles Patrick "Pat" Crawford Sr. (B.B.A. '74) El (M.Ed. Downer (M.Ed. '68) 26,2007. Longmont, Colo.; Jan. 1, Paso; Feb. 17, 2007. Lubbock, Texas;Jan.21, 2006. Donna V. Freeman Brown, Albert Rene Sanchez (B.A. 2007. '97) Fabens, Texas; March 26, Eugene M. Von Maluski El Paso; Feb. 19,2007. Dolores V. "Grammie" 2007. (B.A. '58, M.Ed. '60) "Bob" Folk Babcock (B.A. '63) Fabens, Robert M. Mary N. Tippin (B.A. '45) Mogadore, Ohio; Feb. 2, Texas; Jan. 23,2007. (B.S.M.I. '38) Sacramento, 2006. Calif.; Feb. 19, 2007. El Paso; April 5, 2007. Lt. Col. Julius "Julie" Matilde Mowad Lyon (B.A. Irvin Lockridge Barrington Spitzberg (M.Ed. '69) El -Compiled by David Thomas '44, M.Ed. '66) El Paso; July Paso; Jan. 24, 2007. (B.A. '58, M.Ed. '72) Silver 4, 2006. City, N.M.; Feb. 22,2007. Robert McPhail "Bob" Send us your news: Peggy J. Lindsey Jones Dillon (M.S.C.E. '70) Kurt Frederick "Fred" Got news to share? Send (B.S.Ed. '65, M.A. '74) Karlsruhe, Germany; Jan. 25, Gibbe (B.A. '48, M.A. '51) us your name, year of Slidell, Texas; Dec. 14, 2006. 2007. El Paso; Feb. 23, 2007. graduation, degree and the Sister Josephina Vargas Charlotte Walker Furman Enrique A. "Kiko" information you'd like to (B.A. '68) North Attelboro, (B.S.Ed. '60) Odessa, Texas; Bustamante (B.S. '86) share with other Miners. Mass.; Feb. 23, 2007. Dec. 25, 2006. Durango, Colo.; Jan. 26, (Please include a daytime 2007. Reginald D. Hayes Jr. Carol Jeanne Bozzell phone number.) E-mail us at (B.S.Ed. '66) Raleigh, N.C.; Adelia S. Niland (B.A. '35) McCarty (B.A. '73, M.A. '78) [email protected] or write us at Jan. 1, 2007. El Paso; Jan. 27, 2007. Fort Worth, Texas; Feb. 24, Nova Quarterly, University Edward Provencio (B.S. '81) 2007. Communications, The Harold L. Kelley (B.A. '06) El Paso; Jan. 28, 2007. Judson C. "Jud" Caruthers University of Texas at El Paso; Jan. 2, 2007. E1 Paso, 500 W. University Ruben Bustamante (B.B.A. (M.Ed. '79) El Paso; March Lola B. Riley (B.S.Ed. '68) Ave., El Paso, TX 79968. '75) El Paso; Jan. 30, 2007. 3, 2007. El Paso; Jan. 4, 2007. Larry J. Parks (B.B.A. '71) George Francis Diaz, West F. (B.B.A. '75) Ronald Neely El Paso; Jan. 31, 2007. Palm Beach, Fla.; March 4, El Paso; Jan. 5 2007. 2007. Marshal Wren Adams III Oneta F. Darby (M.Ed. '69) (B.B.A. '68) El Paso; Feb. 7, James G. "Jim" Braden El Paso; Jan. 7, 2007. 2007. (B.A. '74) Capitan, N.M.; March 5, 2007. Donna L. "Donnie" Lt. Col. Thomas Robert Thomson, Sugar Land, Texas; McCabe Sr. (B.A. '65) El Anthony A. "Tony" Haddad, Jan. 7, 2007. Paso; Feb. 8, 2007. El Paso; March 11, 2007.

SUMMER 2007 • 21 Poet • Historian • Author • Artist • Distinguished UTE P Alumna

Incognito: An Affair of Honor by Mardee de Wetter

In a rare, untold story of the American Revolutionary

War, Margaret B. "Mardee" de Wetter (B.A. '43,

MA '46) has captured the dramatic and hittorically

accurate account of Gustav Heinrich Johann de

Rosenthal, the only Russian known to have taken

part in the war. Over 20 years of research coupled with the author's captivating hypothetical passages

make this story a fascinating and enjoyable read.

To order: 1fl?lm Texas Western Press TEXAS 915-747-5688.800-488-3789 WESTERN PRESS The University of Texas at El Paso Texas Western Press, 500 W. University Avenue El Paso, TX 79968-0633

$20 (fexas residents add 8.25% tax) plus shipping and handling. UPS: $6.50 first book; $1 each additional book USPS: $5.50 first book; 75 cents each additional book

All proceeds benefit the University ofTexas at El Paso.

NON PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID EL PASO TX PERMIT NO 401 Q U A R T R y

The University of Texas at El Paso Return Service Requested 500 W. University Ave. University Communications El Paso, Texas 79968-0522