UTEP Alumni Association

The 2026 Estate Planning Conference for Women welcomed 70 attendees on June 12 at the Tomás Rivera Conference Center for a day of conversation, connection and practical guidance focused on building secure financial foundations.
Guests heard from financial and legal experts who shared valuable insights on planning for the future and navigating finances with greater confidence.
Thank you to the Woman's Auxiliary of The University of Texas at El Paso, along with our speakers and volunteers, for helping create such a welcoming and impactful experience. We also thank Lauren Serrano for her hard work in identifying and organizing the speakers for this year’s conference.
We can’t wait to continue the conversation next year! 🧡

For photos of the event, please visit:
https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCWPBv

Meet 2026 Top Ten Senior Ruben Adrian Romero ✨ 🧡⛏️

Ruben’s UTEP journey has been centered on service, leadership and preparing for a career in speech-language pathology. He has been actively involved in student leadership within the College of Health Sciences, including serving as president of the Student Association of Rehabilitation Sciences and supporting peers through multiple campus roles.

Through leadership and research, Ruben has supported diverse communities and future healthcare professionals. He plans to pursue a master’s in speech-language pathology and ultimately return to academia as a professor and mentor.

Learn more about Ruben and the Top Ten Seniors Program: https://alumni.utep.edu/toptenseniors

When an unexpected career setback changed the course of his career, UTEP alumnus Christopher Villa ’98, ’07 chose to start over and found a new path he never expected. What began as a return to UTEP for graduate school led to the creation of Helix Solutions, a successful consulting firm helping organizations strengthen programs and better serve their communities.

Read how one Miner's willingness to adapt, learn and grow turned uncertainty into opportunity. bit.ly/MNChristopherVilla

Meet 2026 Top Ten Senior Iliana Jacqueline Ramirez ✨ 🧡⛏️

Driven by a passion for service, leadership and health equity, Iliana has made a lasting impact at UTEP and in the community. As a biomedical sciences major with a minor in public health, she has contributed to cancer research, supported patients as a medical scribe and helped create opportunities for fellow students through leadership and mentorship initiatives.

Following graduation, Iliana plans to pursue a career as a physician-scientist focused on advancing cancer diagnostics and equitable healthcare.

Learn more about Iliana and the Top Ten Seniors Program: https://alumni.utep.edu/toptenseniors

Maribel Gutierrez ’09 turned early challenges into a powerful story of growth.

As a first-generation student, she found support, confidence and direction at UTEP—leading her to a meaningful career with Veterans Affairs in Tucson. Her journey shows how far determination and community can take you. 🧡💙

👉 Read her story here: https://bit.ly/3QmHF3k

Meet 2026 Top Ten Senior Enrique Pineda Sanchez ✨ 🧡⛏️

As a philosophy and psychology double major in the College of Liberal Arts, Enrique dedicated his time at UTEP to advocacy, research and public service. He has contributed to the legal representation of more than 300 clients and conducted published research in philosophy and education, embracing every opportunity to make an impact.

This fall, he will pursue his Juris Doctor at the University of Chicago with plans to focus on criminal justice advocacy and litigation.

Learn more about Enrique and the Top Ten Seniors Program: https://alumni.utep.edu/toptenseniors

“Going after criminals is my game day now.”

Like many athletes, Ruben Munoz ’12 faced a crossroads after graduating and stepping away from football. The discipline forged in early mornings and long practices became the foundation for an impactful career in federal service. 🇺🇸

On the field, Munoz was dedicated to the game and to his team. Now, he’s dedicated to his fellow citizens.

Discipline built him. Purpose drove him. This is life after football. 🏈

🔗 Read the full story: bit.ly/MinerNationRMunoz

Meet 2026 Top Ten Senior Darek Samuel Perez ✨ 🧡⛏️

For Darek Perez, a psychology major in the College of Liberal Arts, attending UTEP opened doors to opportunities that shaped his path toward public service and social work.

Through campus involvement and leadership roles, including serving as the inaugural president of the Texas Leadership Scholars Organization, he gained valuable experience as a student leader. Through these experiences, Darek has become a passionate advocate committed to serving his community.

Learn more about Darek and the Top Ten Seniors Program: https://bit.ly/4dtAdLm

Meet 2026 Top Ten Senior Jose Gael Muñoz ✨

“Miners do not simply belong in rooms — they lead them.”

For finance student Jose Gael Muñoz, choosing UTEP meant growing academically while staying rooted in his community. On campus, he strengthened his leadership through involvement in student organizations, serving as a teaching assistant and mentoring fellow students.

These experiences shaped his belief in lifting others and the kind of impact he hopes to make throughout his future career in finance. 🧡⛏️

Learn more about Jose and the Top Ten Seniors Program: https://bit.ly/4dtAdLm