The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) recently brought its entrepreneurial alumni into the spotlight with its first annual Miner Business Impact Awards, per an announcement on the university’s newsfeed. The event celebrated the business acumen of its graduates, who, together, have contributed substantially to the economic landscape by generating over $425 million across various industries.
The awards ceremony, hosted at St. Roger’s Depot, honored fifteen UTEP alumni-led businesses for their rapid growth and impact. UTEP President Heather Wilson lauded the entrepreneurs for creating close to 1,000 jobs within the last three years. Among the honorees were leaders of a Houston-based firm serving Fortune 500 clients, a grocery chain known for its bargains, and a family business famed for its flautas.
Corporate partnership also received its due recognition with the Partner in Prosperity Award, this time going to tech giant Microsoft. Jonathan Childress, who leads Microsoft’s U.S. Philanthropies Western Team, spoke of a shared vision with UTEP in fostering economic opportunity in the Borderplex area. “The innovative ideas stemming from UTEP’s research, the impactful work of its faculty, and the exceptional talent cultivated by UTEP are all essential components for a thriving community,” Childress explained, as obtained by UTEP Newsfeed.
Additionally, the Paso del Norte Community Foundation and the Paso del Norte Health Foundation were presented with the Presidential Gold Bar Award, acknowledging their lasting effect on the university’s ambit. CEO Tracy Yellen spoke of the 30-year collaboration with UTEP, supporting public health initiatives and education among other areas. The achievements of these foundations include boosting the number of skilled graduates in nursing and pharmacy, as well as backing hundreds of undergraduate scholarships, Yellen said.
