The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Alumni Association officially announced its 2026 Top Ten Seniors, recognizing a group of graduating students who embody the institution\u2019s core values of academic excellence, campus leadership, and community service.<\/p>\n
Now in its 76th year, the award remains the highest honor bestowed upon undergraduates by the association, celebrating those who have made a lasting impact on the Miner community.<\/p>\n
While the honorees represent a wide array of disciplines, their journeys are unified by a distinct borderland resilience. For many of this year\u2019s recipients, the path to graduation involved navigating the unique challenges of the El Paso-Ju\u00e1rez region, from long international commutes to the weight of being first-generation college students.<\/p>\n
Sophia Borrego <\/p>\n
For Sophia Borrego, a biomedical science major, the path to success began with a difficult decision to transfer.<\/p>\n
Feeling intimidated and lacking resources at her previous university, she arrived at UTEP and decided to \u201cflip the switch,\u201d transforming from a shy student in the back of the room to a leader who wasn\u2019t afraid to ask, \u201cnot smart questions.\u201d<\/p>\n
As a peer leader in the College of Science, Borrego spearheaded a collaboration with the University of Chicago and the University of Rochester to implement a peer-led learning program for organic chemistry at UTEP, a subject many find daunting. \u201cIt\u2019s honestly just curiosity,\u201d Borrego said, \u201cOnce you keep asking questions, you get your \u2018aha\u2019 moments.\u201d<\/p>\n
Beyond the lab, she served for two years as a senator-at-large in the Student Government Association (SGA). Borrego, who is now heading toward a career in dentistry, hopes her journey inspires others: \u201cYou can do a lot of things within your time if you really want to\u2026 reach beyond what you think you can do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Eduardo Hiram Ceballos Faour <\/p>\n
The theme of bridging borders is central to Eduardo Hiram Ceballos Faour\u2019s story. A computer science major who began his journey commuting from Ciudad Ju\u00e1rez, he represents the global reach of UTEP\u2019s technical programs.<\/p>\n
After participating in the Google Tech Exchange and interning as a cloud engineer at Goldman Sachs, he proved borderland students can compete at the highest levels.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe first impression that I had from UTEP was [that] it was really, really huge,\u201d he recalled. Moving to Dallas this spring, he remains motivated by his roots: \u201cI\u2019m most excited because\u2026 I can help my family with that money.\u201d<\/p>\n
Giselle Ophir Gim\u00e9nez Gayosso <\/p>\n
A linguistics major and Miners Abroad ambassador, Giselle Ophir Gim\u00e9nez Gayosso credits UTEP faculty for expanding her horizons.<\/p>\n
Originally from Mexico City, she found her footing after an instructor encouraged her to pursue research. Navigating her studies while managing a health diagnosis, she found strength in the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cI definitely feel more confident in my skills,\u201d Gim\u00e9nez Gayosso said.<\/p>\n
Her advice to freshmen is rooted in the empathy she found on campus: \u201cJust enjoy the process\u2026 if you\u2019re kind, it just makes a difference.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gabriela Idaly Macias <\/p>\n
Gabriela Idaly Macias, a forensic biology major, is recognized for her dual impact on campus academics and community outreach. Her time at UTEP has been defined by a consistent effort to bridge the gap between student life and local service initiatives.<\/p>\n
Her work underscores the university\u2019s mission of engagement, proving that a Miner\u2019s education extends far beyond the campus walls and into the heart of the El Paso region.<\/p>\n
Jose Gael Mu\u00f1oz <\/p>\n
For finance major Jose Gael Mu\u00f1oz, the UTEP experience was about reclaiming the narrative of the border student. Despite offers from other prestigious institutions, he chose to stay in El Paso to lead the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA).<\/p>\n
Reflecting on interviews alongside Ivy League students, Mu\u00f1oz noted: \u201cI\u2019m here because I go to UTEP. That should say a lot about you as a person and how much hard work you\u2019re putting in.\u201d<\/p>\n
Andrea Victoria Nu\u00f1ez <\/p>\n
Andrea Victoria Nu\u00f1ez, a bilingual education major, stands out for her leadership within student organizations, where she helped foster a more inclusive campus environment.<\/p>\n
Balancing a demanding academic schedule with significant extracurricular responsibilities, she has often served as the \u201cglue\u201c for student initiatives, ensuring that campus life remains vibrant and welcoming for all.<\/p>\n
Darek Samuel Perez <\/p>\n
Darek Samuel Perez, a psychology major, saw his leadership forged in settings ranging from a study abroad trip to Costa Rica to an internship for Congresswoman Veronica Escobar.<\/p>\n
As a first-generation student and former president of the Texas Leadership Scholars Organization, he focused on building foundations for others.<\/p>\n
\u201cI learned to be sensitive to different cultures\u2026 to apply equal and equitable leadership,\u201d Perez said.<\/p>\n
He applied for the Top Ten honor to inspire his niece, Zaily: \u201cI wanted her to see that people in our family can go to college and can achieve their dreams [too].\u201d<\/p>\n
Enrique Pineda Sanchez <\/p>\n
For Enrique Pineda Sanchez, a philosophy and psychology double major, UTEP was a \u201csecond chance\u201d after nearly failing out of high school.<\/p>\n
Sparked by a moment of powerlessness during a 2020 protest, he pursued law through mock trial and an Archer Fellowship in D.C.<\/p>\n
Now heading to the University of Chicago for his Juris Doctor (J.D.), he credits those who believed in him. \u201cMy experience at UTEP was really about\u2026 you\u2019ve got to believe in people before they give you a reason to,\u201d Pieneda Sanchez said. \u201cI\u2018ve had a lot of people who have loved me into the current moment\u2026 I owe them everything.\u201d<\/p>\n
Iliana Jacqueline Ramirez <\/p>\n
Iliana Jacqueline Ramirez, a biomedical sciences major, her road to graduation was paved by a daily commute from Ju\u00e1rez that was both physically and mentally exhausting.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe biggest gap I had to bridge was language, belonging, and the daily reality of commuting across the border,\u201d Ramirez said.<\/p>\n
Initially unsure if she belonged in a pre-med environment, she eventually found her voice as the Collegiate Senator of Science, where she advocated for improvements in lab equipment and worked with Borrego to launch the first Peer-Led Learning program for organic chemistry.<\/p>\n
Ruben Adrian Romero <\/p>\n
Ruben Adrian Romero, a rehabilitation sciences student in the College of Health Sciences, spent his time at UTEP ensuring that future students felt a sense of belonging through the orientation program.<\/p>\n
Working with incoming Miners, he addressed the unique pressure felt by those who are the first in their families to attend university.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have so many first-gen students,\u201d Romero said, emphasizing that his success is a shared victory for those who supported him along the way. \u201cIt\u2019s a humbling experience because you remember all the sacrifices\u2026[that] family members have also done to help you guys\u2019 [get] here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Together, these ten seniors represent the peak of student achievement. As they prepare for graduation, they leave behind a legacy of perseverance that will inspire the next generation of Miners to look at the world and realize, as the famous Dr. Seuss quote suggests, \u201cOh, the places you\u2019ll go.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adrian Gonzalez Jr. is a staff reporter for The Prospector and may be reached at\u202f[email\u00a0protected]<\/a>\u202f<\/p>\n
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