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1927 - 1933
Edinburg College
1933 - 1948
Edinburg Junior College
1948 - 1952
Edinburg Regional College
1952 - 1971
Pan American College
1971 - 1989
Pan American University
1989 - Present
The University of Texas
Pan American
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Engineering her own success
Perseverance and ambition are two factors that led Elcira Bermudez (BSMF '04) on her path to success as an engineer with the Raytheon Company. Bermudez, who was recently honored as a UTPA Pillar of Success, came from humble beginnings and said when she was growing up her dreams were simply to become a U.S. citizen. Today, she is a driving force in Raytheon's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems area. Read more... |
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Alumni earns SBA honors
Congratulations to Eva Woodfin (BBA '85), a loan coordinator with Community Loan Center Corporation, who is among four winners who will be recognized this year by the Small Business Administration on May 25. Woodfin, who has more than 30 years of banking and lending experience, earned SBA's Financial Services Champion of the Year award and will be honored at a special event hosted by UTPA. Read more...
NY Times feature highlights alumnus
The New York Times recently featured Juan J. Gutierrez (BA '65), president and CEO of KEMRON, in an article titled "Cotton Fields and Brownfields." Gutierrez shared his tale of success, which took him from working in the cotton fields as a youngster to running a company today that delivers innovative and cost-effective environmental solutions to the public and private sectors nationwide. Read more...
Espinoza named CBC president
Dr. Beatriz Espinoza (BS '90) was recently named the new president of Coastal Bend College. She was chosen from five finalists and begins her new job the first week of June. She previously served as vice chancellor for educational planning and services at the Yuba Community College District in Marysville, Calif. Read more...
Phillips inducted into LBCC Hall of Champions
Christine Phillips (BS '99), who played two successful seasons for the UTPA volleyball squad, was recently inducted into the 11th class of the Long Beach City College Hall of Champions. She was among eight former LBCC star athletes and coaches recognized for their stellar accomplishments. Read more...
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Annual Membership gathering set for May 15
The UTPA Alumni Association invites you to attend the Annual Meeting of the General Membership on May 15, 6 p.m. at the Alumni Center, located at 2402 S. Closner Blvd. in Edinburg. This is a wonderful opportunity for alumni to network with fellow Broncs and meet and hear from UTPA President Dr. Robert S. Nelsen on the University's initiatives and accomplishments. All members and non-members are encouraged to attend. Election of new officers, whose terms are expiring, will also take place. To learn more, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (956) 665-2500. |
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University gets high marks
"UTPA's ranking as one of the top schools in awarding graduate degrees to Hispanics is very exciting as it is recognition for the work of the faculty to expand our graduate offerings," said Dr. Cynthia Brown, vice provost for graduate studies, academic centers and continuing education, about the University's recent rankings in The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education magazine. UTPA kept its No. 4 rank in enrolling Hispanics into graduate programs and was fifth in awarding master's and doctoral degrees in education to Hispanics.
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VistaSummit highlights importance of investing in education
During the second UT System VistaSummit on April 17, the University, the UT System and UT Brownsville teamed up to ask businesses and philanthropic groups to help fund initiatives in South Texas that will allow more students to attend and graduate from college. "We have one purpose and one purpose only: to graduate as many students as we can, as quickly as we can with the best education we can give them," UTPA President Robert S. Nelsen said during the summit.
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Get your Bronc Ring today
If you haven't heard yet, Bronc Country has a new tradition and we want you to be a part of it. This spring, the University unveiled its new Bronc Ring, a special memento that will serve as a reminder of your time as a UTPA Bronc and a lasting bond between you and your alma mater. The ring is reserved exclusively for alumni and students who have achieved a minimum of 60 credit hours. Find out how you can wear your Bronc pride everywhere you go.
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COBA maintains prestigious accreditation
Congratulations to the College of Business Administration for retaining its distinguished accreditation from the AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Only 643 schools of business, or less than five percent worldwide, have earned this distinguished hallmark of excellence in management education. COBA has been accredited by the AACSB since 1979.
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Alumni chapters gather for first time
UTPA alumni chapters from across the state gathered together for the first time on Feb. 18 to catch up with fellow Broncs and discuss how they can work together to increase alumni participation for the University. More than two dozen chapter representatives from San Antonio, Houston, Austin and the Rio Grande Valley attended a special Homecoming breakfast at the Alumni Center. In attendance was UTPA President Dr. Robert S. Nelsen, Associate Vice President for University Marketing and Communications Dr. Kimberly Selber and Associate Vice President for University Advancement Lydia Aleman, who talked to the group about how important their involvement is to helping move UTPA forward. "This was an excellent networking experience and I hope this becomes an annual event. It really afforded me the opportunity to tour the beautiful Alumni Center and I had a wonderful time," said Sylvia Zamora (BS '74), San Antonio chapter president. To find out how you can be a part of the Alumni Association or take an active role in planning activities for Homecoming 2013, call (956) 665-2500.
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Houston chapter gets down to business
The UTPA Houston Alumni Chapter welcomed College of Business Administration Dean Dr. Teófilo Ozuna to the Bayou City for a mixer on March 22. The event, held at the Post Oak Grill Restaurant attracted the biggest crowd of UTPA alumni living in the Houston area. Those in attendance heard from Ozuna, who talked about the college's accomplishments and the need for alumni to mentor new graduates. He asked alumni to stay connected to their University and college, and to become guiding forces for future business leaders. |
New memories made at 50+ reunion
"Some of my favorite moments were just about every day I came and saw my friends here," said Ramon Estevis (BA '60), who attended the Homecoming 2012 50+ Reunion Luncheon on Feb. 18. Nearly 100 alumni and their loved ones attended the luncheon where 20 alumni from the Class of 1962 and earlier were inducted into the University's 50+ Club. Read More
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Successful Broncs honored at Alumni Ball
Five notable UTPA alumni who have made Bronc Coutnry very proud were honored Feb. 17 during the Alumni Ball. The event, which was part of the 2012 Homecoming Weekend festivities, celebrated Macaria de la Garza Gorena (AA '39, M.Ed. '77), Ruben A. Perez (BBA '77), Alonzo R. Peña (BS '78), Jesus Ramirez (BA '80), and Elcira Bermudez (BSMF '04). Read More
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Alumni hoop it up for athletics scholarships
Several alumni, UTPA and City of Edinburg administrators showed off their basketball skills against the Texas Legends Cowboys Stars for a good cause on April 28. The UTPA All-Stars were defeated 75-57 by the Cowboys all-star team made up of current and former Dallas players. Proceeds made from the event went toward athletics scholarships. Read More |
Planning for the future
"I want the world to know that I came from here and that I made a difference," said Alicia Torres (BBA '83) about the planned gift, endowed scholarships, she set up to help students achieve their higher education goals. Torres was among nine new members inducted on Feb. 3 into UT Pan American's Heritage Society, which was created by UTPA and the UTPA Foundation to honor individuals who have shared with the University their intent to provide future gifts for UTPA through their estate and financial plans. Read More |
Used book sale raises scholarship funds

Book lovers browsed through hundreds of titles during the Fourth Annual UTPA Alumni Association Used Book Sale on March 24. Held at the Alumni Center, the one-day event helped raise money for book scholarships for students, which will be awarded later this year through the UTPA Alumni Relations Office. "We've been very fortunate to get a lot of support and help from alumni and the community. Their help is very important in raising funds for scholarships," said Arnoldo Mata (BA '81), Alumni Association board member and chair of the sale. To learn more about the used book sale or to donate books, contact the Alumni Association at (956) 665-2500.
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May 11, 7 p.m.
Broncs Baseball vs. Northern Colorado at Edinburg Baseball Stadium
May 12, 1 p.m. & 4 p.m.
Broncs Baseball vs. Northern Colorado at Edinburg Baseball Stadium
May 12, 9 a.m., 1 p.m., 5 p.m.
Commencement Exercises at McAllen Convention Center
May 13, 12 p.m.
Broncs Baseball vs. Northern Colorado at Edinburg Baseball Stadium
May 14-25, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Early Voting Site at Student Union Commons
May 15, 6 p.m.
Annual Meeting of General Membership at Alumni Center
May 17, 7 p.m.
Broncs Baseball vs. Houston Baptist at Edinburg Baseball Stadium
May 18, 1 p.m. & 4 p.m.
Broncs Baseball vs. Houston Baptist at Edinburg Baseball Stadium
May 19, 12 p.m.
Broncs Baseball vs. Houston Baptist at Edinburg Baseball Stadium
June 4-15
Summer Youth Camp (Ages 6-11) at Wellness Recreational & Sports Complex
June 7-8, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Bronc Volleyball Camp: Volleykids (Grades 2nd-6th) at Fieldhouse
June 18-29
Summer Youth Camp (Ages 6-11) at Wellness Recreational & Sports Complex
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| Broncs We'll Miss
Maria "Cris" Garza (BA '69) ended her courageous journey against cancer on Feb. 18, 2012. She was very involved with the UTPA Houston Alumni Chapter and will be dearly missed. In Janurary, she was honored by the Association for the Advancement of Mexican Americans with the renaming of the AAMA Multipurpose Education Center in Houston to the Maria Cristina Garza Student Center. |
| Honors & Awards:
Javier Palomarez (BBA '86), United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, has been selected as one of Washington Business Journal's 2012 Minority Business Leaders of the Year.
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José Rodríguez (BA '71), state senator for District 29; Dr. Dana Gonzalez (BS '98), an obstetrician and gynecologist based out of Victoria; and Dr. Daniel King (BS '76, M.Ed. '77), PSJA Independent School District Superintendent, were selected to serve as commencement speakers for the UTPA Spring 2012 Commencement ceremonies on May 12 at the McAllen Convention Center. They are expected to address more than 1,600 prospective graduates. |
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State Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa (BA '70) was recently named the State Alliance Champion by the Boys & Girls Club of America. Hinojosa said as a child he was involved with the Boys & Girls Club and as an adult he coached his son on baseball and basketball teams. In his political position, he continues to support the Boys & Girls Club by obtaining necessary funding for the organization in his district and around the state. Hinojosa will be presented with the national award in June. |
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Janie Caballero (BBA '06, MBA '10), a senior business adviser at the UTPA Small Business Development Center, was recently honored as the 2012 "State Star" winner by the Association of Small Business Development Centers. She will represent Texas and be recognized at ASBDC's national conference in New Orleans in September.
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| Great Job:
Jameson Strachan (BBA '11), a UTPA track & field record holder in the outdoor 400-meter dash, was selected by the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations to represent the Bahamas in the 14th IAAF World Indoor Championships in March at the Atakoy Athletics Arena in Istanbul, Turkey. Jameson, who began his professional indoor track and field career this season, participated in a 4x400 meters relay squad in the final event of the competition on March 11. He competed in the 4x400 at UTPA, and was part of the second and fourth fastest teams in program history, with a 3:20.29 in 2011 and a 3:24.22 in 2010.
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Daniel P. King (BS '76, M.Ed. '77), PSJA School District Superintendent, addressed a group of philanthropic organizations and businesses during the second UT System VistaSummit hosted by UTPA on April 17. King led a panel on "Transition to College Coaches," where he emphasized the importance of creating a college-going culture through the hiring of transition coaches, who will guide students on the path to college success starting at the middle school level.
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