Page 13 - The University of Texas at El Paso Miner Guide 2024-2025

MINING MINDS SCULPTURE
Mining Minds is a 25-foot-tall pickaxe head
partly buried in a rock garden within the campus roundabout at University Avenue and Sun Bowl Drive. A unique binary code (a pattern of ones and zeroes) is sculpted into the top and bottom thirds of the pick to signify the language of modern technology. The binary code is based on an inspira- tional quote from University President, Dr. Diana Natalicio’s 2008 Convocation speech: “Believe in yourself and in your dreams. Believe in UTEP and its aspirations. Share the dream!” By day, sunlight will shine through the perforated numbers. By nights, LED lights will illuminate the pick’s ends. The iconic artwork is visible to the thousands of travelers who pass the university along I-10.
TCM DAY
When the El Paso Junior College merged with the College of Mines, there was a dramatic increase in
enrollment, creating rivalry amongst the student body. Students majoring in mining or engineering were called “engineers” while students majoring in arts or education were called “academes” or “peedoggies.” The distinction continues today during the oldest continuous student tradition called TCM Day. TCM Day is celebrated in obser- vance of St. Patrick’s Day and was first reported in the March 1920 edition of The Prospector. The unique tradition was to initiate engineers and geologists into the Order of St. Patrick, the patron saint of engineers. Current ceremonies include team-building activities throughout the day that challenge and engage all students, faculty, and staff from around the campus.
HOMECOMING
Each fall, alumni return to the campus to reminisce about their days as students at the Texas College of Mines, Texas Western College,
MINER GUIDE 2024 - 2025 • THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO
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