As the weather gets colder, campus spirit warms the hearts of students. Homecoming week has brought events that gave students and alumni the opportunity to show their UTEP pride.
Celebrations were in full effect this year, to revamp the campus spirit once again. When COVID diminished the excitement for Homecoming activities during the 2020-2021 year, several students felt a lack of homecoming spirit when returning to campus. So, with the 2023 homecoming year, the Miner spirit was back and better than before.
Miner Dash kicked off homecoming week Oct. 29. As the week continued, more events followed, leading to the homecoming game Nov. 4. One special event this year was Pay Dirt Pete’s Birthday Celebration Nov. 2, which was exclusive to this year’s homecoming.
Miners were able to sing happy birthday to the beloved mascot and enjoy cupcakes to participate in the celebration. Since each homecoming celebration is different, it leaves students anticipating the excitement every year. This year’s homecoming celebrations included approximately 40 events, the biggest in UTEP’s history.
Assistant vice president for the alumni community and campus engagement, Liliana Barrios mentions how the homecoming committee begins planning events in the early summer to achieve their goal of exceeding previous homecomings. With inclusion of each college in the homecoming committee, events are meant to pique interest for a variety of students.
“It is packed with events that are both geared towards alumni, [and] put together by colleges as well as student activities,” Barrios said. “We have a little piece for everybody, there is an event or activity that is being tailored to everybody’s taste.”
Tailgates, mixers and glow games were featured in this year’s celebration. The intention was to highlight alumni, but students were invited to the celebration as well.
UTEP freshman Carla Sariñana, who is part of the homecoming committee, mentioned how coming out can spread the word to students who may not have known about them.
“I feel the most promoted of it was Pete’s Birthday, I feel like we had a really good turn out here,” Sariñana said. “At the same time, we need to make sure that as students we’re enforcing, trying to bring everyone onto campus. Even if they can’t come, it is important to spread the message.”
Failure to tell friends about events can sometimes create a lack of Miner spirit. UTEP student, Darek Perez, who was part of the homecoming committee mentions how students have the responsibility of promoting these events.
“It’s students’ jobs to also influence other students to go to events like these,” Perez said. “Because although there is a good turnout, there isn’t a huge amount of Miner Spirit.”
Sometimes students are left unaware of homecoming events, causing them to miss the opportunity to create new fun experiences with friends.
“If you have not been exposed to this tradition before, this year is the right time to start,” Barrios said. “We have students from all different backgrounds and sometimes traditions like this are not recognized in other places, but it is upon us to spread that culture of alumni, [and] culture of homecoming as a tradition.”
Homecoming celebration ended Nov. 4, with the annual homecoming pep-rally game. From the Miner Dash, to Raspaditos sold by the Education Building, students were able to indulge in these events. If the opportunity to celebrate this year was missed, the 2024 homecoming is anticipated to be bigger and better.
Sofia Sierra is a staff reporter and may be reached at [email protected]
