UTEP's Notable Alumni: A Legacy of Success

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) has a rich history of producing accomplished graduates who have made significant contributions in various fields. This article highlights some of the university's most famous and notable alumni, showcasing their diverse achievements and the impact they have had on the world. The true measure of a university's greatness can be found in the achievements of its alumni. Many UTEP graduates have accomplished notable success in their professional service to UTEP or their community.

Distinguished Alumni

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor given to UTEP alumni. It is a tradition that began in 1950.

Oscar Venegas (2024)
Hilda Galvan (2023)
William Franklin “Willie” Quinn (2022)
R. Noel Longuemare (2020-21)
Miguel A. Loya, Jr. (2010)
Jaime Oaxaca (1992)
MG (Ret) James P. Malony (1983)
Hector Holguin, Jr. (1982)
David O. Leeser (1969)
Eugene M. Thomas (1964)
Joseph F. Friedkin (1962)
Salvador F. Trevino (1961)
Fred W. Bailey (1960)
Col. Hugh D. McGaw (1959)
Lloyd A. Nelson (1956)
Berte R. Haigh (1955)
Sheldon P. Wimpfen (1954)
John K. Hardy (1953)
Thomas Clements (1952)

Gold Nugget Award Recipients

Every year, UTEP’s eight colleges and schools select exceptional alumni to be recognized with the Gold Nugget Award.

Roberto Coronado ('00, '02) (2019)
Miguel Fernandez Stevenson Jr. ('98) (2019)
Rodrigo Fernandez ('01) (2019)
Andrea C. (2019)
Eric J.C. Chan ('78) (2016)
Catalina E. García, M.D. ('61) (2016)
Mario T. (2016)
Blanca Enriquez ('79, '85) (2015)
Gaspar Enriquez ('70) (2015)
Renard U. (2015)
Sally A. Hurt Deitch ('90, '94) (2013)
Kathy Patrick ('82) (2013)
Gary Wagner ('73) (2013)
Robert V. (2013)
Dennis C.K. (2012)
Victor Arias, Jr. ('78) (2009)
Willarda V. Edwards, M.D. ('72) (2009)
Victor M. Mendez ('80) (2009)
Vernon G. (2009)
J. (2008)
Harriet Bennett May ('71) (2007)
Robert W. O'Rear ('64) (2007)
John F. (2007)
Dr. John D. Olivas ('89) (2006)
Reese M. (2006)
Steffen E. Palko ('71) (2005)
Danny L. (2005)
Lieutenant General (Ret.) Stanley E. Green ('77) (2003)
Robert A. (2003)
The Honorable David Briones ('69) (2002)
The Honorable Philip R. Martinez* ('79) (2002)
Gerald J. Rubin ('65) (2002)
Stanlee N. Rosenberg Rubin ('65) (2002)
Russell A. (2001)
Larry K. (2001)
William L. (2000)
Dr. John D. (1999)
Dr. (1998)
Richard E. (1996)
Hughes S. (1993)
C. (1991)
Richard W. (1990)
Robert C. (1988)
Dr. Daniel W. (1987)
Ellis O. (1986)
Maury P. (1985)
Major General James P. (1983)
Paul H. (1981)
The Honorable Donald S. (1980)
Dr. Vernie A. (1978)
George B. (1977)
Sam A. (1976)
A. (1975)
Dr. (1974)
The Honorable Wallace E. (1973)
Dr. Gordon L. (1971)
Dr. Raymond A. (1970)
Rodolfo F. (1969)
David O. (1968)
Thaddeus A. (1967)
B. (1966)
E. (1965)
H. (1964)
Eugene M. (1963)
Dr. Robert M. (1962)
The Honorable Joseph F. (1961)
Ing. Salvador F. (1960)
Fred W. (1959)
Colonel Hugh D. (1958)
The Honorable Charles A. (1956)
Dr. Lloyd A. (1955)
Berte R. (1954)
Sheldon P. (1953)
John K. (1952)
Dr. (1950)
Brigadier General (Ret.) Samuel L. A.
J. Steve DeGroat ('72) (2020-21)
Joe M. Gomez ('70) (2020-21)
Buzz Graves ('77) (2020-21)

2025 Gold Nugget Award Recipients

EL PASO, Texas - The University of Texas at El Paso has selected two Distinguished Alumni and eight Gold Nugget Award recipients who will be recognized during the University’s Homecoming celebration. The Distinguished Alumni and Gold Nuggets exemplify the values of UTEP and reinforce the influence UTEP graduates have on the professional world.

James B. Cearley III B.S. James B. Cearley III had a successful career pursuing economically viable oil and gas projects until his retirement from Chevron in 2013 after 35 years in the industry. During his career, Cearley managed teams of geoscientists and engineers, leading successful exploration programs including assignments as Manager of Chevron’s Geologic research and Deepwater Facilities and Drilling. Cearley was honored previously as the 2015 UTEP Gold Nugget for the College of Science. His fascination with the Franklin Mountains since childhood led him to pursue his passion at UTEP, earning his degree in 1978. Cearley credits UTEP’s geological field experiences with helping him land a job quickly at Gulf Oil upon graduation. Before retiring, Cearley joined the College of Science’s Advisory Board and has served as its Chairman.
Woody L. Paul Dipp BBA in Management, 1977. Woody L. Paul Dipp is a commercial real estate specialist and prominent business leader. His career spans more than five decades, with a focus on real estate and food industries. While attending UTEP, Dipp combined his academic studies with hands-on experience gained through his family business. As co-founding partner of Plaza Properties, Dipp played an integral role in preserving the Plaza Hotel and Plaza Theatre. He currently serves as President of Economy Wholesale Grocers. He has been recognized for his leadership and success over the years with honors like the 2025 Miner Business Impact Award and UTEP’s 2019 Gold Nugget Award. Dipp is a dedicated mentor and advocate for education, actively supporting UTEP students through employment and internships in business and civic organizations.
Ruben Chavez B.S. Ruben Chavez is a driving force in shaping El Paso’s landscape through engineering that improves quality of life. Working with research faculty as a student inspired Chavez to establish his own engineering firm, founding CEA Engineering Group in 2002. Through his experience and dedication, CEA became one of the largest engineering firms in the region, providing significant support for major infrastructure projects. Chavez collaborates with UTEP frequently through outreach activities, design competitions and creating the CEA Academy, which hires students for rotational programs.
John W. Corcoran B.S. John W. Corcoran began his journey at UTEP through a basketball scholarship in 1959, where he realized the importance of an education while struggling with illiteracy. He began his career as a high school teacher and coach, later becoming a real estate investor and developer. Over time, Corcoran’s passion for literacy advocacy became his main purpose. Corcoran serves as the Founder and President of the John Corcoran Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing and eradicating illiteracy in adults and children across America. Through his efforts, he was appointed to the National Institute for Literacy by President George H.W. Bush, served under President Bush and President Clinton, and testified before Congress on early childhood education.
Brandy L. Maddox B.S. Brandy L. Maddox is a scientist focused on protecting public health. Maddox began her career at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a public health prevention specialist. With over 18 years of experience in the federal government, Maddox rose to become the Lead Health Scientist in the CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health, leading a team in the Global Tobacco Control Branch. Her research, evaluation and management expertise have influenced initiatives in sexually transmitted disease control and tuberculosis prevention and support the CDC’s public health preparedness and emergency response efforts.
Bernardino “Berna” Olague B.S. in Civil Engineering, 1991; M.S. Bernardino “Berna” Olague is an engineer with over 30 years of experience in the public and private sectors in both the United States and Mexico. After graduating from UTEP in 1991, Olague worked in numerous geotechnical engineering capacities for various infrastructure, petrochemical, institutional and water resources projects, gaining recognition and ultimately earning the 1998 Young Engineer of the Year and 2023 Engineer of the Year from the Texas Society of Professional Engineers. In 2009, he co-started the engineering practice, AT Analytica, and in 2012, acquired and expanded LOI Engineers, where he now serves as President and Chief Executive Officer.
Joe H. Smith B.S. Joe H. Smith is a computer scientist who has completed trailblazing work in seismic data processing. Smith begun his career implementing data processing techniques on his first computer at a time when computers were a new concept. His knowledge of geophysics and mathematics gave him an advantage with the technology, and he eventually became the first instructor in Trinity University’s computer science department.
Wayne Thornton B.A. Wayne Thornton is a broadcasting personality, marketer and visionary here in the city of El Paso. As a college sophomore, Thornton co-founded the UTEP Women’s Basketball Program in 1973, becoming the head coach in 1977. After his coaching career, Thornton worked in the City of El Paso Parks and Recreation Department, the Lincoln Center and eventually shifted to City Hall as the Public Relations and Marketing Director, serving a total of six decades before retiring in 2020. Thornton spearheaded the first television show by a city department on Time Warner Cable in 1992 and the first podcast by any city department in 2007. Over the years he hosted a weekly radio show with KISS-FM and 92.3 The Fox while also writing a weekly column for the El Paso Times newspaper for 19 years.
Mimi E. Veloso Mimi E. Veloso is an anesthetist and Army veteran who defines resilience and service to communities in need. Army Nurse Corps while pursuing her degree. She was stationed in Hawaii, where she served in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. After that stint, Veloso became a staff nurse anesthetist and moved across the globe following deployment orders and needs of the military through Asia, Europe and the Middle East. In 2010, Veloso retired from active duty and served as a civilian Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist before returning to El Paso in 2014. Since then, she has gone on various medical missions to underserved communities. Veloso established UTEP’s Freddie Caldwell DNP Scholarship, which assists aspiring nursing doctoral students in their journey through the program.
Miriam Baca Kotkowski Miriam Baca Kotkowski is a respected leader in transportation and logistics who was the first woman in her immediate family to earn a college degree in 1984. purchasing office for a well-regarded company in Mexico. and Mexico.

Notable Alumni in Various Fields

UTEP has produced successful alumni in diverse fields, including arts, entertainment, sports, politics, and business.

Arts and Entertainment

F. Murray Abraham: An acclaimed actor known for his roles on stage and screen, he won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Antonio Salieri in the film Amadeus (1984).
Alana de la Garza: An actress known for her roles in the Law & Order franchise, CSI: Miami, and Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders. She currently stars as SAC Isobel Castille on FBI.
Susan Blakely: An actress best known for her role in the miniseries Rich Man, Poor Man, for which she received a Golden Globe Award and an Emmy nomination.
Ana Alicia: An actress known for her role as Melissa Agretti on the television series Falcon Crest.
Ara Celi: An actress active in American film and television.

Sports

Tim Hardaway: A former professional basketball player who played in the NBA for several teams, including the Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat. He was a five-time NBA All-Star and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2022.
Blackjack Mulligan: A professional wrestler and American football player.
Bob Beamon: A former track and field athlete best known for his world record in the long jump at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.
Aaron Jones: A professional football running back for the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL.
Nate "Tiny" Archibald: A retired professional basketball player who played in the NBA for 14 years and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991.
Bobby Joe Hill: The leading scorer of the 1965-66 Texas Western College team that won the 1966 NCAA basketball championship.
Antonio Davis: A former professional basketball player who played in the NBA for several teams, including the Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors.
Nolan Richardson: A former basketball head coach best known for his tenure at the University of Arkansas, where he won the 1994 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
Obadele Thompson: A Barbados-born former sprinter who won Barbados's first and only Olympic medal as an independent country.
Gerina Piller: An American professional golfer currently playing on the LPGA Tour.
Don Maynard: An American professional football player who was a wide receiver for the New York Jets in the American Football League (AFL) and the National Football League (NFL).
Dave Lattin: The starting center for the Texas Western Miners in their NCAA championship year in 1966.
Blessing Okagbare: A former Nigerian track and field athlete who specialized in long jump and sprints.
Tobi Amusan: A Nigerian track and field athlete who specialises in the 100 metres hurdles and also competes as a sprinter.
Chuck Hughes: NFL receiver; died after suffering heart attack during 1971 game while playing for the Detroit Lions vs.

Politics and Public Service

Susana Martinez: An American politician and attorney who served as the 31st governor of New Mexico from 2011 to 2019. She was the first female Governor of New Mexico, and the first Hispanic female governor in the United States.
Veronica Escobar: A U.S. Representative for Texas's 16th congressional district, based in El Paso, since 2019.
Shoshana Johnson: A Panamanian-born former United States soldier, and the first black female prisoner of war in the military history of the United States.

Business

Eric Hilton: An American heir, hotelier, and philanthropist.
Angelica Fuentes: A Mexican business executive and was the majority shareholder of Grupo Omnilife-Angelissima-Chivas.

Other Notable Figures

Ed Hochuli: An American retired attorney and former American football official in the National Football League (NFL).
Sam Donaldson: A retired television reporter and news anchor who broadcast with ABC News from 1967 to 2009.
Ginger Kerrick: A physicist and first Hispanic female NASA Flight Director at NASA's Lyndon B. John D.
Benjamin Alire Sáenz: An American poet, novelist, and writer of children's books.

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