UTEP Alumni Association

Meet 2026 Top Ten Senior Enrique Pineda Sanchez ✨ 🧡⛏️

As a philosophy and psychology double major in the College of Liberal Arts, Enrique dedicated his time at UTEP to advocacy, research and public service. He has contributed to the legal representation of more than 300 clients and conducted published research in philosophy and education, embracing every opportunity to make an impact.

This fall, he will pursue his Juris Doctor at the University of Chicago with plans to focus on criminal justice advocacy and litigation.

Learn more about Enrique and the Top Ten Seniors Program: https://alumni.utep.edu/toptenseniors

“Going after criminals is my game day now.”

Like many athletes, Ruben Munoz ’12 faced a crossroads after graduating and stepping away from football. The discipline forged in early mornings and long practices became the foundation for an impactful career in federal service. 🇺🇸

On the field, Munoz was dedicated to the game and to his team. Now, he’s dedicated to his fellow citizens.

Discipline built him. Purpose drove him. This is life after football. 🏈

🔗 Read the full story: bit.ly/MinerNationRMunoz

Meet 2026 Top Ten Senior Darek Samuel Perez ✨ 🧡⛏️

For Darek Perez, a psychology major in the College of Liberal Arts, attending UTEP opened doors to opportunities that shaped his path toward public service and social work.

Through campus involvement and leadership roles, including serving as the inaugural president of the Texas Leadership Scholars Organization, he gained valuable experience as a student leader. Through these experiences, Darek has become a passionate advocate committed to serving his community.

Learn more about Darek and the Top Ten Seniors Program: https://bit.ly/4dtAdLm

Meet 2026 Top Ten Senior Jose Gael Muñoz ✨

“Miners do not simply belong in rooms — they lead them.”

For finance student Jose Gael Muñoz, choosing UTEP meant growing academically while staying rooted in his community. On campus, he strengthened his leadership through involvement in student organizations, serving as a teaching assistant and mentoring fellow students.

These experiences shaped his belief in lifting others and the kind of impact he hopes to make throughout his future career in finance. 🧡⛏️

Learn more about Jose and the Top Ten Seniors Program: https://bit.ly/4dtAdLm

Meet 2026 Top Ten Senior Andrea Nuñez ✨

For Andrea Nuñez, her time at UTEP has been shaped by leadership, service and a passion for education. As a bilingual education major and first-generation student, she pursued opportunities that allowed her to support fellow students, serve the El Paso community and advocate for students across Texas.

Her experiences at UTEP helped strengthen her commitment to educational leadership and community impact. 🧡⛏️

Learn more about Andrea and the Top Ten Seniors Program: https://alumni.utep.edu/toptenseniors

Jorge Flores ’15, is serving up more than just burritos at Burritos Frontera—he's building a space rooted in community, flavor and celebration.

From coffee and beer pop-ups to game-day watch parties, every event tells a story of family, resilience, and love for food. 🌯🧡

Read his story here: https://bit.ly/3RmNs9n

Meet 2026 Top Ten Senior Gabriela Macias ✨

For Gabriela, her time at UTEP has been defined by academic excellence, leadership and service that have shaped her growth and prepared her for a future in public service. As a forensic biology major, Terry Scholar and Bill Archer Fellow, she pursued experiences that strengthened her commitment to leadership and law enforcement.

Her involvement as a legislative intern in Washington, D.C., along with campus leadership roles and service initiatives, helped her build skills rooted in purpose, service and UTEP pride. 🧡⛏️

Learn more about Gabriela and the Top Ten Seniors Program: https://alumni.utep.edu/toptenseniors