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Building a Legacy: How ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Shaped Miguel A. Loya ’77 and His Major Impact

From first-generation student to global success, Miguel A. Loya ’77 shares the moments that shaped his journey and inspired his $30M gift. Read more here

More Than an Engineer: A Q&A with Dr. Roger Gonzalez ’86

As a proud graduate of ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, Dr. Roger V. Gonzalez ’86 found more than a degree — he found belief in his potential. As a department chair and LIMBS International founder, he’s helping engineers create global impact. Read more here

Brewing Good Fortune: ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Alum Ileana Cabada ’11 Brings Global Tea Culture to El ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½

Finance alumna Ileana Cabada, ’11, turned her global studies and data-driven career into a full circle moment in El ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½. Now owner of fubatea — a Taiwanese-inspired tea shop across from ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ — Cabada, blends culture, community and good fortune one cup at a time. Read more here

Where It All Began: The Journey of Jane Little Botkin '74 from ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ to Award-Winning Author

In honor of Women’s History Month, we celebrate ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ alum Jane Little Botkin — award-winning author, historian and former Miss El ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ 1971. From balancing campus life and pageants to launching a writing career at 65, she credits ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ for shaping her path and will release a new book on El ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½’s history in February 2027. Read more here

Breaking Barriers: Kitty Pearsall’s Legacy as a Woman Engineer and Mentor

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ alumna Kitty Pearsall ’71 reflects on a trailblazing engineering career at IBM and a lifelong commitment to mentoring women in technology. Read more here

From a Chance Meeting to Shared Future: Kim & Martin Mendivil’s Story Beginning at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½

Kim and Martin Mendivil’s love story began with a chance meeting at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ and grew through long-distance commitment and Miner pride. Today, they’re raising two sons and passing their love for ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ to the next generation. Read more here

New Culture, New Perspective: Estefania De La Torre, Class of 2026, on a Semester in Seoul

See why study abroad matters as ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ marketing major Estefania shares how her semester in South Korea shaped her education and confidence. Read more here

Miner Devotion: The Start of a Lifetime of Memories  

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Alumni Ignacio and Cecilia Lujan’s story started with a simple encounter at the ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Union. Read more here

One Class That Changed Everything: Christopher Porter’s Journey

Christopher Porter ’01 planned for football, but a ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ professor’s guidance helped redirect his path to a nationally recognized legal career. Read more here

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Alumna Crystal Saavedra’s Path to Public Service 

Crystal Saavedra’s ’14 ’21 journey has taken her from El ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ to Washington, D.C., around the world, and back. From internships and the Archer Fellowship to working under former Vice President Kamala Harris, she shares how ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ shaped her path in public service and leadership. Read more here