MinerAlert
MinerAlert
The University of Texas at El Paso celebrated the entrepreneurial drive and regional impact of its alumni at the 2026 Miner Business Impact Awards, an annual event recognizing graduates who are transforming industries, creating jobs and strengthening the Paso del Norte economy.
This year’s ceremony highlighted the influence of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s Miguel A. Loya College of Engineering, where alumni continue to turn technical expertise into ventures that address real-world challenges. From advancing infrastructure and energy solutions to leading innovation in manufacturing and technology, these Miner engineers reflect Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s mission to expand opportunity through education and discovery.
“The accomplishments of our alumni demonstrate the power of engineering to drive meaningful change,” said Kenith Meissner, Ph.D., dean of the Miguel A. Loya College of Engineering. “Our graduates are not only innovating within their fields but also creating opportunities, strengthening communities and helping position our region for long-term economic growth.”
The Miner Business Impact Awards honor alumni whose success extends beyond business growth to include community engagement, mentorship and sustained investment in the region. Many of this year’s honorees maintain strong ties to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ by supporting student success and helping shape the next generation of leaders.
A defining moment of the evening was the presentation of the Presidential Gold Bar Award, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s highest distinction for organizations or individuals whose contributions have made a transformative and lasting impact on the University and the El Paso region.
The 2026 Presidential Gold Bar Award was presented to the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, & Exploration (SME), recognizing its enduring partnership with Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ and its role in advancing engineering education. SME was recognized for its extraordinary support of the re-launch of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s mining engineering program, a critical step in addressing workforce demands and revitalizing a field central to the region’s economic foundation.
“Receiving the Presidential Gold Bar Award is a tremendous honor, and it means all the more given the context in which it is being presented,” said Mary Korpi, president of SME. “What makes the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ partnership so special is the convergence of so many things SME cares about: honoring the history of mining education in this country, expanding access to the profession and responding urgently to a real workforce crisis facing our industry."
Through scholarships, mentorship, student engagement and industry collaboration, SME has helped strengthen Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s Miguel A. Loya College of Engineering while opening pathways for students to enter high-demand fields. The organization’s investment continues to elevate Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s national standing in mining and metallurgical engineering and reinforce its role as a driver of workforce development in the region.
The event also recognized this year’s Miner Business Trailblazer Award recipients, honoring alumni who have demonstrated leadership, innovation and impact in their respective industries.
The 2026 Miner Business Impact Awards are made possible through the support of GECU, El Paso Inc., El Paso Electric, ADP and KPMG.
MIGUEL A. LOYA COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING - MINER BUSINESS TRAILBLAZER AWARD RECIPIENTS
CEA Group
Dynamic Fabrication, Inc.
Keystone GC, LLC
As Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ continues to expand its research enterprise and deepen its community partnerships, the Miner Business Impact Awards highlight the impact of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ graduates, particularly those from the Miguel A. Loya College of Engineering, who are driving economic growth and strengthening the communities they serve.