ECONOMIC TURMOIL: UTEP Season Of Lights Canceled

EL PASO – It’s lights out for a 16-year old UTEP event. The Alumni Association has sponsored the Season of Lights at the university for 16 years, but citing economic difficulties, the Association has cancelled the lights for this year.

Henry Quintana, the Association president, says that due to limited funds, they are focusing the resources they do have on programs that support and promote alumni and students.

“The most important purpose of the association is to provide support for a new generation of Miners,” said Quintana. “Limited funds and tough economic times mean we have to be especially careful in setting priorities to ensure that our focus remains on today’s students” he said.

The Association plans to focus funds on scholarships, mentoring and networking opportunities that benefit students.

Quintana said that because Season of Lights is a special tradition for UTEP, the association will reevaluate the event’s financial feasibility for next year.