UTEP Gets $10 Million Donation From Successful Alum

The University of Texas at El Paso is getting a multimillion-dollar gift from a former student.

UTEP President Dr. Diana Natalicio announced the university will receive $10 million from almunus Mike Loya, who earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1977 from UTEP’s College of Engineering.

Natalicio called Loya the university’s most generous benefactor for his pledge.

Loya said he considers UTEP the foundation for his success.

“Mike is a first-generation college graduate,” said Natalicio. “Mike’s father worked in a clothing manufacturing plant and instilled in his children the value of a dollar and the importance of education.”

After UTEP, Loya went on to study at Harvard University and is now the president of Vitol, Inc., which is a leader in the global energy trade industry.

“I’m glad I’m in a position to make this gift,” said Loya.

The university has already received $2 million. The money will be used toward “developing the intersection between engineering and business,” said Loya.

Among other things, that means further research opportunities and fellowship funds for students. The money will be used at the College of Engineering and the College of Business Administration.

“It serves as a major milestone for UTEP’s pathway to Tier 1 status,” said Natalicio.

Loya’s donation will help the Miners meet their fundraising goal of $200 million by 2014, which is part of their Centennial Campaign marking UTEP’s 100th anniversary.