Natalicio details “health scare” in memo to UTEP community

UTEP president Diana Natalicio returned to work this week after collapsing last month on campus.

It happened Feb. 18 outside the Liberal Arts Building

In a memo titled “The Beat Goes On,” Natalicio said she was fortunate to be walking with UTEP Police Officer Bion Bell, who immediately called for help.

Natalicio was rushed to Providence Memorial Hospital, where she was diagnosed with having an irregular heartbeat.

“(Bell’s) quick action, the EMS’s rapid response, and the outstanding care I received at the Providence Memorial Hospital — mostly from UTEP-educated healthcare professionals — saved my life,” Natalicio wrote.

Natalicio said she received hundreds of cards, emails and gifts, all of which conveyed well wishes.

Natalicio said she was able to return to work this week, adding, “The UTEP campus has never looked quite so beautiful.”