It’s 7:23am on a Wednesday and the grounds of UTPA- the University of Texas Pan American are virtually deserted. There’s a subtle strumming of chords- a student is perched atop a bench playing a guitar and singing. A few people start to materialize out from behind buildings. Slowly, seemingly with each twang of that guitar, the campus thrums to life. I smile secretively to myself and I can’t help but swell with silent pride- this is my campus, this is my college, this is UTPA.
What was once Edinburg College- founded in 1927 as a two-year community college- is now the thriving University that I attend. Between the years of its establishment and 1964, the college underwent those changes necessary to an expanding school. In order to accommodate a greater population of students, the location of the University was moved from a meager 4 acres to a vast 186 acres “a few blocks west” of the original site. The school made its transition from a junior college to a four-year university in the 1950’s.
Pan American College became Pan American University in 1964. The 70’s saw an increase in diversity. Mexican-Americans made up the majority of the student population. Finally, in 1989 after a successful merger with the University of Texas system, Pan American University became what we know today as the University of Texas Pan American. Considered one of the fastest growing Universities in the state of Texas, UTPA is comprised of an array of students and faculty that originate from all over the world. The University itself is one giant metaphorical Melting Pot.
Many people in this area, particularly local students preparing to graduate from high school, unfortunately believe that UTPA doesn’t offer the “full college experience”. Contrary to popular belief, I certainly believe that it does. Unless you’ve had the opportunity to experience life as a full-time student on this campus, you wouldn’t know otherwise.
It’s the best of both worlds. You are close to home, close to family. However, the moment you step foot on this campus you are transported into another world entirely, a world of academia in your own backyard. UTPA was recently ranked the fifth best public college in the state of Texas by Forbes magazine. The University offers your typical collegiate organizations and entertainment (sororities, fraternities, festivals and events for practically every holiday). Its award-winning Mariachi Aztlan is renowned throughout the country. A little over a month ago, that same mariachi took center stage at the White House and performed for President Barak Obama. The University’s Department of Rehabilitation was also ranked 24th in the U.S. News and World Report’s 2009 edition of America’s Best Graduate Schools.
The University also dedicates a week to its annual HESTEC (Hispanic, Engineering, Science, and Technology) Festival. “The innovative program was created eight years ago to address the critical shortage of scientists and engineers in the United States. Since its inception, HESTEC has become a national model for promoting science, technology, engineering and math careers among South Texas students who are predominantly Hispanic.” There is honestly never a dull moment on this campus!
However, what sets this university apart for me personally is that feeling of contentedness that I leave with at the end of the day. I know I’m leaving with more knowledge than I came in with that morning and I can’t help but look forward to the dawn of a new academic day.
Posted on: 11/26/10 Tag: Rio Grande Valley Colleges: R
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