Mr. Ray Tullius, Director of the Opportunity Center for the Homeless has been a tireless advocate for individuals who are homeless for many years and most recently a key partner in the education of our College of Health Sciences graduate students. Ray Tullius and the Opportunity Center for the Homeless were nominated by Dr. Eva Moya for launching a non-traditional teaching paradigm, in partnership with the College of Health Sciences Department of Social Work, to advance social work education about issues of homelessness, developing an innovative model supporting excellence in teaching, research and service learning.

The Opportunity Center for the Homeless opened their doors to create a community of learning for UTEP Social Work students and by increasing number of social work interns at the Center, launching of the first community-based participatory research project "Voices and Images of Homelessness in the US-Mexico Border Region" with center residents and graduate students that experienced homelessness. Additionally they partnered with the department and students in hosting a very successful three-part series of conferences on homelessness at UTEP, securing commitments from policy and decision makers in support of the Call to Action to address homelessness in our community.

This community-engaged educational model will help us to develop new leaders, researchers and practitioners to work with some of the most vulnerable populations in our society.

 

Faculty and students in the Department of Public Health Sciences are recognized for their service on UTEP campus and El Paso community. Students for Public Health (SPH) received the award for "Best Student Organization in the College of Health Sciences" during the UTEP Student Leadership Awards dinner on April 25, 2015. Dr. Oralia Loza (faculty advisor) and SPH Officers and Master of Public Health (MPH) students Juan Jose Ramirez Burciaga (Secretary), Juan Aguilera (President), Carlos Alvarez (Vice-President) (from left to right) attended the dinner to receive the award along families and friends of students being recognized for their service and academic success at UTEP.

During the 6th Annual Rainbow Graduation Reception on May 3rd, 2015, Dr. Oralia Loza and MPH student Carlos Alvarez, who successfully defended his thesis project the day before, were recognized for their work and support of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI) community with the "Faculty Straight Ally Award" and "Graduate Research Award". This reception celebrates the students in the LGBTQI community and allies who are graduating from UTEP.

On April 11, 2015, the Student Rehabilitation Counseling Association (SRCA) at UTEP, sponsored a "Flapjack" fundraising event at Applebee's 1766 Airway Blvd. SRCA held this event to honor the caregivers of I individuals with intellectual and developmental (I/DD) and severe physical disabilities. "Family Heroes" give of themselves every day to support, encourage, love, and provide hope to those who experience disability. SRCA raised over $1,500 and provided over 40 flapjack plates to The Opportunity Center for the Homeless thanks to the generous support from faculty, students, family and friends. The $10 ticket included two pancakes, sausage, and a beverage. Applebee's provided a manager and a cook, while SRCA provided 10 volunteers, including SRCA members and UTEP faculty, to assist with greeting, seating, preparing, and serving guests during the event. Applebee's sponsors such events to build neighborhood and guest loyalty while raising money for local causes. SRCA gives thanks to Applebee's for the opportunity as well as to everyone who supported this event.

Dr. Christine Chen presented her research in the Victoria University-UTEP Health Research Symposium on May 6, 2015. Dr. Chen was one of the two speakers in this symposium. The title of her presentation was: The Development of a Hand Function Measure, a research project spanning over 10 years. She stated that there lacks a task-based outcome measure in the field of medical rehabilitation for the function of hand and upper extremity. She explained the WHO-ICF model of health and functioning, a framework upon which her outcome measure "Manual Ability Measure" was based. She emphasized the importance and relevance of client-centeredness to rehabilitation. The Manual Ability Measure offers additional information (i.e., patient perspectives about their own ability) to clinicians who use common objective assessments which provide only clinical data such as strength, sensation, or range of motion which explain deficits but not actual "abilities". Dr. Goodman's topic was: Yes-Associated Protein (YAP) Expression and Increased Mechanical Loading in Skeletal Muscles. The symposium used a video-conference format so that both VU and UTEP researchers could view the presentations and ask questions. The symposium adjourned at 5 pm (9 am Melbourne time).

As president of the Future Clinical Laboratory Scientists of 2015, Kevin Telles has volunteered countless hours in the community coordinating free health screenings with Sierra Providence Health Network. His experience in UTEP's Clinical Laboratory Science Program has helped Kevin develop the leadership skills he needs to succeed in all his future professional endeavors. Among his academic achievements, Kevin has been recognized as a 21st Century Scholar at UTEP and by Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. Kevin looks forward to serving the community as a medical laboratory scientist and continuing his education to become a hematopathologist. Good luck, Kevin.

Being diagnosed with leukemia hasn't stopped Sandra Andrea Salinas from reaching her full potential at UTEP and graduating magna cum laude from the University's Clinical Laboratory Science Program. Sandra took full advantage of the research opportunities, academic and professional programs and student engagement activities at UTEP to become a leader on campus. She is actively involved in several UTEP organizations, including the Medical Professions Institute, Collegiate Double T Honor Society, HOSA Collegiate division, and the National Society for Collegiate Scholars. She is also a research fellow in UTEP's Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement program.  Upon graduation, she will attend Baylor College of Medicine where she will pursue a doctorate degree in molecular medicine and translational science. Congratulations, Sandra.

Five students from the Department of Social were recognized this year for their outstanding academic, research, student organizational work and work in the community.

Viridiana Sigala was selected to be the Graduate Student Marshal for the College of Health Sciences and will graduate with her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. She was accepted into UTEP's selective Advanced Standing MSW program where she completed her master's degree in one academic year, which required that she take a rigorous course load, including an intense field practicum. She was selected for a Bilingual Mental Health scholarship from the Hogg Foundation in which she engaged in a focused line of study on mental health among Hispanics. She was also selected for a prestigious and very competitive fellowship with the Council on Social Work Education. Ms. Sigala was also  very involved leader in the social work student organization and the President of Phi Alpha.

Areli Guajardo was awarded the MSW Outstanding Student Award and will graduate with her Master of Social Work degree. She earned and maintained the highest GPA among her classmates while she juggled work, field placements, community work and was actively engaged in the social work organization. Ms. Guajardo was selected as a fellow in the Minority Fellowship Program Youth Master's from the Council on Social Work Education. She was also a recipient of the Hogg Foundation scholarship for Mental Health and the Borderland Child and Adolescent Behavioral Initiative. For the past two summers, she also participated in the Minority Health International Research Training Institute in Costa Rica. After graduating, she plans on pursuing her professional licensing credentials and work as a clinical social worker.

Sara Polk was awarded the MSW Outstanding Student Achievement Award, which is awarded to students based on both their outstanding academic and achievement as a MSW student. She was the first graduate student in the College of Health Sciences to be selected as an Archer Fellow that took her to Washington D.C. to work in Congressman Beto O'Rourke's office. She was also a recipient of the Hogg Foundation scholarship on Borderland Child and Adolescent Behavioral Initiative. Ms. Polk also received the MSW Student of the Year Award by the National Association of Social Workers Rio Grande chapter. She was also the MSW Student Association President and involved in the Shadows of Light program that helps people who are transitioning out of the prison system.

Robert J. Fernandez was awarded the Men and Women's Mines award and the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Outstanding Student Achievement Award. His academic excellence and active involvement in the Social Work Student Association, Homecoming and Minerpalooza were at the center of him receiving these awards. Mr. Fernandez will be continuing his education by pursuing a Masters degree at UTEP.

Kristie Apodaca was awarded the BSW Outstanding Student Award for her academic excellence. She was actively involved in community service learning projects, and volunteered with the Girl Scouts of the Dessert Southwest and Sunridge at Cambia Assisted Living Home. She also completed approximately 500 hours as an intern at Region 10 Department of Family Protective Services. Ms. Apodaca also received the BSW Student of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers Rio Grande Chapter and will pursue her Master's Degree in Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Graduating seniors with a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion with a minor in Community Health presented their final projects on May 1st at The University of Texas at El Paso, College of Health Sciences and School of Nursing. Students completing this degree are required to complete a supervised professional experience consisting of a minimum of 320 hours at a community based organization. This experience allows senior students to be exposed to the professional field of health promotion and put in practice the knowledge acquired in the classroom. During the Spring semester graduating seniors Evelyn Garcia, Aileen Soto, Georgina Macias and Manuel Vaquera worked under the supervision of Practicum Coordinator Terri Anchondo, MPH and doctoral student in the UTEP Interdisciplinary Health Sciences PhD Program. Evelyn Garcia completed her practicum experience under the supervision of Ms. Eileen Aguilar - UTEP Wellness Program Manager and worked on the project entitled: "Pick Wellness Healthy Vending." Aileen Soto conducted her practicum experience at the YMCA of El Paso working under the supervision of Dr. Holly Mata in the Shift Positive Initiative. Aileen was involved in the project entitled "An Environmental Scan of Billboard Alcohol Advertising in El Paso Texas: Findings and Recommendations." Georgina Macias's placement was at the City of El Paso Department of Public Health in where she worked under the supervision of Ms. Irene Ovalle. Georgina's project versed around "HIV Community Mobilization." Manuel Vaquera worked under the supervision of Joy Leos at the City of El Paso Department of Public Health in the project "The Impact of Sugar Sweetened Beverages: An Overview of Its Effects on Health and Perceptions among El Paso Residents."

The Department of Public Health Sciences is proud to announce the graduation of 19 students. On May 16, 2015 at the UTEP Spring Commencement Ceremony 15 students were awarded their Bachelor of Science degree in Health Promotion and 4 graduate students received their Master of Public Health (MPH) degree. Health Promotion graduates are prepared to address population health issues through innovative interventions. They are qualified to provide the information and skills necessary to help individuals and communities to make informed decisions about lifestyle and personal health behaviors; which can play an important role in preventing and controlling non-communicable and communicable diseases . Besides their basic training in public health, Master of Public Health graduates also gain experience in border and health disparities research. Health Promotion and Master of Public Health graduates are transforming communities as they become advocates and leaders in the public health arena.

Graduating with their BS in Health Promotion are: Luis A. Aguilar, Amanda A. Ahumada, Alexandra Alba, Melissa Castillo, Grace O. Chimekwene, Evelyn Garcia, Marie A. LeBlond, Georgina L. Macias, Naomi Rodriguez, Alejandra L. Sierra, Aileen M. Soto, Ginalen S. Soto, Esther Valenzuela, Manuel Vaquera and Misty A. Villegas. MPH graduates are Carlos R. Alvarez, Michelle del Rio, Eric Martinez and Oliver Servin. Congratulations to all of our graduates. We are very proud of you!

Rain Arredondo began the Master of Rehabilitation Counseling (MRC) program at UTEP in Fall 2013. Rain received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at El Paso in 2012. Not only does Rain graduate with honors this Summer 2015 with her Masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, but she has already begun her career having accepted and started a position as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) at the West Field Office in Houston, Texas.

DARS, administers programs that ensure Texans with disabilities, and children who have developmental delays, enjoy the same opportunities as other Texans to live independent and productive lives. There are four divisions within DARS, the Division for Rehabilitation Services, Division for Blind Services, Early Childhood Intervention Services, and Disability Determination Services. Rain works in the Division for Rehabilitation Services. As a counselor, she works actively in collaboration with consumers to achieve their employment goal that reflects their individual interests, abilities, capabilities, strengths, and concerns. She is thankful for her professors and her education at UTEP, as the MRC program prepared her not only to perform her job well, but excel as a professional and in her career. The MRC program provided Rain with hands on experience in the Rehabilitation Sciences Clinical Teaching Laboratory contracted through DARS, as well as adequately trained her to empower people with disabilities to reach their full potential and engage in competitive employment.

The MRC faculty is incredibly proud of Rain and her huge accomplishments. UTEP graduates like Rain are the future of the health sciences. With such strong, dedicated, and compassionate new professionals entering into the field, the future is sure to be bright.

 

On Friday, May 15, 2015, the UTEP/UT Austin Cooperative Pharmacy Awards Ceremony honored the graduates of the Class of 2015. The evening marked a milestone in the academic careers of the students, but it also honored a milestone for the program itself. This year we celebrate the program reaching over 130 graduates. Dr. Diane Ginsburg, representing UT Austin, and Dr. Kathleen Curtis, representing UT El Paso, both gave the graduates a warm and encouraging welcome.

Eight students received diplomas from the University of Texas at El Paso and University of Texas at Austin Cooperative Pharmacy Program marking their completion of requirements for the degree of Doctor of Pharmacy. Melissa Carrillo, Stacy Lynn Evans, Michael Xavier Payan, Ivan Glade Pierce, Andrea Nicole Ramos, Pedro Sanchez, Juan Elias Villanueva, and Dominique Ariel Werge accepted their diplomas in the presence of family and friends commemorating the completion of the PharmD program. Five out of the eight graduates will also be pursuing Post Graduate Year 1 (PGY1) training, providing residents exposure to a broad range of clinical scenarios. A few students were honored with special recognition for performance in three categories of pharmacy practice. The Academic Excellence award honors the student who obtained the highest GPA among graduating pharmacy students while maintaining ethical and professional standards expected of a Cooperative Pharmacy Program student. The Academic Excellence Award recipient for the Class of 2015 was Juan Elias Villanueva with an overall GPA of 3.907. In order to select the recipients of the next two awards, we sought feedback from the preceptors in the El Paso region who worked with our students during intermediate and advanced pharmacy practice experiences. The Experiential Excellence Award recognizes the student who has demonstrated Outstanding Performance in Pharmacy Practice. Juan Elias Villanueva accepted the Experiential Excellence Award as comments from his preceptors were shared with the guests. The Mortar and Pestle for excellence in leadership, professionalism and community engagement award recipient was Pedro Sanchez. The evidence of this award came from the written and verbal comments of preceptors, faculty, and peers who praised Pedro's dedication to the pharmacy profession.

Dr. Terrie Martinez, who is a graduate of the UTEP/UT Austin Cooperative Pharmacy Program, was also recognized as the 2014-2015 Preceptor of the Year in recognition for her outstanding preceptorship of pharmacy interns. Thank you Dr. Martinez!

Congratulations to the graduating Class of 2015 and CVS Health for sponsoring this year's award ceremony!