University of Pittsburgh’s Swanson School of Engineering honored the tradition of recognizing St. Patrick as the patron saint of engineers on social media. According to Boston College’s engineering department, St. Patrick helped many Irish church builders figure out how to construct arches that are still standing today.
One bridge engineer added that St. Patrick introduced elements of Roman technology and was responsible for the initial construction of clay churches featuring those arches.
The University of Texas at El Paso recently celebrated one of its most cherished traditions: Texas College of Mines Day! Each March, in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, this event pays homage to the university’s rich history.
Founded in 1920 as the Texas College of Mines and Metallurgy, UTEP has seen TCM Day grow into a celebration that welcomes new student engineers and geologists to the Order of St. Patrick, the patron saint of engineers.
Mariana Sigala, a senior in electrical engineering, led the festivities this year. As the elected “St. Pat,” she brought her enthusiasm to the forefront.
Mariana is a dedicated tutor in the Advancement Center for Engineering Students and the finance chair of the Engineering Student Leadership Council.
With her active involvement over the past four years, Mariana expressed her excitement about leading everyone in remembering UTEP’s mining roots and celebrating the wonderful traditions of UTEP’s TCM Day.
Highlights of the event included painting the iconic “M” on the Mountain and a mining-themed obstacle course. Students raced in hand-pulled coal carts, lunged around Centennial Plaza with sandbags and shovels, and even splashed through the arroyo while on the lookout for metal and ore “samples.”
These engaging activities served as a tribute to the tenacity of past miners while fostering camaraderie and teamwork among the participants.
This year’s TCM Day drew over 175 students, alums, and members of the UTEP family, showcasing the university’s unity and pride.
Gabby Gandara, assistant dean for engineering student success and the event’s organizer, also noted the enthusiastic turnout.
Participants even took a moment to serenade UTEP President Heather Wilson outside her office.
With 84% of UTEP’s 25,000 students identifying as Hispanic and many being first-generation college attendees, the university plays a vital role in shaping future leaders.
Today we celebrate a #HappyStPatricksDay in honor of the tradition recognizing St. Patrick as the patron saint of engineers, beginning in 1903 at @mizzouengineer. pic.twitter.com/i2PMN9io8h
— Swanson School of Engineering (@PittEngineering) March 17, 2025
It's UTEP's longest-running campus tradition. ⛏️ 😤#TCMDay brought back all our favorite memories — learning mining songs and serenading @UTEPPresident Heather Wilson, whitewashing the "M" on Sun Bowl Drive, and complete an obstacle course that culminates with kissing the… pic.twitter.com/gaX1jHlG1d
— UTEP (@UTEP) March 13, 2025
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Did you know that St. Patrick is the Patron Saint of Engineers? He helped many Irish church builders figure out how to construct arches that are still standing today! 🍀 pic.twitter.com/WNUaYJtDqc
— Boston College Engineering Department (@BCHCEngineering) March 17, 2025
Happy St. Patrick's Day! Did you know St. Patrick is the patron Saint of Engineers?
St. Patrick is called the patron Saint of Engineers because he introduced elements of Roman Technology to Ireland and was responsible for the initial construction of clay churches featuring arches. pic.twitter.com/mfSvd8Dw8B
— Luis Duque, PE | Bridge Engineering (@LuisDuquePE) March 17, 2021
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