The University of Texas at El Paso announced recently that Laura Sofia Ronquillo, junior biochemistry major, and Maximilian Rothblatt, junior mechanical engineering major, were named recipients of the Hawkins Scholarship. Each received an award of $10,000.
According to UTEP marketing and communications, the award is for juniors and may be used to pay for educational expenses or experiences that enhance the scholar’s undergraduate education in preparation for graduate school. These expenses can include tuition, fees, room and board, books, and special educational experiences including undergraduate research and study abroad or away from campus.
Ronquillo and Rothblatt were among 11 finalists selected for their outstanding intellect, character, service to others, leadership attributes and potential to address important challenges facing humanity.
“This was a strong group of finalists, and as more students get exposed to the process and the opportunity, future applicants will only be more impressive,” Juan Sepulveda, Ph.D., the chair of the selection committee, said in a statement. “Having the opportunity to meet and to really get to know these incredible students each year makes me feel good about the future because of the talent, energy, life experiences, and passion they bring to UTEP and the broader community.”
Ronquillo is from Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. She crosses the bridge from Juárez to El Paso every day to attend UTEP, where she is a member of the University Honors Program and the College of Science Honors Program. In 2021, she was president of the UTEP chapter of the American Society for Microbiology, and currently serves as social media officer for the UTEP chapter of the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science. She plans to travel abroad to pursue a master’s degree and hopes to one day become a university professor and researcher.
Rothblatt is a junior mechanical engineering major from El Paso. He is involved in undergraduate research in geospatial analysis with the Department of Earth, Environmental and Resource Sciences and is a fellow with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Rothblatt is also vice president of UTEP’s chapter of the American Institute of Aerospace and Aeronautics. His plans for graduate school include applying for the Rhodes Scholarship. His dream is to contribute to space travel and exploration, and later to share his experiences through teaching.
“UTEP’s best students can compete with the best students anywhere,” UTEP President Heather Wilson said. “Laura and Maximilian are already impressive students, and we know there are more great things to come for them.”
The Hawkins Scholarship is named for 1st Lt. William Deane Hawkins, who studied engineering at UTEP, then called the Texas College of Mines. He enlisted in the Marine Corps after the attack on Pearl Harbor and was killed in action while serving during World War II. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic acts above and beyond the call of duty.
UTSA Today, the official news source of The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) announced recently that students from various majors volunteered during their spring vacation through the university’s Alternative Break Program. Volunteers assisted nonprofit agencies in San Antonio, Dallas, and New Orleans.
The groups, including 29 students and six professional staff members, provided support for hurricane restoration, food insecurity, HIV/AIDS awareness, affordable housing, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, (LGBTQIA+) rights, and advocacy for others.
The Alternative Break Program empowers and challenges students to understand their relationship with communities through education, reflection, and direct service during week-long trips over the break.
Alternative Break student leaders go through facilitation training during the fall semester and choose their service locations. They select social issues to focus on and identify service organizations to support. Two student leaders coordinate each experience including trip logistics and lead pre-trip meetings, service activities, and reflections.
In New Orleans, volunteers focused on hurricane cleanup through Camp Restore, which focuses on environmental restoration and sustainability.
The Dallas volunteer group supported City Square, which provides advocacy and support for impoverished communities in the greater Dallas area. Among its programs are several affordable-housing initiatives and health care programs that focus on issues such as HIV awareness.
Acknowledging the importance of serving underrepresented communities, the San Antonio team provided support to the Pride Center, San Antonio Food Bank, Thrive Center, and LGBTQ Choir.
UTSA Leadership and Volunteer Services offer both spring and winter Alternative Break trips in addition to day-long volunteer opportunities. Click here to read more.
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