Any cool facts about UTEP?

Hi guys! Lately, I've been really interested in the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). I was wondering if any of you could share some fun or interesting facts about the school to help me get a better understanding of it. Thanks!

Hello! It's great that you're interested in the University of Texas at El Paso. Here are a few unique aspects and cool facts about UTEP that you may find interesting:

1. Bhutanese Architecture: UTEP's campus features distinctive Bhutanese architecture, inspired by the country of Bhutan located in the Himalayas. Thanks to this unique design, the university has often been referred to as one of the most beautiful campuses in the United States.

2. Centennial Plaza: Centennial Plaza, located in the heart of the campus, represents the university's commitment to its past, present, and future. The plaza has sculptures, green spaces, and water features for students and faculty to enjoy while honoring the history and tradition of UTEP.

3. Minerpalooza: UTEP hosts an annual festival called Minerpalooza, which is one of the biggest and most popular on-campus events. Featuring live music, food trucks, interactive activities, and a pep rally, Minerpalooza serves as a fun way for students to kick off the academic year.

4. Diverse Student Body: UTEP is known for having a diverse and inclusive student body, with a high percentage of Hispanic students (over 80%). This makes it an excellent environment for those interested in experiencing rich cultural diversity during their college years.

5. Research Opportunities: UTEP offers many research opportunities across various fields. Particularly notable is its engineering and computer science research, which has led to collaborations with organizations like NASA and Lockheed Martin.

6. UTEP-Edge Program: The university is committed to fostering the success of its students through the UTEP-Edge program. This program focuses on developing student experiences and skills that can enhance their academic, personal, and professional growth during their time at UTEP and beyond.

7. Miner Canyon: UTEP's on-campus housing option named Miner Canyon offers a modern residential experience for students. It features spacious rooms, recreational areas, and academic resources, all thoughtfully designed to support students' academic and social life.

8. Athletics: UTEP is part of the NCAA Division I, and its sports teams, collectively known as the Miners, compete in Conference USA. The university has a rich sports tradition, including a historic NCAA Basketball Championship in 1966 when it was still known as Texas Western College.

These are just a few of the cool and unique aspects that UTEP has to offer. I hope this gives you a better understanding of what makes UTEP special.