Happy Valentine's Day, Miners! <3
Listen to the playlist we’ve put together of Billboard’s top 50 love songs of all time. Play it with your one true love, or why not, with your best friends! You love them too, right? You can even play it in your car for the whole world to hear! Click on the square or to listen now on Spotify!
Check out our UTEP-Valentine's Day stickers, and make sure to share them in your text messages and on your social media pages!
Click on Cupid-Pete to download our Valentine's Day GIFs.
Read Miner love stories on our 2021 edition of "How I 'Picked' The One."
Have a story to share? Drop us a line at alumni@utep.edu! We want to know how UTEP brought you together!
Find the stories and pictures below.
Real Miner Love Stories (By alphabetical order)
James Cordova Jr & Carolina Gonzalez, shared by Carolina
❤ How did you meet on campus?
We met while in the marching band at UTEP. We were also in the same political science class. We would say "Hi" to each other around campus and we got to know each other while hanging out with the same group of friends.
❤ When did you know he/she was the one?
We shared a lot of interests like music, crossword puzzles, movies, and food. We bonded over a love of WingStop (we used to go once a week), music, and movies. Our friendship naturally turned into a relationship, and 14 years later, we still laugh together, enjoy music together, and watch all kinds of movies together. We’ve cut back on the wings, but we love trying new recipes and beverages from around the world.
❤ Did you propose on campus? If so, where?
He proposed to me on the steps leading up to the Lhakhang on campus. It was my birthday and we went out to lunch with my family at Ruli’s. After that, he insisted we go check out the new Centennial Plaza on campus while my family went home. It was getting close to sunset, and I thought it was weird that he was rushing me toward the Magoffin Theater. When we got to the temple, he let me go up the stairs first, and after trying to peek in through the doors, I turned around and there he was in front of me, down on one knee. It was a beautiful moment that was made even better when my family emerged from the surrounding bushes, my brother, a professional photographer, taking pictures of the whole thing.
❤ If you could propose all over again – and on campus – where would you choose and why?
I could not have picked a better spot, but I would have liked to have had a better outfit – it was hot so I was in shorts and a tank top!
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Miguel & Arlene Hernandez, shared by Arlene
❤ How did you meet on campus?
Fall of 2013 was my first semester at UTEP and my now husband's second year. We had history class together only... he didn't notice. In fact, he may have never noticed since it was a 300+ student auditorium. He caught my attention by being one of the few students brave enough to sit in the front and answer the professor's questions. I had a friend in class who happened to have my husband in a much smaller class where the professor took role. That's how I found out his name. I found him on Facebook and sent him a message. A few weeks later, we finally met in person at the student union in front of what was then Chick-fil-A. The rest is history! We will be celebrating our 4th year of marriage this year.
❤ When did you know he/she was the one?
It didn't take long to realize he was the one. After a few months of dating and realizing we had so much in common, it was almost like we were the same person! I knew I had found my new best friend and my soulmate.
❤ Did you propose on campus? If so, where?
My husband's military duties called him to Fort Benning, GA after graduation from UTEP. The proposal took place at the Chattahoochee River on the 4th of July under the fireworks.
❤ If you could propose all over again – and on campus – where would you choose and why?
If we had to redo our proposal, it would definitely be at the Student Union where we first met!
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Michael LaRose & Erika Anchondo, shared by Erika
❤ How did you meet on campus?
We met at a tailgate held at Memorial Triangle for the UTEP vs. Boise State game on September 18, 2004.
❤ When did you know he/she was the one?
Although we have moved away from El Paso, we knew each other as “the one” because it felt like we were home with one another.
❤ Did you propose on campus? If so, where?
Michael proposed in 2012, on the walkway leading up to the Education building – the same spot where we had our first kiss when he walked me to class my freshman year.
❤ If you could propose all over again – and on campus – where would you choose and why?
I do not think we would pick a different spot on campus; our original spot is very sentimental to us.
❤❤ Fun-fact: We got married on September 18, 2014. Ten-years to the date that we met.
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Michael & Yvonne Loya, shared by Mike
❤ How did you meet on campus?
We did not meet on campus. I graduated from UTEP with a BBA in Finance in 2004. In late 2005, I decided to move to Austin on a whim and with an invitation to sleep on a friend's couch. I arrived in Austin around January 2006, without employment or a strong network. I reached out to the UTEP Alumni Office and asked if there was an Alumni group. The office gave me contact information for the Austin Alumni President, Yvonne. I got in touch, and she replied with a warm welcome and informed me that the Alumni group was getting together to watch a UTEP basketball game the following week. I showed up and immediately saw people in UTEP gear and made my way over to the table.
❤ When did you know he/she was the one?
Yvonne was the first person to welcome me and introduce me to the group. She was very engaging and made me at home. I continued to show up to every Alumni event after that. During that time, Yvonne and I ended up running in the same circles, and I would see her at other events and get-togethers, and we became friends outside of the Alumni group. About a year or two into our friendship, Yvonne asked if I would run for the PR coordinator position, and I did. Not only did Yvonne become my friend she also became my confidant. We would talk on the phone for hours, grab lunch, and catch live shows. It was a great time. Fast forward to 2009. Yvonne went through a bad breakup, so I invited her out to cheer her up. After flirtatious conversation and libations, Yvonne revealed that she had had a crush on me for a while, and I admitted that my feelings were mutual. However, to this day, it is still up to debate on who said it first. Not long after that night, we started seeing each other and became inseparable.
❤ Did you propose on campus? If so, where?
In October of 2010, we took a romantic getaway to San Francisco. Little did she know that I intended to propose to her during our trip. I wanted to find a location that would stand the test of time, and the Golden State Bridge was ideal. After dinner, I suggested a stroll on the Golden State Bridge, which took some convincing because it was a chilly night. Once we got out and walked a bit, I was able to work up my nerve to get down on one knee and ask the love of my life for her hand in marriage. We married in Austin in 2011, surrounded by friends, family, and Margie, the UTEP Alumni Coordinator who gave me Yvonne's email.
Ten years later, we are still best friends and remain involved with the UTEP Network while enjoying life with our two daughters, Camila and Luci, and our rescue dog, Cooper. We're forever indebted to UTEP for bringing us together, and we never shy away from showing off our Miner pride.
❤ If you could propose all over again – and on campus – where would you choose and why?
I would propose at the Chihuahuan Desert Garden. It's such a beautiful place. I took the beauty of the desert for granted growing up and it would be a reminder to never take my spouse for granted and appreciate everything that makes her beautiful.
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Lorenzo (Phil) & Gabriela Maynes, shared by Gabriela
❤ How did you meet on campus?
We met on the UTEP Drumline in 2008, where we both played the bass drum that season.
❤ When did you know he/she was the one?
When I first saw him at my drumline auditions, my heart skipped a beat, pun intended! I’m not sure if it was “love at first sight,” but I definitely liked him! After 2008, being good friends, we kept in touch, but it wasn’t until a year later where we all decided to have a “Bass Line” dinner at Track One – where I saw him again and he LITERALLY took my breath away. Super cheesy, I know. We remained friends until December 2011, when he finally asked me out! We dated for seven years and have been married for three. We both graduated from UTEP and constantly show our UTEP pride. At our wedding, we were surprised with a UTEP Drum cake!
❤ Did you propose on campus? If so, where?
I wish! Lol, he did not propose on campus.
❤ If you could propose all over again – and on campus – where would you choose and why?
I would love to be proposed to on campus at the Chihuahua Desert Gardens, right where the fountains are. It’s the perfect intimate and private place to share such a moment as an engagement!
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Jose Luis Mena & Barbara Aguilera, shared by Jose Luis
❤ How did you meet on campus?
We met as part of the engineering organization American Society of Civil Engineer (ASCE), where we worked together to build and race a concrete canoe.
❤ When did you know he/she was the one?
I knew she was the one on our very first date. We were friends before dating, so I already knew she was an amazing person. But on date one, she had me. I just knew I wanted her in my life forever.
❤ Did you propose on campus? If so, where?
I did not propose on campus.
❤ If you could propose all over again – and on campus – where would you choose and why?
If I were to propose on campus, I think I'd do it on top of the cliffs that overlook the Sun Bowl and downtown El Paso. We'd hike up near dusk and catch one of El Paso's beautiful sunsets. Drenched in a nervous sweat, I would ask her to be my wife. With a bit of luck, she would say, “yes,” just as the city lights begin to glow.
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Jaime & Alejandra Monreal, shared by Jaime and Alejandra
❤ How did you meet on campus?
We met at a friend’s cookout. Jaime, at the time, worked in IT at UTEP, and a coworker of his was hosting a cookout at his small apartment on the day the UTEP closed for the passing of President Reagan. Jaime was his friend’s go-to person to do the grilling, and I was helping him in the kitchen. We spent the entire time talking and getting to know one another.
❤ When did you know he/she was the one?
Jaime – thinking back, I think that it was around the time that I helped Alejandra move to Las Vegas so that she can pursue her culinary degree. It was such a long drive to help her move, but I remember feeling awful when it was time for me to return to El Paso.
Ale – When I told Jaime that I was going to Culinary School and would move to Las Vegas, I thought for sure it might be the end, but when he agreed to have a long-distance relationship and help me move, I knew he was a keeper. I had found someone who has, to this day, believed in me when I haven’t believed in myself. It is hard to find a person who follows you on all your crazy adventures and ideas and still, he continues to do so.
❤ Did you propose on campus? If so, where?
Jaime – Our proposal was not on campus. I proposed to Alejandra during a motorcycle ride out in the hill country just west of San Antonio. It was on a familiar country back-road where the view is nothing but green rolling hills.
Ale – I remember pulling over. I did not think much of it since we usually stopped and take pictures. I remember turning around to ask him something, and there he was down on one knee, asking me to “Marry him.” I felt like in one of those Hallmark movies proposals. Except, instead of saying “Yes,” I immediately I told him, “Hmmm, let me think about it.” Of course, it took me a few seconds to say yes, and he later confessed those few seconds felt like “HOURS.” I thought it was hilarious, him not so much.
❤ If you could propose all over again – and on campus – where would you choose and why?
Jaime – If I were to propose all over again, I would probably propose to Alejandra at the Student Union, East. Alejandra once participated in SGA and spent a lot of time at the SGA office, so she has a special connection to the Union.
Ale – Yes, I would have loved to be proposed to at the Union. SGA is very dear to my heart. Either that or what used to be the Geology Lawn. That is why it was so important to us to have our Engagement and Wedding pictures at UTEP. I have many great memories and have great friends that work for the University that I love.
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Rich & Emma Ruiz, shared by Rich
❤ How did you meet on campus?
We actually met BEFORE we were on campus...we’re high school sweethearts!
❤ When did you know he/she was the one?
In my junior year, I was starting to get serious about my studies and my future plans, and she was a big part of it – everything just sort of fell into place from that point on.
❤ Did you propose on campus? If so, where?
Well, almost. I had planned to propose to her after a Miner football game on the Sun Bowl field, since she was a member of the then-Golddiggers Dance Team. But, the Miners surprisingly won and when the celebrations started, I got caught up in the festivities…and missed my chance. I rebounded though and proposed the next day!!
❤ If you could propose all over again – and on campus – where would you choose and why?
We’ve thought about renewing our vows. I had never thought about a do-over proposal. Sounds like a great idea, though. Of course, the first place that comes to mind is the Sun Bowl – my original plan!
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Pablo & Basilia Trejo, shared by Pablo
❤ How did you meet on campus?
My wife and I met at UTEP when we were both part of the UTEP Marching Band. She played the flute when I met her, and I was in the drumline. My friend introduced us as a matter of courtesy because we all were hanging out.
❤ When did you know he/she was the one?
She moved to Arlington, TX, in 2009 to finish her undergrad at UT Arlington. I graduated from UTEP in 2000 and was hired by Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth. She and I would see each other about twice a year just to make sure that we were both doing OK. We started dating in 2004 after she accompanied me to Austin to attend my brother's commencement ceremony for a master's degree. After I saw her interact with my family, I knew that she was the one, and I set out to pursue her romantically.
❤ Did you propose on campus? If so, where?
In 2006, I proposed to her on the UTEP campus. We had traveled to partake in Homecoming festivities as part of the Alumni Band activity. Before we headed to the stadium from the staging area by Fox Fine Arts, I took her to a private nook between the Fox Fine Arts Building and Magoffin Auditorium, and I proposed.
❤ If you could propose all over again – and on campus – where would you choose and why?
If I could propose on campus again, I would choose the same place. It was perfect because it was private, which allowed us to have a moment that is all ours, not to be shared with anyone else. That moment in time and space belongs to us.
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