A Miner’s Golden Journey: Linda Troncoso’s Path from Student, to Teacher, to Voice of KCOS
November 2024
By Christian Diaz ’20
As Linda Troncoso ’69 celebrates the golden anniversary of her graduation from the University of Texas at El Paso, she fondly reflects on the incredible moments and the remarkable people who have shaped her journey. Linda has worn many hats as a Miner: first as a student, then on the alumni board, and even as the President of the UTEP Alumni Association.
Linda arrived at UTEP with dreams of studying dance, but her path took an exciting turn when she received a full scholarship from the El Paso Times to study journalism. She thrived as a student, aspiring to become a television journalist, jokingly aiming to be like “Lois Lane.” She shared, “The biggest key to success is to remain flexible because opportunity will kick you in the nose, and you better be prepared to capitalize.” This wisdom proved true shortly after graduation when a local news station’s hiring manager told her she would never work in television because of her lisp. Devastated, she confided in one of her favorite professors, who reassured her, “I was asked to recommend my best student for three different jobs, and you were the name I gave.” This led to a life-changing opportunity as a journalism teacher at Bel Air High School, a role she embraced and continues to love, spending the last 27 years at El Paso High. Linda never imagined herself as a teacher, but her professor’s words, “You are a natural-born teacher, you just don’t know it yet,” have rung true. She feels she hasn’t worked a day in her life because she loves what she does. While teaching isn’t for everyone, Linda believes, “If you are meant to be a teacher, it can be the most special thing you do.”
Beyond the countless students she affectionately calls her “kids,” Linda is also celebrated in the community for her 37 years of volunteer service with KCOS-PBS El Paso. As the auctioneer for KCOS pledge drives, she’s often recognized by her voice, with people exclaiming, “You’re the KCOS lady!”
Linda’s deep sense of community and service is rooted in her gratitude for UTEP’s impact on her life. She served on the UTEP Alumni Association Board for eight years, including a term as President in 1998. One of her proudest moments was during the 1998 spring commencement, the first held at the Sun Bowl. Before the ceremony, she had the chance to meet then-Governor of Texas George W. Bush. When a graduate tried to take a photo with the Governor, he called out, “Linda, come down and take a picture of me and my new best friend,” and asked her to stay by his side for the rest of the graduation to ensure he got photos with all the graduates.
Linda is both amazed and proud of UTEP’s growth over the past 50 years. She admires UTEP’s commitment to providing accessible education, noting that without UTEP, she and many others wouldn’t have had the chance to attend college. While she cherishes all the students she’s taught over the past four decades, her greatest pride comes from her family. Her husband, Ignacio Troncoso, is a UTEP College of Engineering graduate and Golden Nugget recipient. Her daughter, Linda C. Troncoso, holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering and an M.S. in Environmental Engineering, is the President of TRE & Associates, and serves on numerous community boards. Her son, Ignacio, is an Assistant City Attorney for the City of El Paso. Linda’s passion for community, service, and education embodies the spirit of a UTEP alumna, and we proudly celebrate her as a Golden Grad in 2024.
Christian Diaz ’20 was born and raised in El Paso. He is currently the Vice President of Economic Development for The Borderplex Alliance, and recently joined the Miner Nation Contributors program as a founding contributor in October 2023. Christian graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree in sport management from Texas A&M in 2019, and earned his M.B.A. with a concentration in finance from UTEP.