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On March 8, 2020, higher education lost a visionary leader in higher education: Dr. Alfredo de los Santos

Dr de los Santos was the founding president of EPCC and served from 1971-76. He strived to build a college to serve the students and community. More than a half a century later, his impact on EPCC is still seen today.

David Henry, recently retired EPCC English Faculty, gives De Los Santos credit for creating a shared governance model of leadership and emphasized a college focused on student success which still exists today. “Through his great force of character, Dr. de los Santos directed every aspect of the birth and infancy of the college. He interviewed all new administrators and faculty, looking to see if they shared his vision,” Henry said.

When reflecting on EPCC during the college’s 50th Anniversary in 2019, De Los Santos said, his original vision for EPCC had been fulfilled in three ways: “On a broader scale, EPCC has helped educate thousands of individuals in El Paso County who might never have the

opportunity. As well, many of the students who began their higher education at El Paso Community College have transferred to The University of Texas at El Paso. Thirdly, the community college has helped to prepare the work force that has helped employers—and has helped to drive the economy.”

Dr. de los Santos was proud of his work at El Paso Community College. “It would be almost impossible to measure to positive impact that

El Paso Community College has had on thousands of El Paso students over the years. Working to found the institution was an interesting adventure,” de los Santos said in a 2019 interview.

“I still have clear memories of working with groups of people in the community, hiring the administrators and the faculty playing basketball with the students—full court on the outdoor at Logan Heights–the hundreds of individuals who provided help and support.”

EPCC mourns the passing of Dr. Alfredo de los Santos, our college’s first President. “Dr. De Los Santos was a trailblazing leader who was among the first Latino community college presidents in the nation,” Dr. William Serrata, EPCC’s current president said. “He is known for his lifetime commitment to higher education and for his visionary leadership at EPCC. We are grateful for his legacy and impact. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Read more about Dr. de los Santos’ legacy and impact via this article and these testimonials

The El Paso Community College (EPCC) Diversity and Inclusion Programs (EPCC) recently celebrated the history of women with their annual Diamond Awards.

This year’s event: “Envisioning 2020: Valiant Women Leading the Way.”

“The history of women is important to remember, all the achievements that women have accomplished,” said Olga Chavez, director of the EPCC Diversity and Inclusion Programs. “The goal of the Diamond Awards is to honor the commitment and hard work of EPCC employees.”

Mrs. Christina R. Sanchez was the keynote speaker. Sanchez, a member of the EPCC board of trustees, spoke about women have to achieving their rights and obtaining high leadership positions.

The EPCC Diamond Awards is in its 12th year of honoring EPCC staff for their hard work mentoring students. The Diamond Awardees are the positive face of EPCC diversity.

On Friday morning, El Paso Community College (EPCC) adopted Anthony Elementary as part of its school adoption program during a proclamation ceremony held at the school.

EPCC President Dr. William Serrata welcomed Anthony Independent School District (AISD) Superintendent Dr. Oscar A. Troncoso, Anthony Elementary Principal, Oralia Moseley and the student body to the program.

“A student is never too young to learn the importance of going to college,” Dr. William Serrata, EPCC President said. “Reaching out to elementary school students and their parents allows students to learn that higher education is within their reach and we build a college-going culture.”

Anthony Elementary School is EPCC’s tenth school adopted and first for AISD.

“We want all of our students to be college ready. Elementary students are at a crucial point in their lives when career beliefs and aspirations are being developed. We all know that the more you learn the more you will earn. So a good education will benefit you but a great education will transform your life,” said AISD Superintendent Dr. Oscar A. Troncoso,

“Thank you to Dr. Serrata and El Paso Community College for taking this initiative to promote higher education and more importantly a better life and future for the children of this community.”

EPCC has plans to continue adopting elementary schools across its district. Previously EPCC adopted the following schools:

• Campestre Elementary from Socorro Independent School District
• Frederick Douglass Elementary from El Paso Independent School District
• Ramona Elementary from Ysleta Independent School District
• Canutillo Elementary School from Canutillo Independent School District
• Frank Macias Elementary School from the Clint Independent School District
• O’Donnell Intermediate School from Fabens Independent School District
• Lorenzo G. Alarcon Elementary School from San Elizario Independent School District
• Benito Martinez Elementary from Fort Hancock Independent School District
• Tornillo Elementary School from Tornillo Independent School District

On Wednesday, officials with Marathon Petroleum and El Paso Community College, as well as students and teachers in the Welding and Machining Technology programs at the Advanced Technology Center (ATC) met to discuss the partnership and celebrate a new grant.

Kathy Huffman, Director of the Marathon Petroleum Foundation, VJ Smith, Marathon Petroleum, El Paso, Manager, Government & Public Affairs,  and Ashley Cooke, Administrative Assistant visited El Paso Community College (EPCC) students and faculty of the Welding and Machining Technology programs at the Advanced Technology Center (ATC) to discuss the insight and advantages of the partnership between EPCC and Marathon Petroleum for workforce development.

During the meeting, Marathon Petroleum presented a grant of $167,000 to EPCC for its Welding and Machining Technology programs

housed at the Valle Verde campus.

EPCC officials say the new grant funds the latest equipment to train students in these high-demand fields.

“Education and ongoing training are required for today’s workers and the success of our community,” Dr. William Serrata, EPCC President said. “EPCC fills a vital role for our region’s employers to ensure that their employees have the skills they need to be successful in the workplace.”

EPCC officials added that, through the grant, the college has expanded its Welding and Machining Technology programs and offers additional credentials for students to receive advanced certifications.

“Certified graduates expand the skill base of our regional workforce by being prepared for work with training in the professionalism and safety required in modern industry.”

Two El Paso Community College (EPCC) baseball players, Jesus Licon and Garrett Calderon, were named Players of the Week by the Western Junior College Athletic Conference (WJCAC) sponsored by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).

The honors came after the Tejanos won 3 out of 4 games versus Western Oklahoma State College, this weekend.

Sophomore first baseman, Jesus Licon, had a .642 batting average for the week with a 1.36 slugging percentage.

He hit 2 home runs for the week including a grand slam. He also had 2 doubles, 6 RBIs, 7 walks and 7 runs scored. He was named the WJCAC Baseball Position Player of the Week.

Freshman right-hander, Garrett Calderon, pitched a complete-game to get the win over Western Oklahoma, going 9 innings while allowing just two earned runs and seven hits.

Of the 27 outs, 16 were ground balls and he recorded 6 strikeouts. He was named the WJCAC Baseball Pitcher of the Week.

Up next for the Tejanos, is a weekend series vs. New Mexico Junior College.

On Thursday, officials with El Paso Community College (EPCC) reached out to students and residents alike, regarding their preparations ahead of any local cases of the COVID-19 illness, better known as Coronavirus.

“EPCC is closely monitoring developments in the outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19),” college officials shared via a statement on their website.  “As always, EPCC will follow the guidance of local, regional and national health authorities.”

“Currently, there are not any known cases of COVID-19 at EPCC or in El Paso County,” officials added.

Officials went on say that the “health and safety of EPCC students, faculty and staff are of utmost importance and our campus community should take the preventive actions to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)”

To that end, officials shared the following tips:

• Practice good hand hygiene, including washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Follow appropriate cough and sneeze etiquette
• Stay home, rest and avoid close contact with others when you are sick or have a fever
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe

“EPCC will remain vigilant of this situation as it changes and is prepared to act in a timely manner. The campus community should consult the CDC and City of El Paso Public Health Department for the most recent COVID-19 information.”

For the most recent health developments on COVID-19, visit:

• Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
• World Health Organization
• City of El Paso Department of Public Health

A 1,260-mile portion of the Rio Grande flows between the United States and Mexico along the entire length of Texas’ southern border, providing water for drinking, irrigation and recreational activities to communities on both sides of the border.

But according to a study in the Journal of Health and Pollution, researchers at The University of Texas at El Paso and El Paso Community College discovered that the Rio Grande is a “hotspot” for multidrug-resistant bacteria, antibiotic residues and antimicrobial resistant genes, which “may represent a public health concern” for people who use the river.

“We know there is bacteria in the Rio Grande’s water, but we wanted to see if there was antibiotic multidrug-resistant bacteria and residues because the water from the river is treated as potable drinking water and kids and their families go and swim there, especially from Mexico,” said Maria Fuentes, a student in UTEP’s Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Ph.D. Program and the paper’s first author.

“This could potentially be a public health issue because if you come into contact with the contaminated water, it could lead to more gastrointestinal infections,” she added. “It could also contribute to the problem of antibiotic resistance through the development and spreading of more genes of resistance in the environment. However, more research needs to be done to see how serious of a public health concern this is.”

Fuentes participated in the yearlong 2017 study led by Delfina C. Domínguez, Ph.D., UTEP professor of clinical laboratory science (CLS) and co-investigators Wen-Yee Lee, Ph.D., UTEP associate professor of chemistry, and Maria E. Alvarez, Ph.D., professor and coordinator of biology and chemistry programs at EPCC’s Transmountain Campus. The Edward N. and Margaret Marsh Foundation funded the study.

During the months of February, April, July, September and December, Fuentes and EPCC students sampled water and sediment from three sites within a 16-mile radius of the river from El Paso to Sunland Park, New Mexico, and Anapra, Mexico.

In addition to collecting samples, EPCC students identified the bacteria isolated from the water and sediment. UTEP’s chemistry department conducted a chemical analysis to determine which antibiotics were present in the river. Fuentes and the CLS program collaborated to identify antibiotic resistance genes found in bacteria.

The study found that antibiotics were in 92% of both water and sediment samples gathered from the Rio Grande. Genes conferring resistance were recovered from all collection sites. Of the isolated bacteria, 64% were resistant to at least two synergistic antibiotic combinations and 15% were found to be resistant to 20 or more individual antibiotics.

“This project indeed involved different expertise and resources to study a very complex and unstudied issue on antibiotics and antibiotic resistance in our region,” Lee said. “The project required researchers from biology, chemistry and health sciences to provide a better understanding of what antibiotics (are in the water) and to what extent they have impacted our region.”

Fuentes said antibiotics have found their way into the Rio Grande through animal and human waste and discharge from wastewater treatment plants, which do not have the capability to filter medications out of the water after they’ve been flushed down the toilet.

Bacteria can develop antibiotic resistance after being exposed to drugs in the water, as part of a process of natural selection which, according to the study, may lead to an increased number and severity of infections, frequency of treatment failure, allergies and alteration of intestinal flora if people come in direct contact with the water.

Despite these findings, researchers suggest more studies are needed to determine the risk of the river’s water quality to public health. In the meantime, Dominguez hopes to raise awareness about the use and misuse of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance in the border region.

“Other studies show that antibiotic-resistant bacteria have been found in rivers all over the world, not just the Rio Grande,” Dominguez said. “But we still need to study the impact on public health. We need to conduct surveys and do testing in the community. But very minimum concentrations of antibiotics are not good at all in the river because they may impact the microflora we have.”

Alvarez said the study has not only had a profound impact on the protection of water quality and human health in the U.S.-Mexico border region, but it also enabled students from different disciplines and institutions to engage with one another.

“The collaborative nature of the projects conducted in the laboratories at UTEP and EPCC provide outstanding opportunities for students at both institutions to acquire expertise in research areas that directly affect our community,” Alvarez said. “Co-authors Stephanie Gutierrez, Daniella Sahagun and Jose Gomez were EPCC students when this project was done and Jose Mendoza and Stephanie Bauer were former EPCC students who graduated from UTEP and NMSU.”

For Fuentes, a 2018 graduate from UTEP’s Master in Public Health program, working on the project made her more aware of how the choices people make impact the environment.

Last summer, she continued her research by looking at the water quality at water parks and irrigation sites around El Paso, after the water has been treated. This pilot study showed that genes of antibiotic-resistant bacteria have the ability to survive the filtration process and find their way back to the community. Still, more data and research is needed to understand the impact of these findings as a health concern on antibiotic resistance.

“This (Rio Grande) study has definitely made me more aware of the environment,” Fuentes said. “It makes you think about what you’re drinking, what you’re eating, and what you’re throwing away. This study is more a reflection of our behavior. It is about understanding how we interact with the environment and how we all have to be responsible for how we treat the environment, because we depend on it.”

Author:  Laura L. Acosta – UTEP Communications

National Harbor, Maryland – Aylin Garcia, a freshman economics major at El Paso Community College (EPCC), was competitively selected as a 2020 DREAM Scholar by Achieving the Dream.

Aylin competed with hundreds of students nationally, and she is the first EPCC student to receive this recognition. Garcia received her award at the DREAM 2020 National Conference.

Garcia, a freshman economics major at El Paso Community College (EPCC), was competitively selected as a 2020 DREAM Scholar by Achieving the Dream. Aylin competed with hundreds of students nationally, and she is the first EPCC student to receive this recognition.

Aylin has faced significant struggles in her life, yet she has developed the grit and resilience to keep working to fulfill her dreams, like so many EPCC students.

Each day Aylin, a resident of Juarez, crosses the quarter-mile long bridge between the two countries to attend EPCC’s Rio Grande campus.

Although the two cities’ cultures, residents, and economies are closely connected, Aylin still felt a bit of a culture shock when she first started commuting to attend EPCC. She shares that she’s “still adapting to the American education system and looking forward to opportunities to grow as a human being and as a student.”

Aylin’s family encouraged her studies; however, her parents struggled with their own personal issues, including addiction. This led to a turbulent home life for Aylin and her siblings.

Throughout her childhood, she shares that she always felt anchored and supported by her grandmother, who taught her that “responsibilities and obligations must be placed on the top of our priorities.” Aylin says she found belonging and purpose at school, where she excelled academically and participated in a variety of extracurricular activities, like robotics and basketball.

Aylin attended Preparatoria Central and the Instituto Tesla, both in Juarez. She received rigorous academic training at Preparatoria, instilling a deep intellectual curiosity and love of learning. At Tesla, she learned more about how to be a good human being and developed strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

It was during this time that Aylin also gained confidence in her identity and came out to her family, which led to further estrangement with her father. She realized then that she had “no control over the reactions of others.”

Aylin reconnected strongly with her mother during her senior year of high school, but, sadly, her mother became ill with cancer and died a month after graduation. She says she never lost focus on excelling in school, but internally she felt shattered and lost.  “Life just lost its sense, its purpose…”

During the dark days after her mother’s death, she reflected on the many life lessons her mother had taught her, and she determined that she would have to give her own life a purpose. After taking a semester to recover from this devastating loss, Aylin started at EPCC.

By returning to her education, Aylin is also honoring her mother, whose only source of genuine happiness was her success in school, and her grandmother, who sacrificed to give her grandchildren a better life.

Aylin sums it up quite simply: “I get to lead the life I want to lead.”

After EPCC, Aylin plans to transfer to New Mexico State University to continue her studies. She is excited to attend the 2020 DREAM Conference, where she will have a unique opportunity to learn about the higher education system and to build professional skills and networks with the other DREAM Scholars.

On Wednesday, El Paso Community College (EPCC) held a celebration to mark the opening of its new building at the Northwest campus. 

“Attending and graduating college is becoming more and more important, because by 2020, 65 percent of all jobs will require a degree or certificate,” Dr. William Serrata, EPCC President, said. “This facility is designed to provide students innovative learning spaces in a more campus-like environment.”

The new project will provide additional classrooms and three biology labs. It will also include a Flexitorium: a large, multi-purpose event and auditorium space.

The Flexitorium will offer flexible seating arrangements and audio-visual equipment conducive to innovative teaching and special events.

“To further enhance the student experience and provide a more campus-like environment, the Northwest Class-Lab project focuses on the development of a clear point of entry for visitors and students, something the campus has lacked since its initial development,” EPCC officials added.

This is the third of six construction projects to finish as part of the College’s Master Plan.

Learn more about Districtwide expansion via this link.

El Paso Community College (EPCC) will celebrate Black History with its annual month of activities this February. This year’s theme is African Americans and the Vote: Overcoming Obstacles to Success.

Through the month, each campus library will have displays; an art show will be in the foyer of the Administrative Services Center (ASC) Building A, 9050 Viscount Blvd., beginning February 17 and two special events will tie the celebration together.

“Recognizing the accomplishments of Black Americans is an important part of Diversity and Inclusion Programs at EPCC,” said Olga Chavez, Director of Diversity and Inclusion Programs. “The diversity of students, faculty and staff and their important roles leads to a better community as a whole.”

The first major event is the annual Legacy Awards Dinner. It will be held Friday, February 21 from 5:30-9:00 p.m. in the ASC Building A, Auditorium. Tickets to this event are $40 and are available online. Tickets are not available at the door.

EPCC Black History Legacy Award winners will be Honorable Judge John Chatman, Ms. Baby Ruth Boswell, and EPCC Cross Country Half Marathon Team. Keynote Speaker will be Dr. Gary Bledsoe, President of the Texas NAACP

Wrapping up the month will be the Black History Panel Discussion on this year’s theme. The event will be held at the Transmountain Campus, Foyer, Wednesday, February 26 from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Panelists include Mr. Anthony C. Robinson (Retired Command Sergeant Major), Ms. Crystal S. Roman (Writer, Producer, Director at The Black Latina Movement), Ms. Abeni Janae Merriweather (UTEP Student, Teen Advocate, Musician), and Mr. Curtis Smith (Retired Army Veteran, Bronze Star Combat Award Recipient).

For information on all Black History Month activities, contact the EPCC Diversity and Inclusion Programs office at (915) 831-7898.

With a new field and a new head coach, the El Paso Community College (EPCC) Tejanos enter 2020 with renewed optimism, ahead of the first game of their 25th season.

“El Paso has a very rich tradition of baseball and I plan to continue that tradition at EPCC. My vision is to bring a tremendous amount of success not only on the field, but off the field as well,” head coach Julien Soucy said.  “We will be the best students, active members in the community, and compete at a national level on the field.”

In the off-season, EPCC hired veteran coach Soucy to head the men’s baseball program.

Soucy served as the Pitching Coach/Recruiting Coordinator at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida for the past three years. During his time there, they had a record of 160 wins and 28 losses.

In his second year, they went on to win the NAIA World Series and finished ranked #1 in the country. In addition to Soucy, the Tejanos hired Assistant Coach Omar Quintanilla.

Quintanilla began his playing career with the Socorro Bulldogs and then went onto a successful 10-year major and minor league baseball career.

This year’s season begins on the road against Eastern Arizona College on January 24. The Tejanos’ first home stand will be versus Scottsdale Community College January 31 and February 1.

The team plays their home games at the EPCC Valle Verde campus, located at 919 Hunter.

The Tejanos are members of the Western Junior College Athletic Conference (WJCAC) of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).

Tuesday morning, officials with El Paso Community College (EPCC) in partnership with the Ysleta Independent School District (YISD) held a grand opening for their new automotive-centered tech center.

EPCC President, Dr. William Serrata welcomed YISD Superintendent Dr. Xavier de la Torre and students from YISD High Schools to the Career Center at Riverside Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) at the Valle Verde Transportation Training Center.

Officials share that the Career Center at Riverside P-TECH is a collaboration focused on career and technical education. 

“The P-TECH experience that has been established by the Ysleta Independent School District and EPCC is designed to have strong academic and career-orientated results which will benefit both students and our workforce.” Dr. William Serrata said.

According to school officials, P-TECH offers studies in the areas of Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology and Computer-Aided Design.

“Students can couple their high school experience with their experience at a community college and make a solid living wage, contribute to our economy and contribute to their own quality of life,” Dr. Xavier De La Torre said.

P-TECH provides an opportunity for high school students to earn a high school diploma and an associate of applied science degree, a post-secondary certificate or industry certification and work-based training through internships.

As a result of the P-TECH experience, students will become skilled employees that will excel in today’s global economy.

The El Paso Community College (EPCC) Tejano Food Pantry received a generous donation of food baskets from Horizon Heights Elementary School and Burger King.

During a Monday news conference EPCC officials said the donation will help students during the holiday who have food inadequacies.

“Burger King is proud to partner with Horizon Heights Elementary to see that EPCC students and their families in need receive a substantial meal this holiday season,” Bonnie Soria Najera, EPCC Board of Trustee member and Burger King Marketer said.

The Tejano Food Pantry, a service created by a student for the students, is operated by the Student Government Association at EPCC.

Officials add that the Tejano Food Pantry aims to minimize hunger among our students by providing free, accessible and nutritious food.

El Paso Community College (EPCC) adopted Tornillo Elementary as part of its school adoption program during a proclamation ceremony held at the school on Thursday.

EPCC President Dr. William Serrata welcomed Tornillo Independent School District (TISD) Superintendent Rosy Vega-Barrio, Tornillo Elementary Principal, Myrna Lopez and the student body to the program.

“A student is never too young to learn the importance of going to college,” Dr. William Serrata, EPCC President said. “Reaching out to elementary school students and their parents allows students to learn that higher education is within their reach and we build a college-going culture.”

Tornillo Elementary School is EPCC’s ninth school adopted and first for TISD.

“We are beyond excited that Tornillo Elementary has been adopted by El Paso Community College.  This partnership will help us continue our district’s mission to educate our community that students are never too young to learn about the many doors that open when you go to college,” said Myrna Lopez, Tornillo Elmentary Principal.

“Through this collaboration, not just our students, but our entire community will also see that higher education is within reach.”

Officials with EPCC say they have plans to continue adopting elementary schools across its district.

“EPCC is committed to increasing the number of students going to college in the region, by building strong elementary school and college connections through campus tours, workshops, presentations, outreach programs and parental involvement, EPCC is building a college-going culture,” college officials shared via a news release.

Previously EPCC adopted Campestre Elementary from Socorro Independent School District, Frederick Douglass Elementary from El Paso Independent School District, Ramona Elementary from Ysleta Independent School District, Canutillo Elementary School from Canutillo Independent School District, Frank Macias Elementary School for the Clint Independent School District, O’Donnell Intermediate School from Fabens Independent School District, Lorenzo G. Alarcon Elementary School from San Elizario Independent School District and Benito Martinez Elementary from Fort Hancock Independent School District.

Santa Fe, New Mexico – Keri Moe, Associate Vice President of External Relations, Communication and Development at El Paso Community College (EPCC), was competitively selected to participate in an Alumni Thematic International Exchange Seminar (Alumni TIES).

Moe was formerly a Fulbright-Hays Scholar in Morocco and is the only community college educator selected to participate in the “Art, Culture, and Transforming Conflict” seminar being held in Santa Fe.

The seminar will convene approximately 40 alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs who will bring unique skills and expertise in leveraging the arts for social change, community reconciliation and conflict transformation to bridge differences and build peaceful communities.

Alumni will join subject-matter experts and U.S. government officials to discuss current challenges, share best practices, engage in dialogue to learn from one another, and develop solutions for peacebuilding, social change, community reconciliation, and conflict transformation through the arts.

The program is being implemented by World Learning on behalf of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State.