Over the weekend, the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) saw an outpouring of support for the local community as hundreds of UTEP volunteers rolled up their sleeves to contribute to the 15th annual Project MOVE day of service. With more than 650 participants dedicating over 4,000 hours, the effort reached across the city, from historic neighborhoods to local nonprofits.
One standout initiative this year involved UTEP's Peer Leader Program and Rebuilding Together El Paso. Together, they set out to revamp a residence in the Sunset Heights historic neighborhood. "The enthusiasm and dedication shown by our Miner community continues to inspire us," said Jennifer Lujan, Project MOVE lead organizer and director of UTEP’s Center for Community Engagement, as per UTEP Newsfeed. Project MOVE is the University's way of giving back to those who lend their support throughout the academic year.
This coordinated effort spanned across approximately 30 sites and included a diverse range of activities from landscaping to painting, cleaning to sorting donations. There was no shortage of tasks to address the specific needs of the El Paso community organizations. Roger De Moore, executive director of Rebuilding Together El Paso, reflected on the 14-year partnership with UTEP, noting how the mission of the organization aligns with creating meaningful volunteering opportunities for students who are eager to serve.
Dyvanna Soria, a senior graphic design major, one of the many UTEP students who contributed to the home renovation project, shared her drive for community work. “This work is important to me because it allows me to contribute to my community. I know people appreciate the help, but it’s also very fulfilling personally,” Soria disclosed her motivation, as obtained by UTEP Newsfeed. Besides painting homes, Soria has also lent her hands at local food banks and gardens, speaking to the overarching spirit of service encompassing UTEP’s student body.
