Texas Border Business –
As The University of Texas-Pan American prepares to ride off into the sunset and make way for a new university – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley – UTPA will celebrate its annual Homecoming Week tradition one last time Feb. 22-March 1 with events for students, a special weekend for alumni, and a great time for Bronc fans.
UTPA alumni are invited to come home to Bronc Country and join the festivities during Homecoming Alumni Weekend, Friday, Feb. 27-Sunday, March 1. Alumni Weekend will offer lots of fun – Alumni Ball and Tailgate – and time to reminisce with fellow Broncs.
Alumni Weekend highlights include the following:
Boots & Bling Alumni Ball
Friday, Feb. 27, 6:30 p.m., Boggus Ford Events Center (former Pharr Events Center)
Wear your best country duds and don’t forget your sparkle for what is sure to be the biggest and most dazzling event of the year. Tickets are $100 each. Funds raised from the Ball will benefit student scholarships. Title sponsors include Doctors Hospital at Renaissance and the City of Pharr. To purchase tickets, visit https://bronccountry.utpa.edu/alumniball or call (956) 665-2500.
UTPA Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon
Saturday, Feb. 28, 11 a.m., UTPA Ballroom
Join UTPA Athletics as they celebrate Bronc legends. The 2015 Athletics Hall of Fame class includes the 1962-66 men’s tennis teams, former men’s tennis players John Hunter, George Kon and Jerry Wortelboer, former baseball players Tommy Sandoval and Tommy Simpson, and former women’s basketball player Dawn Beachler, the first UTPA women’s basketball player to earn induction into the Hall of Fame. Hall of Honor inductees includes Pan American Board of Regents Orville I. Cox and Ann LaMantia. Contact UTPA Associate Athletic Director for External Operations Chelsea Blakely at (956) 665-2205 or crblakely@utpa.edu to reserve your seat.
Homecoming Tailgate
Saturday, Feb. 28, 5 -7 p.m., UTPA Fieldhouse Parking Lot
Put your tailgates down and light your BBQ pits for our final Tailgate bash as UTPA. Come have a great time before the start of the men’s basketball game and celebrate UTPA with live music, kid’s activities (face painting and more), a mechanical bull for the daring ones, fun rides for everyone, and a Fajita Cook-off for those wanting to show-off their grilling skills. There is something for everyone at the annual Tailgate. Donning Bronc gear is encouraged. Reserve your Tailgate spot with Sergio Martinez at (956) 665-3439. For more information or special accommodations, contact (956) 665-7989 or email bucky@utpa.edu.
Men’s Basketball: UTPA vs. New Mexico State University
Saturday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m., UTPA Fieldhouse
Join us for some hoop action and come cheer on the Broncs when they take on their WAC opponent the NMSU Aggies. Purchase tickets at bronctickets.universitytickets.com or call (956) 665-2221.
Class of 1965: 50-plus Class Reunion Brunch
Sunday, March 1, 10:30 a.m., International Trade and Technology Building
Let’s celebrate the good old Bronc days. Make plans to come home to Bronc Country for this intimate gathering of old and new friends. Reminisce with former classmates about your time at Edinburg Junior College and Pan Am. Celebrate the pinning ceremony and induction of the 50-plus Club members. To receive a complimentary ticket, call the UTPA Office of Alumni Relations at (956) 665-2500 or reply by email at alumni@utpa.edu.
For a full list of UTPA 2015 Homecoming Week and Alumni Weekend activities, visit utpa.edu/homecoming.
