UTEP Building to be Named in Honor of Mike Loya

February 09, 2012 | THE PROSPECTOR

The University of Texas System Board of Regents approved on Feb. 9 naming UTEP's Academic Services Building the "Mike Loya Academic Services Building" in recognition of Loya's significant support of The University of Texas at El Paso.

Loya is president of Vitol Inc., the North and South American arm of the Vitol Group, one of the world's largest energy trading companies. He earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering at UTEP in 1977 and his M.B.A. at Harvard two years later.

He made international headlines in fall 2011 after he pledged $10 million to UTEP to develop integrated engineering and business education models to enhance the preparation of students for successful 21st century careers. Some of the funds are also committed to support students directly through scholarships and fellowships.

"The honorific naming of the Academic Services Building is a fitting tribute to Mike Loya," said UTEP President Diana Natalicio. "It recognizes his exceptional achievements, his generous spirit and his commitment to UTEP. Mike's association with this facility will also serve as an inspiration to UTEP students for whom Mike Loya represents an extraordinary role model."

University officials plan to celebrate the naming of the building during a special event at a date to be announced.

Mike Loya received a Gold Nugget Award from UTEP's College of Engineering in 2004 and in 2010 was named a UTEP Distinguished Alumnus, the highest honor the University bestows upon its alumni.

The two-story building at 601 W. Schuster Ave. (at Hawthorne Street), is home to 14 key student service departments, including the offices of Scholarships, Financial Aid, Veterans Affairs, Registrar and Records, and the Graduate School.