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Paul & Alejandra Foster donate $2.5 million for UTEP’s transition to the Mountain West Conference
By Adrian Ochoa at KVIA ABC-7
· June 26, 2026
· 3 min read
UTEP Athletics
EL PASO, Texas - UTEP celebrated its eagerly-awaited July 1 move to the Mountain West Conference today at a special event announcing what fans can expect in this new era.
At the event, UTEP President Heather Wilson addressed Miner supporters, sharing the biggest news: Paul Fo...
Key takeaway ” “Some have waited 28 years for us to join the Mountain West,” UTEP Vice President and Director of Athletics Jim Senter said.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The Fosters' $2.5 million donation to UTEP Athletics marks a significant investment in the city's athletic program, demonstrating the community's commitment to supporting its teams. As UTEP joins the Mountain West Conference, this funding will play a crucial role in enhancing the Miners' competitiveness. The "Climb Higher" campaign's goals, including increasing MAC donors and season ticket holders, will rely on the continued support of El Pasoans like the Fosters. The campaign's success will not only benefit UTEP Athletics but also contribute to the local economy, as increased attendance and engagement are likely to boost revenue for businesses near the university. With new initiatives aimed at enhancing the game day experience, such as giveaway items and in-game fireworks, UTEP is poised to become an even more integral part of the city's cultural landscape, fostering a sense of community and school spirit among El Paso residents.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? UTEP Athletics
EL PASO, Texas - UTEP celebrated its eagerly-awaited July 1 move to the Mountain West Conference today at a special event announcing what fans can expect in this new era.
At the event, UTEP President Heather Wilson addressed Miner supporters, sharing the biggest news: Paul Fo...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Adrian Ochoa at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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