Student of the Week

Awards/Honors

Texas Scholar, 2006
UTPA Excellence Scholarship recipient, 2007
Wal-Mart Endowment Scholarship recipient, 2007-2008
Dean’s List , first honors, fall 2007
Dean’s List, second honors, spring 2008 and spring 2009
CAMP certificate for 4.0 GPA, spring 2008

Visit the archives to view previous student profiles.

Noel Gonzalez, 19, is a junior at The University of Texas-Pan American and plans to graduate in spring 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a minor in Spanish. Gonzalez was born in Monterrey, Mexico and graduated from PSJA Memorial High School in Alamo in the top 11 percent in 2007. He is currently employed in the university’s budget office, a job he enjoys very much. While at UTPA, he participated in the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) in his freshmen year. Later he was chosen to be a CAMP Leader and was able to help new CAMP students get used to college. Gonzalez is also part of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society.

What are your plans after graduation?

First of all I want to earn a master’s degree in economics. Then I want to work for a big corporation to gain experience to later open my own business in the lodging industry.

Do you plan to return stay in the Valley?

Yes, I think the Valley is one of the fastest growing areas of the nation and I want to be part of that growth. I love the Valley. I have been living here for a good time and I don’t plan to leave. If I had to leave I would definitely return one day.

What has your education done for you?

Education, to me, is the biggest and most important investment in life. This investment helps open many doors full of opportunities that one day I can take advantage of.

How do you feel about your UTPA experience?

Since I was very young, I knew that earning an education was my main and foremost goal in life. UTPA makes me feel comfortable and secure about my future. This institution has all the necessary tools needed for a valuable education and makes me feel proud to be a part of it.

What is your best tip for success?

The road to success should not only be paved with intelligence, even more important it should include devotion and dedication.

What advice do you have for college-bound students?

There is always time for everything, and time management is one of the most important aspects of college life. They should learn how to manage their time well in order to be able to complete the required and desired tasks on time and with the best quality possible.