Mayor Lori Blong of Midland, Texas, congratulated the University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) on its 50th anniversary. Blong read a proclamation at a special event in honor of the university, expressing her pride in Midland's connection to UTPB.
"Midland is proud to be a part of your 50 years, UTPB," Mayor Blong said. "As I walked through the campus, I couldn't help but think of the UTPB commercial from my childhood, 'UT Permian Basin, your university, your future.'"
To mark the occasion, Mayor Blong declared Oct. 23 as The University of Texas Permian Basin Day. This proclamation was made during a ceremony held to celebrate UTPB's 50-year anniversary.
In a Facebook post on Oct. 23, Mayor Blong shared her experience of celebrating with UTPB. She wrote, "Today, we celebrated UT Permian Basin's rich history and bright future. I was honored to read a proclamation, officially declaring today as The University of Texas Permian Basin Day in Midland."
The University of Texas Permian Basin, according to its website, is committed to innovation, education, research, and culture. The university aims to be an innovative and responsive institution that impacts lives and advances technology while serving the public interests of West Texas. UTPB strives for excellence in student-centered teaching, learning, research, and public service.
UTPB's journey began as an institution that only accepted juniors, seniors, and graduate students. However, in the fall of 1991, it transitioned into a four-year university. The university faced challenges during its early years, including a delay in construction plans. When UTPB first opened for classes in 1973, the campus consisted of temporary buildings and trailers to accommodate its inaugural class of 1,112 students.
Mayor Blong's proclamation and the celebration of UTPB's 50th anniversary highlight the university's significant contributions to education, research, and the community.