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The Professor Nicholas E. Pingitore Jr. Innovation Award was created to honor the memory of Dr. Pingitore, who passed away in Fall of 2022, after having served as a professor at UTEP for 45 years.
Dr. Pingitore will be remembered as an outstanding academic scholar who demonstrated an almost uncanny foresight on future developments in society, science, and economics. He had always the big picture in mind and had the ability to observe and seize on unexpected insights and develop outside-the-box approaches, driving innovation.
Also, as an advisor, Dr. Pingitore was unique. Probably most unforgettable is his advice to a graduate student who was unsure what path to take, giving up her job and fully devoting her time to academic success, or to continuing working and keeping economic safety while being dissatisfied with her scholarly progress. To her request for advice, Dr. Pingitore responded with an email titled “Quidque id est, timeo Danaos et dona ferentes” (paraphrased as “I fear the Greeks even when bearing gifts”) retelling the story of the Grecian armies burning their boats after landing on their enemy’s shore – ensuring their own full and unwavering commitment to victory. Dr. Pingitore continued his train of thought as follows:
“A leap of faith is just that – a leap from what you know and trust and to the unknown. Frequently, growth lives on the landing spot where you leap. The question then becomes, “do I leap”; “how do I know if I’m following my heart’s desire and not just making a stupid mistake?”
The answer is you really don’t know, for sure. The Greeks didn’t know, for sure, if they would be victorious, but there were extremely motivated because there was no other course; no other way. They didn’t think about the “what ifs.” they only thought about how to prevail and win.
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Storm the shore with the attitude you will be successful. Set fire to the boat that took you there and watch as it lists in the water and then disappears. Turn around and look forward; look ahead. Leave your fear and regret at the bottom of the water with the boat and begin moving in the direction you want to go. Surrender to no one or nothing and fully commit. You will get to where you want to go. You will be victorious, too.”
The Professor Nicholas E. Pingitore Jr. Innovation Award will be presented each year to a master’s student at the Department Colloquium who demonstrates outstanding innovative ideas, commitment to success and independent scholarship. We hope you will join us in honoring the memory and legacy of Dr. Pingitore’s memory by supporting this award.
Every gift counts. Thank you for being an advocate of this award with your $25 donation.
We appreciate your gift of $100. Your donation will support students in sustaining excellence within their program.
A gift of $250 will surely nurture student colloquium learning opportunities. Thank you for your generous contribution!
Thank you for giving to this campaign! Your donation of $500 supports students in developing and demonstrating innovative ideas.
Thank you for your incredible philanthropic support! Your gift of $1,000 will continue Dr. Pingitore’s legacy making a significant impact on the student colloquium experience.
