Parents of First-Generation Engineering Student Named WT Family of the Year

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — An engineering major’s parents—who understand their son’s drive, if not the particulars of his studies—were named the West Texas A&M University Family of the Year on Sept. 26.

“They may not understand every formula, component, circuit, or every engineering term I throw around, but they understand something greater: passion. They understand every late night, every project, and every opportunity I chase is a step toward a dream they helped make possible,” wrote Jose Miguel Contreras Jr., a senior mechanical engineering major from Eldorado, in a nomination letter.

Lidia and Jose Miguel Contreras Sr. were honored during a brunch celebration Sept. 26 as part of WT’s Family Weekend festivities. Also recognized were family members of students from each of WT’s five other Colleges.

“We’re just super proud,” Contreras Sr. said following the celebration. “We would do anything for him. It’s very important for me for him to study in college to become a better person.”

The younger Contreras, a first-generation college student, wrote that his parents “have done more than raise me; they have built me.”

“They drive across Texas just to show up and see me at WT events, even after long days of work and caring for my sisters and my newborn nephew,” he wrote. “They have helped me pay for college, not as an obligation, but because they believed in the power of education and the future it could create for me.”

The Contreras family’s story resonated with the selection committee, said Amanda Lawson, senior director of orientation and academic success.

“Family support is important beyond the classroom and helps our students prepare for their future careers,” Lawson said. “The Contreras family is dedicated to encouraging Jose in his endeavors to make sure he not only graduates but finds success after WT.”

The Contreras family represented WT’s College of Engineering. Also recognized:

• Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences: Trish McCormick, mother of McKenzie McCormick, a senior agricultural media and communication major from Canyon
• Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business: the Alexander family, parents and siblings of Audrey Alexander, a senior marketing major from Lovington, New Mexico
• Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences: Mu Pi, mother of Aye Martinez, a junior education major from Amarillo
• Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities: Victoria Isabell, sister of Alexandria Satterwhite, a sophomore digital communication and media major from Amarillo
• College of Nursing and Health Sciences: the Munoz family, parents and siblings of Jimmy Munoz, a junior sports and exercise sciences major from Olton

Thirty-two students nominated their loved ones for the 2026 award.

The 2025 winner was Carrie Padgett, nominated by son Phillip Urquidez.

Family of the Year awards have been given since 2017. Winners are chosen by a committee of staff members.

Family Weekend activities also included opportunities to meet faculty members, to attend a WT soccer game, and to take part in the Party on 26th Street tailgating events before WT’s game against Midwestern State University in Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium, among other opportunities.

About West Texas A&M University

West Texas A&M University is a Regional Research University in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT boasts an enrollment of about 9,000 and offers multiple options for students to graduate and succeed: 65 undergraduate degree programs, including eight associate degrees; and 41 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree, a specialist degree and three doctoral degrees. WT recently earned a Carnegie Foundation classification as a Research College and University. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 16 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

Photo: The Contreras family from Eldorado was named West Texas A&M University's 2026 Family of the Year during Family Weekend celebrations Sept. 26. Pictured with nominating student Jose Miguel Contreras Jr., a senior mechanical engineering major, second from left, are mother Lidia Contrerars, sister Sofia Contreras and father Jose Miguel Contreras Sr.

—WT—