By News and Media Relations

By Jeremy San Miguel

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS - MARCH 31, 2026 - The UTRGV Office for Sustainability hosted the UTRGV Beach Clean Up on March 28 in partnership with RGV Fishing Area and Waterway Cleanups, bringing together campus and community members to build community and protect the South Texas coast.

More than 150 people participated in the cleanup, including about 100 registered UTRGV students, faculty and staff, demonstrating strong campus engagement and a growing culture of environmental stewardship at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. 

Participants collectively removed more than 1,500 pounds of debris and waste from the shoreline. (UTRGV Photo by Christopher Cabello)

The event was supported by UTRGV Campus Auxiliary Services and the Center for Student Involvement, which provided transportation, snacks and promotional items for volunteers. Participants collectively removed more than 1,500 pounds of debris and waste from the shoreline, contributing to healthier ecosystems and increased awareness of coastal preservation.

Building partnerships through service

The beach clean-up reflects a growing initiative led by the UTRGV Office for Sustainability to strengthen partnerships with regional organizations while creating meaningful service opportunities for the campus community.

“We are trying to make this place better than we found it,” said Noe Gonzalez, director of RGV Fishing Area and Waterway Cleanups. (UTRGV Photo by Christopher Cabello)

“This event is about more than just cleaning the beach,” said Stephanie Trujillo, program coordinator for the UTRGV Office for Sustainability. “Our goal is to provide students with meaningful opportunities to engage in service and sustainability initiatives.”

“We are trying to make this place better than we found it,” said Noe Gonzalez, director of RGV Fishing Area and Waterway Cleanups. “We are proud to partner with UTRGV to bring people together and teach kids while they are young.”

Student voices

Students emphasized the importance of civic engagement, community and collective action.

“I feel alive. It is great to see everyone here; this is what I live for,” said Dalilah Saenz, a senior studying anthropology.

“I wanted the biggest problem today to be that I couldn’t find trash, but finding it was very easy, and in that I was disappointed,” said Edgar Arecha, a freshman studying integrative health science. He added that he enjoys participating in events like the cleanup to help conserve the ecosystem.

“This event is about more than just cleaning the beach,” said Stephanie Trujillo, program coordinator for the UTRGV Office for Sustainability. “Our goal is to provide students with meaningful opportunities to engage in service and sustainability initiatives.” (UTRGV Photo by Christopher Cabello)

“It has been a great experience being out here volunteering today,” said Julius Contreras, a junior studying civil engineering.

“Coming out and socializing with my sorority and meeting other people has been my favorite part of today,” said Elizama Martinez, a senior studying integrative health science.

Looking ahead

The UTRGV Office for Sustainability plans to continue expanding institutional partnerships and volunteer opportunities. Future collaborations will focus on deepening relationships with regional organizations and creating ongoing opportunities for the campus community to engage in sustainability-focused action.