Helen and Pete were members of the mining community throughout their lives and dedicated themselves to giving back to that industry through their work and philanthropy.

Helen was always involved in the community, volunteering on the PTA, leading Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts and serving as President of the Helena, Montana Symphony. Everywhere Pete and Helen lived, Leadville, CO, El Paso, TX, Vallejo, CA, East Helena, MT, and Morristown, NJ, Helen was involved in WAAIME, the Women’s Auxiliary to the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers, Inc., an organization that encouraged students to pursue careers in mining and metallurgy. At one point, she served as president of WAAIME and when Pete retired from ASARCO, they moved back to El Paso where she served as President of Assistance League of El Paso, an organization dear to her heart where she volunteered for 15 years.

Pete, an Italian immigrant who was the first in his family to graduate from college, never stopped espousing the value of education, no matter what grade level. He was an inspiration and mentor to many, including friends, co-workers, employees, and family. He loved encouraging old and young alike to pursue their passions, no matter what direction that took them. He was a dedicated metallurgist who worked tirelessly and eventually retired from the corporate offices of American Smelting and Refining Company in New York where he served as Manager of Operations for the Western U.S., including the El Paso smelter.

Because of Helen’s love of community, and Pete’s love of education, we would like to honor them by offering this scholarship to the person who best embodies their combined spirit.

Purpose: Scholarship for students currently studying metallurgical engineering at the University of Texas at El Paso.

Criteria: Students must be enrolled full-time (at least 12 credit hours per semester) at the named institution(s). Candidates shall be chosen on academic performance and demonstrated need.