Class Notes
2021
Dominic Carrasco, B.A. in history, was named a project manager for Brown and Ortiz Attorney Firm. Carrasco was a formerly an intern for CPS Energy.
Joel Engulu, M.P.A. in public administration, went on a humanitarian mission to help communities in the Congo establish stability.
Natalie Malluru, B.S. in public health, helped create the Pocket Vax app, which provides users with reminders for upcoming vaccinations and up-to-date CDC data.
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2019
Ashton Rouska, B.A. in psychology, won first place at the 2021 U.S.A. Powerlifting Nationals Competition in Daytona, Florida. He set the American record for squats, lifting 265.5 kg in the 103 kg weight class. Rouska is an Army medical service corps officer studying to become a military clinical psychologist.
2018
Cindy Nieto-Ruiz, M.A. in bicultural-bilingual studies, won the KENS 5 EXCEL Award recognizing teacher excellence. Nieto-Ruiz is a teacher at Scarborough Elementary School in Northside ISD.
David Schwarz III, B.A. in psychology, a cancer survivor, has published the book Beating Cancer Through Faith and Inspiration to help fellow cancer patients cope with their diagnosis.
2017
Dayna Devon, B.A. in English, joined the team for the TV show “L.A. Unscripted.” She was previously an entertainment reporter for KTLA in Los Angeles.
Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, B.A. in communications, landed at no. 71 on a list of the 100 most influential African Americans of 2021 published by The Root. He is a San Antonio city councilman serving District 2.
Andi Rodriguez, M.S. in architecture, was an honoree for the 2022 San Antonio Business Journal Women’s Leadership Award. Rodriguez is vice president of cultural placemaking for Centro San Antonio.
2016
Marissa Del Torro, M.A. in art history, was named assistant director of programs and exhibitions at NXTHVN in New Haven, Connecticut. She was most recently a curatorial fellow at NXTHVN, where she co-curated two exhibitions and worked alongside studio fellows in developing their professional practice.
Kenton Trevino, B.S. in kinesiology, was promoted to assistant video coordinator for the San Antonio Spurs. Trevino spent the previous two seasons working as an assistant coach with the Austin Spurs of the NBA’s G League.
2015
Lea Hajjar, B.B.A. in management, launched the online business Woof Wardrobe designs, which provides products, apparel and gifts for dogs. Hajjar’s goal is to donate a portion of proceeds to shelters, adoption agencies and charities in need.
2014
Myrriah Gómez, Ph.D. in English, was one of 17 contributors for a new book which explores the word “querencia.” Gomez is an assistant professor for the University of New Mexico Honors College.
2013
Christopher Garcia, B.A. in political science, was named Senior Legislative Affairs Advisor for the White House.
Melissa Cabello Havrda, M.B.A. in business, has been named the new chair of the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. She is a practicing attorney and was elected to the San Antonio City Council in 2019.
2012
Frank Castellano, M.B.A. in business, has been named executive vice president and San Antonio practice leader for Brown & Brown, one of the leading insurance brokerages in the nation. He was most recently the vice president and head of distribution for global retail markets (west region) for Liberty Mutual Insurance.
Jennifer Rulon, M.S. in health and kinesiology, was selected as the 2022 Commencement speaker for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Rulon is a 15-time Ironman triathlete.
2011
Crystal Adams, B.A. in communications, published the book Perversion of Love, which explores love languages from a faith-based perspective.
Alexis Clark, B.A. in interdisciplinary studies, has been selected as the new principal of Crockett Elementary School in Houston. Clark was previously the assistant principal at Harvard Elementary School in Houston.
2010
Alejandro Paredes, B.B.A. in economics, is the owner of the restaurant Fish Lonja. The restaurant was featured in the 2021 Restaurant List by The New York Times, highlighting 50 exciting American eateries.
Isabel Servantez III, B.A. in art history, has been hired by the Mexic-Arte Museum in Austin after completing a year-long Semmes Foundation internship.
2009
Jonathan Garcia, B.A. in political science, was a 2021 C-Suite Awards honoree. Garcia is chief financial officer for CNF Technologies Corp.
Antonio Giustino, M.B.A. in business, was appointed to the position of chief technical officer for Westbridge Energy Corporation. He is helping advance the company’s solar PV project pipeline and development.
Monica Hayes, M.S. in mechanical engineering, was an honoree for the 2022 San Antonio Business Journal 40 Under 40 Awards, celebrating young business and community leaders. Hayes is the owner of Fusion Success Group.
2008
Crystal Fonseca Tubig, B.B.A. in business, was appointed to the school board of the Marble Falls ISD. She is the vice president of operations for M&C Fonseca, a business that specializes in underground utilities.
Jamie Kowalski, B.A. in communications, was named to Port San Antonio’s 11-member board of directors. Kowalski is vice president of corporate relations for the RK Group.
Rafael Veraza, B.S. in biology, was promoted to CEO of Vascular Profusion Solutions Inc. He was previously the chief of technology and scientific officer for the San Antonio-based medical technology company.
2007
Mike Bratten, B.S. in civil engineering, was an honoree for the 2022 San Antonio Business Journal 40 Under 40 Awards, celebrating young business and community leaders. Bratten is the president of Axis Structural, LLC.
Mark Carmona, M.B.A. in business, was appointed by City Manager Erik Walsh as San Antonio’s first-ever chief housing officer. Carmona was previously a consultant for the H.E. Butt Foundation.
Will Conway, B.A. in political science, was a 2021 C-Suite Award honoree. Conway is CEO of Pathwire, a company that provides its clients with services to build apps and develop email programs.
Jeffrey M. Coyle, M.P.A. in public administration, has been promoted to assistant city manager. Coyle has been working for the City of San Antonio since 2013, starting as the director of government and public affairs.
Arturo Herrera Jr., B.A. in political science, was an honoree for the 2022 San Antonio Business Journal 40 Under 40 Awards, celebrating young business and community leaders. Herrera is the manager at VIA Metropolitan Transit.
Nathan P. Murphy, M.P.A. in public administration, was appointed to the Texas Energy Reliability Council by Gov. Greg Abbott. Murphy is senior counsel for Valero and a corporate member representative for the Texas Oil and Gas Association.
George Presses, B.S. in biology, was appointed to the Texas Energy Reliability Council by Gov. Greg Abbott. Presses is currently the vice president of fuel and energy for H-E-B.
Salvador Tellez, B.A. in Spanish, was promoted to head coach of the football team at Lanier High School. Tellez previously served as offensive and defensive coordinator, and assistant coach for Lanier since 2013.
2006
Christopher Allison, B.B.A. in finance, M.B.A in finance ’09, B.A. in criminal justice ’15, launched Palms Out Apparel, an online store which sells UTSA merchandise. Allison is a former police officer and U.S. Army veteran.
Sean Attwood, B.B.A. in marketing, was named the business development manager for VIP Tech Consultants. Attwood previously worked in economic development for the Alamo Colleges District and served as a senior executive for greater: SATX.
Laura Cabanilla, M.P.A. in public administration, won a Women’s Leadership Award from the San Antonio Business Journal. Cabanilla is the corporate responsibility lead for diversity, equity and inclusion at USAA.
Jacob Cavazos, B.B.A. in management, was an honoree for the 2022 San Antonio Business Journal 40 Under 40 Awards, celebrating young business and community leaders. Cavazos is senior vice president of Broadway Bank.
Kim Jefferies, B.A. in interdisciplinary studies, was a 2021 C-Suite Award honoree. Jefferies is CEO of Brighton Center, a nonprofit that provides community education and development services for children with disabilities and developmental delays.
Tina Mendler, B.B.A. in HR management, was named a 2021 Diversity and Inclusion Awards honoree by the San Antonio Business Journal. For over a decade, Mendler has focused on creating more equitable workplaces in San Antonio.
Emmy Ruiz, B.A. in English, was promoted to Assistant to President Joe Biden. She previously served as Director of Political Strategy and Outreach for the White House.
Javier “Jay” Zambrano, M.P.A. in public administration, was named Vice President of Advancement and University Relations for the University of Houston-Downtown. Zambrano has more than 24 years of experience in fundraising and higher education.
2005
Alda P. Dobbs, B.S. in physics, wrote the debut novel “Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna,” inspired by her great-grandmother’s journey to the U.S. during the Mexican Revolution. Dobbs previously worked as an engineer before pursuing her love of storytelling.
Christina Martinez, B.A. in English, is the first executive director for the Dee Howard Foundation. Martinez has been president of the San Antonio ISD Board of Trustees since 2021.
Celeste Menchaca, B.A. in criminal justice, has earned her Certified Floodplain Manager designation from the Texas Floodplain Management Association. Menchaca is a planning manager for the City of Victoria.
Laura Olguin, B.B.A. in finance, was promoted to marketing coordinator of events, promotions and administration by the AfterMarket Auto Parts Alliance Inc. Olguin has been with the company since 2018.
Brandee Perez, B.B.A. in accounting, was an honoree for the 2022 San Antonio Business Journal Women’s Leadership Award. Perez is chief operating officer for the San Antonio Housing Authority.
Armida Y. Riojas, M.A. in economics, was chosen to lead the San Antonio branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas as its assistant vice president. She joined the San Antonio branch of the Fed in 2007.
2004
Sarah A. Garza, M.B.A. in business, was promoted to vice president of clinics and physicians for Driscoll Health System. Garza has been with the company since 2012.
Rebecca Lively, B.B.A. in information systems, was an honoree for the 2022 San Antonio Business Journal 40 Under 40 Awards, celebrating young business and community leaders. Lively is deputy director of the U.S. Air Force’s 90th Cyberspace Operations Squadron.
Elysia Treviño-Gonzales, B.A. in interdisciplinary studies, was an honoree for the 2022 San Antonio Business Journal Women’s Leadership Award. Treviño-Gonzales is the chief executive officer for Twang Partners.
Danny L. Zincke, B.S. in health and kinesiology, has been named an assistant city manager for the City of Boerne. Zincke was formerly the city’s director of community services.
2003
Felice Koenig, M.F.A. in art, selected the Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology to receive proceeds from the sale of her artwork. Koenig is a faculty member at Daemen College, where she is a visual artist and educator, working in acrylics, watercolors, graphite and ink.
2002
Devin Brown, B.B.A. in marketing, was inducted into the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame, becoming the first UTSA student-athlete to be enshrined in the Hall. The former UTSA men’s basketball star played eight seasons in the NBA and is now the head of operations at Nike ProSkills San Antonio.
2001
Ramon Benavides, B.S. in biology, was named the 2022 Texas Teacher of the Year by the Texas Association of School Administrators. He teaches at Del Valle High School in El Paso.
Jay Clingman, M.B.A. in business, was named vice chairman of Texas Capital Bank. Clingman was previously with JPMorgan Chase & Co. for more than 30 years.
Joe Guzman, B.A. in economics, was named the chief financial officer at Methodist Hospital Atascosa. Guzman has 20 years of financial experience in the health care industry.
Lindsey Tucker, B.A. in communications, has joined commercial brokerage NIA Partners and parent company Partners Real Estate Co. as their third partner in the San Antonio office. She was formerly the first vice president at CBRE Group Inc.
1999
Jeanette Ball, M.A. in education, was named the new superintendent for the Southwest ISD in San Antonio. She was formerly superintendent for Judson ISD.
Robert Godines, B.B.A. in marketing, owner of Matador Men’s Grooming, opened two new locations in San Antonio.
1998
Linda Garza Molina, M.A. in Spanish, was appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott to the Board of Pardon and Paroles. Molina is an attorney in private practice and a municipal judge for the City of Sandy Oaks, Texas.
Maggie Tuschinski, B.B.A. in business, was named executive vice president and chief digital officer by First National Bank. Tuschinski previously served as vice president of digital services for Frost Bank.
1996
Janie Martinez Gonzalez, B.A. in sociology, was a 2021 C-Suite Awards honoree. Martinez became the first Latina to establish a technology company in San Antonio, WebHead, which provides digital technology consulting.
Jesse Vargas, B.B.A. in management, was hired as the vice president of the San Antonio Zoological Society. Vargas is helping the zoo manage its multiyear improvements and expansion plans.
1995
Michael Petersen, B.S. in biology, has been appointed chief clinical innovation officer by NTT DATA. Petersen is joining the company from Accenture, where he helped shape the firm’s health equity capabilities and ecosystem.
Jane Paccione, B.A. in sociology, M.P.A. in public administration ’19, was named managing director of collective impact for the San Antonio Area Foundation. Paccione’s main assignment is managing the company’s Successfully Aging and Living in San Antonio (SALSA) initiative.
1993
Jesse Carrillo, M.B.A. in business, has been appointed as chief innovation officer by the Howard Hughes Corporation. Carrillo was previously the chief information officer for the real estate investment company Hines.
Christina Casanova, B.B.A. in management, has been named the executive director for instructional accountability for United ISD in Laredo. Casanova was previously United ISD’s director for student assessment.
1992
Anna de Luna, B.A. in American studies, premiered her one-woman show, which tells the story of her mother Carmen Villafuerte de Luna and her journey emigrating to the U.S., at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center.
1986
Jeff Clarke, B.S. in electrical engineering, has been promoted to chief operating officer and vice president for Dell Technologies. Clarke, who has been with Dell since 1987, was previously the vice chairman of products and operation at the company.
1985
Marcelino Rodriguez, B.B.A. in accounting, was named chief financial advisor for the PHP Agency. He previously served as chief financial advisor for Modern Industries Inc.
1982
Roxanne Austin, B.B.A. in accounting, has been elected to the Verizon Board of Directors. Austin is the founder, president and CEO of Austin Investment Advisors, a private investment and consulting firm, and chairs the U.S. Mid-Market Investment Advisory Committee of EQT Partners.
1979
Sara Dysart, M.A. in education, was named an Outstanding Lawyer by the San Antonio Business Journal. She is the owner of Dysart Law Firm.
Deborah Prost, M.B.A. in business, was named to the board of the San Antonio River Authority as secretary. Prost is a former board member of the UTSA Alumni Association.