Photo by Jen Gallo
McCombs Launches BBA Alumni Network
This spring, the McCombs School launched the McCombs BBA (MBBA) Alumni Network. Building on 11 years of success with the McCombs MBA Alumni Network, the MBBA Alumni Network will connect undergraduate alumni to each other and to McCombs, building relationships with current students and providing lifelong learning opportunities.
“We really wanted to give students a final celebration for their time at McCombs. It allowed graduates to visit with each other, talk about their favorite classes and network with those moving to the same cities or industries.”
- Sarah Dooley, BBA ’04 and Assistant Director of BBA Alumni Relations
“We have more than 64,000 BBA alumni, and we are thrilled to unite them through this network,” said Paula Murray, associate dean for undergraduate programs.
The network started the year with a chapter pre-launch happy hour in New York. More than 60 alumni from a wide range of classes turned out for the festivities, said Rohan Singal, BBA ’06, who helped organize the event.
Launch receptions were held in Austin, Dallas, Houston, New York, San Antonio and San Francisco in March and April, drawing more than 900 alumni. Faculty and staff traveled to each launch to encourage alumni to get involved.
“We’ve watched the successes of the MBA group and wanted a network of our own,” said Tamara Testerman, BBA ’81 and member of the steering committee for the Austin chapter. “I want to reconnect with the school and other alumni, and also mentor current students.”
In May, members of the class of 2008 celebrated their transition from students to alumni with the first annual McCombs Senior Sendoff at the InterContinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel. A committee of graduating seniors tailored the event specifically for their class.
“We really wanted to give students a final celebration for their time at McCombs,” said Sarah Dooley, BBA ’04 and assistant director of BBA alumni relations, who will oversee the planning and operations of the new organization. “It allowed graduates to visit with each other, talk about their favorite classes and network with those moving to the same cities or industries.”
During the next few years, the MBBA Alumni Network will add activities such as a reunion weekend, annual business conference, chapter receptions and an alumni-student mentorship program. Senior class gift and reunion giving campaigns also will be established.
Leadership opportunities will include serving on the McCombs BBA Alumni Advisory Board, hosting events, helping with chapter development, speaking at student and alumni functions and cultivating corporate sponsorship. For more information, contact the alumni relations office at bbaalumni@mccombs.utexas.edu or visit http://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/alumni/involve/.
