Congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone in your lives! As you prepare to receive your diplomas and move on to the next chapter of your careers, take a moment to reflect on all that you have accomplished and learned during your time at Texas McCombs.
You have worked tirelessly to develop your skills, expand your knowledge, and build relationships that will last a lifetime. You have faced challenges and overcome obstacles, demonstrating your resilience, perseverance, and dedication to your goals. And finally, you have made an indelible mark on the Texas McCombs community, leaving a legacy that will inspire future generations of MBA students.
As you step out into the world as an alumnus, know that you carry the values and traditions that make Texas McCombs so special. You are part of a proud and accomplished network of leaders and innovators who are making a difference in every industry and city around the globe.
American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and businessman John Paul DeJoria, will address Class of 2023 graduates at the McCombs School of Business MBA Convocation, on May 5, 3:00–5:00 p.m. at Gregory Gym on the University of Texas at Austin campus.
John Paul DeJoria is widely recognized for co-founding two iconic global multi-billion-dollar-valued brands: John Paul Mitchell Systems and Patron Spirits International.
Born in Los Angeles in 1944, DeJoria grew up in a low-income household and faced numerous challenges throughout his childhood and adolescence. He is admired for his innovative and socially responsible approach to business and has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and the environment.
In 2011, Mr. DeJoria signed the “Giving Pledge” created in 2010 by Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffet. John Paul’s main philanthropic investments through JP’s Peace, Love & Happiness Foundation are focused on homelessness, food insecurity, and entrepreneurship. Mr. DeJoria endowed a chair at the University of Texas at Austin’s Dell Medical School to improve the health of people experiencing homelessness. In addition, he has made investments in housing through Mobile Loves & Fishes and the Salvation Army. He funded and created Grow Appalachia, the largest organization of its kind that helps people grow their own food and contribute to resilient food systems.
John Paul was inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame in 2021 for his transformational impact on the state’s economy and communities and received the Texas Medal of Arts in 2017 from the Texas Cultural Trust as Corporate Arts Patron. John Paul DeJoria’s life and career are a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and the entrepreneurial spirit that Texas McCombs hopes to ignite in each of our students.
If you or your family can’t make it to Gregory Gym, tune into the MBA Commencement live stream, or join us at Rowling Hall to celebrate.
Once again, congratulations on your graduation from the Texas McCombs MBA program. May this achievement be just the beginning of a long and fulfilling journey, filled with success, happiness, and endless possibilities.
Hook ’em! 🤘🎓
