On April 13, 2023, the McCombs School of Business welcomed student scholarship recipients and supporters to the First Annual Scholarship Appreciation Dinner. Aside from providing an opportunity for connection, it was also a chance to honor the late Red McCombs, whose legacy continues to inspire generosity, especially toward students.

McCombs hosted 180 guests at the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center, including Dean’s Advisory Council members, current scholarship recipients, and McCombs scholarship supporters.

The event provides an opportunity for scholarship recipients and supporters to make a personal connection.

“More and more, we have heard from donors and students alike how meaningful it is to meet,” said Associate Director of Stewardship Sara Jebaily. “Student support is a key initiative for both the University and Texas McCombs, and we wanted to celebrate the people that create these amazing opportunities for our students.”

In fall 2022, 341 MBA students received McCombs fellowships and 117 MPA students received McCombs scholarships. Of 4,757 undergraduate students, 555 received a McCombs scholarship. At the graduate level, just 293 of the 490 full-time MBA students, and 117 out of 239 MPA students received McCombs fellowships.

The evening began with a video tribute to the late Red McCombs, who passed away this year. McCombs was instrumental in elevating Texas McCombs’ reputation throughout the country as a premier business school.

McCombs donated matching funds to inspire additional giving, resulting in 95 scholarship endowments to date. Much of the night was honored Red’s continuing legacy of leadership and support.

Dean Lillian Mills welcomed guests, followed by University of Texas President Jay C. Hartzell, who welcomed donors and students alike, noting that all of the scholarship sponsors in the room continue to build on Red’s foundation.

“Thank you for all you do to invest in our students,” President Hartzell said. “Red would always ask, ‘How are the students doing?’ He reminded us that that is why we are here. That’s our north star.”

Tina Mabley, Assistant Dean and Director, Full-time Texas MBA Program, shared her own memories of Red before turning the podium over to Charles Enriquez, Assistant Dean, BBA Academic Services and Student Affairs.

“Tonight, we are here to celebrate scholarships,” Tina said. “And there’s no better way to do that than to celebrate Red McCombs.”

She went on to reflect on the McCombs’ historic $50 million gift to the school that is now his namesake. At the time, it was the University’s largest gift to date.

“A true legend, Red’s legacy has lived with us at the business school since this gift,” she said.

Before introducing two guest student scholarship recipients, Charles echoed Tina’s statement.

“Students for generations to come will continue to benefit from the generosity and leadership Red left behind,” he said.

As a reflection of Red’s spirit of generosity, scholarship recipients Michael He, BBA ’23, MPA ’23, and Valeria Noguera, BBA Finance ’25, took to the stage to share how their own personal experiences have been shaped by scholarship support.

Valeria, a sophomore finance major who participates in the McCombs Success Scholars (MSS) program, talked about how her scholarship allows her to be actively involved in seven campus organizations, including being the first MSS student and only Latina in her class to join Wall Street for McCombs.

“None of that would be possible without my scholarship,” Valeria, recipient of the Hilary and Scott Hill Endowed Dean’s Scholarship, said. “I don’t have to worry about acquiring a rigorous job. Instead, I can focus on my studies and my school environment.”

Valeria will intern with Morgan Stanley New York in its investment banking division this summer, the first sophomore Longhorn to do so.

Master’s student Michael He reflected on receiving his scholarship notification just when COVID-19 impacted his family’s financial stability.

“My Dad lost his job, and my mom had to switch departments,” Michael, recipient of the Terri L. Holbrook Scholarship in Accounting, told the crowd. “The extra support I received helped us breathe a sigh of relief, and we were extremely grateful for that.”

Michael has used his time at McCombs to mentor other students through the Asian Business Student Association and intern at Deloitte, where he will be employed after graduation in May.

Regent James C. “Rad” Weaver, who was a scholarship recipient when he attended the McCombs School of Business, shared his own experiences as a student in need of extra breathing room.

“I, like so many other students, went to school on someone else’s dime,” said Regent Weaver, former CEO of McCombs Partners who was mentored by Red as a student. “My father passed away when I was a freshman in high school, so money was tight.”

During a fireside chat with Dean Mills, Regent Weaver, who worked alongside Red for 26 years, remembered fondly Red’s penchant for finding unexpired parking meters around the San Antonio area, just one way the mogul could stretch a dollar. He also recalled many of Red’s famous quotes.

“Keep the main thing the main thing,’ was one. And ‘Always be present wherever you are’ was another,” he said. “But what stuck with me was when he said, ‘Life is never standing still, it’s always moving; you are growing or shrinking every single day, so make the most of it.’”

But what both Dean Mills and Regent Weaver both recalled was Red’s devotion to inspiring students, especially the ones that flew under the radar.

“He enjoyed visiting with all the students, but he particularly would want to meet the C student who was working hard to make it happen,” said Weaver. “That’s who he would connect with the most.”

Dean Mills wrapped up the evening by reminding everyone in the room that, while scholarship needs met are something to celebrate, there is still much to be done to make McCombs a possibility for all students. She also pointed back to the purpose that lies at the heart of everything Texas McCombs does.

“It’s about the kids,” she said. “They are the ones who go out and change the world. You can be proud of your investment.”

Plans are already underway for next year’s event, which promises to expand to provide further interaction opportunities among recipients and their supporters.