UTSA Alumni Association announces honorees for Reflections Alumni Gala

UTSA Alumni Association award winners Ingrid Barth Faris '83 (left) and Barbara Gentry

By Jenny Deptuch
Marketing and Events Coordinator, Office of Alumni Programs

(Aug. 4, 2010)--Save the date and join UTSA alumni and friends for the 11th annual UTSA Reflections Alumni Gala on Saturday, Aug. 28 at the Omni Hotel at The Colonnade grand ballroom.

Ingrid Barth Faris '83 will be honored as this year's Alumnus of the Year and Barbara Gentry will be recognized with the Distinguished Service Award.

The gala theme embodies the belief that alumni reflect the past, present and future of UTSA. Honoree Ingrid Barth Faris reflects the ideals of service, commitment and loyalty to UTSA. She graduated summa cum laude in 1983 with a B.A. in psychology with minors in criminal justice, business and computer science.

Faris served the UTSA Alumni Association as president during its formative years, 1997-1999. She has served the association as a board member, committee chair and executive committee member. She was a key proponent of the alumni scholarship program, and she and husband Ray have been major contributors for many years.

"Ingrid leads by example," said Dayton Schrader '93 of ReMax The Schrader Group and 2006 Alumnus of the Year. "She has dedicated countless hours of service on committees, fundraising, searches, accreditation and major events -- we are talking thousands of hours on behalf of UTSA and the association."

Ingrid and Ray Faris own Ray Faris Inc., a highway construction company, and are life members of the UTSA Alumni Association. Their son Warren also graduated from UTSA.

Barbara Gentry, an outstanding community leader and volunteer who has contributed much to the success and growth of UTSA, will be recognized with the Distinguished Service Award. Gentry is most proud of her ongoing support of the UTSA Access College and Excel (ACE) Scholars program, for which she has been instrumental in its success.

A graduate of St. Mary's University, she has served as senior vice president of community affairs at USAA since 2000. She joined USAA in 1993 after being active in both the local business and civic communities. She administers USAA's charitable contributions program and oversees the community educational initiatives and volunteer programs. Gentry is president of the USAA Foundation and the USAA Educational Foundation. She is married to Michael Gentry, a CPA and attorney.

Joe Robles Jr., USAA president and CEO, said, "With Barbara's leadership, USAA has supported UTSA with mentoring initiatives, scholarships, support and guidance toward Tier One status, community service projects and support for academic programs."

Alicia Trevino '86, chair of the nominations and awards committee for the Alumni Association, said, "It was a highly qualified field of nominees. We are very excited to honor these deserving individuals."

Honorary chairs for this year's gala are Clay Killinger '83 and Cathy Killinger. Killinger is senior vice president and controller for Valero Energy Corp. and former board member, executive committee member and officer of the UTSA Alumni Association. Gala co-chairs are Susan Hough '91 and Yvonne Fernandez '85. The emcee will be Michael Valdes '93 of KABB-TV.

The cocktail reception will feature music and a silent auction beginning at 6:15 p.m. Dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m. with the program at 8:20 p.m. Following the program, Henry Brun and the Latin Playerz will provide dance music. Dress for the evening is black-tie-optional for men and cocktail attire for women.

Money raised at the gala provides scholarships for UTSA students, and a portion of the proceeds benefits programs and services for alumni. Donations made directly to the UTSA Alumni Scholarship Fund also are accepted.

For more information, to make gala reservations or to donate to the UTSA Alumni Scholarship Fund, visit the UTSA Alumni webite or call 210-458-4133.