Class Notes
Helping you keep up with fellow classmates through a compilation of alumni submissions and reports from newspapers and other media outlets
1983
Texas Lawyer magazine has named Edward F. Valdespino, B.B.A. in finance, one of 20 “Extraordinary Texas Minority Lawyers” for his noteworthy impact and significant contributions to the law and his profession in Texas over the past five years. The commercial litigator is partner in charge of the San Antonio office of Strasburger & Price and has played a key role in litigation involving the R. Allen Stanford Ponzi scheme.
1986
Ricardo "Rick" Ramirez, B.B.A. in finance and B.B.A. in accounting ’91, has been named vice president for operational accounting at the Security Service Federal Credit Union.
1988
The National Association of Health Underwriters has named Russell “Rusty” Rice, B.S. in physical education/kinesiology, secretary of the San Antonio Association of Health Underwriters.
1994
Susan Bineham, B.A. in psychology, has assumed duties as head of school for the Academy at Morgan’s Wonderland, a learning environment for special-needs students. Bineham’s career includes work in youth ministry at a local church, at the Bexar County Juvenile Justice Academy, and a combined 16 years in the Northside Independent School District.
Jeffrey Bryson, B.B.A. in accounting, has joined the law office of Schoenbaum, Curphy & Scanlan. Bryson has practiced law in Washington, D.C., since 2003.
1996
Maria Villagomez, B.B.A. in accounting, has been appointed City of San Antonio assistant city manager to oversee the Office of Management and Budget, Office of Innovation, Parks and Recreation Department, Animal Care Services, and the Department of Human Services.
1997
Marc Sewell, B.B.A. in accounting, has been named partner at Padgett, Stratemann & Co., one of Texas’ largest, locally-owned CPA and business advisory firms.
1998
Gilberto Paiz, B.B.A. in general business, and a financial adviser at Wells Fargo, has joined the board of directors of Doyle School Community Center. The center’s mission is to provide opportunities for growth, personal improvement, community development, and education for all of Kerrville, while focusing in particular on the low-income neighborhood around the center.
2000
Rick Reed, B.B.A. in finance, has been named vice president of sales for Informa Exhibitions, leading its media and events sales in North America. Reed also sits on the board of directors at UTSA Canoe and Kayak. The former UTSA basketball player now lives in Dallas with his wife and two children.
2003
Lori Houston, M.P.A., has been appointed as City of San Antonio assistant city manager overseeing the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Culture and Creative Department, the Center City Development Department, and the Office of Historic Preservation.
2006
The Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility has named Marco Villarreal Jr., B.B.A. in management, a Young Hispanic Corporate Achiever. Villarreal works for Union Pacific as manager of intermodal equipment maintenance, covering New Mexico, San Antonio, Eagle Pass, Laredo, and Northern Mexico. The annual award recognizes young corporate professionals for their leadership qualities, employee achievements, and commitment to the Hispanic community.
2007
Jeff Coyle, M.P.A., now heads City of San Antonio’s new Government and Public Affairs Department, which combined the offices of intergovernmental relations, communications and public relations, military affairs, and open records requests. Coyle will also direct strategic communications for the city.
2008
Julie Persellin, Ph.D. in accounting, has been promoted to associate professor and awarded tenure at Trinity University. She teaches both undergraduate and graduate accounting classes.
2014
Jose Vega, Ph.D. in accounting, has joined the faculty at Clarkson University. Vega was a participant in the Ph.D. Project, an award-winning program that aims to diversify corporate America by increasing the number of minority business professors to attract more minority students to study business in college.
Alums—Keep in Touch
We want to know what you've been up to lately. New jobs, relocations, accomplishments, marriages—whatever your news, share it with friends and classmates.
Email alumni@utsa.edu
Or write to: Office of Alumni Programs
One UTSA Circle
San Antonio, TX 78249