Yvonne and Drew Addison strengthen the UTSA alumni experience

JUNE 25, 2025 — For Yvonne '09, EMBA '18, and Drew Addison '17, UTSA is where it all started. It’s where they built the foundation for their careers, formed lasting relationships and discovered new ways to stay involved long after graduation. From their time as students to their ongoing work as alumni leaders, their connection to the university continues to grow, shaped by shared experiences, professional milestones and a commitment to giving back.

After earning her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design, Yvonne spent more than a decade building experience in engineering and project management, including nearly nine years at StandardAero, where she led cross-functional teams and strategic initiatives. Nearly 10 years later, she returned to UTSA to complete her Executive MBA.

“The EMBA program encouraged me to dive headfirst into the idea of starting my own business,” Yvonne said. “It gave me the tools, the network and the confidence to be successful.”

“There’s more than one way to give to UTSA.”

In 2020, she launched Addison Prime, a commercial construction firm offering project management and general contracting services. She also received guidance from the UTSA Small Business Development Center as she began her entrepreneurial journey. In January 2025, she formed a commercial plumbing company called Axer Systems.

Today, Yvonne continues to stay active in both professional and civic spaces. She serves on the UTSA Development Board, the Workforce Solutions Alamo board and the board of Girls Inc. of San Antonio, is a past president of the Junior League of San Antonio, and is involved in several organizations including the Metro SA Chamber and the state board of Associated Builders and Contractors.

Before shifting his focus to education and the business world, Drew spent nearly a decade pursuing a professional music career, performing on regional radio and sharing the stage with bands such as ZZ Top, Blues Traveler and Everclear.

He later earned his degree in management from the Carlos Alvarez College of Business and found his first opportunity in San Antonio through the UTSA alumni job board. While attending school full-time, he began working in a data entry role and quickly advanced, eventually becoming partner and vice president of surety at Acrisure, a global fintech company.

In addition to advancing their careers, the Addisons have remained deeply involved with UTSA through volunteer leadership. Yvonne served two terms on the UTSA Alumni Association Board of Directors, including as vice president and president.

“As president, I noticed our bylaws identified chapter alumni councils, but none existed at the time,” Yvonne said. “I worked to establish the first alumni council in engineering. We set up a playbook for how to structure these alumni councils.”

Drew has continued that work by helping expand alumni engagement through profession-based councils. He is the past chair of the Construction Science Management Alumni Council and now serves as the president of the Carlos Alvarez College of Business Alumni Council, as well as the UTSA Alumni Association Board of Directors.

“We wanted to engage with alumni in areas where they have the greatest affinity and get them involved,” Drew said. “It’s been amazing. Our biggest push right now is recruitment and bringing more people onto the boards.”

Yvonne is a past president of the UTSA Alumni Association. Drew is currently serving as a board member of the UTSA Alumni Association Board of Directors and they both regularly participate in events and outreach efforts.

In 2021, they launched the Birds Up Podcast through the Alumni Association. The show, which features conversations with alumni, faculty and university leaders, has recorded more than 70 episodes and garnered over 20,000 downloads.

“We get to meet some wonderful people and tell their stories,” Yvonne said. “We’re excited to continue moving that project forward.”

Their growing involvement has only deepened their appreciation for the university and the relationships it has fostered.

“I can feel the pride of UTSA growing within the alumni,” Drew said. “With the recent athletic successes, being able to turn on ESPN and see them reporting on UTSA has been incredible. We’ve come a long way in such a short time.”

They both see their engagement with UTSA as an ongoing opportunity to invest in future generations.

“There’s more than one way to give to UTSA,” Drew said. “Volunteering your time and energy can make a real difference.”

“I’ve developed so many friendships from my time at UTSA both as a student and an alumna,” Yvonne added. “I just couldn’t imagine these people not being a part of our lives. I cherish the opportunity to continue my service to UTSA.”

— Jordan Allen