Bauer Alumni Share Personal Insight on Staying Connected to Houston's Business School

Introduction by Jessica Navarro
Photography by Akil Bennett, Charles Propst and Brandon Washington

Across the city of Houston, in boardrooms, offices and coworking spaces, you’ll no doubt find Bauer College alumni of all ages, each with their own story of perseverance and dedication.

They may each have a different professor or class that was instrumental to their success, but one common thread binds all Bauer alumni together — the transformational experience provided by the college, giving them access to applicable curriculum alongside hands-on learning opportunities and connections to industry.

That experience has motivated many Bauer alumni to give back to their alma mater. Here, we share stories from a few on what motivates them to stay connected.

 

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CHRIS
I graduated in 2018 with my masters in Accounting, and immediately turned around on the way out to see how I could give back to the school. Whether through mentoring or serving as Vice-Chair of the Bauer College Young Professionals Board, I love to see how I can continue to impact the college. What keeps me coming is knowing that I have a route to make meaningful change. All without needing to open up my wallet.

LAUREN
I graduated in May 2018 with a degree in Marketing and minors in HR and Sales, but I knew that graduating would only be the start to my journey at UH. I was lucky enough to be a part of so many life changing programs and experiences during college that I knew I'd want to lend a hand in helping other UH students experience all that the university has to offer.

As President of the Program for Excellence in Selling Alumni Association and guest speaker/alumni mentor in various other UH student organizations, I believe connecting current students with UH alums is something we need to be doing more of. Current students can best relate and learn from those that have been in their shoes before, whether it's making it through a tough class or networking for a job after graduation.

 

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MITCHELL
I give back to Bauer College because I believe in paying it forward. I came from a poor household and could not have gone to college without the scholarships and financial aid I received. By having the opportunity to attend the Bauer College, I was able to better myself and upon graduation, obtain a great career. Now, I choose to invest in Bauer College so that students can obtain the education and experience they need to be successful.

After graduate school, I felt burnt out from years of studying and working like many recent graduates. However, after attending different university sponsored events, I began to realize the importance that the University of Houston and the Bauer College have within our community from the perspective of both an alumni and community member. After witnessing the impact that UH and Bauer have within our community, I began to find ways to contribute.

I choose to give back by donating and volunteering with UH and Bauer organizations. Recently, my wife and I created a Bauer endowment scholarship that will go towards helping students achieve their career ambitions. By helping these students reach their goals, I hope that they will also give back and make investments in UH and Bauer that will better the community. I give back to Bauer College because I believe in paying it forward. I came from a poor household and could not have gone to college without the scholarships and financial aid I received. By having the opportunity to attend the Bauer College, I was able to better myself and upon graduation, obtain a great career. Now, I choose to invest in Bauer College so that students can obtain the education and experience they need to be successful.

 

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AMY
I was extremely blessed growing up, in that higher education for me was always a given. My parents had a goal to provide a college education to all of their children. Even so, when I was a student at Bauer, I was fortunate to have been awarded a multitude of scholarships that helped offset the cost of my education. After graduating from Bauer, I went to law school, became a licensed attorney, and finally find myself in the position to be able to pay it forward.

While at Bauer, in addition to working part time and being a full-time student, I was involved in numerous student organizations – academic, volunteer-based, and social. I learned just as much being involved in student organizations as I did in the classroom. I want to provide Bauer students an opportunity to relax a little and get involved in the college experience outside of the classroom. That way Bauer will continue to produce well-rounded leaders.

 

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CARLA
Growing up on the southeast side of Houston, Texas there wasn’t much opportunity to interact with college educated professionals. So, the decision to enter college out of high school was not as simple for me as it might have been for others. Most of my teen years was spent working to help support my family. Without the effort from a few family members, local churches and schools, my life would have taken a completely different path. With their assistance I was able to graduate from the University of Houston and start a successful career in accounting.

My first real lesson in what it means to give back was through receiving help from others. Their kindness and generosity has resulted in a lifelong impact to assist those who are less fortunate. Bauer College was the first place that came to mind when it was time for me to give back. Without the quality education that I received from the University of Houston, I would not be where I am today. Earning my accounting degree as a first generation college student has afforded me a life I never imagined possible. I hope to give other first generation students the same opportunity by offering them assistance in achieving their educational goals. Then, maybe and hopefully, someday they will be inspired to give back just as I was.

 

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Gift Impact

By Lonnie Deggins II, Director of Development

 

Bauer Pride Day Scholarship

Chris Gervasio and Lauren Christensen established the Bauer Pride Day Scholarship, which was funded from a departmental budget before the gift. They were also instrumental in personally giving and asking others to give to the new Dr. Gardner Mentorship Program that supports students in the Bauer Business Honors Program. The focus now is to find an alumnus or alumna to support this scholarship each year, a great tradition started by devoted alumni!

 

Demmler "Bauer Honors Scholarship Endowment"

After attending the retirement party for outgoing Bauer Honors founding director Everette Gardner, Amy Demmler decided on the spot to support the program with an endowment that will fund scholarships for years to come!

 

Jimmie & Clara Murphy Scholarship Endowment

Carla Murphy recently signed the Jimmie & Clara Murphy Scholarship Endowment into creation, giving scholarships to support students majoring in accountancy & taxation. She told us she wanted to honor her parents for all the support she received in getting a Bauer education, and that her legacy is their dreams.

 

Twee & Mitchell Sosa Scholarship Endowment

Mitchell Sosa and his wife Twee started the Twee & Mitchell Sosa Scholarship Endowment, which will support students classified as juniors or seniors, arguably the hardest years of a college career. Graduation rates are a major factor in university rankings, and this scholarship allows students to focus on graduating.

LEARN MORE: Invest in Bauer →

GET INVOLVED: Bauer Alumni Website →