2 Coasts: 1 Mission

Bay Area for McCombs and New York for McCombs Foster Support and Opportunity for Alumni and Students

This fall, two of our most dynamic out-of-state programs welcomed leadership, alumni, and speaker panels to cast a vision for the future of the McCombs School of Business. The Bay Area for McCombs Board and New York for McCombs Council promote and inspire opportunities for new McCombs alumni who are making their homes in these areas.

In September, the New York for McCombs Council welcomed more than 100 people at the UTNY Campus in Midtown Manhattan for a reception in partnership with the Business of Sports Institute and the McCombs Real Estate Center. The evening featured a fireside chat between Greg Sankey, a member of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and Kirk Goldsberry, executive director of the Business of Sports Institute. They covered key topics shaping the future of college athletics, including Texas’ transition into the Southeastern Conference, the growing influence of Austin as a sports hub, athlete compensation, and postseason formats.

“One thing is for sure — we know that the Longhorn community loves sports,” said Goldsberry. “And we thought it would be a great opportunity to bring our emergent sports business platform at McCombs on the road to both showcase what we’re building at the institute and also create a fun gathering opportunity at our New York City campus.”

“Bringing together alumni, students, and faculty in collaborative settings like this reception is vital to strengthening the greater McCombs community,” said Mike Ginnings, chair of the New York for McCombs Council. “These gatherings showcase the innovation and talent that define our network and help build lasting connections across industries and generations.”

Wall Street for McCombs and Real Estate Center students were also in attendance, having spent two days touring firms. Wall Street for McCombs Director Xavier Sztejnberg emphasized the value of the student experience.

“Meeting alumni is always the most anticipated part of this trip,” he said. “These conversations often spark mentorship opportunities and, later, professional relationships. Many NYFM Council members have become trusted advisers and colleagues to our students.”

In October, Bay Area for McCombs held its biannual board meeting and reception in San Francisco, where more than 40 alumni, staff, and faculty enjoyed networking and collaboration.

Featured speakers included Ethan Burris, senior associate dean for academic affairs, and Kumar Muthuraman, faculty director for the Center of Analytics and Transformative Technologies, who shared insights into the school’s evolving priorities and the role of the board in advancing McCombs’ mission in the region.

“Events like these are essential to our mission,” said Grant Cope, chair of the Bay Area for McCombs Board. “They not only deepen alumni connections but also help us amplify McCombs’ reputation in the Bay Area — a region full of opportunity and innovation.”

After the meeting, the Bay Area for McCombs Board hosted an alumni reception at the Block 9 Courtyard hotel. Guests mingled over street tacos and enjoyed an evening of conversation, camaraderie, and community-building.

Both the New York and Bay Area events underscored McCombs’ commitment to fostering meaningful engagement and preparing students to lead in dynamic, evolving fields. Each program provides scholarship support, industry engagement, and community connection for current students and alumni.

Learn how you can support these programs at www.mccombs.utexas.edu/alumni/get-involved/advisory-boards/, or by emailing newyork@mccombs.utexas.edu or bayarea@mccombs.utexas.edu.