Longhorns in London Event Gathers Alumni, Students, and Friends

McCombs Longhorns Take London PXL 20260519 162201908 — (from left to right) McCombs Success Scholars Caleb Peña, Finance ’26; Karyme Silva, Accounting ’28; and Bianca Marin Franco, Management ’29, answered questions from moderator Jay Guevara, director of McCombs Success Scholars.

Students and alumni based in the United Kingdom were recently treated to a special gathering featuring great food, student insights, and new connections.

Eighty-five McCombs supporters gathered at Dojo headquarters in London on May 19 for the second annual Longhorns in London event, co-hosted by the Cockrell School of Engineering. McCombs Associate Dean Ty Henderson welcomed the crowd alongside Cockrell Dean Roger T. Bonnecaze. Dojo, a financial technology company, is owned by McCombs alumnus George Karibian, BBA ’86.

McCombs Longhorns Take London PXL 20260519 182648924 — Students studying abroad attended the Longhorns in London event alongside alumni supporters, Associate Dean Ty Henderson (front row left) and Cockrell School of Engineering Dean Roger T. Bonnecaze (front row, second from the left).

A panel of three McCombs Success Scholars studying in London — Caleb Peña, Finance ’29; Karyme Silva, Accounting ’28; and Bianca Marin Franco, Management ’29 — discussed what brought them to The University of Texas at Austin, how donor support affected their decision to study abroad, and their experiences since arriving in the U.K.

For the students, the evening offered a unique opportunity to engage with accomplished alumni and donors while studying thousands of miles from Austin. For the alumni and supporters, it provided a firsthand look at the impact of their generosity and the promise of the next generation of McCombs leaders.

Alongside the MSS students in attendance, other students participating in the London program are part of the BBA International Programs portfolio. Both programs provide transformational learning experiences beyond the classroom. For many students, donor support makes opportunities like these possible.

“Gathering with our global Longhorn community in London was a powerful reminder that the strength of McCombs isn’t bound by geography,” said Dan Cournoyer, senior associate director for development, who was in attendance. “It lives in the shared commitment of our alumni, students, and friends to open doors, create opportunity, and shape the future of Texas Business.”

McCombs Longhorns Take London PXL 20260519 171313736 — McCombs Success Scholars studying abroad mingled with London-based alumni and supporters during the Longhorns in London event that took place in May.

As McCombs continues to expand its global footprint, events such as Longhorns in London serve as a reminder that the strength of the McCombs community extends far beyond Austin — connecting students, alumni, and supporters around the world through shared experiences, meaningful relationships, and a commitment to future generations of Longhorns.

McCombs Success Scholars studying abroad are part of the BBA International Program, which provides a range of experiential learning opportunities for undergraduates. There are currently 25 McCombs Success Scholars studying abroad in London, and many of them rely on donor support to participate.

Learn how you can support McCombs Success Scholars or other student-focused programs.

Learn more about the McCombs undergraduate study abroad program and the McCombs Success Scholars program.