Defining Moments

Last spring, our photographers captured the spirit of McCombs School of Business graduates during their convocation ceremonies on May 9-10. We selected a handful of candid shots and reached out to the newly minted alumni in them. We asked: What was going through your mind in this photograph? What did that instant mean to you? And where are you now, as you begin your professional journey? These are the stories behind the images: snapshots of achievement, hope, and the launch into life beyond the Forty Acres. 

1. Jazmine Mendoza, BBA ’25, MPA ’26 

As a first-generation college graduate, walking that stage represented everything my family has worked and hoped for. This degree holds more than just my name; it represents the sacrifices, love, and encouragement of my entire family. I didn’t do this alone — and seeing them all together in that photo reminds me of how far we’ve come. The photo includes my parents, Priscilla Gonzalez and Francisco Mendoza, my brother, Anthony, both of my grandmothers, my grandfather, several tías, tíos, cousins, and my best friend that I met during my freshman year at UT. It’s a true reflection of the community that has supported me every step of the way.

After commencement: Mendoza is continuing her studies in the MPA program while preparing for her CPA exams. She will start full time with Deloitte in Austin as an audit and assurance associate in Fall 2026.

2. Evan Hadd, BBA ’24, MSBA ’25 

Being Hook ’Em for three years gave me a front-row seat to some of UT’s greatest moments, from celebrating with the 2023 volleyball team as they won a national championship to sharing countless small, joyful interactions on game days. My favorite memories were making kids laugh and the joy on their faces. Now, as I look at this photo, I see the weight of five years, late nights studying through the COVID-19 pandemic, my last final at McCombs, and the bittersweet pride of stepping into what comes next. UT remains part of who I am and always will be. 

After commencement: Hadd accepted a position as a consultant for CGI in Austin. 

3. Olivia Mack, M.S. Marketing ’25 

Hank was by my side every single day of my master’s program, all 10 months of it, so there was no question he’d be with me at graduation too. He’s my service dog, but he also became part of our little grad-school family. These girls are my best friends. We went through everything together, and Hank became family to them too. When I look at it now, I just feel so much happiness and love. It’s a reminder of how special that time was and how much support I had around me. 

Mack (second from left) and Hank the dog, with friends Hannah Amoils, MSM ‘25, Lindsey Crow, MSM ’25, and Eliana Horwitz, MSM ’25. 

After commencement: Mack is working as a social ad ops coordinator at PMG in Dallas. She is working fully remote — with Hank close by her side every day. 

4. Commencement Ceremonies

The University of Texas at Austin celebrated its 142nd University-Wide Commencement on May 10, 2025, at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium. The event featured remarks from then-Interim President Jim Davis and keynote speaker Taylor Sheridan. At McCombs, more than 2,700 students across BBA, MBA, M.S., MSTC, and MPA programs walked the stage at four convocations at Gregory Gym and the Moody Center.

5. Sofia Angeles, MBA ’25 

This photo captures one of the most electric moments of my life. When I look at it, I see more
than celebration. I see the power of being lifted. In every way, I was carried by the support, encouragement, and belief of others. (In the photo Angeles is held up by friend Joel Cepeda, Ph.D. student in the UT College of Pharmacy.) McCombs gave me the tools, the network, and the confidence to chase big dreams, and then run with them. What you don’t see is what happened just before that moment: I had just accepted a job offer — literally that morning, right before walking the stage!  

After commencement: Angeles, the youngest in her MBA class, started a job as leader of supplier enablement at Whole Foods Market in Austin.