Alumni Era

The Bauer College Alumni Association (BCAA) is under new leadership as President Patrick Bilnoski (BBA ‘01) and Vice President Gilbert Landras (BBA ‘07) prepare for a year full of alumni involvement and camaraderie.

Both Bilnoski and Landras were involved in several student organizations during their time studying at Bauer, and have both previously been involved in the Bauer College Alumni Association. In their new leadership roles, Bilnoski and Landras said they want to focus on community and help Bauer alumni feel connected to their roots at the University of Houston.

During their term, Bilnoski and Landras plan to bring professional development events to the organization, allowing students and alumni to gain skills while preserving Bauer spirit.

“My first and foremost goal is to engage as many alumni in greater Houston as possible,” Bilnoski said. “Whenever we start doing different professional series, I want to engage with our alumni to grab back the attendance that we had in the past. Our goal is to build better relationships and foster community. Hopefully, that organically grows the fundraising options for student sponsorships.”

*Patrick Bilnoski graduated from Bauer College with degrees in entrepreneurship and marketing in 2001.*

*Patrick Bilnoski graduated from Bauer College with degrees in entrepreneurship and marketing in 2001.*

The Bauer College Alumni Association will continue its tradition of Cougar Power Hour, a signature networking event held on the third Wednesday of every month. This year, BCAA hopes to increase attendance by hosting these events in different parts of the city. In October, BCAA started by holding its monthly Cougar Power Hour in the Cypress area.

“Metro Houston is massive, and although people want to be involved, sometimes that drive is really rough,” Landras said. “We want to go to them and have an opportunity to connect with them like that.”

*Gilbert Landras earned his BBA from Bauer College in 2007.*

*Gilbert Landras earned his BBA from Bauer College in 2007.*

No matter the graduation year, BCAA leadership says it’s important for alumni to know they are still a part of the college’s success. By bringing generations of Bauer alumni together, Bilnoski believes BCAA will reach its full potential.

“Since the time I graduated to now, the campus and many things have changed,” said Bilknoski, who was an entrepreneurship and sales student. “The programs that I was a part of are building and expanding, and I love to see the growth. I want other people to understand that they're a part of something that's excelling.”

Philanthropy is another priority of the BCAA. Recently, Bauer alumni gave back time at the Houston Food Bank as a part of UH Day of Service.

Learn more about getting involved with the Bauer College Alumni Association here.