We Are Bauer Alumni

Alumni from the C. T. Bauer College of Business came together to celebrate the end of one academic year and the start of the next at the Bauer College Alumni Association (BCAA) Annual Meeting.

Hosted at Wakefield Crowbar, the event nearly tripled the number of participants from last August. The meeting marked BCAA President Patrick Bilnoski’s (BBA ‘01) second year in the organization’s leadership. He shared the BCAA Board’s appreciation toward all alumni currently involved and his hopes to further increase engagement in the upcoming fiscal year.

“Alumni can expect more social events and activities this coming year and a new professional series,” Bilnoski said. “We’re also going to home in on expanding our board. We want to get individuals more willing to interact with and mentor students.”

Prior to the presentation portion of the meeting, Bauer alumni from across the decades networked with their peers, faculty and staff. Alumnus and previous adjunct professor Mike Spartalis (BBA ‘72) said he enjoys connecting with former students and his alma mater however he can.

“I have a deep love for the University of Houston and my hometown,” Spartalis said. “I still get involved with Résumé Kickoff and try to help students land internships or their first jobs when I can.”

Young alumni at the event shared that it was nice to see familiar faces and still participate with the University after graduation.

“Bauer alumni are so open to maintaining relationships and building new ones,” Tomas Bryan (MS ‘25) said. “My favorite thing is that everyone is so open.”

Following the happy hour, BCAA leadership shared details on upcoming events, including tailgates and Cougar Power Hours. The organization plans to extend programming across the Houston area in the coming year.

Bauer Dean Xianjun Geng updated attendees on the status of the college’s forthcoming strategic plan and other success within academic programs.

University of Houston Associate Vice for Alumni Relations Mike Pede and Director of Centennial Celebrations Tonja Jones encouraged the crowd to remain connected with the university, especially as UH approaches its 100^th anniversary.

Bauer Director of Alumni Relations Bria Johnson (BBA ‘15) said it’s never too late to start attending alumni events and invited interested participants to reach out to herself or the BCAA board.

“It's just a great opportunity to see how we all can support each other,” Johnson said. “Stay connected; we always want to figure out how we can support you.”