Alumni
MCCOMBS ALUMNI RISING STAR AWARD
The McCombs School of Business is pleased to present three young alumni with the Rising Star Award. The Dean recognizes the rising stars at the annual Hall of Fame ceremony in Austin.
McCombs alumni talking at an event
About the McCombs Alumni Rising Star Award
Established in 2004, this award recognizes one BBA, one MBA, and one Specialized Masters graduate for their professional success and contributions to strengthening the Texas McCombs Alumni Network. These graduates will be consummate business professionals as a result of their achievements, leadership, community involvement, and loyalty to the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin.
Award Process

Dean Lillian Mills will present the 2025 awards at the Fall 2025 Hall of Fame event in Austin. The McCombs School of Business program advisory boards administer and determine the Rising Star Awards in consultation with the dean.

Rising Star Award Criteria

  • Demonstrated career progression and professional achievement.
  • Recognized by industry peers, professional organizations, or corporations beyond the University of Texas at Austin.
  • Active civic engagement and public service at the local, regional, state, national, or international level.
  • Proven leadership in business or community organization, past or present.
  • Meaningful contributions to the McCombs School of Business and the University of Texas at Austin.

2024 Rising Star Award Honorees

Each year, the McCombs Schol of Business proudly recognizes outstanding young alumni with the Rising Star Award, presented during the annual Hall of Fame ceremony. We present this award to alumni who have been successful professionally and have helped strengthen the McCombs Alumni Network. These graduates have distinguished themselves as exemplary professionals and committed leaders in the business world.

Congratulations to the 2024 honorees!

Michael Ginnings
Michael Ginnings
Michael Ginnings
BBA 2009
Simeon Bochev
Simeon Bochev
Simeon Bochev
MSF 2013
Gerardo Guardado
Gerardo Guardado
MBA 2010
Past Rising Star Honorees

2020-Present

2023

Amy M. Bell, BBA & MPA ’03
Zach Petrone, BBA ’05
Chriag Shah, BBA ’98, MBA ’06

2022

Adam Blum, BBA & MPA ’06
Nick Dell’Osso, MBA ’03
Philip A. Krim, BBA ’06
April Underwood, BBA ’01

2021

Jessica M. Lopez, BBA & MPA ’10
Michael C. Smith, MBA ’05

2015-2019

2019

Kovid O. Gupta, BBA ’10
Lance T. Loeffler, BBA ’99, MBA ’04
Carlos A. Whitaker, BBA & MPA ’00

2018

David R. Druley, BBA ’88, MBA ’03
Jeffrey M. Duchin, BBA ’98
Lisa Seacat DeLuca, MSTC ’10

2017

Marissa Jarratt, BBA ’99, MBA ’04
Kurt Leedy, BBA ’02

2016

T. Mark Whatley, MBA ’04
Ashish K. Gupta, BBA ’00

2015

David Busker, MBA ’07
Jack Nelson, BBA ’98

2010-2014

2014

Scott Mattei, MBA ’95
Vivek Shah, BBA ’03

2013

Jeremy Smitheal, BBA ’94, MBA ’03
Cindy Lo, BBA ’98

2012

Ryan Oliver, MBA ’06
Dominic Sung, BBA ’03

2011

Matt Chasen, MBA ’04
David Anthony Murrell, BBA ’01

2010

Daniel B. Nelson, BA ’96, MBA ’06
Matt Polze, BBA & MPA ’99, JD ’03

2005-2009

2009

Gregory H. Johnson, MBA ’05
M. Christina Clayton, BBA ’02

2008

Holly Goodrich McMullan, MBA ’04

2007

Tony Rogers, BBA ’90, MBA ’97

2006

Ted Wang, MBA ’96

2005

Jeff Hoogendam, MBA ’95