College of Business honors six Maverick alumni at annual Hall of Fame event

Hundreds of past and present Mavericks gathered to induct six new honorees into The University of Texas at Arlington College of Business Hall of Fame and Alumni Awards on October 16.

The College of Business Hall of Fame and Alumni Awards Celebration honors alumni and business leaders whose achievements have made a lasting impact in their fields and communities. The awards recognize individuals for their leadership, innovation and service, as well as their embodiment of the university’s core values. Each year, the college celebrates these honorees for inspiring future generations of Mavericks to pursue excellence.

"We are excited to gather tonight to honor Mavericks who have charted their own course tackled challenges head on, and made impactful contributions, both in their field and in our UTA community," said College of Business dean Dr. Brian Klaas, opening the evening. "Our honorees exemplify what we see to achieve here at the College of Business."

Dean Brian Klaas speaks to attendees from a podium on stage. Photo by Ellman Photography.

Provost and senior vice president of academic affairs Dr. Tamara Brown also celebrated the impact of the evening's honorees in her remarks to the crowd.

"Each of these honorees represents a different path to success, but together they demonstrate the tremendous reach and impact of the UTA College of Business community," said Brown. "Their stories remind us that what we accomplish matters, but so does how we use that success to strengthen our organizations, our communities and the people who come after us."

Former College of Business dean Harry Dombroski returned to present the Alumni Awards. 

"It's a pleasure to be back with you tonight," Drombroski said. "As most of you know, this institution, and the people that comprise it, hold a very special place in my heart."

Jerry W. Thomas, CEO of Decision Analyst, was honored with the Dean's Service Award, which honors those who have provided the College with extraordinary service and have made a positive impact. The Maverick Award was given to Andrew Feghali, President of Aeroblaze Laboratory and Bramport Supply Company, honoring Feghali's outstanding success in his field as a young alum. Molly Sandlin, president of CAET Construction, received the Kelly Roberts Trailblazer Award, an honor given to those who have exhibited resilience in overcoming adversity in their career and demonstrated innovating thinking in their field. 

College of Business dean, Dr. Brian Klaas, presented the Hall of Fame awards, sponsored by Frost Bank. 

Greg Barron, CEO of The Barron Companies, encouraged alumni to engage with the College and its students. "Give your time. Mentor a student. Open a door. Share what experience has taught you," Barron said. 

Jimmy and Cathy Campbell, Former President & CEO of Community Bank, thanked their family and friends for their support, and thanked the College of Business for the opportunities it has provided them to give back. "Thanks to my bosses, co-workers and our many friends, life has been good," Campbell said. "Thank you for this tremendous honor."

Dr. David A Mack reflected on his years of service and the people who supported and worked alongside him during his time at the College of Business. "This institution truly changes lives every single day, and it is my singular joy to have been a part of it for all these years and with all of these people."

Dean Klaas closed the evening with remarks celebrating the evening and looking towards the future.

"We at the College of Business are excited by what we see at the school," Klaas said. "And as we look forward, we are excited by the opportunity, in partnership with many, to develop the next generation of impactful leaders."

From right to left: Jerry Thomas, Dr. David Mack, Andrew Feghali, Molly Sandlin, Cathy Campbell, Jimmy Campbell and Greg Barron pose for a photo with their awards. Photo by Ellman Photography. 

To see photos from the event, please visit our Flickr page. To see videos, including those played during the event, please visit our YouTube channel.