Birds Up Podcast

UTSA Alumni Association

The Birds Up Podcast, by the UTSA Alumni Association, features conversations with alumni and special guests who have unique stories to tell about their time at UTSA, their unique career paths, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Our alumni nest is full of dedicated, passionate, and loyal Roadrunners eager to share their stories. Ready, Rowdy, and Relevant. Listen Up. Volume Up. Birds Up! Hosted by Andrew Addison & Melissa Adame. Produced Josh Amparan and Lost in Sound Recording Studio. Assistance from Jacob Cavazos, Madison Downing, and Russell Wagner. read less
EducationEducation

Episodes

S4E9: Leadership, Legacy, and a Crown: Trish DeBerry on Revitalizing San Antonio and Beyond
Jan 10 2025
S4E9: Leadership, Legacy, and a Crown: Trish DeBerry on Revitalizing San Antonio and Beyond
Join us as we explore the incredible journey of Trish DeBerry, a trailblazer who has worn many crowns—both figuratively and literally. As UTSA’s first Homecoming Queen, Trish’s connection to her San Antonio roots set the stage for a career defined by innovation, leadership, and community impact. From her early days as a journalist to founding a highly successful marketing agency and serving as Bexar County Commissioner, Trish has consistently broken boundaries and redefined what it means to lead with purpose. Today, as CEO of Centro San Antonio, she is at the forefront of efforts to revitalize downtown, creating a vibrant, welcoming space for all.In this episode, Trish reflects on her career milestones, the lessons she’s learned in public service, and her vision for San Antonio’s future. Discover how her time at UTSA shaped her path, the challenges she’s overcome as a woman in leadership, and her proudest accomplishments in transforming one of Texas’s most iconic cities. Whether you’re passionate about civic engagement, urban development, or leadership, this episode is packed with inspiration and insights. Tune in to hear from a leader who continues to shape San Antonio’s story, one bold step at a time!Show Notes:Centro San Antonio Trish DeBerry UTSA RoyaltyUTSA Alumni Diploma Dash 5kUTSA Alumni UTSA Merger WebsiteUTSA Athletics Hall Of Fame NominationShelly Lares talks about being the first UTSA artist-in-residenceFive things to watch at UTSA in 2025UTSA MLK March 2025UTSA AthleticsUTSA Alumni Online Store  Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!
S3E16: Alumni Memorial - Rene Garcia, EMBA c/o 2000, Construction Industry Leader & Co-Founder of DreamOn Group
Apr 26 2024
S3E16: Alumni Memorial - Rene Garcia, EMBA c/o 2000, Construction Industry Leader & Co-Founder of DreamOn Group
With great sadness, we share that Rene M. Garcia passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 22, 2023, surrounded by his family. Rene was larger than life and a friend to everyone he met. His faith, leadership, kindness, consistency, and passion were unmatched. When you were in Rene’s presence, you always felt his genuine compassion and joy in getting to know you.In founding the DreamOn Group, Rene left a legacy of serving the community he dearly loved. As a leader, Rene took the time to get to know everyone, to listen, guide, mentor, and walk beside you. We are so grateful for the opportunity to dream and plan with him. He lived his life with the purpose of serving others. He used his knowledge of our industry and community relationships to collaborate efforts for a more significant impact on everything he did. Our great city and lives have all been impacted by Rene, and we will forever be grateful. Our hearts and prayers are with his beautiful family, whom he loved immensely.Rene was engaged in the construction and real estate development industries for over 35 years. He believed in giving back and spent most of his career sharing his experience with small businesses and his profession by assuming leadership roles in industry associations and taking advantage of every opportunity to help establish small business advocacy programs and teaching.DreamOn GroupThe Maestro CenterUTSA SportsOutstanding Alumni Award NominationsUTSA Alumni Association Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!
S3E15: 2024 Giving Day/UTSA Division of Advancement and Alumni Engagement - Karl Miller Lugo, Vice President
Apr 5 2024
S3E15: 2024 Giving Day/UTSA Division of Advancement and Alumni Engagement - Karl Miller Lugo, Vice President
Karl Miller-Lugo is the current VP of Development and Alumni Relations at The University of Texas at San Antonio. Prior to this, Karl was with Bentz Whaley Flessner for 3 years, where they served as Vice President. In this role, Karl helped organizations raise more money by conducting sales presentations, providing fundraising training, and unlocking the full potential of organizations. Karl has worked with clients ranging from large research-intensive public universities to small non-profit organizations. Karl has also supported campaigns that have raised over $4 Billion. Celebrating his 5th year at UTSA, Karl has spearheaded the UTSA "Be Bold" Campaign which has raised more than $380MM during his time here. Alumni Engagement is of upmost importance to Karl and his team, and we discuss the upcoming 2024 UTSA "Giving Day" and how alumni have made a huge impact in previous years as well as how they can get engaged this year.Celebrating his 5th year at UTSA, Karl has spearheaded the UTSA "Be Bold" Campaign which has raised more than $380MM during his time here. Alumni Engagement is of upmost importance to Karl and his team, and we discuss the upcoming 2024 UTSA "Giving Day" and how alumni have made a huge impact in previous years as well as how they can get engaged this year.Karl LinkedInUTSA Division of Advancement & Alumni Relations"Be Bold" 2023 Impact ReportUTSA "Be Bold" Giving2024 UTSA Giving DayUTSA Alumni AssociationUTSA Spring Sports Info & Tickets Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!