Gamrinus Co. founder Carlos Alvarez and his wife, Malu, are donating $20 million to University of Texas San Antonio’s business school, which will change its name to Carlos Alvarez College of Business.
The gift from the Alvarez family is the first of its kind in the university’s history and will be used to advance research-enhancing activities, including establishing endowed faculty positions, graduate research fellowships and undergraduate research programs.
“This gift is a transformational moment for UTSA and the College of Business and will advance our mission to become a great public research university,” said President Taylor Eighmy. “The Alvarezes’ longstanding philanthropic support of UTSA and educational institutions nationwide is a testament to their commitment to fostering generations of future business leaders.”
Alvarez’s success story began in June 1981 in Austin when he sold the very first cases of Corona beer in the United States. Alvarez moved with his family in 1986 from Mexico to San Antonio and founded The Gambrinus Co., which became the U.S. importer for the Grupo Modelo beer brands. For the next 20 years Gambrinus was responsible for selling and marketing what would become the most successful brand in contemporary beer marketing history—Corona Extra.
Alvarez acquired the Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner in 1989. At that time the historic Texas brewery had been in decline for several years and faced serious financial difficulties. Having seen Austin’s developing consumer support for Shiner and recognizing the brewery’s heritage, which dates back to 1909, he was convinced of the brand’s potential. After investing in the brewery’s facilities and in selling and marketing efforts behind its beers, today Shiner is a leading independent craft brewery in the U.S. with Shiner Bock as its flagship brand. Gambrinus also owns and operates the Trumer Brewery in Berkeley, California, brewer of Trumer Pils, the most awarded pilsner in the world and a leading brand in the San Francisco Bay Area.
A prominent community leader, Alvarez serves on the boards of Cullen/Frost Bankers Inc., the United Way of San Antonio and the World Affairs Council of San Antonio. He is also a member of Haven for Hope’s leadership advisory council.
At the national level he serves on the boards of National Public Radio and the World Affairs Council of America, both in Washington, D.C. He is a trustee of Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina; a former trustee of School Year Abroad in North Andover, Massachusetts; and a member of The University of Texas System’s Chancellor’s Council.
Recognized as a legendary Texas businessman, Alvarez was inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame in 2010. In 2011 he received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, which celebrates inspiring immigrants to the United States whose philanthropy works for the betterment of their communities.