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Hunt Insights · Student Leadership
The college's fall leadership retreat connected students with faculty, alumni, and community leaders for a day focused on communication, career readiness, and consistent leadership.
Student leaders from the Woody L. Hunt College of Business gathered Aug. 19 at Topgolf El Paso for the Fall 2026 Hunt College Student Leadership Retreat.
The program brought together leadership development, professional preparation, and student organization planning ahead of the new academic year.
Dean John Hadjimarcou, Ph.D., opened the retreat with a fall update before faculty members, students, alumni, and El Paso professionals led sessions throughout the day.
Why It Matters
Students explored how communication shapes leadership, how their peers approached the internship search, and how professionals translated their college experiences into careers. Student organizations also had time to review expectations and prepare for the semester ahead.
Eli Garcia, associate professor of practice, opened the leadership programming with a session connecting how leaders communicate with how they guide others.
Cinthia Castorena, Fernanda Pineda, and Salvador Blancas gave students a peer-level look at pursuing an initial professional opportunity. Jazlyn Escobedo moderated the conversation.
Tony Ruvalcaba of Hunt Companies, Karen Aguilar of Ke Flauta, and Laura Ponce of Project BRAVO shared perspectives from industry and life after UTEP. Mauricio Gomez moderated the panel.
The Keynote
Kathrin Berg, executive vice president of the El Paso Community Foundation, shared her life story and the personal experiences that shaped her approach to leadership and community service.
Her career spans decades of nonprofit, media, public policy, and civic leadership. The El Paso Community Foundation has invested more than $327 million in the region since 1977.
Since 1997, Berg has also co-produced and moderated The El Paso Physician, a PBS program featuring conversations with physicians about a range of medical topics. Her career has included leadership roles with El Paso Pro-Musica and the American Cancer Society, as well as service on the governing boards of several El Paso organizations.
Alex Muñoz, associate professor of practice, led “Practicing Mastery Through Consistency,” connecting leadership development with the discipline required to improve over time.
Students then separated into groups for Business Student Council updates and a review of student organization requirements led by Student Success Manager David Sterling.
Assistant Dean Rolando Nuñez, Ed.D., delivered closing remarks before the retreat concluded with lunch and Topgolf.
Photo Gallery
Students, faculty, alumni, and community leaders came together for a day of conversation, reflection, and connection.
The University of Texas at El Paso
Woody L. Hunt College of Business
Business Administration Building
500 W University
El Paso, Texas 79968
E: .
P: (915) 747-5174
F: (915) 747-5147
