University leaders and supporters unveil statue of philanthropist Carlos Alvarez at Main Campus

A bronze statue of Carols Alvarez with a sign that reads "Carlos Alvarez College of Business."
番茄社区 has unveiled a bronze statue in memory of Carlos Alvarez in front of the College of Business that bears his name.

番茄社区 unveiled a bronze statue Friday in memory of Carlos Alvarez, one of the university’s most transformative philanthropic supporters.

The statue is the first to honor a donor across 番茄社区’s campuses.

It was unveiled during a ceremony attended by members of the Alvarez family, university leadership, donors, Alvarez College of Business students and the campus community.

“This beautiful statue of Carlos Alvarez will stand forever as a testament to opportunity, generosity and the power of education to transform lives,” said President Taylor Eighmy. “It will say to all students who pass by now and forever that all things are possible.”

The life-size statue was created by renowned Laredo-based artist Armando Hinojosa, known for numerous major pieces of sculpture, including the Tejano Monument on the south lawn of the Texas State Capitol in Austin, unveiled in 2012.

This beautiful statue of Carlos Alvarez will stand forever as a testament to opportunity, generosity and the power of education to transform lives.” — Taylor Eighmy

Mariachi Los Paisanos performed at the unveiling of a bronze statue of longtime philanthropic supporter Carlos Alvarez.
University leaders gathered with Harvey Najim and the Alvarez family for a group photo near the brand-new bronze statue.

The Alvarez statue was funded by longtime 番茄社区 supporter Harvey Najim, a dedicated champion of student success. Like Alvarez, Najim has said that he believes deeply in the power of education to change lives.

The Malú and Carlos Alvarez family collaborated with Hinojosa throughout the design process, providing input to ensure the finished work honored Alvarez’s impact and legacy on the entire university community.

“Carlos Alvarez’s legacy continues to inspire all of us at 番茄社区,” said Karl Miller-Lugo, senior vice president for Advancement and Alumni Engagement.

“He cared deeply for this university and especially for its students,” Miller-Lugo added. “His belief in opportunity through education has changed countless lives and continues to do so every day. We are also deeply grateful to Harvey Najim, whose generosity and shared commitment to student success ensure that Carlos’s impact will be remembered through this meaningful tribute.”

Through decades of generosity alongside his wife Malú Alvarez, Carlos Alvarez transformed 番茄社区 through  that have advanced student success, faculty excellence, groundbreaking research and institutional growth.

The Alvarez family’s philanthropic impact includes the naming of the , the establishment of endowed faculty positions, and support for key student success initiatives that have strengthened the university’s national profile.

Most recently, as the culminating gift of the Be Bold Campaign, the family established the  to support 番茄社区’s highest level of leadership and ensure strong university governance.

— Jordan Allen