Carlos Alvarez, a businessman and philanthropist dedicated to supporting higher education in San Antonio, passed away on Tuesday, April 9, at the age of 73.
San Antonio and the UTSA community are mourning his loss and reflecting on his impact. UTSA President Taylor Eighmy shared, “The UTSA community is deeply saddened by the passing of Carlos Alvarez. Our university is profoundly grateful for his lifelong advocacy of higher education and his support of UTSA students.”
Alvarez established many programs, endowments, fellowships and scholarships supporting San Antonio students. In 2013, the Malú and Carlos Alvarez Hall was named in honor of Alvarez and his wife, Malú, thanks to their ongoing support of UTSA students and research.
Additionally, in 2021, the couple committed $20 million to the University of Texas at San Antonio “to advance the institution’s research capabilities,” according to an article from KSAT. In recognition, the university renamed its College of Business to the Carlos Alvarez College of Business, making it the first named college at UTSA. Soon after, UTSA named Alvarez a co-chair of its Campaign Leadership Council.
According to an article from Texas Public Radio, Alvarez was born in Mexico City. His father owned a Corona beer distributor in Acapulco. Alvarez immersed himself in his family’s business and later graduated from the Monterrey Institute of Technology with a degree in biochemical engineering.
He went on to work in Mexican beer exports for Grupo Modelo, and in two decades, grew the Corona and Modelo brands into the number one beer import in the U.S.
In 1986, Alvarez and his family moved to San Antonio. Here, he founded the Gambrinus Company, later acquiring the brewery of Shiner Beer in 1989.
“Under Alvarez’s leadership, it grew to be one of the most successful and beloved craft breweries in the country,” the article explained.
In 2010, Alvarez was inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame and received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, which, according to their website, “is one of our nation’s most prestigious awards. Each year, its recipients are read into the Congressional Record. The Medal celebrates inspiring Americans who are selflessly working for the betterment of our country and its citizens.”
Following Alvarez’s passing, Mayor Ron Nirenberg stated, “Carlos Alvarez was a generous philanthropist and supporter of higher education. He helped nourish the economic and cultural ties between our community and Mexico.”
Concluding his statement, President Eighmy wrote, “As an institution, we wouldn’t be where we are today without Carlos’ passion for helping our students invest in their dreams, just as he did for himself and his family.”
