Posted on October 27, 2025 by Wendy Frost
Threads of community and connection are weaved through the story of Iñigo, ’05 and Iliana Arzac’s, ’03 commitment to UT San Antonio and the Carlos Alvarez College of Business.
Iliana and Iñigo Arzac
“UTSA holds a special place in our hearts,” said Iliana, who received her degree in international business. “This was the launching pad for us in terms of friendships and networking. We were both excited and looked forward to the day that we could give back to our alma mater.”
Giving back in a variety of ways, the Arzacs have supported UT San Antonio by co-chairing and attending events like the Alumni Galas, serving on the Alumni Association board and supporting the university’s library. Most recently, Iñigo serves as a member of the college’s Dean’s Advisory Council.
“When you want to get involved with a worthwhile cause there are three things you can donate: time, talent or treasure,” said Iñigo, vice president of South Texas commercial banking at Wells Fargo.
“It doesn’t need to be all three at the same time or in the same quantities. Our involvement has changed over the years, but we’ve enjoyed it very much. It is gratifying to see the various ways we can support UTSA.”
Mixing their love of wine with their passion for supporting first-generation students like themselves, the Arzacs formulated a plan to host a wine tasting event to raise money for business student scholarships. They hosted their first wine tasting dinner in 2023 and have since continued the tradition every year.
With over $55,000 in net revenue raised from the events, they were able to establish the Arzac First Generation Endowed Scholarship, which is awarded to undergraduate business students in the college. The scholarship has since benefited six students. Additional funds have also been used to support student success programs in the college.
“As first-generation students, we felt it was important to help students who faced the same challenges that we did,” said Iliana, a native of Brownsville. “There are so many opportunities for students, but first-generation students need additional guidance to make the most of them.”
The entire event is organized and ran by the Arzacs personally. Limited to 100 guests, attendees are treated to pairings of top wines with chef-curated cuisine. The Arzacs partner with businesses and organizations to lower costs.
“Our goal is for it not to feel like an event, but a gathering of friends,” said Iliana. “We want people to be excited to attend and spend an evening with interesting people. Ultimately everyone comes together to support a great cause.”
“We provide good wine, good food and good friends,” said Iñigo, who also received his degree in international business. “We put a lot of thought into the seating arrangements to allow others to create new friendships.”
Understanding the value of these types of relationships, Iñigo credits many opportunities throughout his career to connections he’s made, and assistance he’s received from others. Working full-time while attending UT San Antonio, he was encouraged to apply for a scholarship by one of his professors.
Not only did the scholarship help him financially, but it led to numerous networking opportunities. As a recipient of the Joe McKinney scholarship from the Northside Chamber of Commerce, he attended their annual gala to receive the award and sat with a team from Broadway Bank that included his scholarship’s namesake. He also met former UT San Antonio President Ricardo Romo, who later invited him to a reception at his home where he connected with individuals that he is still friends with today.
“It’s been 20 years since I won that scholarship,” said Iñigo, who sits on the board of the Witte Museum and the World Affairs Council. “Getting to meet Joe McKinney that day resulted in a wonderful mentor/mentee relationship. We’d get together for breakfast, he made introductions for me and helped point me in the right direction. I feel privileged to be able to form those same relationships with our scholarship recipients.”
Giving back through his corporation as well, Iñigo has supported the Wells Fargo Financial Literacy Program within the college. With colleagues he has come back to give presentations as well as spoken with student organizations about the importance of personal financial literacy — a topic vitally important in San Antonio.
“UTSA allowed me to meet people from all different walks of life,” said Iliana, who is active raising their two teenage boys. “It widens your perspective on life, and it allows you to learn so much from them. It is gratifying to be involved with our university and to help make an impact in our community.”
“UTSA is playing such an important role in our city,” said Iñigo. “Being a part of something bigger than yourself is important. And when you’re able to give back and see tangible impacts as a result of your efforts that is gratifying. I know that I’ve invested my efforts in the right place.”
— Wendy Frost
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