Posted on March 2, 2026 by Wendy Frost
Community is at the heart of Dan Karam’s, ’97, MSIT ’01 connection to UT San Antonio. Ties that bind him not only to the university, but also to the city of San Antonio.
Dan Karam, '97, MSIT '01, management executive in residence at the Carlos Alvarez College of Business.
“One of the most important things this university has is the continuation of community and culture in San Antonio,” said Dan Karam, who was part of the first graduating class of the MS in Information Technology program. “UTSA has inherited that culture from the city. And since San Antonio is the biggest small town, community and connections mean more than ever. It creates people like me.”
Karam, an executive in residence in the Alvarez College of Business, returned to his alma mater following a successful career in information technology that included 13 years at USAA and another 13 years as chief information officer and partner at MUY Companies before retiring after it was sold to new ownership.
“UTSA set me up for success in life,” he said.
“There were easy ways to get involved. You could feel the pride. Everyone who went before, and everyone who comes after you is connected by this link. That is hard to duplicate at any other university.”
Dan Karam, Management Professor of Practice, Alumni, Alvarez College of Business '97, MSIT '01
Encouraged to come back and guest lecture by his mentor and former faculty member Glenn Dietrich in his Telecommunications and Networking class, Karam got his first taste of giving back to UT San Antonio. From there he expanded his repertoire to include lecturing on technical subjects as well as inspirational topics.
“I loved guest lecturing,” said Karam. “I created a presentation on the ‘15 Things That I Wish People Would Have Told Me in College’ and have since presented it more times than I can count. It is a presentation that I only give to Roadrunners.”
After those experiences Karam was hooked, and he looked for additional ways to engage. He was a spokesperson for the “I Love UTSA” campaign in 2015 and later established a memorial scholarship for his niece.
Growing restless in retirement, Karam thought about returning to teach at UT San Antonio when the executive in residence position dropped in his lap. Working with the Alvarez College of Business the past two years, he teaches classes as well as collaborates on special projects focused on student professional development.
“I’m as Roadrunner as it gets,” said Karam. “The credibility and authenticity I bring to the classroom by imparting my experiences and passion is powerful.”
More importantly, Karam got to reconnect with Dietrich, who passed away last year. “The first thing I did when I started was to go to Glenn’s office and reminisce about how we are now teammates. He was always giving me advice and looking after me.”
Having taught over 200 students now, Karam’s hope is that he’s made a difference in at least one student’s life. “I want to be the favorite class of my students,” he said.
“I want them to enjoy and learn so much in my class that it isn’t even close – just like it was for me. I want to make a difference with as many kids as I can. Hopefully, if I can influence one person, a seed gets planted and blossoms with them.”
Dan Karam, Management Professor of Practice, Alumni, Alvarez College of Business '97, MSIT '01
Karam’s other assignment was to explore how the college could expand the niche mentoring programs that were offered into something college wide. Talking to other universities, he researched how their programs worked, and what lessons they learned from the experience. The program launched last year with 40 mentor/mentee pairs and was led by staff in the Dean’s Office.
“I knew this type of program would only make the college experience so much better for our students,” said Karam, who recharges his batteries through these student interactions. “It was such a cool thing to help build. Connecting business students with real business people that want to give back. It is a win, win. How freaking awesome?”
Karam hopes that through the Alvarez Mentorship Program, an ecosystem is created of alumni giving back to the college. “Come back to the place that made you successful and help business students be successful. I know there are people that want to help, but don’t know how.”
According to Karam, Alvarez alumni should never say goodbye to their alma mater. But, instead, set the example for those who come behind you.
“Be proud of where you came from,” he said. “How lucky am I that I get to help students and motivate peers of mine to give back through their time, treasures and talents.”
— Wendy Frost
Share this story:
Read more stories like Dan's in our 2025 Alvarez Alumni Magazine.
