GVG Co-Author Attends The Business Week Experience 2024: A Return to Inspire and Reflect

This year’s Business Week Experience at the Greehey School of Business welcomed a special guest among its attendees—one of the co-authors of Awaken Your Good Vibe Gangsta and a proud StMU alumnus. Returning to his alma mater, he joined students, faculty, alumni, and esteemed leaders from San Antonio’s business and civic community for an event filled with connection, learning, and shared inspiration.

The Legacy of the Business Week Experience

The Business Week Experience is an event deeply embedded in the history and mission of the Greehey School of Business. Founded in 1975 by Brother Paul Goelz, S.M., Ph.D., this annual gathering was born from a vision to bridge the academic and professional worlds, bringing business leaders into the classroom to share not only their knowledge but their dedication to ethical, impactful business practices. Brother Goelz believed that students should be inspired by real-world stories, grounded in both business expertise and community commitment.

This year’s Business Week continued that tradition, with panels, lectures, and a series of immersive workshops designed to bring today’s students face-to-face with industry professionals. The event also celebrated the achievements of StMU’s students, faculty, and staff in an awards ceremony that closed the week on a high note. These experiences carry forward Brother Goelz’s legacy, empowering students to think beyond the classroom, take inspiration from mentors, and prepare to lead with purpose.

A Homecoming at St. Mary’s: A Moment of Reflection and Connection

For the GVG co-author, attending the Business Week Experience 2024 was a chance to reconnect with the place that shaped much of his journey in business and life. Walking through campus, he reminisced about his days as a student and felt a renewed appreciation for the Greehey School’s mission to foster well-rounded, ethical leaders. The atmosphere during Business Week was charged with excitement, curiosity, and a shared commitment to making a difference—values that resonate deeply with the Good Vibe Gangsta brand.

Surrounded by fellow alumni, students, and faculty, he joined in the week’s activities, witnessing firsthand the meaningful connections being made and the excitement in the air as students engaged with professionals from diverse fields. For him, this event was more than a networking opportunity; it was a chance to see the next generation of leaders stepping into their roles with enthusiasm, courage, and a genuine commitment to learning.

Highlights from Business Week: Insights, Inspiration, and Community

This year’s Business Week Experience included a dynamic series of lectures, moderated panels, and interactive workshops. Highlights included the La Quinta Keynote Lecture, which brought inspiring voices from the business world to the stage. Professionals and alumni shared stories of innovation, resilience, and the importance of integrity in leadership, providing students with examples of careers driven by purpose.

Panels and workshops were equally engaging, covering topics ranging from social responsibility in business to emerging industry trends. Students participated actively, asking questions, sharing their aspirations, and seeking advice from those who had once been in their shoes. Observing these exchanges, the GVG co-author appreciated the relevance and responsiveness of the Greehey School’s curriculum, which has always adapted to meet the demands of an ever-evolving business landscape.

Honoring Achievements: The Business Week Awards Ceremony

As the week drew to a close, attendees gathered for the Business Week Awards Ceremony, where students, faculty, and staff were celebrated for their achievements and dedication. It was a meaningful reminder of the hard work and commitment that makes the StMU community so special. For the GVG co-author, this moment was both inspiring and nostalgic, as he reflected on his own journey from StMU to the broader world of business, one shaped by the values instilled during his time at the school.

A Shared Commitment to Purpose-Driven Careers

The Business Week Experience is more than just an event; it’s a tradition that underscores StMU’s commitment to producing skilled, ethical, and globally aware business professionals. As an alum, the GVG co-author shares this dedication to purpose-driven work. His journey from StMU to co-authoring Awaken Your Good Vibe Gangsta exemplifies the values the school continues to instill in its students—integrity, responsibility, and the belief that business can be a force for good.

In the spirit of GVG, the co-author’s presence during Business Week was a reminder of the importance of staying true to one’s values, no matter where the journey leads. Just as the Greehey School of Business has remained committed to its mission, so too has GVG—a brand that encourages individuals to embrace their unique strengths, contribute positively to their communities, and create lasting change.

Moving Forward: The St. Mary’s – GVG Connection

The GVG movement and StMU share an underlying belief: that success is not just measured in numbers, but in the impact one leaves on the world. For students who attended Business Week 2024, this was more than just a chance to meet business leaders; it was an opportunity to see how their own paths could unfold and to be inspired by examples of integrity, resilience, and a commitment to community.

As GVG continues its journey, we are grateful to be part of the StMU legacy—a legacy that remains vibrant, committed, and true to its founding principles. Here’s to the next generation of StMU alumni, ready to embrace the world with purpose, passion, and, of course, good vibes!