Serving students is at the core of TLU’s mission. The Business Partner Program (BPP) is one way the Office of Development and Alumni Relations seeks to engage and connect students with community industry leaders. The BPP also aims to increase partnerships and programs that benefit the Seguin community, while simultaneously positioning TLU graduates as local and regional leaders.

By developing partnerships with these businesses through career development and educational opportunities, students are uniquely positioned to join a rapidly expanding workforce that addresses the needs within this region or a specific industry.

Many of TLU’s Master of Accountancy and Business students are offered a chance to turn their internships at some of the biggest companies in the world—AT&T, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Ernst & Young, KPMG, Republic Plastics, and Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu—into full-time positions.

While those connections with large, national companies are incredibly beneficial, it’s also important to recognize companies like Seguin-based CMC Steel Texas—the domestic steelmaking segment of the Commercial Metals Company. Aside from offering an annual internship to one qualified TLU student, they have em-ployed graduates across many areas, including accounting, applied physics, management, and more.

More than one dozen current CMC Steel employees have TLU degrees, and alumnus Ty Garrison serves as senior vice president for strategy and operations after spending more than 20 years as a salesperson and estimator in rebar fabrication.

Bill Vanderwaal, director of mill operations, has been with CMC for more than 20 years and still jokingly refers to himself as a “newbie.” He is proud of the fact that so many employees have such career longevity and loyalty.

“There are many on the Seguin mill grounds with 30 to 40 years of service,” he said. “It’s the company’s culture and it’s very much appreciated. Our employees know their importance to the local economy, but they also don’t take it for granted. From the guards at the gate, to the crews on the floor, they are professional, courteous, and customer service–oriented.”

If your company is ready to invest in future leaders and would like networking access to highly qualified student interns from a variety of academic majors, joining the BPP is a great way to do this. Additionally, businesses are also able to promote their industry as an exciting and sustainable career path. To learn more about participating, visit www.tlu.edu/business-partner-program.