MBA · Class of 2026

Celebrating
Ariel Sama

Master of Business Administration
McCombs School of Business
The University of Texas at Austin

May 7–9, 2026
Austin, Texas 🤘
Ceremony · Reception · Celebration
Ariel Sama
MBA Graduate 🎓
Events

Commencement Ceremonies

Three events across the weekend celebrate Ariel's achievement. Attend one, two, or all three — each offers something different.

💛 Family Welcome — Intimate

MBA Family Celebration

Thursday, May 7, 2026
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Robert B. Rowling Hall — McCombs School of Business
💛 Hosted by the McCombs MBA Program Office. A reception for MBA graduates and their close family and support network. Tickets reserved in advance through McCombs.
🚗 Parking: surface lots, street, or any UT garage (hourly). Rowling Hall address: 300 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.
McCombs Info →
⭐ Main Event — Individual Recognition

McCombs MBA Convocation

Friday, May 8, 2026
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Gregory Gym — UT Austin Campus
🎓 This is where Ariel's name is called individually and he crosses the stage. Don't miss it! Guests enter via main stairs starting at 2:30 PM. No tickets required — first-come, first-served seating.
👶 For families with children: McCombs requests that children stay seated with family during the procession and stage walk for everyone's safety.
📺 Watch live: YouTube livestream — or watch in person at Crum Auditorium, Rowling Hall (great overflow option). Doors open 2:30 PM at Gregory Gym; ceremony at 3 PM.
McCombs Info →
University-Wide Ceremony

UT Austin University-Wide Commencement

Saturday, May 9, 2026
7:00 PM · doors open 6:00 PM · runs 90–120 min
Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium
🏟️ Keynote by Colt McCoy, former UT quarterback and NFL veteran. Includes traditional pageantry, processional, and fireworks. Graduates sit on the field; guests in the stands.
🎟️ Guests do NOT need tickets — general admission, first-come seating (saving seats not permitted). Ariel needs a graduate ticket from UT.
UT Commencement →
🥂 Ariel's Reception — RSVP Required

Graduation Reception

Friday, May 8, 2026
7:00 PM · runs through ~10:00 PM
DoubleTree Austin – University Area · 1617 IH-35 N · Oakwood AB
🇨🇲 Featuring Cameroonian food, drinks, and the people who've been part of this journey.
📋 Cameroonian food, drinks, and music in a relaxed hotel banquet space.
RSVP via Partiful →
Parking & Getting There

Getting Around Campus

Brazos Garage — closest to Gregory Gym (off MLK Jr. Blvd). Gets congested — arrive early!
San Jacinto Garage — off San Jacinto Blvd, solid alternative with less traffic
🚗 Parking is free in designated areas on campus on a first-come basis; UT garages remain hourly. 21st Street will be one-way (eastbound) on Friday — best to enter Brazos Garage from MLK. Allow extra time for traffic.
♿ Limited mobility drop-off at Speedway & 21st Street. Wheelchairs available at Gregory Gym; ground-floor elevator entry available for guests who can't use stairs.
UT Parking Map →
Weekend at a Glance

Your Weekend Timeline

A suggested plan to make the most of Ariel's celebration weekend in Austin.

Thursday · May 7 · 4:30 – 6:00 PM
💛 MBA Family Celebration — Rowling Hall
A reception hosted by the McCombs MBA Program Office for Ariel and his close family/support group. Tickets reserved in advance. Plan travel to arrive in Austin early Thursday so you're checked in and at Rowling Hall by 4:30 PM.
Thursday · May 7 · Evening
Casual Family Dinner
Informal dinner after the celebration. Keep it low-key — tomorrow is the big ceremony. Great night to try South Congress or a relaxed spot near the hotel.
Friday · May 8 · 3:00 – 5:00 PM
⭐ McCombs MBA Convocation — Gregory Gym
The main event. Ariel crosses the stage and is recognized individually by name. Guests enter starting 2:30 PM. No tickets required, first-come seating. Heads up: heavy post-ceremony traffic on campus — the reception starts at 7:00 PM to give everyone room to exit, regroup, and travel.
Friday · May 8 · 7:00 – 10:00 PM
🥂 Graduation Reception (RSVP Required)
A celebration at the DoubleTree Austin – University Area featuring Cameroonian food, drinks, music, and the people who've been part of this journey.
Saturday · May 9 · 4:00 – 6:00 PM
🤘 The Great Texas Exit — Etter Harbin Alumni Center
An optional, casual Texas-sized celebration hosted by the Texas Exes. Pick up commemorative graduation items (while supplies last) and photo opportunities. Open to all graduates and guests.
Saturday · May 9 · 7:00 PM
🏟️ UT University-Wide Commencement — DKR Stadium
The grand finale at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium. Doors open at 6 PM. Keynote by Colt McCoy, former UT quarterback. Ceremony runs 90–120 minutes and includes traditional pageantry and a fireworks display.
Sunday · May 10
Explore or Head Home
Grab Austin breakfast tacos (an absolute must!), visit the Blanton Museum of Art on campus, or take a final stroll through Barton Springs. Safe travels home — Hook 'em! 🤘
Friday Reception

RSVP via Partiful

The Friday evening reception is invite-only and requires an RSVP. Cameroonian food, drinks, music, and a chance to celebrate together after the ceremony.

🥂

Graduation Reception

Friday May 8 · 7:00 PM

Featuring Cameroonian food, drinks, music, and the people who've been part of this journey. At the DoubleTree Austin – University Area, in the Oakwood AB Room.

📋 RSVP via Partiful
RSVP on Partiful →

Can't make it? You can still leave a note on the Partiful page — would mean a lot.

Other events don't require an RSVP here: the Thursday McCombs Family Celebration is reserved separately through McCombs (close family only), and the Friday MBA Convocation and Saturday UT-wide ceremonies are open to all guests with no tickets required (Ariel handles his own graduate ticket for DKR).

Where to Stay

Lodging Options

Hotels fill fast during graduation weekend — book as early as possible. All options are near the UT campus.

⚠️ Book ASAP! — Austin hotels sell out quickly during UT graduation weekend. We recommend booking at least 2–3 months in advance.
DoubleTree Austin – University Area
Reception Venue
1617 IH-35 N · (512) 479-4000 Where the Friday reception is held — easy walk back after the party
Visit Hotel →
AT&T Hotel & Conference Center
On Campus
1900 University Ave · (512) 404-3600 Steps from Gregory Gym · UT Tower views · 4-star
Visit Hotel →
AC Hotel Austin–University
Upscale · 3.5★
Near Moody Center & UT Campus District 10-min walk to campus · Rooftop lounge · Pet-friendly
Visit Hotel →
Moxy Austin – University
Trendy · Mid-Range
13-min walk to UT campus · Fitness center · Garden Self-parking ~$21/day — great value option
Search Availability →
Hotel Ella
Historic Boutique
Near UT campus · Smoke-free · Historic charm Complimentary Wi-Fi · Free fitness pass to nearby gym
Visit Hotel →
Omni Austin Hotel Downtown
Luxury · 4★
~1 mile from UT · Downtown Austin · Rooftop pool Pet-friendly · Close to 6th Street dining & nightlife
Visit Hotel →
Hilton Garden Inn – University/Capitol
Reliable · Mid-Range
University/Capitol District · Great central location Hilton Honors points · Courteous staff
Visit Hotel →
Family Guide

Helpful Tips

Everything you need to know to make the trip smooth and memorable.

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Professional Photos

Flash Photography will have professionals at all ceremonies. Photos can be ordered after commencement weekend. The UT Tower and campus also make stunning backdrop spots for your own photos!

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What to Wear

Business attire is appropriate for guests at the MBA Convocation. May in Austin is warm (mid-80s°F) — light layers and comfortable shoes are key, especially for walking campus.

✈️

Getting to Austin

Fly into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), about 8 miles from campus. Rideshares (Uber/Lyft) are widely available. Downtown hotels are an easy drive from the airport.

🌡️

May Weather

Expect warm and sunny weather — highs around 82–88°F. Afternoon storms are possible. For the outdoor stadium ceremony on May 9, bring sunscreen and a light jacket for the evening chill.

🦽

Accessibility

ADA entrances are available at all ceremony venues. At Gregory Gym, the ADA entrance is just before the main staircase. Contact McCombs directly for specific accommodation needs.

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Clear Bag Policy at Gregory Gym

Clear bag policy is in effect. Allowed: clear bags up to 12"×6"×12", plus one small clutch up to 4.5"×6.5" (the clutch can be non-clear). All bags subject to search. Ariel will carry his regalia in, not wear it through security. Plan ahead — non-compliant bags won't be allowed.

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Can't Attend? Watch Live

The MBA Convocation streams live on YouTube at 3 PM Friday. Local viewing is also available in Crum Auditorium, Rowling Hall. The UT-wide ceremony Saturday streams from the UT Commencement website. No guilt about watching from afar!

🥂

Friday Reception

The Friday 7:00 PM reception is invite-only and requires an RSVP via Partiful. Cameroonian food, drinks, and music at the DoubleTree Austin – University Area.

Live Music Capital of the World

Explore Austin

Make a trip out of it! Austin has incredible food, culture, music, and outdoor life beyond the ceremonies.

🍖 Food & Drink

Austin Must-Eats

  • Franklin Barbecue (world-famous brisket)
  • Juan in a Million (breakfast tacos)
  • Fonda San Miguel (Tex-Mex brunch)
  • Uchiko (James Beard Award sushi)
  • Terry Black's BBQ (no long wait)
  • Amy's Ice Creams (Austin original)
🎵 Music & Nightlife

Austin's Music Scene

  • 6th Street Entertainment District
  • Rainey Street bars & food trucks
  • Continental Club (honky-tonk legends)
  • Stubb's Amphitheatre (outdoor music)
  • South Congress Avenue
  • The Paramount Theatre
🌿 Outdoors

Get Outside

  • Barton Springs Pool (natural swimming)
  • Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike Trail
  • Zilker Metropolitan Park
  • Mount Bonnell (city views)
  • Congress Ave. Bridge Bat Colony (dusk!)
  • Kayaking on Lady Bird Lake
🏛️ Culture & Sights

Explore & Learn

  • Texas State Capitol Building
  • Blanton Museum of Art (UT campus)
  • LBJ Presidential Library
  • Bullock Texas State History Museum
  • UT Tower observation deck
  • South Congress shopping & galleries