Alvarez Scholars Program
Davidson emphasizes global education through coursework, enrollment practices and service opportunities.
The Alvarez Scholars Program expands access to international students by providing need-based scholarship support to outstanding students from all over the world. The 13 Alvarez Scholars hail from Ghana, Ecuador, Pakistan, Greece, Zimbabwe, Niger, Peru and Bulgaria.
The Alvarez family has forged a lasting legacy at Davidson College through its unwavering support and service. Through the Alvarez Scholars Program, Carlos and Malú Alvarez, and daughters Carla and Malú '02, have demonstrated their commitment to providing educational opportunities for deserving students worldwide. As members of Davidson's Parents Council from 1998 - 2002, Carlos and Malú worked to engage parents of Davidson students in the life of the college. In addition, Carlos served two terms on the Davidson College Board of Trustees, from 2003 - 2010. During his tenure, he provided leadership to the Admission and Financial Aid Committee and was instrumental in the establishment of the The Davidson Trust. In 2008, he was invited to deliver the prestigious Chidsey Leadership Lecture at Davidson. The Alvarez College Union bears the family's name.
Alvarez is Chairman and CEO of The Gambrinus Company, which he founded in 1986 when he moved from his native Mexico with his family to San Antonio. He was the driving force behind the initial launch of Corona beer in the United States and the brand's phenomenal growth for 20 years (1986-2006), during which time Corona became America's number one import. Today, The Gambrinus Company is a leading U.S. craft brewer and marketer with breweries in Shiner, Texas (The Spoetzl Brewery) and Berkeley, Calif. (Trumer Brauerei). Alvarez is committed to education and has served on the board of trustees of School Year Abroad and Saint Mary's Hall (San Antonio). He also is a member of the Chancellor's Circle for the University of Texas system. Alvarez has made significant contributions to these and other educational institutions' endowment programs, particularly those that drive greater international engagement. He is a board member of the World Affairs Council of America (Washington, D.C.) and the World Affairs Council of San Antonio, which he previously served as chairman.