UTSA students gain real-world insights through ‘Final Four’ course experience

SAN ANTONIO — The University of Texas at San Antonio students are ditching the books for hands-on learning. UTSA students are taking a shot at real world experience and are part of a special topics course called “Final Four”. The students are helping out at events leading up to the “Big Dance.”

UTSA Sophomore Ellie Feeney said this experience has opened her eyes about the magnitude of event planning and the hospitality industry.

“I got an email with an opportunity of like you can work with the Final Four as a student with UTSA, I was like sign me up,” she said. “I have to be there.”

Feeney is one of eight UTSA students that are getting to step off campus. Assistant Professor of Practice Jonathan Gutierrez is leading the team.

“A lot of the time spent in the classroom, we go over a lot of really important topics,” he said. “But, it is missing that opportunity to really involve yourself in that space.”

For example, the students helped out an event this past week for the selection watch party.

“I also thought this was a great opportunity to figure out what I wanted to do,” Feeney said. I wanted to get great experience with event planning, work alongside professionals and see how they do things.”

Gutierrez said there are major benefits with getting the students out of the classroom. Besides Final Four events, he has taken the students to a San Antonio Spurs game, and the Alamodome.

“Immersion is one of the most important things about this class,” Gutierrez said. “It is giving them the opportunity to just be there.”

The course also works as an internship. Once the Final Four is in San Antonio, Feeney will be helping with other events like a Fan Fest preview. She will also be a part of the “Street Team,” which means she will be helping navigate all the people downtown.

“Having the Final Four be here and having the eye on San Antonio gets everybody excited about it,” she said.