For the Love of Learning: Alum Spotlight on Luis Green ’23

What TLU alum Luis Green learned during his college years can't be contained in any one lesson, lecture, or classroom. "The most valuable lesson I took from TLU is a genuine passion for learning," the '23 grad explains.

That piece of wisdom has changed the trajectory of his life in a profound way. "I try to approach each day with the mindset of asking, 'What can I learn today?' whether that's from my work, my family, or everyday experiences. The more I learn, the more I realize how much there is still to understand, and that mindset continues to drive both my personal and professional growth."

Green was recruited by TLU to play soccer, and he became the Bulldogs' all-time leading scorer on the field-a distinction he still holds today. But like all athletes who choose TLU, he was a student first. And looking back, he says he appreciates the simple gift of the university's small class sizes because they created a highly engaging and interactive learning environment. "There's really no room to hide and you're expected to participate, think critically, and build relationships with both professors and peers," he says. "That experience helped me develop strong communication skills and the confidence to ask questions, both of which are essential in my role today."

That role: Green is a loan officer specializing in mortgage loans with Barton Springs Financial in San Antonio-a job he seems perfectly suited to, as he recognizes how important the dream of owning a home is to his clients. "What I enjoy most about my work comes down to two things: relationships and problem-solving," he says. "Building strong, lasting relationships with clients is extremely rewarding, especially during such an important milestone in their lives. At the same time, every loan presents a unique financial puzzle. No two clients are the same, and gaining a competitive edge in this industry requires the ability to navigate complex scenarios and structure difficult approvals."

He started honing those skills back at TLU, through his degrees (he completed his bachelor's in business administration in 2022 and his master's in data analytics in 2023), and his involvement in the Bulldog Investment Company (BIC), TLU's award-winning on-campus internship program designed to teach students of all majors how to read and interpret financial statements.

He also recently leveraged his knowledge to meet a goal he's had for a while: starting his own business. "Starting my own wheelchair and medical transport company was a personal goal of mine," he says. "I've always been interested in entrepreneurship, and I wanted to experience firsthand what it takes to build a business."

Here, he's putting so much of what he's been taught into play-but true to form, he continues to learn through the experience. "It's one thing to study or hear about it, but actually taking action is a completely different challenge," he says. "The biggest lesson I've learned is that there's never a 'perfect' time to start; you have to begin and figure things out along the way. Through this experience, I've gained valuable insight into sales, relationship building, financing, taxes, and regulatory requirements. It's also a service that's in high demand, and I've made it a priority to provide a higher level of care and professionalism than what's often found in the industry."

Sifting through his memories from his undergrad years, Green has lots of great ones-especially being involved in soccer, track, and the Bulldog Investment Company, he says. But one memory in particular stands out. It was March 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic began shutting down the economy. "While uncertainty was at its peak, a group of us from the investment program met late into the evening to analyze our portfolio and evaluate how different companies might be impacted," Green recalls. "That experience pushed us to think critically under pressure and identify opportunities while others were reacting emotionally. It was a powerful lesson in discipline, teamwork, and long-term thinking."

Green is clearly interested in connecting a deeper sense of purpose to the work he spends his energy on-a sure recipe for success. But what does he do when he's not at work? "I prioritize staying active and enjoy pushing myself physically through exercise," he says. "I also value spending quality time with my significant other and family. Beyond that, I genuinely enjoy learning, whether it's reading, exploring new ideas, or developing new skills. I'm always looking for ways to grow and improve."

And when he thinks over his life, his alma mater-to which he is still very much connected-rises to the surface. "TLU holds a special place in my life," he says. "It's where I built meaningful relationships with mentors and peers and experienced a level of learning that shaped who I am today. The discipline and perspective I developed there continue to guide me in my career and daily life. I take pride in representing TLU, and whenever I'm asked about my education, I speak highly of the experience and the impact it's had on me."