Tommies in Our Communities
Cesar Uribe ’02
Location: Deerfield, IL
Tommies in Our Communities
Location: Deerfield, IL
When Cesar Uribe began considering an MBA program in 2002, he was already studying at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Yet, he was looking for a program with a focus on international business and a location that aligned with his career aspirations. Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Uribe felt that a mid-sized city like Minneapolis, home to several Fortune 500 companies, would provide the professional opportunities he was seeking. This led him to explore St. Thomas, where he eventually enrolled in the Master of International Management program.
Leaving a scholarship-backed program in Nebraska wasn’t an easy choice, but Uribe was drawn to the academic and networking opportunities at St. Thomas. The school’s connection to his undergraduate institution, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, a respected Catholic university in Bogotá, also made the transition feel familiar and reassuring. St. Thomas offered Uribe not only a robust education but also a welcoming community where he could connect with students and faculty alike.
After graduating, Uribe embarked on a career that took him through roles at Wells Fargo and Target before landing at Walgreens, where he has built an impressive career in supply chain management. His journey through various positions has led him to oversee operations involving international freight and delivery logistics for Walgreens’ stores in locations like Puerto Rico, Hawaii and Alaska. He attributes much of his professional growth to the education and connections he built at St. Thomas, which gave him the tools and confidence to pursue his goals.
Reflecting on the University of St. Thomas’ mission of working “all for the common good,” Uribe finds that it aligns with his personal values. He embraces a community-focused mindset, often helping others and fostering connections that benefit those around him. His advice to current Tommies is to begin planning their careers early and to make the most of the university’s resources and networks.
In addition to his corporate role, Uribe enjoys teaching tennis – a sport he has loved since childhood – and spends his free time golfing, cycling, and staying active outdoors. He appreciates the opportunities he’s had to return to St. Thomas over the years, witnessing its growth and development, and encourages prospective students to consider the transformative experience the university offers.
“My experience at St Thomas was very enriching. Not only did I get the opportunity to be exposed to a great education, but it also gave me the opportunity to share experiences by networking with fellow students and faculty.”
“I strongly believe helping other people brings a sense of personal satisfaction, and at the same time creates a sense of community reaching for the same interests and benefit.”
“Start very early to plan and to be objective in shaping your career, whatever your interests are. Having an early clear vision of where you want to be will help you to make better decisions along the process that at the end will take you closer to your goals.”
“I had great academic as well as personal experiences during my time at St. Thomas. These experiences greatly helped me in shaping my career, which at the end has taken me where I am at this point. Lately, when I’ve had the chance to go back to the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, I have visited St. Thomas, and I can see how it has grown compared to when I was there. I’ve heard about all the new programs that have been incorporated, I’ve also heard how the sports programs have increased in level, and even the number of new buildings has amazed me. I can see how it would definitely be a great opportunity to any prospective student to be part of St. Thomas.”