In this issue, meet Board of Trustees member Joseph A. Reyes
Joseph A. Reyes, a San Antonio native who resides in Washington D.C., has served as a member of the UIW Board of Trustees since 2004.
“Some friends of mine recommended I serve on the board and they told Dr. Agnese about me,” said Reyes. “So we reached out to each other and I was more than happy to help out with the university.”
Reyes believes it is important to provide youth with a faith-based education that encourages growth. He feels UIW, as a Catholic university, fulfills this mission with a strong Christian viewpoint.
The opportunity to serve along with UIW’s other board members is something Reyes enjoys most about his involvement with UIW.
“I enjoy being on a board with very sharp and educated members who are active in the business world and who are involved with many good things for our country and the university,” said Reyes. “The staff and leadership are outstanding,” he said. “And Lou is a leader who listens and gets things done. The Sisters are tremendous.”
Reyes is chair emeritus for Reyes Holdings, Inc. and founder and president of Orion Enterprises, a business management consulting company. He has over 40 years of experience in the creation and development of new businesses.
He served as an electronic technician in the U.S. Navy and a naval aviator on active duty. Reyes comes from a long line of family members who have served the country, including a great, great grandfather who fought in the Battle of Gonzales, often considered the first battle of the Texas Revolution.
“They have all stood their watch,” said Reyes.
As R&D Program Manager for General Precision, Inc. during the 1960s, Reyes directed engineering activities for the space field including the implementation of task objectives for NASA Headquarters and the Field Centers. He also served as a senior engineer for the Westinghouse Corporation.
Reyes previously held membership with the National Association of Hispanic Naval Officers, Washington Board of Trade, and Hemisphere National Bank. He was honored by the Presidential Advisory Committee for Small Business from 1972-75 and named Hispanic Businessman of the Year in 1985 and 1990.
Reyes and his wife, Frances M. Collins Reyes, have a daughter, eight sons, and 22 grandchildren.
“I am very proud of my family,” he professed. “They are true Americans and I teach them that it is important to serve on boards to help better the country.”
