SAN ANTONIO – The University of Texas at San Antonio is halfway to raising half a billion dollars for its “Be Bold: A Campaign for Our Future.”
The campaign started in 2017 and has already raised $311 million in gifts and pledges.
Donations have come from philanthropists, entrepreneurs, alumni and different companies.
“These gifts are real affirmations of the work that we are doing at the university. And it inspires others and gives people confidence that this university of significant investment and transformational gifts,” said Karl Miller-Lugo, vice president for advancement and alumni engagement.
The money raised so far has supported student scholarships, different programs and faculty endowments.
On Thursday, the university launched the public phase of the fundraising campaign.
UTSA senior Erica McFarland said financial donations to the university have changed her life.
She has participated in several programs at the Harvey Najim Innovation and Career Advancement Center on the main campus.
The center offers students the opportunity to gain real-world experience in the workforce through different programs.
“I’m working with the company Union Pacific through career-engaged learning and experiential learning opportunities,” McFarland said.
The center was created in 2020 thanks to a donation given to UTSA’s Be Bold campaign.
Local philanthropist and entrepreneur Harvey Najim committed $3 million to establish the center.
“A financial donation contributes to the mental, emotional, physical, social, spiritual, environmental, occupational and much more success of the university,” McFarland said.