Our largest fundraising campaign in university history garnered the incredible support of more than 60,000 donors and the engagement of over 110,000 alumni!
Because of you, UTSA achieved historic milestones and is positioned for greatness as we transition into our next bold chapter together.
Explore more than 25 incredible campaign achievements through the interactive Be Bold timeline on our website.
Together, we have created greater opportunities for students and faculty to collaborate, thrive and make notable strides...”
When UTSA launched Be Bold: A Campaign for Our Future in 2017, we set out to achieve something transformational. We envisioned a university that could thrive alongside our evolving city of San Antonio, prepare students for the Texas workforce and lead groundbreaking discoveries that could impact the world.
I am immensely proud to share that we not only fulfilled that vision—we surpassed it, because of you
With sincere gratitude, I thank you for your support of our historic Be Bold Campaign, which exceeded its ambitious $500 million goal two years ahead of its timeline. Your generosity accelerated our progress and expanded our impact in unimaginable ways, positioning UTSA as a catalyst for discovery, innovation and impact at scale.
As you read through our campaign report, I hope you enjoy immersing yourselves in the inspiring stories that capture the immeasurable progress made possible by you – our very special alumni and donors who continue to believe in the incredible future of our great university.
Together, we have created greater opportunities for students and faculty to collaborate, thrive and make notable strides in brain health, cybersecurity, data science, artificial intelligence, engineering, the arts, athletics and so much more.
Now, because of you, UTSA is poised to enter its next phase of evolution—merging with UT Health San Antonio to become one powerhouse institution that will stand as the third largest research university in Texas serving even more students, faculty, staff and the community at large.
I share my deepest appreciation for your belief in what we could achieve together and invite you to remain a part of our journey as we enter our boldest chapter yet.
With appreciation,
Taylor Eighmy President
The launch of Be Bold: A Campaign for Our Future marked a defining moment in UTSA’s history. It gathered the university and its supporters around a shared vision to expand classroom to career educational opportunities, strengthen world-changing research and drive innovative growth.
In eight years, UTSA exceeded its $500 million goal two years ahead of its original timeline with the support of more than 60,000 donors who contributed over 200,000 gifts and pledges!
Throughout the Be Bold Campaign, student success remained the unifying thread. It inspired donors to proudly invest in scholarships through annual gifts, planned contributions and permanent endowments. Exactly 139 newly created scholarships and fellowships enabled thousands of high-achieving students to attend college without the burden of tuition, and invaluable support toward student programming drove academic success.
The campaign also accelerated UTSA’s research enterprise. Over $40.5 million was raised for faculty support including the creation of 20 new endowed positions. UTSA also raised over $225 million toward research excellence initiatives, championing areas of emerging strength including brain health, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and biomedical research. Since Be
Bold’s launch, faculty recruitment has significantly grown, and new labs, centers and fellowships have expanded discovery across all disciplines.
Be Bold also propelled UTSA’s growth across San Antonio. It brought to life the Science and Engineering Building, the School of Data Science in San Pedro I and set the stage for the future home of the College of AI, Cyber and Computing in San Pedro II. In the heart of Main Campus, renovations to the John Peace Library created new study rooms and collaboration areas. And the Roadrunner Athletics Center of Excellence, Park West Campus and the Basketball and Volleyball Training Facility are establishing spaces for studentathletes to learn and train in state-of-the-art facilities, fostering success in sports and in life.
UTSA also named its first colleges in university history – the Carlos Alvarez College of Business and the Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design – creating greater pathways for experiential learning and research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.
The Be Bold Campaign sparked a culture of giving rooted in trust, purpose, creation and possibility. Its success has shaped UTSA and San Antonio for endless generations.
Over $500 Million Raised
60,000+ Donors
200,000+ Gifts and Pledges 25 Countries Represented
When students walk across the stage to accept their diplomas from UTSA, they leave with more than a degree. They carry the knowledge, confidence and professionalism needed to thrive beyond the classroom.
Through the Be Bold Campaign, UTSA has expanded career readiness opportunities, mentorship programs and experiential learning across campus. Today’s students are building futures that reflect their values and aspirations.
For Anna Almaraz ’23, M.B.A. ’25, that journey began at the Harvey E. Najim Center for Innovation and Career Advancement. Her connection with Harvey E. Najim led to professional development, a job with the Najim Charitable Foundation and the inspiration to launch two businesses. In the future, she hopes to lead a nonprofit focused on community impact.
In the field of engineering within the Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design, students bring ideas to life in the Science and Engineering Building Makerspace thanks to donors like Ed and Linda Whitacre. Their gift of a
metal 3D printer, along with support for tutoring, student organizations and undergraduate research has created unmatched learning experiences.
“For me, learning about the Makerspace was a turning point in my engineering experience,” said Gladvin George ’25, an electrical engineering graduate. “I started as a volunteer and eventually became a staff member. Helping others with their projects or guiding them as they considered their futures while I was thinking about mine was genuinely fulfilling.”
Real-world experiences also thrive in the School of Data Science, where support from Timothy and Melissa Draper made the Draper Data Science Business Plan Competition possible. In 2025, a UTSA team earned second place and fan favorite for SURV AI, an AI tool designed to assist law enforcement.
“To the donors who made all this possible, thank you. Your investment didn’t just help me earn a degree, it helped me find a career that’s meaningful to me,” Almaraz said. “Your impact spreads across this campus, into our community and into the next generation of Roadrunners.”
Every year, thousands of Roadrunners arrive on campus with dreams of a brighter future. But the cost of college, the pressure of supporting family and the weight of uncertainty can make staying enrolled a daily challenge.
“There are so many students like me who never imagined they’d have a chance to attend college,” said Ricardo Ayala ’25, a Bold Promise Scholarship recipient and Honors College graduate. “UTSA helped me believe in myself and find my path.”
Through the Be Bold Campaign, UTSA has expanded access to food, emergency aid and scholarships, providing students with the stability and support they need to succeed.
“The resources donors have provided through Be Bold have genuinely changed lives,” said Aydan Villarreal ’25, former Student Government Association president. “Sometimes it’s the difference between staying in class or dropping out. It shows students they’re seen, supported and not alone.”
Beyond student scholarships, one of the most critical resources is the UTSA Roadrunner Pantry, which opened in 2017 and averages 200 visits per day at the Main and Downtown campuses. In 2020, UTSA partnered with Whataburger and the San Antonio Food Bank (SAFB) to expand its services. And in 2025, a gift from Harvey E. Najim, through SAFB, further strengthened the pantry’s reach.
The Student Emergency Fund also offers vital short-term aid. Thanks to early support from USAA, the fund became a permanent resource during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to help students through crises today.
Philanthropic support has allowed UTSA to meet student needs in a holistic way. In April 2025, the university earned the Opportunity Colleges and Universities designation by the Carnegie Classifications, affirming its role as a model for fostering student success.
“Students are prouder than ever to be Roadrunners,” Villarreal said. “This support is changing lives.”
Through the Be Bold Campaign, UTSA has expanded access to food, emergency aid and scholarships, providing students with the stability and support they need to succeed.
Since its launch in 2021, UTSA Giving Day has raised millions of dollars from over 13,800 donors to support students across 60+ programs.
$3.3 Million+ Total Raised
In partnership with Texas State University, this joint campaign raised critical funds from 942 donors to support campus food pantries at both universities.
$86,267 Total Raised
Donors who have supported Annual Giving campaigns have played a meaningful role in the success of UTSA’s Be Bold Campaign, showing that every gift matters. Over the past eight years, thousands of supporters have stepped forward with contributions between $1 and $25,000, helping to fund scholarships, student services and campus initiatives that enhance the student experience.
President’s Associates, one of UTSA’s longest-running annual giving societies, provides flexible support for academic enrichment, leadership development and emerging university priorities.
Signature campaigns like UTSA Giving Day, Huddle Against Hunger and Battle of the Birds have also energized the UTSA community and raised vital support for students. From supporting food security to emergency funds and academic programs, these efforts reflect the collective power of philanthropy.
Today, UTSA Annual Giving campaigns continue to build community and expand access for future Roadrunners.
A spirited donor challenge between UTSA and the University of North Texas, this campaign raised thousands of dollars from 388 donors in support of the Roadrunner Pantry.
$52,428
Total Raised
BY THE NUMBERS
$225M+ Raised for Groundbreaking Research Over $40.5M Raised for Faculty Support, Including 20 Endowed Positions
Breakthroughs in human health do not happen by chance. They grow from the dedication of researchers, the curiosity of students and the generosity of those who believe in the power of science to make lives better. At UTSA, these forces have come together in extraordinary ways.
Through Be Bold: A Campaign for Our Future, UTSA accelerated its momentum as a research university by investing in the people, spaces and programs driving innovation in health. From advancing new understandings of Alzheimer’s disease to creating handson opportunities in pharmaceutical research, the university is turning knowledge into impact and preparing the next generation of scientists.
One of the clearest examples is the growth of the UTSA Brain Health Consortium. With support from the Semmes Foundation, Lowe Foundation and Kleberg Foundation, George Perry, Ph.D. and his team have uncovered surprising new insights into Alzheimer’s. Their research suggests that amyloid plaques may not cause damage but instead act as a protective response
in the brain. This shift could lead to entirely new approaches to treatment.
A global milestone came with Texas businessman James Truchard’s gift to establish the Oskar Fischer Prize, which challenges the world’s brightest researchers to develop proposals to change how society looks at Alzheimer’s disease. In 2022, UTSA awarded the largest prizes of their kind in Alzheimer’s research, positioning the university as a leader in global brain health innovation.
Support from the Voelcker Fund also expanded pharmaceutical research through the Preclinical Pharmacology Core at the Center for Innovative Drug Discovery. The fund has supported early-career faculty, student research and a summer chemistry program that trains and inspires students across South Texas.
These achievements helped UTSA earn Carnegie R1 classification in 2021, and they continue to shape the university’s future. As Perry notes, “It’s the donors who have made this possible, and the impact is only just beginning.”
At the heart of the university’s academic experience, the UTSA Libraries have long served as a place for learning, connection and discovery. Throughout the Be Bold Campaign, UTSA expanded its reach and visibility in this area thanks to generous donor support.
Renovations to the third floor of the John Peace Library created new spaces for study, collaboration and community. And the expanded reach of UTSA Libraries’ Special Collections has helped preserve cultural history and support academic exploration.
New additions include the Diana Kennedy Culinary Archive and Mexican Cookbook Collection, the Beckstead, Lerma and Annala Art Collection, the Happy Foundation Research Collection, and a growing Chicano Research Collection to name a few. New endowments were also established, like the Kathy Furukawa Fund to promote student success, and other planned gifts supported preservation efforts.
These investments have helped to ensure that UTSA Libraries remain a hub of knowledge, supporting students and scholars while honoring the stories that shape our past and our future.
• 950,000+ annual visits across all locations
• Nearly 10,000 daily visits during peak semesters
• 42,000 digital Special Collection items, extending UTSA’s reach globally
• 24/5 access at the John Peace Library during the academic week
• John Peace Library
• Downtown Library
• Applied Engineering and Technology Library
Walk the streets of downtown San Antonio and you’ll see the city’s story unfold through architecture, culture and the rising presence of UTSA.
Over the past eight years, the university has expanded its downtown footprint into a vibrant network of classrooms, studios and community spaces. These donor-supported facilities reflect more than bricks and mortar. They have become catalysts for education, innovation and collaboration, strengthening the university’s impact across the city.
At the corner of Dolorosa and Santa Rosa, San Pedro I stands as a gateway to the future. It houses the School of Data Science and the National Security Collaboration Center, placing students and researchers alongside industry and government leaders working on real-world challenges.
Just across San Pedro Creek, San Pedro II is rising. It will become the home for the new College of AI, Cyber and Computing, bringing together top academic and workforce programs, including the Harvey E. Najim Center for Innovation and Career Advancement.
To the east, the former Southwest School of Art is now the UTSA Southwest Campus and home to the Amy Shelton McNutt Gardens and Historical Arts Center. The site supports both academic and
community arts. With support from the Kronkosky Charitable Foundation, youth arts programs are also expanding on this campus.
To the west, the Jude Valdez Institute for Economic Development continues to drive business growth across Texas. A legacy gift created the Jude Valdez Economic Development Excellence Fund, securing long-term support for its mission.
Thanks to the trust and generosity of donors, UTSA’s downtown expansion is not only transforming the landscape. It is creating opportunities, strengthening community and shaping the future of San Antonio.
At the visionary heart of the Be Bold Campaign, more than 40 community leaders and passionate donors comprised the UTSA Campaign Leadership Council (CLC). Their early investments inspired others to step forward, each gift building momentum toward a shared vision. And the results of their generosity are visible across UTSA’s campuses and in the growing opportunities the university now provides.
In 2018, Graham Weston made the campaign’s earliest principal gift to establish the School of Data Science in downtown San Antonio. His investment positioned UTSA at the forefront of data and AI research and helped transform the university into a driver of San Antonio’s tech district. As a CLC Co-Chair, Weston worked with university leadership to rally the community and elevate the university’s role in shaping San Antonio’s future.
Like Weston, longtime university supporter Sam Dawson stepped forward to serve as CLC Chair. His brother, Gene Dawson, also brought vital support through his former role as President of the Roadrunner Athletics Foundation. Together, through the Triple Dawson Family Foundation and Pape-Dawson Engineers, the Dawson family grew academic and athletics programming, championing student success.
Well before the launch of Be Bold, the Malú and Carlos Alvarez Family had made multiple investments focused on student success. When the late Carlos Alvarez joined the CLC as a CoChair, he and his family chose to make a historic gift by naming the Carlos Alvarez College of Business. The Alvarez Family has
always deeply believed in UTSA’s commitment to student success, and their support not only elevated this mission but inspired new standards of philanthropy.
The Alvarezes’ example inspired Margie and Bill Klesse to name the Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design. Their longstanding support had already opened doors for students in STEM fields and helped UTSA emerge as a national leader in engineering education; their decision to name the college only further extended their impact.
Alongside Weston, Dawson and Alvarez, Nancy Kudla ’87 also served as a CLC Co-Chair, and exemplified the power of strong alumni engagement not only through her role as a volunteer leader, but through her direct support of graduate students. Together with her husband Frank ’85, they expanded a fellowship in cybersecurity that continues to shape the next generation of graduate researchers and future industry leaders.
Throughout the campaign, other CLC members stepped up and became some of UTSA’s most influential donors. Harvey Najim, a true champion for student success, focused his philanthropic support on experiential learning and critical student needs. His generosity created vital student-centered spaces and support systems that are helping Roadrunners thrive—today and well into the future.
Together, these trailblazers helped redefine what could be possible at UTSA when community members step forward and unite their efforts for a common goal – one that has transformed the landscape of higher education in San Antonio.
At UTSA, giving through your will or estate plans carries with it a heartening experience. Some of the university’s most impactful donors are those who have considered this inspirational avenue of philanthropy, including longtime university supporters Jim and Katie Reed.
For over 50 years, Jim and Katie Reed have been dedicated champions of UTSA, advancing the university’s mission through leadership, service and philanthropy since first becoming involved in 1974. As members of the UTSA Campaign Leadership Council and longtime Development Board members, they have remained instrumental in the success of the Be Bold Campaign.
The Reeds have focused their giving on education and athletics. They established the Katie N. Reed Endowed Scholarship in the College of Education and Human Development to support aspiring educators. A former teacher and first-generation college graduate, Katie believes in helping students with similar backgrounds. They also created a need-based scholarship for student-athletes, promoting both academic and athletic achievement.
As members of the Sombrilla Society, which honors those who include UTSA in their estate plans, the Reeds named UTSA as a beneficiary of their retirement funds. In 2024, they deepened their commitment by participating in the Legacy Challenge, qualifying for a campaign matching grant.
“We’ve seen how UTSA transforms lives and strengthens our city,” shared Jim. “It’s rewarding to know we can continue supporting that mission well into the future.” $56M+
The Bold Champions Campaign continues to fuel UTSA Athletics, supporting student-athlete scholarships, academic support services, nutrition and well-being programming and cutting-edge training facilities that provide student-athletes the competitive edge they need to thrive.
These investments are helping UTSA attract top-tier talent from across the country and around the world, creating an environment where student-athletes can achieve their full potential on the field, in the classroom and in life.
At the core of this momentum is the Roadrunner Athletics Center of Excellence, a central hub for training, recovery, academics and nutrition. This facility reflects the university’s bold vision for the future of UTSA Athletics and the belief that students perform their best when supported holistically.
The campaign also helped drive the development of the Park West Fieldhouse and Basketball and Volleyball Training Facility. While the Be Bold Campaign has reached its overarching goal, the Bold Champions Campaign will continue into the future.
Bold Champions is about more than sports. It’s about building a culture of excellence and pride that elevates the entire university. It’s about giving passionate Roadrunners the opportunity to compete at the highest level while earning a world-class education. And most of all, it serves to shape champions who will carry the spirit of UTSA with them wherever they go.
Event Attendance
A strong sense of community drove the Be Bold Campaign toward its monumental success.
Alumni, students, faculty, staff, families, donors and volunteers came together to support a shared vision for the future, contributing not only through their gifts but also with time, passion and Roadrunner pride.
Throughout the duration of the campaign, more than 110,000 alumni engaged with the university by mentoring students, attending events, supporting athletics, giving generously and more. Their enthusiasm extended UTSA’s presence across San Antonio and fostered a culture of involvement that reached every part of the university.
BY THE NUMBERS
33,000+ Alumni Donors
Volunteer leaders also helped guide this movement through their membership in the UTSA Campaign Leadership Council, the UTSA Development Board, the Alumni Association Board, the Roadrunner Athletics Foundation and College Advisory Councils. Together, they contributed invaluable insight, networking and advocacy that strengthened UTSA’s culture of philanthropy.
The Be Bold Campaign represented more than fundraising, it demonstrated how a united and engaged community could shape the future through meaningful involvement and a firm belief in a shared mission.
110,000+ Total Alumni Engaged
