Marjie French

Giving Thought:

Gifts Help UTSA Stand Out

The world we live in today is much different than when I went to college. Information travels quickly and students certainly have more choices. In this type of competitive environment, it is more important than ever that we understand what makes UTSA unique and that we offer the best experiences. As a young university with nearly 29,000 students and a community committed to both access and excellence, UTSA is certainly in a class of its own.

Donor support is key in helping UTSA stand out.

Gifts from donors attract top talent, reward hard work, support bright students, who otherwise could not go to school and provide exceptional opportunities right here in San Antonio. There are so many examples of excellence at UTSA. Amanda Griffee, a freshman biology major with the goal of becoming a pediatrician, is just one of them. Amanda is looking forward to spending the next few years at UTSA and excelling in the new Top Scholars program. Top Scholars provides support and special opportunities for students who graduated in the top of their class with at least a 1400 SAT score.

Your gifts are taking us to Tier One and beyond by funding a top-quality educational experience for Amanda and other students like her.

Many people wonder whether their gift really makes a difference. Every week, I hear stories of students who were encouraged because there was a scholarship or other funding available to help them succeed. I can tell you, too, that it is not just large gifts that make a diff erence. Of the $21 million the university raised last year, 86 percent were gifts of $500 or less. That means that gifts of all amounts led to $18 million in funding for our students and faculty, and that is an impact that is undeniable. Every gift matters.

Your support is helping us stand out from the rest and provide more opportunities for students. Thank you for everything you have done and will continue to do to make UTSA a top-tier university.

Until next time,

Marjie Signature