Dan Rossiter is perhaps UTSA’s modern “Renaissance man”— beyond his academic achievements, he’s also a world traveler who enjoys singing and acting.

When he first arrived at UTSA, he buried himself in books and earned a 4.0 GPA as an Honors College student. During his second semester, he discovered many aspects of UTSA social life that he had previously been too busy studying to notice.

It was after he joined the choir that Dan realized academics aren’t the only thing UTSA has to offer. “My biggest surprise was the level of student involvement embedded in the culture of UTSA,” he said.

Doug Frantz is working to grow new heart muscle cells and turn cancerous cells benign. His lab is developing drug-like molecules that target stem cells to treat cardiovascular disease and cancer. Support from the Max and Minnie Tomerlin Voelcker Fund is helping Doug treat these diseases and is bringing other top researchers to UTSA.

“The research we are conducting in the laboratory is aligned with the broader issues of treating cardiovascular disease and cancer by combining stem cells and medicinal chemistry,” said Frantz. “In addition to advancing our research, gifts from donors and organizations provide undergraduates and graduate students with opportunities to gain valuable laboratory experience at the interface of chemistry and biology and contribute to the development of therapeutic solutions for a variety of diseases.”

Luis Ahumada and his classmates in the College of Architecture Design/Build class transformed Raymond Russell Park into a world of knowledge and exploration for children in San Antonio. The renovation provides outdoor classrooms, cooling centers, a nature trail and a footbridge.

“The Design/Build class encourages UTSA students to help their communities,” Luis said. “It gave us a chance to expand what we have learned in the classroom into actual work, answering real-world challenges. I learned a great deal and I will never forget the wonderful experience from that semester.”

Investment from the community provides resources for these service-learning programs, making it possible for students like Luis to freely participate and learn, while giving the community revitalized facilities to enjoy. The impact of UTSA on Texas is far-reaching. With investment from the community, we can do even more to transform San Antonio and our region.

If being a member of the marching band takes commitment and talent, then being a drum major for a brand new marching band in Texas goes to the next level of passion and drive. Annie Moras has both, and she is making history as one of the leaders of the new Roadrunner Marching Band with scholarship support from unrestricted gifts to the university.

“It is so exciting to have this opportunity to be part of UTSA’s first marching band,” she says. “Being selected as one of the first drum majors is really an honor.”

Annie and her fellow band members spent countless hours rehearsing for the first Roadrunner Football season to make the Spirit of San Antonio not only a great representation of UTSA, but also a point of pride for the city. Scholarship support is making it possible for Annie to focus on her dreams of making great marching music while studying to become a music teacher.