UTSA launches emergency funds to connect students to resources

APRIL 1, 2020 — To help relieve some of the stress that students might be facing due to coronavirus-related changes to their daily lives, UTSA has created key funds that support Roadrunners’ most prevalent needs during this time. 

• The Student Emergency Fund is managed in part by the Roadrunner Student Alumni Association to offer grants to students who find themselves in difficult situations as a result of natural disasters, medical bills or other unforeseen circumstances—like losing their jobs because of the current pandemic. The goal is to help cover some necessary expenses that will ensure students can stay enrolled.

• The Student Tech Fund will assist students who need internet access or a personal computer to successfully transition to 100% online instruction during the coronavirus pandemic.

• The Roadrunner Pantry provides food and personal care items to UTSA students. A donation of just a few dollars can help provide a week of meals.

• The Fostering Educational Success Fund addresses unprecedented emergency needs and supports the well-being of students with a history of foster care—most of whom do not have a traditional family lifeline to help during the coronavirus situation. The Fostering Educational Success Center has increased the limit on grants from the emergency fund from $300 to $500. It is anticipated that without additional support these emergency funds will deplete more quickly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have already seen many alumni and other members of the community step up to support our students with gifts to these funds. We are overwhelmingly grateful for the support,” said Karl Miller-Lugo, vice president for development and alumni relations at UTSA. “Still, we have also seen a great level of need in all of these areas. We know this time is challenging for everyone, but if people can spare it, gifts to these funds are vital because it will help students stay enrolled and stay on time to graduate.” 

⇒ Stay informed about the pandemic’s impact by visiting UTSA’s Coronavirus Updates site.

Students are also grateful for support of these funds. “What a message it sends when alumni and other people donate to these assistance funds,” said Gage Martin, a UTSA junior who is president of the Roadrunner Student Alumni Association. “It tells me that Roadrunners will take care of other Roadrunners, and it makes me proud to go to UTSA.” 

Gifts made online can be processed and put to use immediately. If you’d like to make a gift using another method, please email alumni@utsa.edu.