With the recent celebration of a new class of graduates, this is the perfect time to remind our community about the resources and services available through membership in the UTSA Alumni Association.

“As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that is independent from the university, the UTSA Alumni Association relies on dues and gifts from loyal Roadrunners to maintain operations, provide scholarships and offer our award-winning services and programs,” said Steve Woodall, association interim executive director. “Anyone who feels an affinity for UTSA, including faculty and staff, is welcome to show their support as a member.”

Belonging to the association offers many opportunities for fun and supporting our UTSA community plus connection to a network of nearly 150,000 alumni around the world.

“Members are vital to the UTSA Alumni Association advocacy and volunteer efforts.”

“There are, of course, many benefits to being a member,” said Woodall. “Many Roadrunner alumni, faculty, staff and friends appreciate that their membership helps fund more than $150,000 in scholarships for current students each year. Access to the UTSA Rec at a special rate, a new travel perks program just for members and discounts with key partners are also available benefits.”

Members are invited to participate in fun events throughout the year, including Diploma Dash 5K and UTSA Alumni Golf Scramble as well as other enrichment programming, like mentoring current students through the Roadrunner Network.

Beyond the good feelings that come with supporting fellow Roadrunners, members also contribute to the advancement of the university. “Members are vital to the UTSA Alumni Association advocacy and volunteer efforts,” said Yvonne Addison, president of the board of directors for the association. “We cannot offer the great programming that keeps us connected and growing without the support of our members. As membership grows, so does the university’s reputation and therefore the recognition of a UTSA degree.”

There are many opportunities to network and stay involved with fellow Roadrunners, especially by volunteering and making a gift each year.

Other benefits:

• Digital membership card
• Member-only general parking permit for $45 (restrictions apply)
• Bonus Roadrunner Athletic Fund loyalty points, good for seating at UTSA Athletics events
• Free checking and a UTSA debit card are available for members with association partner Credit Human
• Continued use of UTSA Libraries (for alumni)
• Discounted admission to alumni events and on most association merchandise offers
• Special pricing on computers from Dell

A full list of benefits and membership options on the UTSA Alumni Association website.

The investment is just $40 a year for an individual and $60 for two Roadrunners. New for 2020, members can also select a three-year option to save on annual-level memberships. There are also life membership options.

For new graduates, typically the first year of membership is complimentary, but for the Class of 2020, that special gift has been extended to include two years free. “We recognize that they have not had the experience they hoped for in their last year at UTSA, so we hope we can make it a bit better with an additional year free of charge,” said Woodall.

Addison notes that even in a pandemic, the association has continued to serve members. “While we miss getting together in person for tailgates and other events,” she said, “hosting our programs virtually means that anyone across the country and the world can participate. It is a great time to get involved and learn more about the association and the value we can bring to UTSA and our alumni.”