College of Public Policy

Selfless Servant

Santiago Hyslop III, UTSA alumnus, creates awareness for people with disabilities and expands recreational opportunities for campers with special needs

By Michelle Skidmore

Top to Bottom: Hyslop spends time with Anthony at the California Special Olympics banquet. Pi Kappa Phi members Santiago, Jarrod and Patrick show off the autograph they just received from Travis, who has neurofibromatosis disease. Nia and Santiago at the Grand Island, Nebraska friendship visit.

Santiago Hyslop, III, an alumnus of the UTSA College of Public Policy, dedicates his free time to inspire individuals with disabilities to unlock their true potential. Through his efforts as president of Iota Beta, the UTSA chapter of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, he uplifts the humanity of people with different abilities and collects resources to improve their quality of life.

Pi Kappa Phi, chartered at UTSA in 2011, is the only national fraternity to operate under its own philanthropy known as The Ability Experience, which was founded in 1977 with the purpose to serve people with disabilities across the country. Through this service lens, Pi Kappa Phi UTSA has developed premier programming and a strong vision where community awareness about this particular issue is a priority. The group wants to help create a world where the abilities of all people are equally recognized and valued.

Under Hyslop's leadership, the UTSA chapter hosted a multitude of events to fulfill this service mission in ways only Roadrunners can.

Every year, the group puts together 24-hour bikeathons at UTSA’s Main Campus. Since 2011, the organization has built wheelchair ramps alongside the Texas Ramp Project, and every semester the group assists local camps becoming more ADA-accessible.

This year Hyslop plans to lead a massive meal donation to Build America, a six-week journey across the country to promote accessible recreation for people with disabilities.

This impressive civic commitment has left chapter members with real-world leadership experience, and a taste of true compassion and service.

“The skills I learned through Pi Kappa Phi have helped me to be a better person in the relationships with my family, friends and community," Hyslop said. Although Hyslop is only 22 , his acts of kindness have significantly integrated civic engagement into the fraternal culture.

UTSA's Pi Kappa Phi volunteer efforts, in collaboration with The Ability Experience, have made possible a $30,000 donation to The Children’s Association for Maximum Potential camp, a Texas nonprofit that provides overnight camping experiences to children with special needs.

In summer of 2015, Hyslop participated in The Ability Experience’s Journey of Hope, a 3,600-mile bike ride across 13 states to raise money and awareness for people with disabilities. The event raises more than $500,000 each year. For Hyslop, Journey of Hope was more than just a ride.

“Journey of Hope was about realizing more about ourselves than we ever imagined,” he said. “If the community is more aware of a certain disability, they might be able to change some things around to accommodate or hire a disabled person.”

Hyslop’s achievements are a reflection of the community-oriented spirit Roadrunners possess. He will continue to serve as president of the alumni chapter of Iota Beta and scholarship advisor for the undergraduate chapter. As he embarks on a career in law enforcement, he is committed to continue his selfless mission. His ultimate hope is that one day, “the community will see the ability in all people and not the disability.”