MAY 14, 2022 — Every year, thousands of UTSA students cross the stage at Commencement to receive their hard-earned diploma, signifying their preparation to become the future artists, engineers, scientists, architects, politicians and industry leaders they have always dreamed of becoming. Thanks to the philanthropic support of UTSA alumni, friends and donors, thousands of these graduates have pursued their dreams without the heavy burden of balancing coursework with employment to pay for the cost of their tuition and related expenses.
The value of a scholarship goes beyond solely providing financial aid. Being awarded scholarships provides students with more time to dedicate to their studies, conduct research, volunteer, participate in extracurricular activities and take part in experiential learning through internships and study abroad programs that enhance their overall educational experience. Scholarships also reaffirm that others believe in our students, building and shaping their confidence and driving their ability to achieve success.
Farah Hamed, senior finance major, was able to attend the Carlos Alvarez College of Business at UTSA with support from the H-E-B Endowed Scholarship. The award gave her the time to hold several roles in UTSA student organizations that enhanced her educational experience. She serves as both the president of the Business Student Council and as the justice of the UTSA Student Government Association. Hamed expressed that with her graduation fast approaching, she plans to attend graduate school and receive her Ph.D. to continue growing and learning for as long as she can.
“Thank you for taking a chance on me and making it possible to complete my education,” Hamed said.
Martin Ayala’s experience has been top-notch as a recipient of the Margie and Bill Klesse Endowed Scholarship in Chemical Engineering. Without the worry of financial barriers and the struggle of maintaining a job, Ayala has had the time to become heavily involved in research and other engineering opportunities alongside Gary Jacobs, assistant professor in chemical engineering. In the summer of 2021, Ayala had the opportunity to participate in the Undergraduate Research Experience at the University of Chicago, where he realized he wanted to pursue the industrial side of chemical engineering. He plans to take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam after graduation with hopes of becoming a licensed Professional Engineer designing chemical processes for the semiconductor or energy industry.
“Thank you for believing in this program at UTSA and students like me,” Ayala said. “I am so grateful to be a Klesse Scholar. It is a wonderful feeling to have people like the both of you believe in me. You have pushed me to excel and gain even more than I thought was possible from my education.”
Rachel Okereke, is a senior civil engineering student in UTSA’s Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design. With her mother having single-handedly raised four daughters after immigrating to the United States from Nigeria, Rachel expressed that her family has always had much financial need.
Thanks to her scholarship she is the first engineer in her family. This generous support has made it possible for her to pursue her goals in real estate and inspired her decision to eventually receive her master’s degree while working for an engineering firm.
“It means a lot to students like me that you think our efforts are worthy of support,” Okereke said. “Your support will go a long way in helping me to reach my goals.”
For UTSA students like these, gifts of all sizes make an impact. A scholarship can mean the difference between receiving a high-quality education or not having the opportunity to attend a university at all. Scholarships are investments with an everlasting impact in our workforce and communities across the state, nation and world.
UTSA is a Tier One research university and a Hispanic Serving Institution that is committed to increasing access to education and cultivating an environment where students from all backgrounds can excel.
UTSA awards nearly $300 million in aid each year. Approximately 70% of UTSA’s undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, loans and work-study jobs.
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Join the doctoral candidates for the Doctoral Conferreal Ceremony and celebrate their accomplishments.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusCelebrate the graduates from the Carlos Alvarez College of Business, College of Education and Human Development, Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design and University College.
AlamodomeCelebrate the graduates from the College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and College of Sciences.
AlamodomeThe University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
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