JUNE 9, 2025 — UTSA students will gain expanded access to hands-on learning and career preparation as the result of a new $6 million commitment from San Antonio philanthropist and longtime UTSA supporter Harvey E. Najim. Over the next decade, this gift will support programs at the Harvey E. Najim Center for Innovation and Career Advancement and the Carlos Alvarez College of Business, strengthening opportunities for students to gain real-world professional experience.
With this latest contribution, Najim’s total support for UTSA now surpasses $15 million, reaffirming his commitment to student success, experiential learning and the overall advancement of the university as a leader in higher education across the state and nation.
"UTSA is so very fortunate to count Harvey Najim as a dedicated partner, mentor and advocate for our Roadrunners — especially our students. His generosity has touched nearly every corner of the university, from experiential learning and entrepreneurship to food security and athletics,” said UTSA President Taylor Eighmy. “We are deeply grateful for the care and commitment he continues to show our students, university and the broader San Antonio community."
Najim’s support of UTSA began in 2016 with the establishment of the Harvey Najim Pathways Scholarship, which provided financial assistance to Alamo Colleges students transferring into high-demand degree programs at UTSA. In 2020, he expanded his involvement with a $3 million gift to launch the Najim Center for Innovation and Career Advancement on the Main Campus. In 2022, he contributed an additional $2 million to extend the center’s reach to the Downtown Campus.
In addition, Najim supported UTSA Athletics through a $2 million commitment to the Roadrunners Football program and by purchasing more than 7,100 tickets for over 60 organizations in San Antonio and surrounding areas to expand access to participation in the season home opener in 2023. He also supported the Roadrunner Athletic Fund through a $300,000 contribution during UTSA Giving Day 2025.
Philanthropist Harvey E. Najim and Roadrunners head football coach Jeff Traylor pose with football players during a team practice at the Roadrunner Athletics Center of Excellence (RACE) practice pavilion.
“It’s rare to find a university where students are both deeply proud and driven to turn classroom learning into real impact in the workforce — UTSA has that magic,” said Najim. “When I saw how the Classroom to Career initiative was bridging the gap between the classroom and real-world job opportunities, I knew it was something I had to support. That’s what inspired me to create the Najim Center and continue to grow it with the Business School — to fuel that momentum and give students the experiences they need to thrive after graduation.”
Most recently, in January 2025, Najim partnered with the San Antonio Food Bank to provide $1.25 million in support of UTSA’s Roadrunner Pantry in an effort to combat food insecurity across UTSA's campuses.
"Harvey has been one of UTSA’s most thoughtful, passionate and strategic partners. His support reflects a deep understanding of the challenges students face and a genuine commitment to helping them succeed,” said Karl Miller Lugo, vice president for Advancement and Alumni Engagement. “The impact of his giving is visible across our campuses and in the lives of the many students who have benefited from his generosity and vision over the years.”
UTSA President Taylor Eighmy, Student Government Association president Aydan Villarreal, philanthropist Harvey E. Najim, and San Antonio Food Bank (SAFB) president and CEO Eric Cooper gather at the Student Union following the announcement of a $1.25M contribution from the Najim Foundation to UTSA and SAFB.
The Najim Center connects students with real-world experiences that bridge academic learning and professional growth. Through programs like Najim Strategists and community-based innovation challenges, students work with nonprofit and industry partners to solve real-world problems, build skills and explore career paths. The Center also offers mentorship, networking and professional development resources, helping students across all majors gain the confidence and experience needed to succeed after graduation.
“Harvey Najim has been more than a supporter — he’s been a true inspiration to me and so many others at UTSA, especially through the Najim Center,” said Anna Almaraz ’23, M.B.A ’25. “His generosity didn’t just help make my education possible; it opened doors to opportunities I never imagined. Because of him, I found my path, my purpose and the courage to become a trailblazer in my community. He’s inspired me to live out the Roadrunner Creed — to lead, to serve and to leave a legacy of impact.”
In addition to supporting the Najim Center, Najim’s latest gift will also fund experiential learning and professional development programming within the Alvarez College of Business, including the creation of a new project-based course where students will work with an external partner to address a real-world issue. The funding will enhance a range of initiatives designed to prepare students for the workforce, including professional development workshops, internships and job placement support.
“This investment puts us on a path to ensure every Alvarez College of Business student graduates with a meaningful experiential learning encounter with an external partner,” said Jonathon Halbesleben, dean of the Alvarez College of Business. “It helps ensure that our graduates leave UTSA with the tools, experience, and confidence they need to make an immediate impact in the workforce.”
Najim is the founder and chairman emeritus of Sirius Computer Solutions. In 2006, he established The Najim Charitable Foundation, which supports children’s education, health and related causes. Since 2007, the foundation and Najim personally have awarded approximately $217 million in grants and pledges to nonprofit organizations primarily in the San Antonio area.
Najim has had a lasting impact on the university’s growth and student programs, contributing to a campus environment that supports Roadrunner success in every way and fosters a future of opportunity for all students.
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