The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is remembering the life of founding faculty member and Professor Emeritus of Mathematics, Manuel P. Berriozábal, PhD, a beloved retired faculty member, colleague, and friend to many across the university and broader San Antonio community. He passed away on April 15, 2026.
Berriozábal joined the faculty of UT San Antonio’s College of Sciences in 1976. Three years later, he established the Prefreshman Engineering Program (PREP) to create a pathway for Hispanic youth in San Antonio to participate in educational opportunities in STEM areas. In 2023, UT San Antonio named PREP the “Dr. Manuel P. Berriozábal Prefreshman Engineering Program” in honor of his immeasurable impact in providing access to all students.
“Throughout his life, Dr. Berriozábal demonstrated a deep passion for the education and advancement of younger generations, and the impact of his legacy will be forever honored with every graduating class of the PREP program,” said UT San Antonio President Taylor Eighmy. “Our university community is deeply saddened by Manuel’s passing, but profoundly grateful for how he inspired, uplifted and advanced opportunities for young people throughout San Antonio.”
Through Dr. Berriozábal’s passionate leadership, PREP expanded across the state of Texas, and it is held up as a national model. The program continues to deliver summer enrichment opportunities to middle and high school students, encouraging them to pursue college degrees in STEM fields and contributing to the development of a diverse pipeline of STEM professionals.
Berriozábal remained director of the program for 25 years, traveling to each site throughout the city, state and country to ensure its growth, effectiveness and success. Following his administration of the program, Berriozábal included PREP scholars in his senior-level math courses at UT San Antonio, maintaining a connection to the program he created and forever cherished.
Today, PREP has expanded to over 125 Texas school districts and boasts more than 50,000 Texas alumni. The program has become so well regarded that universities across the country have adopted the model. Berriozábal understood that science, technology, engineering and math were fields of study that could launch successful careers in industries critical to the advancement of every community across the U.S.
“As executive director of the Dr. Manuel P. Berriozábal Prefreshman Engineering Program, I have the privilege of staying connected with our alumni and their families, and I can say their affection and gratitude for Dr. Berriozábal runs deep,” said professor of Engineering Education, Araceli Martinez Ortiz, PhD. “I had the pleasure of spending time with Dr. Berriozábal in recent years, and I will always remember his warmth and enthusiasm for PREP students and teachers and for UT San Antonio. He was a brilliant mathematician and an extraordinary teacher who believed deeply in young people and in building something that would last. We are saddened by his passing and will truly miss him.”
In 2023, UT San Antonio honored both Manuel and his wife, María Berriozábal, for dedicating their lives to ensuring an equitable future for all in their beloved city of San Antonio. The university created the Manuel P. Berriozábal, Ph.D. and María Antonietta Berriozábal Endowed Chair, which signified the first time the pair was formally recognized together in their long history of impactful work to support a college-going culture in San Antonio.
Through the many decades of their service, Manuel and María Berriozábal affected positive change — from creating accessible education programs to amplifying community voices through political activism. Their countless contributions have improved the lives of thousands, and the legacy of their impact is experienced across all ages and communities.
“Dr. Berriozábal embodied the very essence of higher education through an unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge and ensuring it is within reach for all,” said UT San Antonio Provost and Senior Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Heather Shipley, PhD. “His impact on our students and our university is profound, and we will carry his legacy forward by continuing his work to expand opportunity through the PREP program.”
Manuel P. Berriozábal retired from UT San Antonio in 2018. He continued to reside in San Antonio, where Maria remains a resident and deeply engaged with the community. Beloved by his students and fellow faculty, Berriozábal remained committed to UT San Antonio through his passion for mathematics and student success. His other awards and accolades include:
- Inaugural fellow of the American Mathematical Society, 2013
- American Society for Cell Biology Bruce Alberts Award for Excellence in Science Education, 2009
- UT System Chancellor’s Council Innovations in Education Award, 2007
- Mathematical Association of America Yueh-Gin Gung and Dr. Charles Y. Hu Award for Distinguished Service to Mathematics, 2001
- Named one of six “Giants in Science” by the Quality Education for Minorities Network, 1998
- I Have A Dream Foundation Endeavors Award, 1998
- Hispanic Heritage Foundation Award: Education, 1994
