The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) has announced a $5 million commitment from local philanthropist and longtime university supporter, Harvey E. Najim, to provide scholarship support for students who qualify for Bold Promise — a tuition program that ensures students have 100% of their tuition and mandatory fees covered for up to four academic years under maintained eligibility. Najim’s latest investment will enhance the Bold Promise program through an additional scholarship that will support student financial needs beyond tuition and fees.
The gift will establish the Harvey Najim Bold Promise Scholarship and recipients — Najim Bold Promise Scholars — will be able to utilize their scholarships to support housing, books, meals, transportation and other costs students incur while attending college. The commitment will provide $500,000 annually for 10 years, creating sustained scholarship support and long-term opportunities for UT San Antonio students.
“Education changes lives and strengthens communities,” Najim said. “I have seen firsthand the determination and potential of the UT San Antonio students, and I believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed. Supporting students remains a critical investment in their futures and in the future of our region.”
Najim has a long history of supporting students across UT San Antonio, including the academic health center and health system, UT Health San Antonio. His immensely generous philanthropic support has totaled over $25 million to advance student programs and initiatives.
“Harvey Najim has demonstrated time and again how deeply he believes in the potential of our students and the power of higher education to change lives,” said UT San Antonio President Taylor Eighmy. “This generous commitment builds upon the countless opportunities Harvey has already created for young scholars at our university and across our region to build strong foundations for their futures. We are immensely grateful for Harvey’s continued partnership and shared vision for UT San Antonio students and their lasting impact on our San Antonio community and beyond.”
Najim Bold Promise Scholars must meet the eligibility requirements of the UT San Antonio Bold Promise Program or the UT San Antonio Health Science Center Bold Promise Program. Eligible transfer students who meet the Alamo Promise-to-Bold Promise Program criteria may also receive the scholarship. Scholarship recipients must also reside in Bexar County or one of seven surrounding counties: Atascosa, Bandera, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina or Wilson.
“The Bold Promise program has opened doors for thousands of students by making a UT San Antonio education more accessible and affordable,” said Heather Shipley, UT San Antonio provost and senior executive vice president for academic affairs. “Harvey Najim’s generosity builds on the transformative impact of this program, helping students focus on their academic goals and engage fully in the university experience as they prepare for meaningful careers. We are grateful for his commitment to expanding opportunities for students to pursue their academic and career ambitions.
Over the past 13 years, Najim has worked to prioritize student success in the classroom, champion career preparation, and battle food insecurity with his firm belief in the potential, skill and talent of UT San Antonio students and their ability to positively impact the world.
Najim’s major philanthropic investments at the university include the Harvey Najim Pathways Scholarship and the award-winning Najim Center for Innovation and Career Advancement, while also supporting student success initiatives, basic needs and Roadrunners Athletics. Most recently, a $6.5 million gift established the Harvey E. Najim Pediatric Health Scholars Program at UT San Antonio Health Science Center, providing financial support for students and trainees preparing for pediatric-focused careers in dentistry, medicine and nursing.
“Harvey has long understood the difference that access to education can make in a young person’s life,” said Karl Miller-Lugo, senior vice president for Advancement and Alumni Engagement. “This commitment will provide meaningful scholarship support to students who are working toward a college degree and the opportunities that come with it. We are deeply grateful for Harvey’s continued investment in our students and their futures.”
With student success at the core of Najim’s philanthropic work with the university, he has allowed the UT San Antonio mission to be realized, making access and excellence synonymous. The Harvey Najim Bold Promise Scholarship exemplifies yet another avenue of Najim’s relentless advocacy for students to access a UT San Antonio education and create opportunities for their educational experiences to last well beyond their time at the university.
