The Staff Senate at UTSA in collaboration with the offices of Development & Alumni Relations and People Excellence has announced the Roadrunner Staff Emergency Fund in support of university staff who have been adversely affected by emergency situations.
“The Roadrunner Staff Emergency Fund was years in development,” said John Shaffer, former Staff Senate chair. “Thanks to the leadership from 2019–2020 Staff Senate members, along with exceptional support from People Excellence and university leadership, RSEF has become a reality. The fund will act as a source of hope and support for UTSA’s Roadrunner staff community when facing challenging obstacles.”
“This fund will act as a source of hope and support for UTSA’s Roadrunner Staff community when facing challenging obstacles.”
As part of President Eighmy’s budget plan, outlined in April 2020, UTSA vice presidents and the Office of Development and Alumni Relations boosted funds through a dedicated fundraising effort chaired by Vice President Karl Miller-Lugo and his team in development and alumni relations. The effort included the pledge of 10% of university leadership salaries toward replenishing the RSEF.
“In a 2017 survey, staff overwhelmingly supported the creation of such a fund, and the Staff Senate has been working since then to make it a reality,” said Matt Keneson, current Staff Senate chair. “Last year we set our sights on a fall 2020 launch, but it looked as if COVID-19 was going to derail our plans. We are very grateful for the support from university leadership and our campus partners who helped keep the launch on track and for the many generous donations we have received to help support staff members experiencing hardships.”
To date, the RSEF has received more than $70,000 in contributions from UTSA employees, alumni and the university community.
For questions or additional information about the Roadrunner Staff Emergency Fund, email UTSA’s Staff Senate at [email protected].
