By University Communications
Monday, 10 30 2023

University awards more than two million dollars in scholarships throughout the Academic Year

SAN ANTONIO —Texas A&M University-San Antonio hosted the 14th annual Dream Maker Scholarship Celebration on Oct. 25. The prestigious event supports scholarships at the University, helping make the educational goals of its students a reality.

The Dream Maker Scholarship campaign raised a record-breaking total of $291,400 this year, up 20 percent from 2022, with 100 percent of proceeds supporting students. This annual fundraising initiative has helped the University award over $2 million in scholarships throughout the academic year.  

"With most of our students requiring some kind of financial support outside of their own families, Dream Maker is a vitally important initiative for A&M-San Antonio," said Dr. Jesse Pisors, vice president for university relations and advancement. "I am humbled by the support and generosity the community has shown for this scholarship fundraising effort, which enables us to set our students on the path to success."  

Each year, the Dream Maker Scholarship Celebration recognizes an individual who has made an indelible impact on the education of students at A&M-San Antonio. This year's honoree is George B. Hernández Jr., JD, president and CEO of University Health. With a career spanning more than three decades in the healthcare industry, Hernández has long been committed to bridging the gap between quality healthcare and underserved communities. Under his guidance, University Health has become a beacon for comprehensive medical services throughout Bexar County, leading the way in patient-centered care.  

From this commitment, a collaboration between University Health, A&M-San Antonio and Texas A&M Health will enhance the training of students as healthcare professionals. University Health will build a new hospital and an institute of public health. In conjunction with A&M-San Antonio building a new public health education building on campus, providing public health graduate degrees and cutting-edge medical research opportunities.  

First-generation student Alazay Gamboa, a scholarship recipient and San Antonio native, was recognized at the event. Gamboa, the mother of a young daughter, said that scholarship support allowed her to transition from working a full-time job to participating in a City of San Antonio internship program, which connects students with professional opportunities and career development.   

Since 2010, the Dream Maker Scholarship Celebration at Texas A&M-San Antonio has been dedicated to honoring individuals, corporations, and organizations that recognize the positive effects of granting access to quality higher education. Their unwavering support plays a crucial role in advancing the university's mission. 

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About Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Established as a stand-alone university in 2009, Texas A&M University-San Antonio is a comprehensive four-year public university that reflects the culturally diverse, heritage-rich community it serves. Situated on nearly 700 acres in South San Antonio, the University offers 39 undergraduate degrees and 23 graduate degrees to about 7,620 students. A&M-San Antonio is home to the Henry G. Cisneros Institute for Emerging Leaders and the Cyber Engineering Technology/Cyber Security Research Center. The University holds the Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation and is one of 39 higher education institutions in the U.S. to have received the Seal of Excelencia certification from Excelencia in Education for its support of Latino student success. More than 77 percent of A&M-SA students identify as Hispanic, and approximately 72 percent are the first in their families to attend college. A&M-San Antonio is a military-embracing institution; the University was recently awarded the 2023 Gold Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award (VEERA) from the Texas Veterans Commission. Visit tamusa.edu for more information. #onamission