UTRGV President Guy Bailey announces the university's endowment has surged to $191 million—a 133% increase since 2016—providing more scholarship opportunities and enabling students to graduate debt-free. (UTRGV Photo)
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Accolades, Announcements, Community
By News and Internal Communications
RIO GRANDE VALLEY – NOV. 26, 2024 – This Thanksgiving, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is grateful for the transformative power of higher education and for the generosity that has propelled its endowment to a remarkable $191 million, empowering its students to achieve their academic dreams.
Since 2016, UTRGV’s endowment has soared from $81.9 million to $191 million – an increase of 133% – creating more scholarship opportunities for students. The growth reflects the generous support of donors and UTRGV’s commitment to making higher education accessible for all.
“As we reflect on the many blessings this Thanksgiving, we are deeply thankful for the unwavering generosity of our community,” said UTRGV President Guy Bailey. “Your support has allowed UTRGV to open doors to transformative opportunities for our students, helping them pursue their dreams and graduate with minimal financial burden. Together, we are building a brighter future for the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.”
In addition, UTRGV saw a surge in the total number of endowments established to support scholarships, from 495 to 654, further enhancing the university’s ability to help students build brighter futures.
A graph depicting UTRGV's endowment growth from $81.9 million in 2016 to $191 million in 2024—a 133% increase—highlighting the university's expanded scholarship opportunities. The chart also shows the rise in the number of scholarship endowments from 495 to 654, reflecting increased donor support and a commitment to accessible higher education. (UTRGV graphic)
Dr. Kelly Nassour, executive vice president for Institutional Advancement, echoed Bailey’s sentiments. She said the scholarship opportunities provided through the growing endowment will enable students to fully embrace their academic journeys.
“Supporting our students is at the heart of what we do at UTRGV,” said Nassour. “Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we are empowering students to embrace their academic journeys and focus on their futures without the burden of financial obstacles. Your investment ensures that these students not only dream big but also achieve beyond measure.”
The funds raised through these endowments are vital to UTRGV, with investment returns helping to fuel scholarships while the principal continues to expand.
This fall semester, UTRGV announced it had surpassed $250 million in fundraising over the past nine years, building on a streak of record-breaking milestones that included raising a record $72 million during the 2023-2024 academic year and raising over $276,000, a new record for the Day of Giving in August.
To learn how you can contribute to student success at UTRGV, visit give.utrgv.edu.
ABOUT UTRGV
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) was created by the Texas Legislature in 2013 as the first major public university of the 21st century in Texas. This transformative initiative provided the opportunity to expand educational opportunities in the Rio Grande Valley, including a new School of Medicine, and made it possible for residents of the region to benefit from the Permanent University Fund – a public endowment contributing support to the University of Texas System and other institutions.
UTRGV has campuses and off-campus research and teaching sites throughout the Rio Grande Valley including in Boca Chica Beach, Brownsville (formerly The University of Texas at Brownsville campus), Edinburg (formerly The University of Texas-Pan American campus), Harlingen, McAllen, Port Isabel, Rio Grande City, and South Padre Island. UTRGV, a comprehensive academic institution, enrolled its first class in the fall of 2015, and the School of Medicine welcomed its first class in the summer of 2016.