Support Through Setbacks

When unexpected financial hardships hit Texas A&M University-San Antonio students, additional support is now available thanks to a recent donation from The Texas A&M University System Chancellor’s Century Council.    

The Chancellor’s Century Council donated $10,000 to the University’s Jaguar Emergency Aid Fund, which provides one-time critical financial assistance to A&M-San Antonio students with a serious financial hardship due to a sudden emergency, accident or unforeseen circumstance. The council is a support and advisory group for the Texas A&M University System, consisting of business and community leaders who advocate for higher education.   

“The strength of the Texas A&M System is that it serves students in very real and practical ways across this state,” said Steve Cooper, chair of the Chancellor’s Century Council. “At A&M-San Antonio, the Jaguar Emergency Fund helps students who are working hard toward a degree but face a temporary crisis — a medical bill, a housing issue, a transportation problem or loss of income. This gift is about helping those students keep moving toward graduation.”  

The emergency fund is administered by the A&M-San Antonio Dean of Students Office and is funded through private donations from University alumni and community members.   

Zeak Naifeh, A&M-San Antonio associate vice president and dean of students, said that during these challenging economic times, the $10,000 donation is a critical resource for Jaguars who are facing an emergency.   

“Now we’re once again able to help more students who may be in need,” said Naifeh.   

The Jaguar Emergency Aid Fund was established during the COVID-19 pandemic with support from alumni and community members and began assisting students in need in the Fall of 2022.  

Since its inception, the emergency aid fund has helped more than 100 students.  

“It can be almost anything as long as it’s really an emergency,” Naifeh said. “We’ve had several students who have lost their jobs and gotten behind on their bills. So, we have helped with those things. We’ve assisted students who are trying to get out of an abusive relationship and need a down payment for an apartment. Really, it’s across the board.  

“The reason we think this fund is necessary is that life happens,” Naifeh added. “We want to make sure when a student is facing an unexpected financial challenge, we’re able to help them get back on their feet and continue with their education and degree attainment.”  

Students are eligible for financial assistance if they meet certain criteria, including being enrolled at A&M-San Antonio and having a nonrecurring financial hardship caused by a sudden emergency, accident or unforeseen circumstance that affects their ability to remain enrolled.  

Applications are reviewed by a committee, and approved students may receive up to $250, depending on available funds.  

Fred Heldenfels IV, chair-elect of the Chancellor’s Century Council, said providing financial support to the Jaguar Emergency Aid Fund is an investment the council is proud to make.  

“The gift is not just about emergency assistance,” Heldenfels said. “It is about stewardship — helping A&M-San Antonio protect the progress students have already made and giving them the support they need to stay enrolled, complete their coursework and continue toward graduation.”