St. Edward’s University Secures More Than $2.7 Million to Enhance Student Support and Success
St. Edward’s University is continually strengthened by the unwavering support of its long-established donors and benefactors — furthering the institution’s mission to expand academic opportunities for all students.
Since April 2024, the university has received more than $2.7 million in gifts and grants, with over $800,000 designated for the support of first-generation students and migrant scholars in the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) throughout their academic journey.
“As a first-generation college graduate, I understand the invaluable impact that strong community support, steadfast partnerships and financial backing provide for underserved students navigating college for the first time,” said St. Edward’s University President Montserrat Fuentes. “We are extremely grateful for the ongoing generous contributions from our loyal philanthropic supporters, which continues to empower all students, regardless of their background, to thrive in their academic pursuits on the hilltop.”
St. Edward’s is grateful to our dedicated donors including Bank of America, The Michael and Alice Kuhn Foundation, and The Moody Foundation. Their support and commitment to our first-generation and CAMP scholars is instrumental in shaping a promising future at St. Edward’s University.
Bank of America, one of the university’s top three most generous donors of CAMP, has awarded $30,000 to continue its ongoing support of the program. The funding will enhance economic mobility and workforce development support by creating sustainable pathways for migrant students.
Likewise, The Michael and Alice Kuhn Foundation awarded more than $42,000 to support the CAMP Books and Supplies Fund. Since 2017, the foundation has consistently increased its support of CAMP. This year’s grant will provide approximately 64 CAMP students with individual awards of $625 each, covering the cost of books and essential academic supplies, thereby removing financial barriers to their academic success.
The Moody Foundation has awarded a $200,000 grant for the program “First to GOat: Postsecondary Success for SEU’s First-Gen Students” for 2024 — benefitting first-generation students through mentorship initiatives and individualized support. The Moody Foundation shares a strong history of commitment with St. Edward’s, with their gifts exceeding $1.2 million spanning over nearly 60 years.
Through generous gifts made possible from long-time friends of the university, Carolyn Lewis and Walt Penn, and former university Trustee Michael Aviles, more than $131,500 will support the Breakthrough Central Texas Scholarship at St. Edward’s. The scholarship aims to bridge financial gaps and provide tuition relief for first-generation students. For the 2024-2025 academic year, 60 Breakthrough Central Texas students at St. Edward’s will benefit from this impactful support.
St. Edward’s University is committed to fostering an increase in the annual enrollment of first-generation students; more than 44% of the incoming Fall 2024 Freshman Class identify as first-generation. Our institution proudly offers programs and events specifically designed for first-generation students, as well as their families, to help ease the transition to college life and celebrate the first-generation identity, such as First-Gen Scholars Week.
In addition to our strong support for first-generation students, CAMP at St. Edward’s has been serving the higher education needs of migrant scholars on the hilltop for more than 50 years — making it the longest running program in the country and the only to offer five years of full tuition support. The program has benefited more than 2,800 students since 1972, and continues to position CAMP scholars for success on their academic journeys to graduation, as well as in their professional careers.
About St. Edward’s University
St. Edward’s University is a private university in the Catholic, Holy Cross tradition with approximately 3,000 students. Located in Austin, Texas, it is one of the top universities in the state and offers more than 50 undergraduate, seven master’s degree programs and a doctorate program. St. Edward’s delivers a premier, highly personalized education that provides students distinctive academics and extensive internships, research and service learning opportunities on a vibrant and inclusive hilltop campus in a world-class city. St. Edward’s has been recognized for 22 consecutive years as one of “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report. In the 2025 Best Colleges rankings, St. Edward’s ranked #5 in the Best Regional Universities in the West.
