It is an honor to stand before you today to celebrate an incredible partnership between UTRGV and RSTEF, a partnership that promises to bring lasting, positive change to the Rio Grande Valley.
This partnership is rooted in a deep commitment to advancing higher education, fostering community growth and preparing the next generation of leaders in the fields that will shape our region's future.
As part of this commitment, UTRGV is proud to be the recipient of the RSTEF fund award that has allowed us to create the Endowed Scholarship that Adam just mentioned. This is an endowment that will provide invaluable support to students who are pursuing an advanced degree in critical fields such as agriculture, food, natural resources, business, finance, marketing, education, health, science, information technology, manufacturing and several other STEM fields. These are the industries that will drive the economic, social and technological progress of our region for years to come.
The foundation's pledge to UTRGV is both generous and visionary. These funds provide scholarships for graduate students, specifically those working towards masters and doctoral degrees. By investing in these students, the foundation and UTRGV are creating a lasting impact on the region's workforce, ensuring that our brightest minds are prepared to contribute to the growth and innovation of our community.
One of the unique aspects of this scholarship program is that recipients are not only receiving financial support, but they are also making a pledge to stay and work in the Rio Grande Valley. This ensures that the region benefits directly from the talent and expertise of those who are educated here.
Thanks to this Endowed Scholarship Program, we have already started generating some revenue from the funds that we have received, along with the funds that UTRGV is matching. Today, we have awarded approximately $400,000 to 285 students.
The ultimate goal is to not only increase the number of students attending graduate school, but also ensure that these students have the resources they need to complete their degrees, make meaningful contributions to their fields and stay in the Valley to help drive its growth.
It's clear that the vision behind this partnership is one of long term, sustainable impact. By investing in higher education, we're investing in the future of the Rio Grande Valley, and with RSTEF playing a key role in this effort, we are confident that we are setting the stage for an even brighter future for our own community.
The partnership between RSTEF and UTRGV is one that will benefit generations to come. Together, we are fostering the educational, economic and social growth of the Rio Grande Valley, ensuring that the next generation of leaders are ready to take on the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow again.
Thank you to RSTEF for your generosity.
Editor’s Note: The above commentary was provided by Griselda Castilla, vice president for Strategic Enrollment at UT-Rio Grande Valley. Castilla made her comments at Rio-South Texas Education & Community Development Foundation’s 2025 Awards Ceremony. At the event, held at the Radisson McAllen Airport Hotel, RSTEF awarded UTRGV $1 million. RSTEF is committed to providing UTRGV $5 million over six years for an endowed scholarship program. The "Adam" Castilla referenced is Adam Gonzalez, CEO of RSTEF.
