Texas A&M University-San Antonio welcomed hundreds of community leaders, philanthropists and supporters to its 18th Annual Dream Maker Scholarship Celebration on Friday, Oct. 30, at the Mays Family Center at the Witte Museum. The University's annual fundraising event supports A&M-San Antonio scholarships, helping turn students' dreams into reality. This year’s Dream Maker raised more than $276,000.
“A scholarship is never only financial assistance," said President Salvador Hector Ochoa. "It is a promise to invest in deserving students and to help them achieve success. We are grateful to everyone who has contributed to such a worthy cause."
Presented by H-E-B, the celebration recognized the San Antonio-based grocery chain’s President and Chief Operating Officer Roxanne Orsak for her leadership throughout her 38-year career with the company. H-E-B has been a longtime partner of A&M-San Antonio, supporting students through scholarships, sponsorships, career collaborations and contributions that help address student food insecurity.
“Supporting our students and their education is not just a personal belief of mine. It’s a core principle of H-E-B’s commitment to support education initiatives and the youth of Texas,” said Orsak.
The evening also recognized A&M-San Antonio alumna Karina Lyssy as this year's Dream Maker student honoree. A 2026 graduate with a bachelor's degree in business administration, Lyssy began working for H-E-B as a freshman in 2022.
During her time with the company, she received multiple scholarships and completed two summer internships, where she applied skills developed at the University, including time management, accountability and collaboration, to real-world business challenges. Lyssy plans to pursue an MBA at A&M-San Antonio and hopes to one day operate her own H-E-B store.
Guest speakers included Glenn Heger, who started as the chancellor of The Texas A&M University System in 2025. This year’s emcee was Ernie Zuniga, a veteran TV and media personality and an anchor/reporter at KSAT.
Over the past decade, Dream Maker has generated approximately $2.6 million in scholarship support. Every contribution creates opportunities for students to continue their education and build brighter futures, while fueling workforce development and economic growth in South Texas. The University would like to thank all the event’s sponsors and donors who help the University transform lives and strengthen the region’s future.