At the intersection of higher education, athletics, and civic leadership, relationships matter. For UTSA, the strength of those relationships continues to shape opportunities not only for student-athletes, but for San Antonio as a whole.
That spirit of collaboration was on full display on August 28, when former Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff and Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jeff Webster convened a small but impactful lunch to introduce incoming Chamber Chairman Kevin Dinnin, CEO of FirstDay Foundation, to UTSA Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Lisa Campos. The conversation centered on the evolving landscape of intercollegiate athletics and the role UTSA plays as a nationally recognized NCAA program carrying San Antonio’s brand beyond the region.
During the discussion, Campos outlined the realities facing college athletics today—including revenue sharing, an increasingly competitive recruiting environment and the growing importance of investment in student-athlete success. She emphasized that UTSA Athletics is not only a point of pride for the university, but also a strategic asset for the city, elevating San Antonio’s visibility, economic vitality and national reputation. “Intercollegiate athletics is changing rapidly, and universities that succeed will be those that invest thoughtfully in their student-athletes,” said Campos. “At UTSA, our success reflects the strength of our community, and when UTSA competes on a national stage, San Antonio does too.”
Moved by the conversation and the shared vision, Dinnin made it clear that he wanted to help. “Not only will I get others involved—my organization will help,” Dinnin said, inviting UTSA to submit a grant proposal to FirstDay Foundation.
That commitment soon translated into action. Through the generosity of FirstDay Foundation, Dinnin underwrote eleven leadership-level gifts of $25,000 each to UTSA Athletics—awarding one McCombs Society membership to each of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce 2026 Council Chairs. The investment was designed to introduce civic leaders directly to UTSA Athletics, its mission, and its impact on student-athletes and the broader community.
The McCombs Society, UTSA Athletics’ leadership giving society, honors the philanthropic legacy of Red and Charline McCombs and recognizes those who make transformational investments in student-athlete success. By underwriting these memberships, Dinnin created an intentional bridge between UTSA Athletics and San Antonio’s civic leadership.
“This was about relationships,” Dinnin said. “UTSA Athletics is an important part of this city’s future, and connecting leaders to that mission helps strengthen the entire community.”
That message resonated on December 18 at the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Gala, where Dinnin addressed attendees and spoke publicly about the importance of UTSA Athletics. In his remarks, he referenced “one of our titans of industry—Red McCombs,” underscoring the legacy of leadership, entrepreneurship and philanthropy that continues to shape UTSA and San Antonio.