SAN ANTONIO – The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) are each receiving a $10,000 donation to support and expand on-campus mental health resources, thanks to a partnership between LG Electronics USA and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
The funds will be used to enhance existing mental health programs, increase awareness of available resources, and offer peer support groups for students. This initiative comes as part of a broader effort to improve student well-being, particularly among those attending schools hosting the NCAA Men’s Final Four, including UTSA and UIW.
“As a former college athlete, I know how powerful it is to have a community that’s got your back—on and off the court,” said Dan Gillison, Jr., CEO of NAMI, in a statement. The collaboration with LG will also lead to the establishment of NAMI on-campus clubs at participating universities, providing students and student-athletes with valuable spaces to connect and learn about mental health.
Impact on Student Life and Campus Culture
The donation will allow both universities to expand their mental health programming and foster a more supportive environment for students. At UTSA, the funds will help raise awareness of mental health services and improve accessibility for students in need.
“LG’s support will be a game-changer in our efforts to ensure that all students receive well-being support throughout their academic journey,” said LT Robinson, Senior Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at UTSA.
UIW’s Director of Behavioral Health Services, Dr. Kevin Milligan, also expressed the importance of this support: “This will help us create a more supportive campus community and bring greater awareness to mental health and the resources available to students.”
In addition to the financial support, LG is gifting the universities refrigerators for student meeting spaces, further enhancing the ability for students to gather and engage in community-building activities.
A Holistic Approach to Mental Health on Campus
The NCAA’s Mental Health Best Practices guide, which offers recommendations for fostering healthy environments that promote student-athlete well-being, will serve as a foundation for the schools’ mental health initiatives.
“This collaboration between LG and NAMI will support NCAA member school efforts to foster mental health-promoting environments,” said Deena Casiero, Chief Medical Officer of the NCAA.
The University of South Florida, which is hosting the NCAA Women’s Final Four, will also receive a $10,000 donation as part of this initiative. The program underscores the importance of mental health support on college campuses and the shared responsibility to create spaces where students can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.
