UTA, Univision continue scholarship partnership
The University of Texas at Arlington marked another year of its partnership with Univision’s Contigo Tu Futuro Scholarship during an April 24 on-campus ceremony.
Two incoming freshmen, Giselle Gamez from Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas, and Lizbeth Avelar from O.D. Wyatt High School in Fort Worth, are the two newest recipients of the scholarship.
This year’s scholarships are made possible thanks to a $60,000 gift from Univision. This is the sixth consecutive year the organization has funded the Univision Contigo Tu Futuro Scholarship. Since its initial launch in 2021, the scholarship has granted nine Mavericks life-changing support.
“We’re so grateful for the partnership we have with Univision. It’s partnerships like this that make students’ dreams come true,” UTA President Jennifer Cowley said. “We deeply care about students that want to be active in their communities, so it’s great our two recipients are making that commitment to their communities.”
President Cowley also honored Michele Bodabilla, who died last November. Bobadilla helped forge the partnership between UTA and Univision that created the Contigo Tu Futuro Scholarship. Her dedication, vision and impact helped make students’ dreams possible.
"The Tu Futuro Scholarship represents UTA’s commitment to ensuring that every talented student has both access to higher education and the opportunity to thrive once they arrive,” said Luisa M. Havens Gerardo, vice president for enrollment management. “We are deeply grateful to Univision for their steadfast investment in our students. Welcoming Giselle and Lizbeth to UTA is a reminder that when we invest in students, we invest in the future of our entire community."
For Gamez, receiving this scholarship solidified her decision to attend UTA in the fall of 2026. She said she knew early on UTA was the place for her.
“I was ready to go to college and couldn’t wait for August to get here. Now with the scholarship and everything else, I’m even more ecstatic and extremely grateful this is all being done for me,” Gamez said. “I wouldn’t be here without the support of everyone, especially my parents who really pushed me, helped me and encouraged me to be the best that I could be.”
Gamez plans to study finance and political science. She hopes to open her own real estate firm one day and use her knowledge to contribute to and advance her community.
Avelar is the second Maverick and Univision Contigo Tu Futuro Scholarship recipient in her family. Her sister, Daisy, stood in her place just last year.
Next fall, Avelar plans to study public health and use her degree to help improve Hispanic health education, a passion shaped by the pandemic.
“I want to study public health to help positively influence my community. Health care is extremely important, and I know I can make a difference in my community,” Avelar said. “I’m extremely grateful to receive this scholarship for helping me attend a major university. I didn’t think it was possible, but this made it happen for me.”
In addition to the Tu Futuro Scholarship, Gamez and Avelar also received support from Nissan Regional, Nebraska Furniture Mart and Lisinksi Law Firm.
As the area’s leading Spanish-language station group, Univision 23 is committed to supporting UTA students’ growth and development and inspiring them to make an impact in their communities.
“At Univision we’re proud to keep advancing this partnership we’re deeply grateful for. It’s been an honor for us to work alongside everyone here at UTA,” said Isabella Lozano, community empowerment manager at Univision 23. “The passion these recipients demonstrate to make an impact in their communities is truly unique and reflects the Maverick spirit we want to instill in our future Tu Futuro scholars. Thank you to each parent, teacher, community partner and sponsor here today. We’re thankful for your support to make today’s celebration possible.”
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of Dallas-Fort Worth. With a student body of over 42,700, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation’s top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 300,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.