AUSTIN, Texas — Huston-Tillotson University is one of the first historically Black colleges in the state of Texas.
Established in 1875, Huston-Tillotson was the first institution of higher learning in Austin.
Many HBCUs face educational and economical inequalities compared to publicly white institutions across the country. As part of Amplify Austin, the San Antonio Spurs in partnership with Frost Bank donated $100,000 to Huston-Tillotson’s athletics program.
Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Monique Carroll believes the donation is significant to the campus and the way of life for its students.
“From an HBCU standpoint, we have to look at things a little differently. It’s huge to the campus. One of the things we are always looking to do is how to improve the student experience. In my seat, more focused with the athletic part of that, but just the student experience in general,” said Carroll.
She went on to say the donation would go towards upgrading the outdoor basketball and tennis courts as well as the gymnasium.
“It’s going to bring us together as a whole group. Not just the athletes, but the students, the teachers if they want to come out and play. It’s going to make the community a little closer,” said Jude Pereida.
Pereida is a sophomore athlete with dreams of playing professional basketball one day. The San Antonio native who attends Huston-Tillotson in Austin says he was quite surprised when he heard about a generous donation from one of his favorite teams.
“I’ve actually been a huge Spurs fan and when coach called me, he was like ‘Yeah, the San Antonio Spurs,’ I didn’t believe it first. I said ‘Are they donating a jersey or something?’ and he was like ‘No, they are donating money,’” said Pereida
Pereida says he’s inspired by the generosity of the team and he hopes to pay it forward one day, both on and off of the court.