The landmark case would result in reforms to the school finance system. In addition to his work to make the downtown campus a reality, Luna was also one of the founders of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF)-the organization that would file suit against then-Commissioner of Education William Kirby in 1984 on behalf of the Edgewood Independent School District. “We are honored to continue that work, to honor his legacy.” “Having a place where all can learn about the educational opportunities at UTSA, this is the kind of outreach that was so important to Senator Luna,” she said. The facilities are representative of UTSA’s, and Luna’s, commitment to increasing access to educational opportunities in the center city, said UTSA Vice President for University Relations Teresa Niño. The Luna Welcome Center and the neighboring Assembly Room will build on those outreach programs founded more than 20 years ago. The urban campus is also home to many of the university’s community outreach programs and extended education offerings. Since that time, UTSA has grown its programs, bringing access to high-quality college education and career-advancement opportunities to diverse populations in the downtown area. Since its debut in 1997, the Downtown Campus has signified UTSA’s commitment to the community with a campus inside Loop 410, in the heart of San Antonio. Fifty-seven percent of the university’s students identify as Hispanic and nearly 45% will be the first in their families to earn a degree. UTSA, a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and a founding member of the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities, is committed to generating social mobility and economic prosperity for families and communities in the San Antonio region. As a senator, Luna focused his legislative efforts primarily on education finance, with a particular interest in Hispanic Serving Institutions. Luna, a New Braunfels native, was the youngest of 12 kids who lived to adulthood and the first in his family to earn a college degree. Their tireless work made that vision possible.” “Senator Luna and other incredible higher education advocates envisioned a public college campus that would be inextricably interconnected with the city, contributing to the cultural and economic ecosystem of downtown San Antonio.
“To dream big takes courage and vision,” said UTSA President Taylor Eighmy.
He considered the campus the culmination of his vision for UTSA. During the 1993 legislative session, Luna was instrumental in passing legislation that ultimately created the long-sought Downtown Campus. Luna represented San Antonio District 26 in the Texas Senate from 1992 until a few months before his death in 1999.
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