Harvey Najim

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Harvey Najim (born 16 July 1940) is an American businessman and philanthropist. Following a 13-year tenure at IBM, he founded Sirius Computer Solutions (fka. Star Data Systems). Using the proceeds from a merger with Thoma Bravo in November of 2006, he founded the Najim Charitable Foundation. Both Najim's and the Foundation's contributions are primarily directed towards K-12 and post-secondary educational institutions.

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Early life

Najim was born on 16 July 1940 in Springfield, Illinois. His father co-owned the Lincoln Candy Company. [1] Najim graduated from the University of Wichita in 1964, proceeding to enlist in the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps, serving as a second lieutenant. Najim became familiar with computers while employed as a data processing officer at Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston, and he joined IBM after leaving the army. [1]

Career

Najim founded the company Star Data Systems in 1980 (renamed to Sirius Computer Solutions in 1991). The company entered partnered with Thoma Bravo in November of 2006, the proceeds of which (approx. $75 million) were used to create the Najim Charitable Foundation. [2] [3] Najim stepped down as CEO of Sirius in 2011, being replaced by Joe Mertens. [1]

Philanthropy

Najim founded the Harvey E. Najim Charitable Foundation in 2006, to which he donated $75 million of his personal funds. This donation placed him among the top 25 American philanthropists in 2007. [2]

In 2015, Najim established a donor-advised fund under the San Antonio Area Foundation which has since provided 220 grants worth $60 million. Separately, Najim has contributed over $25 million to entities such as Haven For Hope, Morgan’s Wonderland, and the Alamo Area Rape Crisis Center. [3]

By 2025, the scope of his foundation had expanded to cover post-secondary education needs, including $5 million to establish The Najim Center for Business Innovation and Career Advancement at the University of Texas at San Antonio, [3] [4] $2 million for the Roadrunners' football program, [3] and $1.25 million to the San Antonio Food Bank. [5] [6]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Stoeltje, Melissa Fletcher (10 September 2015). "For Harvey Najim, life is about 'servant leadership'". San Antonio Express-News . Retrieved 24 November 2025.
  2. 1 2 McMillin, Molly (2 November 2008). "A conversation with... Harvey Najim". The Wichita Eagle . p. 20. Retrieved 24 November 2025– via Newspapers.com.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Biediger, Shari (14 August 2022). "Harvey Najim transitions to new role at foundation he started". San Antonio Report . Retrieved 12 February 2025.
  4. ↑ "UTSA receives $3 million commitment for Najim career and innovation center". UTSA Today. University of Texas at San Antonio. 21 September 2020. Retrieved 12 February 2025.
  5. ↑ Garza, Jennilee (30 January 2025). "Najim gives $1.25M to SA Food Bank to feed UTSA students in-need". UTSA Today. University of Texas at San Antonio . Retrieved 12 February 2025.
  6. ↑ SBG San Antonio Staff Reports (29 January 2025). "San Antonio philanthropist donates seven figures to fight student hunger at UTSA". WOAI. NBC. NEWS4SA. Retrieved 12 February 2025.
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