Budget Talking Points

Tier one research universities are engines that power the Texas economy. They benefit all Texans, not just students and employees. The proposed Senate budget cuts UT-Austin appropriations for core academic funding and special items by 10%, which is roughly $48 million. The proposal has moved funding for some special items into grants through the AUF, rather than state appropriations. This is a bad precedent to set, because it lowers the state’s long term investment in higher education. The Senate budget does not include the Dell Medical School in health-related formula funding, only funding it at $1.1, which could result in a loss of more than a $10M. The current proposal could damage our state’s future by continuing the systemic divestment of public higher education. Since 1984, UT-Austin has seen a more than 40% decrease in state funding. We want our students to receive hands-on educational experiences that give them a competitive edge in jobs after college. Public higher education provides an excellent education at a competitive and affordable price. UT-Austin alumni generate $6.2 billion in state income to the Texas economy annually across a broad range of industries that help keep our state competitive. UT-Austin brought more than $1 billion in government research grants to our state over the past two years, which is equal to adding 8,000 new jobs. The proposed budget for UT-Austin is harmful to our state’s workforce and economic vitality. We cannot advance and stay competitive without a well-educated citizenry. All alumni, business leaders, and Texans should be deeply concerned by the proposal being considered in the Senate. It is bad for business and bad for Texas families. President Fenves has made value and affordability major priorities for UT-Austin. The tuition freeze comes just as the legislature is making cuts to funding. This will tie the hands of the university. Companies are moving here precisely because we have a strong, well-educated workforce. We create leaders and build knowledge through research that benefits every corner of our state.  

Budget Talking Points

Tier one research universities are engines that power the Texas economy. They benefit all Texans, not just students and employees. The proposed Senate budget cuts UT-Austin appropriations for core academic funding and special items by 10%, which is roughly $48 million. The proposal has moved funding for some special items into grants through the AUF, rather than state appropriations. This is a bad precedent to set, because it lowers the state’s long term investment in higher education. The Senate budget does not include the Dell Medical School in health-related formula funding, only funding it at $1.1, which could result in a loss of more than a $10M. The current proposal could damage our state’s future by continuing the systemic divestment of public higher education. Since 1984, UT-Austin has seen a more than 40% decrease in state funding. We want our students to receive hands-on educational experiences that give them a competitive edge in jobs after college. Public higher education provides an excellent education at a competitive and affordable price. UT-Austin alumni generate $6.2 billion in state income to the Texas economy annually across a broad range of industries that help keep our state competitive. UT-Austin brought more than $1 billion in government research grants to our state over the past two years, which is equal to adding 8,000 new jobs. The proposed budget for UT-Austin is harmful to our state’s workforce and economic vitality. We cannot advance and stay competitive without a well-educated citizenry. All alumni, business leaders, and Texans should be deeply concerned by the proposal being considered in the Senate. It is bad for business and bad for Texas families. President Fenves has made value and affordability major priorities for UT-Austin. The tuition freeze comes just as the legislature is making cuts to funding. This will tie the hands of the university. Companies are moving here precisely because we have a strong, well-educated workforce. We create leaders and build knowledge through research that benefits every corner of our state.  

Budget Talking Points

Tier one research universities are engines that power the Texas economy. They benefit all Texans, not just students and employees. The proposed Senate budget cuts UT-Austin appropriations for core academic funding and special items by 10%, which is roughly $48 million. The proposal has moved funding for some special items into grants through the AUF, rather than state appropriations. This is a bad precedent to set, because it lowers the state’s long term investment in higher education. The Senate budget does not include the Dell Medical School in health-related formula funding, only funding it at $1.1, which could result in a loss of more than a $10M. The current proposal could damage our state’s future by continuing the systemic divestment of public higher education. Since 1984, UT-Austin has seen a more than 40% decrease in state funding. We want our students to receive hands-on educational experiences that give them a competitive edge in jobs after college. Public higher education provides an excellent education at a competitive and affordable price. UT-Austin alumni generate $6.2 billion in state income to the Texas economy annually across a broad range of industries that help keep our state competitive. UT-Austin brought more than $1 billion in government research grants to our state over the past two years, which is equal to adding 8,000 new jobs. The proposed budget for UT-Austin is harmful to our state’s workforce and economic vitality. We cannot advance and stay competitive without a well-educated citizenry. All alumni, business leaders, and Texans should be deeply concerned by the proposal being considered in the Senate. It is bad for business and bad for Texas families. President Fenves has made value and affordability major priorities for UT-Austin. The tuition freeze comes just as the legislature is making cuts to funding. This will tie the hands of the university. Companies are moving here precisely because we have a strong, well-educated workforce. We create leaders and build knowledge through research that benefits every corner of our state.  

Forty Acres Scholars Finalists Announced, Class of 2022

The Forty Acres Scholars Program has announced an impressive list of 53 finalists for the Class of 2022. From more than 6,400 applications, these high school seniors are exceptional inside and outside of the classroom. Among them are founders of companies and nonprofits, researchers, editors of school newspapers and literary magazines, club founders and presidents, team captains, varsity athletes, and talented dancers and musicians.The finalists hail from around the Lone Star State, in addition to Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, and Tennessee. Their academic interests stretch across all disciplines, representing 10 of UT’s undergraduate colleges. From March 1-3, the students will come to Austin for Finalist Weekend, where they will learn more about the campus and the Forty Acres Scholars Program, sit down for interviews, and get a glimpse of what their future life in Austin could look like.

Forty Acres Scholars Finalists Announced, Class of 2022

The Forty Acres Scholars Program has announced an impressive list of 53 finalists for the Class of 2022. From more than 6,400 applications, these high school seniors are exceptional inside and outside of the classroom. Among them are founders of companies and nonprofits, researchers, editors of school newspapers and literary magazines, club founders and presidents, team captains, varsity athletes, and talented dancers and musicians.The finalists hail from around the Lone Star State, in addition to Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, and Tennessee. Their academic interests stretch across all disciplines, representing 10 of UT’s undergraduate colleges. From March 1-3, the students will come to Austin for Finalist Weekend, where they will learn more about the campus and the Forty Acres Scholars Program, sit down for interviews, and get a glimpse of what their future life in Austin could look like.

Forty Acres Scholars Finalists Announced, Class of 2022

The Forty Acres Scholars Program has announced an impressive list of 53 finalists for the Class of 2022. From more than 6,400 applications, these high school seniors are exceptional inside and outside of the classroom. Among them are founders of companies and nonprofits, researchers, editors of school newspapers and literary magazines, club founders and presidents, team captains, varsity athletes, and talented dancers and musicians.The finalists hail from around the Lone Star State, in addition to Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, and Tennessee. Their academic interests stretch across all disciplines, representing 10 of UT’s undergraduate colleges. From March 1-3, the students will come to Austin for Finalist Weekend, where they will learn more about the campus and the Forty Acres Scholars Program, sit down for interviews, and get a glimpse of what their future life in Austin could look like.

Meet the Forty Acres Scholars Program Class of 2021

The Texas Exes is pleased to announce the Forty Acres Scholars Program Class of 2021. More than 4,998 students applied for The University of Texas at Austin’s premier full-ride, merit-based scholarship, and 14 exceptional scholars were selected from a group of 45 finalists. These impressive scholars range from writers to musicians, athletes to philanthropists. Among the incoming class is a playwright, an award-winning violinist, and a Presidential Gold Service Award recipient. Many more are student government leaders, AP Scholars, and newspaper editors. Administered by the Texas Exes, the Forty Acres Scholars Program offers a rich college experience that provides academic, leadership, and cultural opportunities within a close-knit cohort of fellow scholars. Funding provides for tuition, a living stipend, a book stipend, and an enrichment stipend for approved academic, leadership, professional and service activities. Throughout the four years, scholars benefit from a variety of programming opportunities and alumni connections. Meet the Class of 2021: Sabrina Benitez from McAllen, Texas is the recipient of the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending the Lamar Academy International Baccalaureate Program through McAllen Memorial High School, Benitez was an advisor for the school district's superintendent, co-founded an organization dedicated to raising self-esteem in young adults, ran a school-wide campaign raising awareness for childhood cancer, and served as editor of the Indelible Ink literary magazine. She was also a National Hispanic Scholar, an AP Scholar with Honors, and a Student SpaceFlight Experiment Program researcher selected to conduct an experiment on the International Space Station. She aspires to become a medical doctor and plans to major in biochemistry as a Health Science Scholar. She is the daughter of Norma Arreola and Juan Benitez.   Mary Margaret Burniston from Kerrville, Texas is the recipient of the Hobby/Beckworth Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending Tivy High School, she co-founded local nonprofit Bark in the Park KTX, working closely with local animal shelters to increase adoptions and decrease euthanasia rates, was president of the mentoring program Peer Assistance and Leadership and president of the community service driven Interact Club, and served as editor-in-chief of the school yearbook. She was also vice president of the National Honors Society, vice chair of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory, and served on the National Remind Student Board. She is the recipient of the Scholastic Arts & Awards’ National Gold Medal for Short Story and National Silver Medal with Distinction for Writing Portfolio. She plans to pursue degrees in radio-television-film and English through the Liberal Arts Honors program. She is daughter to Kathryn and Michael Burniston.   Olivia Cardenas from Houston, Texas is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Jeanne L. and Michael L. Klein. At The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Cardenas served as editor-in-chief of the newspaper and vice president for student council; was a youth playwright at The Alley Theater; founded and acted as president of the HSPVA Library Desk Concert, modeled after NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts series; and coached a middle school debate team. She has written more than a dozen original plays, won the Houston Playwright 360 competition, is a National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar, winner of the Hispanic Bar Association Scholarship for Excellence, a College Board recognized AP scholar, and is graduating with Highest Art Area Honors. She plans to major in Plan II honors and government. She is the daughter of Lynley and Victor Cardenas.   Ricky Cooks from Texarkana, Texas is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Beverly and Will O'Hara, and the Chevron Enrichment Award. At Texas High School, he served as student body president and as vice president of the Texas Association of Student Councils, was editor of the school newspaper, and was a delegate at the United States Senate Youth Program. He was also an AP Scholar with Distinction and received the Rotary Youth Leadership Award. A true Longhorn at heart, Cooks learned "Texas Fight" and "The Eyes of Texas" at age 15 after touring UT for the first time. He plans to pursue a degree in business honors, with either accounting or Spanish as an additional major. He is the son of Sharon and Ricky Cooks Sr.   Carlyn Crow from Austin, Texas is the recipient of the Charline and Red McCombs Family Forty Acres Scholarship and the Marilyn Marshall White Enrichment Award. At James Bowie High School, Crow served as class president, editor-in-chief of the yearbook, Key Club treasurer, and was a part of PALS (Peer Assistance, Leadership, and Service), Oak Hill United Methodist Church Student Leadership Team, Girl Scouts, the National Honor Society, French Honor Society, and theatre. Crow opened the Austin branch of Top Tier Learning, a start-up peer-to-peer tutoring company, and now serves as the Austin Branch Manager. She was also a National Merit Commended Scholar and an AP Scholar with Honor. Crow is a pun-loving fourth generation Longhorn who plans to major in business honors and Plan II honors. She is the daughter of Jeanna and Brian Crow.   Josh De Anda from El Paso, Texas is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by John B. Connally IV. While attending El Paso High School, De Anda served as editor-in-chief of the school literary magazine, concertmaster of the school orchestra, and captain and attorney of the mock trial team. He founded the Bach in the Barrio initiative to bring classical music to underserved El Paso elementary schools, started the COMER! El Paso initiative aimed at researching and promoting healthier eating in El Paso, and was a student in the Mundos Unidos Dual-Language magnet program. He is a National Hispanic Recognition Scholar, an AP Scholar, and a University of Texas at El Paso Honors Convocation Honoree. De Anda is proud to be the second Forty Acres Scholar from El Paso and plans to pursue a career in foreign policy, majoring in business honors and Plan II honors. He is the son of Maria D. De Anda.   Ashley Deutser from Houston, Texas is the recipient of the John and Cynthia Adkins/Texas Exes Houston Chapter Forty Acres Scholarship. Deutser led numerous change initiatives while attending The Kinkaid School, including a Special Headmaster Leadership Project and serving as a chair of the Stress and Wellness Committee. She is deeply involved in philanthropy at a local and national level—including her work as a youth advisor for the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation and board member for Youth Philanthropy Connect. An editorial she wrote, “Mantle of Civic Duty Falls to Houston Youth,” was published in the Houston Chronicle. At UT, Deutser plans to major in business honors. She is the daughter of Jill and Bradley Deutser.   Min Jun Kim from Austin, Texas is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by S. Todd and Diana Maclin. At Westwood High School, where Kim was the class of 2017’s Salutatorian, he served as co-concertmaster and president of Westwood’s symphony orchestra and captain of the school’s Science Olympiad team. Kim also ran on the varsity cross country team, was president of the National French Honor Society, a U.S. Presidential Scholar Nominee and a three-year Texas Music Scholar. He is a violinist for Austin Korean Presbyterian Church and a three-year all-state violinist. Further, Kim has been named a National Merit Finalist and a National AP Scholar. At UT, Kim plans to major in biochemistry as a Dean’s Scholar. He is the son of Han Won Bae and Woo Jin Kim.   Joe Levin from Pacific Palisades, California is the recipient of the Eugene McDermott Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending Harvard-Westlake High School, Levin founded his own sports blog, therallycaps.com, interned with Texas Monthly magazine, and was the editor-in-chief of the high school’s sports magazine, Big Red. Joe was an intern for the Religion of Sports TV series, which debuted on DirecTV's Audience Network last fall. When he was a sophomore, Joe travelled to Cuba and helped produce a documentary on Cuban baseball that was selected for multiple film festivals. At UT, Levin plants to major in journalism and Plan II honors. He is the son of Helen and Jordan Levin.   John McDonald from Spring, Texas is the recipient of the Sylvie and Gary Crum Forty Acres Scholarship. At Klein High School, McDonald served as president for both the National Honor Society and Latin Club. He was a four-year member and social officer for the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) and a four-time HOSA International Qualifier. He is a National Hispanic Scholar and received the Presidential Gold Service Award. McDonald plans to major in business honors at UT. He is the son of Nanette McDonald.   Ronen Melloul from Houston, Texas is the recipient of the AIM Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending Carnegie Vangaurd High School, Ronen served as soccer captain, the Jewish Student Union president, and the Model United Nations treasurer, and served on the Houston Area Youth Council on Service Leadership Committee. He is a National Hispanic Scholar and AP Scholar with Distinction, and was awarded the Beth Israel Brotherhood Award. At UT, he plans to major in business honors. He is the son of Yudith and Rod Melloul.   Yessmeen Moharram from Plano, Texas is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by the College of Fine Arts. At Plano Senior High School, Moharram was president of the International Thespian Society Troupe and a member of student congress. She was also a theater technician for various shows at the high school, working as a lighting technician, costumer, stage manager, and more, and won the All Star Tech Crew award at the University Interscholastic League One Act Play Competition two years in a row. Moharram plans to major in theatre design and technology at UT. She is the daughter of Abdellatif and Nagia Moharram.     Hannah Penley from Houston, Texas is the recipient of the Mary John and Ralph Spence Forty Acres Scholarship. While at Clear Lake High School, Penley served as the varsity cross country captain, the varsity soccer captain, and the president of the Best Buddies Club, an organization that pairs special education students with their general education peers. She was a four-year Superintendent's Scholar Award recipient, and works as a volunteer soccer coach for a variety of organizations. At UT, Penley plans to major in special education. She is the daughter of Kaija and Ned Penley.     Shilpa Rajagopal from Irvine, California is the recipient of the Erin and Thomas A. Bunkley Forty Acres Scholarship. At Northwood High School, Rajagopal served as editor-in-chief of the school yearbook, president of the Prom Project/Working Wardrobes club that works to raise funds for low-income girls, and Link Crew leader to help mentor incoming freshmen. She was also a National Merit Scholar, four-time Regional/State Finalist for the National History Day competition, and a recipient of the Comcast Leaders and Achievers 2017 Scholarship Award. Outside of school, as a member of the Arpana Dance Company, she performed for various non-profit organizations in Southern California. At UT, Rajagopal plans to pursue a double major in economics and biology as a Health Science Scholar. She is the daughter of Shyamala and Rajagopal Sethuraman.

Meet the Forty Acres Scholars Program Class of 2021

The Texas Exes is pleased to announce the Forty Acres Scholars Program Class of 2021. More than 4,998 students applied for The University of Texas at Austin’s premier full-ride, merit-based scholarship, and 14 exceptional scholars were selected from a group of 45 finalists. These impressive scholars range from writers to musicians, athletes to philanthropists. Among the incoming class is a playwright, an award-winning violinist, and a Presidential Gold Service Award recipient. Many more are student government leaders, AP Scholars, and newspaper editors. Administered by the Texas Exes, the Forty Acres Scholars Program offers a rich college experience that provides academic, leadership, and cultural opportunities within a close-knit cohort of fellow scholars. Funding provides for tuition, a living stipend, a book stipend, and an enrichment stipend for approved academic, leadership, professional and service activities. Throughout the four years, scholars benefit from a variety of programming opportunities and alumni connections. Meet the Class of 2021: Sabrina Benitez from McAllen, Texas is the recipient of the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending the Lamar Academy International Baccalaureate Program through McAllen Memorial High School, Benitez was an advisor for the school district's superintendent, co-founded an organization dedicated to raising self-esteem in young adults, ran a school-wide campaign raising awareness for childhood cancer, and served as editor of the Indelible Ink literary magazine. She was also a National Hispanic Scholar, an AP Scholar with Honors, and a Student SpaceFlight Experiment Program researcher selected to conduct an experiment on the International Space Station. She aspires to become a medical doctor and plans to major in biochemistry as a Health Science Scholar. She is the daughter of Norma Arreola and Juan Benitez.   Mary Margaret Burniston from Kerrville, Texas is the recipient of the Hobby/Beckworth Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending Tivy High School, she co-founded local nonprofit Bark in the Park KTX, working closely with local animal shelters to increase adoptions and decrease euthanasia rates, was president of the mentoring program Peer Assistance and Leadership and president of the community service driven Interact Club, and served as editor-in-chief of the school yearbook. She was also vice president of the National Honors Society, vice chair of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory, and served on the National Remind Student Board. She is the recipient of the Scholastic Arts & Awards’ National Gold Medal for Short Story and National Silver Medal with Distinction for Writing Portfolio. She plans to pursue degrees in radio-television-film and English through the Liberal Arts Honors program. She is daughter to Kathryn and Michael Burniston.   Olivia Cardenas from Houston, Texas is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Jeanne L. and Michael L. Klein. At The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Cardenas served as editor-in-chief of the newspaper and vice president for student council; was a youth playwright at The Alley Theater; founded and acted as president of the HSPVA Library Desk Concert, modeled after NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts series; and coached a middle school debate team. She has written more than a dozen original plays, won the Houston Playwright 360 competition, is a National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar, winner of the Hispanic Bar Association Scholarship for Excellence, a College Board recognized AP scholar, and is graduating with Highest Art Area Honors. She plans to major in Plan II honors and government. She is the daughter of Lynley and Victor Cardenas.   Ricky Cooks from Texarkana, Texas is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Beverly and Will O'Hara, and the Chevron Enrichment Award. At Texas High School, he served as student body president and as vice president of the Texas Association of Student Councils, was editor of the school newspaper, and was a delegate at the United States Senate Youth Program. He was also an AP Scholar with Distinction and received the Rotary Youth Leadership Award. A true Longhorn at heart, Cooks learned "Texas Fight" and "The Eyes of Texas" at age 15 after touring UT for the first time. He plans to pursue a degree in business honors, with either accounting or Spanish as an additional major. He is the son of Sharon and Ricky Cooks Sr.   Carlyn Crow from Austin, Texas is the recipient of the Charline and Red McCombs Family Forty Acres Scholarship and the Marilyn Marshall White Enrichment Award. At James Bowie High School, Crow served as class president, editor-in-chief of the yearbook, Key Club treasurer, and was a part of PALS (Peer Assistance, Leadership, and Service), Oak Hill United Methodist Church Student Leadership Team, Girl Scouts, the National Honor Society, French Honor Society, and theatre. Crow opened the Austin branch of Top Tier Learning, a start-up peer-to-peer tutoring company, and now serves as the Austin Branch Manager. She was also a National Merit Commended Scholar and an AP Scholar with Honor. Crow is a pun-loving fourth generation Longhorn who plans to major in business honors and Plan II honors. She is the daughter of Jeanna and Brian Crow.   Josh De Anda from El Paso, Texas is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by John B. Connally IV. While attending El Paso High School, De Anda served as editor-in-chief of the school literary magazine, concertmaster of the school orchestra, and captain and attorney of the mock trial team. He founded the Bach in the Barrio initiative to bring classical music to underserved El Paso elementary schools, started the COMER! El Paso initiative aimed at researching and promoting healthier eating in El Paso, and was a student in the Mundos Unidos Dual-Language magnet program. He is a National Hispanic Recognition Scholar, an AP Scholar, and a University of Texas at El Paso Honors Convocation Honoree. De Anda is proud to be the second Forty Acres Scholar from El Paso and plans to pursue a career in foreign policy, majoring in business honors and Plan II honors. He is the son of Maria D. De Anda.   Ashley Deutser from Houston, Texas is the recipient of the John and Cynthia Adkins/Texas Exes Houston Chapter Forty Acres Scholarship. Deutser led numerous change initiatives while attending The Kinkaid School, including a Special Headmaster Leadership Project and serving as a chair of the Stress and Wellness Committee. She is deeply involved in philanthropy at a local and national level—including her work as a youth advisor for the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation and board member for Youth Philanthropy Connect. An editorial she wrote, “Mantle of Civic Duty Falls to Houston Youth,” was published in the Houston Chronicle. At UT, Deutser plans to major in business honors. She is the daughter of Jill and Bradley Deutser.   Min Jun Kim from Austin, Texas is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by S. Todd and Diana Maclin. At Westwood High School, where Kim was the class of 2017’s Salutatorian, he served as co-concertmaster and president of Westwood’s symphony orchestra and captain of the school’s Science Olympiad team. Kim also ran on the varsity cross country team, was president of the National French Honor Society, a U.S. Presidential Scholar Nominee and a three-year Texas Music Scholar. He is a violinist for Austin Korean Presbyterian Church and a three-year all-state violinist. Further, Kim has been named a National Merit Finalist and a National AP Scholar. At UT, Kim plans to major in biochemistry as a Dean’s Scholar. He is the son of Han Won Bae and Woo Jin Kim.   Joe Levin from Pacific Palisades, California is the recipient of the Eugene McDermott Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending Harvard-Westlake High School, Levin founded his own sports blog, therallycaps.com, interned with Texas Monthly magazine, and was the editor-in-chief of the high school’s sports magazine, Big Red. Joe was an intern for the Religion of Sports TV series, which debuted on DirecTV's Audience Network last fall. When he was a sophomore, Joe travelled to Cuba and helped produce a documentary on Cuban baseball that was selected for multiple film festivals. At UT, Levin plants to major in journalism and Plan II honors. He is the son of Helen and Jordan Levin.   John McDonald from Spring, Texas is the recipient of the Sylvie and Gary Crum Forty Acres Scholarship. At Klein High School, McDonald served as president for both the National Honor Society and Latin Club. He was a four-year member and social officer for the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) and a four-time HOSA International Qualifier. He is a National Hispanic Scholar and received the Presidential Gold Service Award. McDonald plans to major in business honors at UT. He is the son of Nanette McDonald.   Ronen Melloul from Houston, Texas is the recipient of the AIM Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending Carnegie Vangaurd High School, Ronen served as soccer captain, the Jewish Student Union president, and the Model United Nations treasurer, and served on the Houston Area Youth Council on Service Leadership Committee. He is a National Hispanic Scholar and AP Scholar with Distinction, and was awarded the Beth Israel Brotherhood Award. At UT, he plans to major in business honors. He is the son of Yudith and Rod Melloul.   Yessmeen Moharram from Plano, Texas is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by the College of Fine Arts. At Plano Senior High School, Moharram was president of the International Thespian Society Troupe and a member of student congress. She was also a theater technician for various shows at the high school, working as a lighting technician, costumer, stage manager, and more, and won the All Star Tech Crew award at the University Interscholastic League One Act Play Competition two years in a row. Moharram plans to major in theatre design and technology at UT. She is the daughter of Abdellatif and Nagia Moharram.     Hannah Penley from Houston, Texas is the recipient of the Mary John and Ralph Spence Forty Acres Scholarship. While at Clear Lake High School, Penley served as the varsity cross country captain, the varsity soccer captain, and the president of the Best Buddies Club, an organization that pairs special education students with their general education peers. She was a four-year Superintendent's Scholar Award recipient, and works as a volunteer soccer coach for a variety of organizations. At UT, Penley plans to major in special education. She is the daughter of Kaija and Ned Penley.     Shilpa Rajagopal from Irvine, California is the recipient of the Erin and Thomas A. Bunkley Forty Acres Scholarship. At Northwood High School, Rajagopal served as editor-in-chief of the school yearbook, president of the Prom Project/Working Wardrobes club that works to raise funds for low-income girls, and Link Crew leader to help mentor incoming freshmen. She was also a National Merit Scholar, four-time Regional/State Finalist for the National History Day competition, and a recipient of the Comcast Leaders and Achievers 2017 Scholarship Award. Outside of school, as a member of the Arpana Dance Company, she performed for various non-profit organizations in Southern California. At UT, Rajagopal plans to pursue a double major in economics and biology as a Health Science Scholar. She is the daughter of Shyamala and Rajagopal Sethuraman.

Meet the Forty Acres Scholars Program Class of 2021

The Texas Exes is pleased to announce the Forty Acres Scholars Program Class of 2021. More than 4,998 students applied for The University of Texas at Austin’s premier full-ride, merit-based scholarship, and 14 exceptional scholars were selected from a group of 45 finalists. These impressive scholars range from writers to musicians, athletes to philanthropists. Among the incoming class is a playwright, an award-winning violinist, and a Presidential Gold Service Award recipient. Many more are student government leaders, AP Scholars, and newspaper editors. Administered by the Texas Exes, the Forty Acres Scholars Program offers a rich college experience that provides academic, leadership, and cultural opportunities within a close-knit cohort of fellow scholars. Funding provides for tuition, a living stipend, a book stipend, and an enrichment stipend for approved academic, leadership, professional and service activities. Throughout the four years, scholars benefit from a variety of programming opportunities and alumni connections. Meet the Class of 2021: Sabrina Benitez from McAllen, Texas is the recipient of the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending the Lamar Academy International Baccalaureate Program through McAllen Memorial High School, Benitez was an advisor for the school district's superintendent, co-founded an organization dedicated to raising self-esteem in young adults, ran a school-wide campaign raising awareness for childhood cancer, and served as editor of the Indelible Ink literary magazine. She was also a National Hispanic Scholar, an AP Scholar with Honors, and a Student SpaceFlight Experiment Program researcher selected to conduct an experiment on the International Space Station. She aspires to become a medical doctor and plans to major in biochemistry as a Health Science Scholar. She is the daughter of Norma Arreola and Juan Benitez.   Mary Margaret Burniston from Kerrville, Texas is the recipient of the Hobby/Beckworth Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending Tivy High School, she co-founded local nonprofit Bark in the Park KTX, working closely with local animal shelters to increase adoptions and decrease euthanasia rates, was president of the mentoring program Peer Assistance and Leadership and president of the community service driven Interact Club, and served as editor-in-chief of the school yearbook. She was also vice president of the National Honors Society, vice chair of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory, and served on the National Remind Student Board. She is the recipient of the Scholastic Arts & Awards’ National Gold Medal for Short Story and National Silver Medal with Distinction for Writing Portfolio. She plans to pursue degrees in radio-television-film and English through the Liberal Arts Honors program. She is daughter to Kathryn and Michael Burniston.   Olivia Cardenas from Houston, Texas is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Jeanne L. and Michael L. Klein. At The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Cardenas served as editor-in-chief of the newspaper and vice president for student council; was a youth playwright at The Alley Theater; founded and acted as president of the HSPVA Library Desk Concert, modeled after NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts series; and coached a middle school debate team. She has written more than a dozen original plays, won the Houston Playwright 360 competition, is a National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar, winner of the Hispanic Bar Association Scholarship for Excellence, a College Board recognized AP scholar, and is graduating with Highest Art Area Honors. She plans to major in Plan II honors and government. She is the daughter of Lynley and Victor Cardenas.   Ricky Cooks from Texarkana, Texas is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Beverly and Will O'Hara, and the Chevron Enrichment Award. At Texas High School, he served as student body president and as vice president of the Texas Association of Student Councils, was editor of the school newspaper, and was a delegate at the United States Senate Youth Program. He was also an AP Scholar with Distinction and received the Rotary Youth Leadership Award. A true Longhorn at heart, Cooks learned "Texas Fight" and "The Eyes of Texas" at age 15 after touring UT for the first time. He plans to pursue a degree in business honors, with either accounting or Spanish as an additional major. He is the son of Sharon and Ricky Cooks Sr.   Carlyn Crow from Austin, Texas is the recipient of the Charline and Red McCombs Family Forty Acres Scholarship and the Marilyn Marshall White Enrichment Award. At James Bowie High School, Crow served as class president, editor-in-chief of the yearbook, Key Club treasurer, and was a part of PALS (Peer Assistance, Leadership, and Service), Oak Hill United Methodist Church Student Leadership Team, Girl Scouts, the National Honor Society, French Honor Society, and theatre. Crow opened the Austin branch of Top Tier Learning, a start-up peer-to-peer tutoring company, and now serves as the Austin Branch Manager. She was also a National Merit Commended Scholar and an AP Scholar with Honor. Crow is a pun-loving fourth generation Longhorn who plans to major in business honors and Plan II honors. She is the daughter of Jeanna and Brian Crow.   Josh De Anda from El Paso, Texas is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by John B. Connally IV. While attending El Paso High School, De Anda served as editor-in-chief of the school literary magazine, concertmaster of the school orchestra, and captain and attorney of the mock trial team. He founded the Bach in the Barrio initiative to bring classical music to underserved El Paso elementary schools, started the COMER! El Paso initiative aimed at researching and promoting healthier eating in El Paso, and was a student in the Mundos Unidos Dual-Language magnet program. He is a National Hispanic Recognition Scholar, an AP Scholar, and a University of Texas at El Paso Honors Convocation Honoree. De Anda is proud to be the second Forty Acres Scholar from El Paso and plans to pursue a career in foreign policy, majoring in business honors and Plan II honors. He is the son of Maria D. De Anda.   Ashley Deutser from Houston, Texas is the recipient of the John and Cynthia Adkins/Texas Exes Houston Chapter Forty Acres Scholarship. Deutser led numerous change initiatives while attending The Kinkaid School, including a Special Headmaster Leadership Project and serving as a chair of the Stress and Wellness Committee. She is deeply involved in philanthropy at a local and national level—including her work as a youth advisor for the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation and board member for Youth Philanthropy Connect. An editorial she wrote, “Mantle of Civic Duty Falls to Houston Youth,” was published in the Houston Chronicle. At UT, Deutser plans to major in business honors. She is the daughter of Jill and Bradley Deutser.   Min Jun Kim from Austin, Texas is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by S. Todd and Diana Maclin. At Westwood High School, where Kim was the class of 2017’s Salutatorian, he served as co-concertmaster and president of Westwood’s symphony orchestra and captain of the school’s Science Olympiad team. Kim also ran on the varsity cross country team, was president of the National French Honor Society, a U.S. Presidential Scholar Nominee and a three-year Texas Music Scholar. He is a violinist for Austin Korean Presbyterian Church and a three-year all-state violinist. Further, Kim has been named a National Merit Finalist and a National AP Scholar. At UT, Kim plans to major in biochemistry as a Dean’s Scholar. He is the son of Han Won Bae and Woo Jin Kim.   Joe Levin from Pacific Palisades, California is the recipient of the Eugene McDermott Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending Harvard-Westlake High School, Levin founded his own sports blog, therallycaps.com, interned with Texas Monthly magazine, and was the editor-in-chief of the high school’s sports magazine, Big Red. Joe was an intern for the Religion of Sports TV series, which debuted on DirecTV's Audience Network last fall. When he was a sophomore, Joe travelled to Cuba and helped produce a documentary on Cuban baseball that was selected for multiple film festivals. At UT, Levin plants to major in journalism and Plan II honors. He is the son of Helen and Jordan Levin.   John McDonald from Spring, Texas is the recipient of the Sylvie and Gary Crum Forty Acres Scholarship. At Klein High School, McDonald served as president for both the National Honor Society and Latin Club. He was a four-year member and social officer for the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) and a four-time HOSA International Qualifier. He is a National Hispanic Scholar and received the Presidential Gold Service Award. McDonald plans to major in business honors at UT. He is the son of Nanette McDonald.   Ronen Melloul from Houston, Texas is the recipient of the AIM Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending Carnegie Vangaurd High School, Ronen served as soccer captain, the Jewish Student Union president, and the Model United Nations treasurer, and served on the Houston Area Youth Council on Service Leadership Committee. He is a National Hispanic Scholar and AP Scholar with Distinction, and was awarded the Beth Israel Brotherhood Award. At UT, he plans to major in business honors. He is the son of Yudith and Rod Melloul.   Yessmeen Moharram from Plano, Texas is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by the College of Fine Arts. At Plano Senior High School, Moharram was president of the International Thespian Society Troupe and a member of student congress. She was also a theater technician for various shows at the high school, working as a lighting technician, costumer, stage manager, and more, and won the All Star Tech Crew award at the University Interscholastic League One Act Play Competition two years in a row. Moharram plans to major in theatre design and technology at UT. She is the daughter of Abdellatif and Nagia Moharram.     Hannah Penley from Houston, Texas is the recipient of the Mary John and Ralph Spence Forty Acres Scholarship. While at Clear Lake High School, Penley served as the varsity cross country captain, the varsity soccer captain, and the president of the Best Buddies Club, an organization that pairs special education students with their general education peers. She was a four-year Superintendent's Scholar Award recipient, and works as a volunteer soccer coach for a variety of organizations. At UT, Penley plans to major in special education. She is the daughter of Kaija and Ned Penley.     Shilpa Rajagopal from Irvine, California is the recipient of the Erin and Thomas A. Bunkley Forty Acres Scholarship. At Northwood High School, Rajagopal served as editor-in-chief of the school yearbook, president of the Prom Project/Working Wardrobes club that works to raise funds for low-income girls, and Link Crew leader to help mentor incoming freshmen. She was also a National Merit Scholar, four-time Regional/State Finalist for the National History Day competition, and a recipient of the Comcast Leaders and Achievers 2017 Scholarship Award. Outside of school, as a member of the Arpana Dance Company, she performed for various non-profit organizations in Southern California. At UT, Rajagopal plans to pursue a double major in economics and biology as a Health Science Scholar. She is the daughter of Shyamala and Rajagopal Sethuraman.

Forty Acres Scholars Class of 2021 Finalists Announced

The Forty Acres Scholars Program has announced an impressive list of 45 finalists for the Class of 2021. These high school seniors, who hail from four states outside of Texas—and of course from all over the Lone Star State—are exceptional inside and outside of the classroom. Among them are founders of companies and nonprofits, app developers, editors of school newspapers and literary journals, club presidents, team captains, varsity athletes, researchers, student pilots, and talented dancers and actors. This remarkable group of students will visit Austin on March 2-4 to interview for a spot as a Forty Acres Scholar—the premier full-ride, merit-based scholarship at The University of Texas at Austin. Learn more about this year's finalists below. Meet the finalists: Alicia Alvarez Houston, TX YES Prep - North Forest   Travis Arnold Spring, TX Klein High School Abhinav Ashar Cypress, TX  Cypress Woods High School Sabrina Benitez McAllen, TX McAllen Memorial High School Mary Margaret Burniston Kerrville, TX Tivy High School  Olivia Cardenas Houston, TX The High School for Performing & Visual Arts Anne Chow Austin, TX Westwood High School Alex Chukwuma Allen, TX Allen High School Ricky Cooks Wake Village, TX Texas High School Shanaya Cross Corpus Christi, TX W.B. Ray High School Carlyn Crow Austin, TX James Bowie High School Carrie Cruces Houston, TX Saint Agnes Academy Kevin Dalton Naperville, IL Naperville North High School Joshua De Anda El Paso, TX El Paso High School Ashley Deuster Houston, TX The Kinkaid School Alyssa Diaz Edinburg, TX Edinburg High School Zakiyya Ellington Allen, TX Allen High School Scott Gold Houston, TX Emery High School Morgan Grosch Spicewood, TX Cedar Park High School Shehryar Khursheed McAllen, Tx IDEA Quest College Preparatory  Min Kim Austin, TX Westwood High School Joe Levin Pacific Palisades, CA Harvard-Westlake School Desiree Lopez Rowlett, TX Garland High School Pierce Lowary Dallas, TX Highland Park High School   Faith Matheson Katy, TX Cinco Ranch High School   John McDonald Spring, TX Klein High School   Ronen Melloul Houston, TX Carnegie Vanguard High School   Yessmeen Moharram Plano, TX Plano Senior High School Cat Palacios Edinburg, TX Robert Vela High School Hannah Penley Houston, TX Clear Lake High School   Bhavana Penmetsa Plano, TX Imagine International Academy of North Texas Shilpa Rajagopal Irvine, CA Northwood High School Gabriel Ramirez McAllen, TX McAllen High School Margaret Rauch Downers Grove, IL Saint Ignatius College Preparatory School   Justin Rhines Canton, IL Bishop Thomas K. Gorman High School   Alejandra Rocha Brownsville, TX Saint Joseph Academy   Zach Rudner Dallas, TX Greenhill School Aman Sharma Portland, OR Westview High School Rylan Shewmaker Abilene, TX  Abilene High School Madison Smither New Orleans, LA Benjamin Franklin High School Maggie Stein Dallas, TX The Hockaday School Michelle Tang Houston, TX Bellaire Senior High School Olivia Vines Austin, TX L.C. Anderson High School   Annabelle Vu Houston, TX Jersey Village High School   Frank Yang Houston, TX Memorial Senior High School  

Forty Acres Scholars Class of 2021 Finalists Announced

The Forty Acres Scholars Program has announced an impressive list of 45 finalists for the Class of 2021. These high school seniors, who hail from four states outside of Texas—and of course from all over the Lone Star State—are exceptional inside and outside of the classroom. Among them are founders of companies and nonprofits, app developers, editors of school newspapers and literary journals, club presidents, team captains, varsity athletes, researchers, student pilots, and talented dancers and actors. This remarkable group of students will visit Austin on March 2-4 to interview for a spot as a Forty Acres Scholar—the premier full-ride, merit-based scholarship at The University of Texas at Austin. Learn more about this year's finalists below. Meet the finalists: Alicia Alvarez Houston, TX YES Prep - North Forest   Travis Arnold Spring, TX Klein High School Abhinav Ashar Cypress, TX  Cypress Woods High School Sabrina Benitez McAllen, TX McAllen Memorial High School Mary Margaret Burniston Kerrville, TX Tivy High School  Olivia Cardenas Houston, TX The High School for Performing & Visual Arts Anne Chow Austin, TX Westwood High School Alex Chukwuma Allen, TX Allen High School Ricky Cooks Wake Village, TX Texas High School Shanaya Cross Corpus Christi, TX W.B. Ray High School Carlyn Crow Austin, TX James Bowie High School Carrie Cruces Houston, TX Saint Agnes Academy Kevin Dalton Naperville, IL Naperville North High School Joshua De Anda El Paso, TX El Paso High School Ashley Deuster Houston, TX The Kinkaid School Alyssa Diaz Edinburg, TX Edinburg High School Zakiyya Ellington Allen, TX Allen High School Scott Gold Houston, TX Emery High School Morgan Grosch Spicewood, TX Cedar Park High School Shehryar Khursheed McAllen, Tx IDEA Quest College Preparatory  Min Kim Austin, TX Westwood High School Joe Levin Pacific Palisades, CA Harvard-Westlake School Desiree Lopez Rowlett, TX Garland High School Pierce Lowary Dallas, TX Highland Park High School   Faith Matheson Katy, TX Cinco Ranch High School   John McDonald Spring, TX Klein High School   Ronen Melloul Houston, TX Carnegie Vanguard High School   Yessmeen Moharram Plano, TX Plano Senior High School Cat Palacios Edinburg, TX Robert Vela High School Hannah Penley Houston, TX Clear Lake High School   Bhavana Penmetsa Plano, TX Imagine International Academy of North Texas Shilpa Rajagopal Irvine, CA Northwood High School Gabriel Ramirez McAllen, TX McAllen High School Margaret Rauch Downers Grove, IL Saint Ignatius College Preparatory School   Justin Rhines Canton, IL Bishop Thomas K. Gorman High School   Alejandra Rocha Brownsville, TX Saint Joseph Academy   Zach Rudner Dallas, TX Greenhill School Aman Sharma Portland, OR Westview High School Rylan Shewmaker Abilene, TX  Abilene High School Madison Smither New Orleans, LA Benjamin Franklin High School Maggie Stein Dallas, TX The Hockaday School Michelle Tang Houston, TX Bellaire Senior High School Olivia Vines Austin, TX L.C. Anderson High School   Annabelle Vu Houston, TX Jersey Village High School   Frank Yang Houston, TX Memorial Senior High School  

Forty Acres Scholars Class of 2021 Finalists Announced

The Forty Acres Scholars Program has announced an impressive list of 45 finalists for the Class of 2021. These high school seniors, who hail from four states outside of Texas—and of course from all over the Lone Star State—are exceptional inside and outside of the classroom. Among them are founders of companies and nonprofits, app developers, editors of school newspapers and literary journals, club presidents, team captains, varsity athletes, researchers, student pilots, and talented dancers and actors. This remarkable group of students will visit Austin on March 2-4 to interview for a spot as a Forty Acres Scholar—the premier full-ride, merit-based scholarship at The University of Texas at Austin. Learn more about this year's finalists below. Meet the finalists: Alicia Alvarez Houston, TX YES Prep - North Forest   Travis Arnold Spring, TX Klein High School Abhinav Ashar Cypress, TX  Cypress Woods High School Sabrina Benitez McAllen, TX McAllen Memorial High School Mary Margaret Burniston Kerrville, TX Tivy High School  Olivia Cardenas Houston, TX The High School for Performing & Visual Arts Anne Chow Austin, TX Westwood High School Alex Chukwuma Allen, TX Allen High School Ricky Cooks Wake Village, TX Texas High School Shanaya Cross Corpus Christi, TX W.B. Ray High School Carlyn Crow Austin, TX James Bowie High School Carrie Cruces Houston, TX Saint Agnes Academy Kevin Dalton Naperville, IL Naperville North High School Joshua De Anda El Paso, TX El Paso High School Ashley Deuster Houston, TX The Kinkaid School Alyssa Diaz Edinburg, TX Edinburg High School Zakiyya Ellington Allen, TX Allen High School Scott Gold Houston, TX Emery High School Morgan Grosch Spicewood, TX Cedar Park High School Shehryar Khursheed McAllen, Tx IDEA Quest College Preparatory  Min Kim Austin, TX Westwood High School Joe Levin Pacific Palisades, CA Harvard-Westlake School Desiree Lopez Rowlett, TX Garland High School Pierce Lowary Dallas, TX Highland Park High School   Faith Matheson Katy, TX Cinco Ranch High School   John McDonald Spring, TX Klein High School   Ronen Melloul Houston, TX Carnegie Vanguard High School   Yessmeen Moharram Plano, TX Plano Senior High School Cat Palacios Edinburg, TX Robert Vela High School Hannah Penley Houston, TX Clear Lake High School   Bhavana Penmetsa Plano, TX Imagine International Academy of North Texas Shilpa Rajagopal Irvine, CA Northwood High School Gabriel Ramirez McAllen, TX McAllen High School Margaret Rauch Downers Grove, IL Saint Ignatius College Preparatory School   Justin Rhines Canton, IL Bishop Thomas K. Gorman High School   Alejandra Rocha Brownsville, TX Saint Joseph Academy   Zach Rudner Dallas, TX Greenhill School Aman Sharma Portland, OR Westview High School Rylan Shewmaker Abilene, TX  Abilene High School Madison Smither New Orleans, LA Benjamin Franklin High School Maggie Stein Dallas, TX The Hockaday School Michelle Tang Houston, TX Bellaire Senior High School Olivia Vines Austin, TX L.C. Anderson High School   Annabelle Vu Houston, TX Jersey Village High School   Frank Yang Houston, TX Memorial Senior High School  

Meet the Forty Acres Scholars Program Class of 2020

The Texas Exes is pleased to announce the Forty Acres Scholars Program Class of 2020. More than 3,400 students applied for the University of Texas at Austin’s premier full-ride, merit-based scholarship, and 21 exceptional scholars were selected from a group of 58 finalists. The scholars range from musicians to athletes, and filmmakers to volunteers. Among the impressive class is a business owner, a professional mariachi, and a licensed radio host. Many more are student government leaders, varsity athletes, and newspaper editors. Administered by the Texas Exes, the Forty Acres Scholars Program offers a rich college experience that provides academic, leadership, and cultural opportunities within a close-knit cohort of fellow scholars. Funding provides for tuition, a living stipend, a book stipend, and an enrichment stipend for approved academic, leadership, professional and service activities. Throughout the four years, scholars benefit from a variety of programming opportunities and alumni connections. Meet the Class of 2020: Manjula Andukuri from Austin, Texas is the recipient of the Carol and Gary Kelly Forty Acres Scholarship. At Westwood High School, Andukuri was the president and founder of a club promoting civic engagement among high school students called Serving Our Society, a member of the varsity drill team, and the president of DECA, where she was a state finalist all four years. She was also a member of National Honor Society and a National Merit Scholar. After graduating as salutatorian, she plans to study chemical engineering honors in hopes of becoming a social entrepreneur. She is the daughter of Usha and Murthy Andukuri.       Cole Bennette from Houston, Texas is a recipient of the AIM Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending Carnegie Vanguard High School, he was a varsity cross country runner, a Boy Scout senior patrol leader, and an editor for the school newspaper. He was also vice president of the DoSomething Club, an international volunteering organization. On the weekends, he likes to DJ and play the ukulele. At UT, he plans to major in architecture. He is the son of Shirley Taloff and Brian Bennette.         Will Clark from Dallas, Texas is the recipient of the Texas Exes Dallas Chapter Forty Acres Scholarship. At St. Mark's School, Clark was the managing editor of the school newspaper and winner of the Texas High School Journalist of the Year Award. He also placed second in the national competition for Journalist of the Year. In his spare time, he plays guitar in several bands that perform around Dallas. At UT, he will major in journalism. He is the son of Ellen and Ray Clark.             Alicia Crespin Moran from Pasadena, Texas is a recipient of the AIM Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship. As valedictorian of Pasadena Memorial High School, she served as class president as well as on the Student Board of Directors for the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Houston Branch. Moran was a member of multiple honor societies and clubs and was recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction. After living in El Salvador for nine years, she became passionate about community and social service, and is working on becoming trilingual in Italian. At UT, she plans to study business honors and finance. She is the daughter of Norma Moran De Crespin and Jose Crespin.       Siji Deleawe from Cedar Hill, Texas is the recipient of the George Kozmetsky Forty Acres Scholarship. As valedictorian of Cedar Hill Collegiate High School, Deleawe served as treasurer of student council, president of Youth Church Executive Council, head delegate for the Pan American Debate Team, and was an active volunteer. She was also a co-founder of both the Dress for Success Initiative for middle schoolers and the Rising Longhorns elementary mentoring program. At UT, she plans to double major in business honors and Plan II honors. She is the daughter of Agnes Deleawe and David Awe.         Ryan Diebner from Dallas, Texas is the recipient of the Ray and Denise Nixon Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending Greenhill School, Diebner was the captain of the varsity baseball and varsity volleyball teams, as well as a member of the varsity soccer team. Outside of sports, he was business manager on the school newspaper and a U.S. Presidential Scholar Nominee. He was named his school's Most Distinguished Math and Science Student, and worked as a private math tutor. At UT, he plans to study business honors. He is the son of Debbie and Jeff Diebner.           Skyler Frost from Morris Plains, New Jersey is the recipient of the Friends of Darrell K Royal Forty Acres Scholarship. At Morristown High School, Frost was the captain of the varsity soccer team, the executive sports producer for the school TV show, and a leader within Peer Group Connection, a mentoring program that helps freshmen, as well as special education students, transition to high school. He made a film that won first prize at the school's film festival, which was then inducted into the county's archives. As a licensed radio host, Frost announced high school sports games for three years. At UT, he will major in radio-television-film. He is the son of Audrey and Darren Frost.       Emily Gex from Houston, Texas is the recipient of the Karen and Charles Matthews, Jr. Forty Acres Scholarship. As co-valedictorian of Stratford High School, Gex was student body vice president and social chairman of the Spartanaire Dance Team. In addition to teaching children classical piano for four years, she founded an arts service company that teaches paint classes, called K&E Canvas Creations. Her artwork was chosen to be displayed at the Texas State Capitol. At UT, she plans to study business honors. She is the daughter of Michelle and Danny Gex.         Sophia Guirola from Dallas, Texas is the recipient of the Martin Dies, Jr. Forty Acres Scholarship. At Highland Park High School, Guirola was a National Hispanic Scholar and a volunteer with the Boys and Girls Club and Interfaith Housing Coalition, an organization that provides housing and job training for homeless families in the Dallas area. Before moving to Dallas in high school, she attended the American School of El Salvador, where she was president of the National Junior Honor Society and a student government leader. At UT, she plans to study international relations and global studies through liberal arts honors, as well as Latin American studies. She is the daughter of Camille and Jorge Guirola.       Clio Harralson from Austin, Texas is the recipient of the Susie and John L. Adams Forty Acres Scholarship. At L.C. Anderson High School, Harralson was the editor-in-chief of the yearbook, class president, and the treasurer of National Honor Society. She was also the co-founder of an anti-child trafficking club called Partners Against Child Trafficking, as well as a National Merit Finalist and a member of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. In her spare time, Harralson created her own design business called Think Ink Designs. At UT, she will double major in business honors and Plan II honors. She is the daughter of Sue and Scott Harralson.       Holden Hopkins from Corpus Christi, Texas is the recipient of the Fred A. Gottesman Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending W.B. Ray High School, he was the captain of the Academic Decathlon, Challenge and Mock Trial, senior captain of the varsity football team, and the founder of a charity that collects shoes for donation called Sole Brothers. He was also a National Merit Scholar and a member of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. After tearing his ACL and meniscus, he returned to playing football and was named Academic All-State Elite Offensive Lineman. At UT, he plans to study business honors and Plan II honors. He is the son of Jana and Josh Hopkins.         Lindsey Jacobe from Houston, Texas is the recipient of the John and Cynthia Adkins/Texas Exes Houston Chapter Forty Acres Scholarship. At The Kinkaid School, Jacobe was the editor-in-chief of the school yearbook, captain of the field hockey and lacrosse teams, and a Peer Mentor leader. She was a National Merit Commended Scholar and a member of the National Spanish Honors Society. Outside of school, she volunteered at a summer camp for children with mental and physical disabilities. At UT, she plans to double major in business honors and Plan II honors. She is the daughter of Marjorie and Lee Jacobe.         Scott Kennedy from Houston, Texas is the recipient of the Catherine G. and Sam L. Susser Forty Acres Scholarship. At Stratford High School, the co-valedictorian was the student body president, editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, and a National Merit Finalist. He was involved in his school district Improvement Team and was the co-chair of the district's Strategic Planning Committee. Kennedy also played football all four years and served as a homework mentor for elementary school children through Family Point Resources. At UT, he will study business honors. He is the son of Kimberly and Brian Kennedy.             McKenna Kernaghan from Austin, Texas is the recipient of the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by College of Education Advisory Council. At Hyde Park High School, Kernaghan was the founding member of the girls varsity golf team and the varsity volleyball MVP for two years. In addition to playing sports, she coached Special Olympics volleyball and golf. She was also co-founder and president of Christian Cousins Ministry, which helps the homeless and elderly. She wants to pursue a career as a physical therapist for athletes with disabilities by studying athletic training and Plan II honors at UT. She is the daughter of Tresa Rockwell.       Patrick Molina from Monte Alto, Texas is the recipient of the Stan L. McLelland Forty Acres Scholarship. As valedictorian of Edcouch-Elsa High School, he was the captain of the speech and debate team, a National Hispanic Merit Scholar, and his school's first AP Scholar with honors. He was also the lead violinist in the nationally ranked varsity mariachi and plays professionally as a mariachi outside of school. The self-proclaimed philosophy and comic book nerd plans to study geosystems engineering and hydrogeology at UT, with a certificate in public policy. He is the son of Juanita and Homer Molina.           Smitha Nagar from Pleasanton, California is the recipient of the Newton-Flawn Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending Amador Valley High School, Nagar was a National Merit Scholar, a member of the girls varsity golf team, and co-president of ACE Coding, a club that teaches young students programming skills. She was also the founder of an organization that helps middle school girls develop confidence and public speaking skills, called Speak Up. She discovered her love for research and the application of computer science to neuroscience while working as a research assistant at the University of California, San Francisco. At UT, she will major in computer science as a Turing Scholar. She is the daughter of Arathi and Niranjan Nagar.         Vikram Ramanathan from Austin, Texas is the recipient of the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Cockrell School of Engineering and the Chevron Enrichment Award. While attending Westwood High School, he was the founder of a startup that designs and sells unique steel decor, a drummer in a rock and metal band, and the founder and president of the Westwood Society of Automotive Engineers, a club affiliated with the UT-Austin Society of Automotive Engineers. Before moving to Austin, he attended high school in India, where he helped underprivileged, rural villages establish new sources of income. At UT, he will study mechanical engineering honors. He is the son of Anuradha and Ram Ramanathan.       Emma Rappold from McKinney, Texas is the recipient of the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Mark E. Reichek. At McKinney Boyd High School, Rappold was a National Merit Finalist, a producer of the school's broadcast news network, and participated in a mentor program where she studied filmmaking under a showrunner at AMS Pictures. She was also a student teacher and intern at a film acting studio called Young Actor's House. Rappold has recorded commercial voice-overs for Radio Disney since she was eight. At UT, she will major in radio-television-film as a Moody College of Communication Dean's Scholar. She is the daughter of Beth and Mike Rappold.         Lauren Smith from Houston, Texas is the recipient of the Mike A. Myers Forty Acres Scholarship and the Marilyn Marshall White Enrichment Award. At Saint John's School, she was the chair of the African American Affinity Group and captain of the cheer team, where she became a two-time NCA All-American Cheerleader. She also served as an English teacher for Breakthrough Houston School year program for three years and has been a longtime member of Girl Scouts of America. At UT, she plans to study public relations. She is the daughter of Teresa and Ronald Smith.             Jed Vick from Houston, Texas is the recipient of the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Cammy and Del Williams. At Mirabeau B. Lamar Senior High School, he was the founder of a recycling program, the founder and president of the Young Engineers Club, and a National Merit Scholar. He was also a TFA state champion in Public Forum Debate and has tutored at the Nehemiah Neighborhood Center, an after school facility for economically disadvantaged kids, the past four years. At UT, he will double major in mechanical engineering honors and Plan II honors, and hopes to study abroad. He is the son of Jeanne Marie Vick and John Vick.         Jill Young from Santa Clarita, California is the recipient of the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by College of Fine Arts. At Saugus High School, she was captain of the comedy improv team, the president of the speech team, vice president of the National Honors Society, theatre president, co-president of her school's Gay-Straight Alliance, and a National Merit Finalist. She will bring her love of performing to UT to study acting. She is the daughter of Heidi and Bill Young.

Meet the Forty Acres Scholars Program Class of 2020

The Texas Exes is pleased to announce the Forty Acres Scholars Program Class of 2020. More than 3,400 students applied for the University of Texas at Austin’s premier full-ride, merit-based scholarship, and 21 exceptional scholars were selected from a group of 58 finalists. The scholars range from musicians to athletes, and filmmakers to volunteers. Among the impressive class is a business owner, a professional mariachi, and a licensed radio host. Many more are student government leaders, varsity athletes, and newspaper editors. Administered by the Texas Exes, the Forty Acres Scholars Program offers a rich college experience that provides academic, leadership, and cultural opportunities within a close-knit cohort of fellow scholars. Funding provides for tuition, a living stipend, a book stipend, and an enrichment stipend for approved academic, leadership, professional and service activities. Throughout the four years, scholars benefit from a variety of programming opportunities and alumni connections. Meet the Class of 2020: Manjula Andukuri from Austin, Texas is the recipient of the Carol and Gary Kelly Forty Acres Scholarship. At Westwood High School, Andukuri was the president and founder of a club promoting civic engagement among high school students called Serving Our Society, a member of the varsity drill team, and the president of DECA, where she was a state finalist all four years. She was also a member of National Honor Society and a National Merit Scholar. After graduating as salutatorian, she plans to study chemical engineering honors in hopes of becoming a social entrepreneur. She is the daughter of Usha and Murthy Andukuri.       Cole Bennette from Houston, Texas is a recipient of the AIM Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending Carnegie Vanguard High School, he was a varsity cross country runner, a Boy Scout senior patrol leader, and an editor for the school newspaper. He was also vice president of the DoSomething Club, an international volunteering organization. On the weekends, he likes to DJ and play the ukulele. At UT, he plans to major in architecture. He is the son of Shirley Taloff and Brian Bennette.         Will Clark from Dallas, Texas is the recipient of the Texas Exes Dallas Chapter Forty Acres Scholarship. At St. Mark's School, Clark was the managing editor of the school newspaper and winner of the Texas High School Journalist of the Year Award. He also placed second in the national competition for Journalist of the Year. In his spare time, he plays guitar in several bands that perform around Dallas. At UT, he will major in journalism. He is the son of Ellen and Ray Clark.             Alicia Crespin Moran from Pasadena, Texas is a recipient of the AIM Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship. As valedictorian of Pasadena Memorial High School, she served as class president as well as on the Student Board of Directors for the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Houston Branch. Moran was a member of multiple honor societies and clubs and was recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction. After living in El Salvador for nine years, she became passionate about community and social service, and is working on becoming trilingual in Italian. At UT, she plans to study business honors and finance. She is the daughter of Norma Moran De Crespin and Jose Crespin.       Siji Deleawe from Cedar Hill, Texas is the recipient of the George Kozmetsky Forty Acres Scholarship. As valedictorian of Cedar Hill Collegiate High School, Deleawe served as treasurer of student council, president of Youth Church Executive Council, head delegate for the Pan American Debate Team, and was an active volunteer. She was also a co-founder of both the Dress for Success Initiative for middle schoolers and the Rising Longhorns elementary mentoring program. At UT, she plans to double major in business honors and Plan II honors. She is the daughter of Agnes Deleawe and David Awe.         Ryan Diebner from Dallas, Texas is the recipient of the Ray and Denise Nixon Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending Greenhill School, Diebner was the captain of the varsity baseball and varsity volleyball teams, as well as a member of the varsity soccer team. Outside of sports, he was business manager on the school newspaper and a U.S. Presidential Scholar Nominee. He was named his school's Most Distinguished Math and Science Student, and worked as a private math tutor. At UT, he plans to study business honors. He is the son of Debbie and Jeff Diebner.           Skyler Frost from Morris Plains, New Jersey is the recipient of the Friends of Darrell K Royal Forty Acres Scholarship. At Morristown High School, Frost was the captain of the varsity soccer team, the executive sports producer for the school TV show, and a leader within Peer Group Connection, a mentoring program that helps freshmen, as well as special education students, transition to high school. He made a film that won first prize at the school's film festival, which was then inducted into the county's archives. As a licensed radio host, Frost announced high school sports games for three years. At UT, he will major in radio-television-film. He is the son of Audrey and Darren Frost.       Emily Gex from Houston, Texas is the recipient of the Karen and Charles Matthews, Jr. Forty Acres Scholarship. As co-valedictorian of Stratford High School, Gex was student body vice president and social chairman of the Spartanaire Dance Team. In addition to teaching children classical piano for four years, she founded an arts service company that teaches paint classes, called K&E Canvas Creations. Her artwork was chosen to be displayed at the Texas State Capitol. At UT, she plans to study business honors. She is the daughter of Michelle and Danny Gex.         Sophia Guirola from Dallas, Texas is the recipient of the Martin Dies, Jr. Forty Acres Scholarship. At Highland Park High School, Guirola was a National Hispanic Scholar and a volunteer with the Boys and Girls Club and Interfaith Housing Coalition, an organization that provides housing and job training for homeless families in the Dallas area. Before moving to Dallas in high school, she attended the American School of El Salvador, where she was president of the National Junior Honor Society and a student government leader. At UT, she plans to study international relations and global studies through liberal arts honors, as well as Latin American studies. She is the daughter of Camille and Jorge Guirola.       Clio Harralson from Austin, Texas is the recipient of the Susie and John L. Adams Forty Acres Scholarship. At L.C. Anderson High School, Harralson was the editor-in-chief of the yearbook, class president, and the treasurer of National Honor Society. She was also the co-founder of an anti-child trafficking club called Partners Against Child Trafficking, as well as a National Merit Finalist and a member of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. In her spare time, Harralson created her own design business called Think Ink Designs. At UT, she will double major in business honors and Plan II honors. She is the daughter of Sue and Scott Harralson.       Holden Hopkins from Corpus Christi, Texas is the recipient of the Fred A. Gottesman Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending W.B. Ray High School, he was the captain of the Academic Decathlon, Challenge and Mock Trial, senior captain of the varsity football team, and the founder of a charity that collects shoes for donation called Sole Brothers. He was also a National Merit Scholar and a member of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. After tearing his ACL and meniscus, he returned to playing football and was named Academic All-State Elite Offensive Lineman. At UT, he plans to study business honors and Plan II honors. He is the son of Jana and Josh Hopkins.         Lindsey Jacobe from Houston, Texas is the recipient of the John and Cynthia Adkins/Texas Exes Houston Chapter Forty Acres Scholarship. At The Kinkaid School, Jacobe was the editor-in-chief of the school yearbook, captain of the field hockey and lacrosse teams, and a Peer Mentor leader. She was a National Merit Commended Scholar and a member of the National Spanish Honors Society. Outside of school, she volunteered at a summer camp for children with mental and physical disabilities. At UT, she plans to double major in business honors and Plan II honors. She is the daughter of Marjorie and Lee Jacobe.         Scott Kennedy from Houston, Texas is the recipient of the Catherine G. and Sam L. Susser Forty Acres Scholarship. At Stratford High School, the co-valedictorian was the student body president, editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, and a National Merit Finalist. He was involved in his school district Improvement Team and was the co-chair of the district's Strategic Planning Committee. Kennedy also played football all four years and served as a homework mentor for elementary school children through Family Point Resources. At UT, he will study business honors. He is the son of Kimberly and Brian Kennedy.             McKenna Kernaghan from Austin, Texas is the recipient of the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by College of Education Advisory Council. At Hyde Park High School, Kernaghan was the founding member of the girls varsity golf team and the varsity volleyball MVP for two years. In addition to playing sports, she coached Special Olympics volleyball and golf. She was also co-founder and president of Christian Cousins Ministry, which helps the homeless and elderly. She wants to pursue a career as a physical therapist for athletes with disabilities by studying athletic training and Plan II honors at UT. She is the daughter of Tresa Rockwell.       Patrick Molina from Monte Alto, Texas is the recipient of the Stan L. McLelland Forty Acres Scholarship. As valedictorian of Edcouch-Elsa High School, he was the captain of the speech and debate team, a National Hispanic Merit Scholar, and his school's first AP Scholar with honors. He was also the lead violinist in the nationally ranked varsity mariachi and plays professionally as a mariachi outside of school. The self-proclaimed philosophy and comic book nerd plans to study geosystems engineering and hydrogeology at UT, with a certificate in public policy. He is the son of Juanita and Homer Molina.           Smitha Nagar from Pleasanton, California is the recipient of the Newton-Flawn Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending Amador Valley High School, Nagar was a National Merit Scholar, a member of the girls varsity golf team, and co-president of ACE Coding, a club that teaches young students programming skills. She was also the founder of an organization that helps middle school girls develop confidence and public speaking skills, called Speak Up. She discovered her love for research and the application of computer science to neuroscience while working as a research assistant at the University of California, San Francisco. At UT, she will major in computer science as a Turing Scholar. She is the daughter of Arathi and Niranjan Nagar.         Vikram Ramanathan from Austin, Texas is the recipient of the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Cockrell School of Engineering and the Chevron Enrichment Award. While attending Westwood High School, he was the founder of a startup that designs and sells unique steel decor, a drummer in a rock and metal band, and the founder and president of the Westwood Society of Automotive Engineers, a club affiliated with the UT-Austin Society of Automotive Engineers. Before moving to Austin, he attended high school in India, where he helped underprivileged, rural villages establish new sources of income. At UT, he will study mechanical engineering honors. He is the son of Anuradha and Ram Ramanathan.       Emma Rappold from McKinney, Texas is the recipient of the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Mark E. Reichek. At McKinney Boyd High School, Rappold was a National Merit Finalist, a producer of the school's broadcast news network, and participated in a mentor program where she studied filmmaking under a showrunner at AMS Pictures. She was also a student teacher and intern at a film acting studio called Young Actor's House. Rappold has recorded commercial voice-overs for Radio Disney since she was eight. At UT, she will major in radio-television-film as a Moody College of Communication Dean's Scholar. She is the daughter of Beth and Mike Rappold.         Lauren Smith from Houston, Texas is the recipient of the Mike A. Myers Forty Acres Scholarship and the Marilyn Marshall White Enrichment Award. At Saint John's School, she was the chair of the African American Affinity Group and captain of the cheer team, where she became a two-time NCA All-American Cheerleader. She also served as an English teacher for Breakthrough Houston School year program for three years and has been a longtime member of Girl Scouts of America. At UT, she plans to study public relations. She is the daughter of Teresa and Ronald Smith.             Jed Vick from Houston, Texas is the recipient of the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Cammy and Del Williams. At Mirabeau B. Lamar Senior High School, he was the founder of a recycling program, the founder and president of the Young Engineers Club, and a National Merit Scholar. He was also a TFA state champion in Public Forum Debate and has tutored at the Nehemiah Neighborhood Center, an after school facility for economically disadvantaged kids, the past four years. At UT, he will double major in mechanical engineering honors and Plan II honors, and hopes to study abroad. He is the son of Jeanne Marie Vick and John Vick.         Jill Young from Santa Clarita, California is the recipient of the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by College of Fine Arts. At Saugus High School, she was captain of the comedy improv team, the president of the speech team, vice president of the National Honors Society, theatre president, co-president of her school's Gay-Straight Alliance, and a National Merit Finalist. She will bring her love of performing to UT to study acting. She is the daughter of Heidi and Bill Young.

The Wizarding World of Giancarlo Bernini

Getting to know a magical Forty Acres Scholar The résumés of super-achieving high school students often look the same. But Giancarlo Bernini, a recipient of the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship supported by Nolan Perez, always stood out in his hometown of Mission, Texas. At 19, Bernini, Class of 2019, is a professional magician, poet, amateur hypnotist, and a serious collector of Harry Potter movie-prop replicas. We sat down during his second week of classes at UT, where he is majoring in radio-television-film. What is it like coming from Mission to Austin? Mission is a relatively small city, so the university and beyond is a little overwhelming. I’m trying to remember that old adage: “You can’t make a small university big, but you can make a big university small.”  I’ve been meeting a lot of people and finding my way around but it’s definitely a big change. Was there a moment when you realized that your life had changed? Well it’s the silliest thing, but I realized I have to do laundry now. Also there’s a Wendy’s right across the street from Moore-Hill [my dorm]. I have to constantly remind myself: Just because it’s right there doesn’t mean you have to go there. I’m struggling with that! It’s all symbolizing the fact that I’m in control right now. I’m an adult. You are majoring in RTF; what’s your dream career? I’d like to go into directing or editing. What kind of movies do you want to make? I want to make family movies, comedies, and possibly documentaries. I’m a big fan ofHarry Potter and other huge fandom movies. I think book adaptations is where I’ll find my niche. You are the vice president of the International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring 269. How did you first get interested in magic? My dad showed me a card trick when I was about 10 years old and I fell in love with the idea of putting a little spark of weird into a person’s day. For a moment there they are like, “What just happened?” My dad works as an oncologist at a children’s cancer clinic in McAllen, and I would do magic tricks for the patients in the lobby. That’s how I got my practice, and I got to really experience the power that magic has. These kids were going through chemotherapy. They were tired and really struggling. Obviously it’s not the most pleasant place in the world, but magic brought a smile to their faces. That’s when I realized it wasn’t just a cool hobby—magic is something that can impact people and brighten their day. Who was your favorite teacher in high school? There was one teacher who made a huge difference in my life—Mr. Martinez, my senior English teacher. He was very focused on the spiritual part of growing up and helping teenagers find their way. He emphasized the importance of loving other people and spreading joy and peace. That was a big thing he always said: “Don’t look for happiness, look for peace.” What do you think of the Forty Acres Scholars Program so far? The program has been absolutely incredible. It’s only the second week of school, and the opportunities presented to me have been phenomenal. There’s a calendar of events, and I can’t wait to attend everything. How did you learn about FASP? A college-admissions counselor told me that I should look into it. I wasn’t expecting much, but I just said, “Oh well, I’ll give it a shot and see what happens.” Then I made the semifinals, and I was like, wow, this could actually happen. Then when I went to Finalist Weekend and I got the call I was blown away. UT had always been one of my top schools—close to home and obviously one of the best in the country. [caption id="attachment_4817" align="alignleft" width="329"] GIANCARLO BERNINI DEFIES GRAVITY IN HIS DORMITORY HALLWAY.[/caption] I understand you have started dabbling in hypnosis. Tell us about that. I went to see a staged hypnotist’s show one time and I saw people fall into a trance; it was weird. After the show, I went up to him and he told me that it’s just psychology, not magic or witchcraft or anything like that. He recommended a few books and videos, and I started reading. It’s relaxing your body into a state where you are kind of half-asleep and half-awake, but you are in control the whole time. I don’t like to talk about it too much because people tend to think it’s creepy and scary, but it’s really not. It’s entertainment. Your bio says that you’re an avid collector of Harry Potter memorabilia. Oh yes. I have this little corner in my dorm filled with my Harry Potter collection. I collect prop replicas from the films. I have a lot of the wands, the sword of Gryffindor, sorting hats, movie posters. Harry Potter is actually the reason I got into RTF. I had the DVD set, and after a while I realized I was spending more time watching the behind-the-scenes footage and commentary from the directors than I was the actual movies. How does your roommate feel about your collection? He likes it. He’s obviously not as big of a fan as I am, but he likes it. If you were going to be sorted into a house at Hogwarts, which house would it be? Oh wow. [Takes a deep breath.] I like to think of myself as a Gryffindor. I’m a Gryffindor at heart—I know I’m a Gryffindor. But all my friends are quick to point out that on Pottermore, J.K. Rowling’s official website, I was sorted into Hufflepuff. And I’m not too pleased with that. What do you hope to take away from this scholarship program? When I first heard about the enrichment funds and everything else the scholarship has to offer, I told myself I would take advantage of every opportunity. I have four years to figure out what I want to do with my life with the scholarship backing me up. Four years from now, hopefully I’ll be working my way up in the world of film. The scholarship is giving me the foundation I’ll need. Photos by Anna Donlan.

The Wizarding World of Giancarlo Bernini

Getting to know a magical Forty Acres Scholar The résumés of super-achieving high school students often look the same. But Giancarlo Bernini, a recipient of the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship supported by Nolan Perez, always stood out in his hometown of Mission, Texas. At 19, Bernini, Class of 2019, is a professional magician, poet, amateur hypnotist, and a serious collector of Harry Potter movie-prop replicas. We sat down during his second week of classes at UT, where he is majoring in radio-television-film. What is it like coming from Mission to Austin? Mission is a relatively small city, so the university and beyond is a little overwhelming. I’m trying to remember that old adage: “You can’t make a small university big, but you can make a big university small.”  I’ve been meeting a lot of people and finding my way around but it’s definitely a big change. Was there a moment when you realized that your life had changed? Well it’s the silliest thing, but I realized I have to do laundry now. Also there’s a Wendy’s right across the street from Moore-Hill [my dorm]. I have to constantly remind myself: Just because it’s right there doesn’t mean you have to go there. I’m struggling with that! It’s all symbolizing the fact that I’m in control right now. I’m an adult. You are majoring in RTF; what’s your dream career? I’d like to go into directing or editing. What kind of movies do you want to make? I want to make family movies, comedies, and possibly documentaries. I’m a big fan ofHarry Potter and other huge fandom movies. I think book adaptations is where I’ll find my niche. You are the vice president of the International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring 269. How did you first get interested in magic? My dad showed me a card trick when I was about 10 years old and I fell in love with the idea of putting a little spark of weird into a person’s day. For a moment there they are like, “What just happened?” My dad works as an oncologist at a children’s cancer clinic in McAllen, and I would do magic tricks for the patients in the lobby. That’s how I got my practice, and I got to really experience the power that magic has. These kids were going through chemotherapy. They were tired and really struggling. Obviously it’s not the most pleasant place in the world, but magic brought a smile to their faces. That’s when I realized it wasn’t just a cool hobby—magic is something that can impact people and brighten their day. Who was your favorite teacher in high school? There was one teacher who made a huge difference in my life—Mr. Martinez, my senior English teacher. He was very focused on the spiritual part of growing up and helping teenagers find their way. He emphasized the importance of loving other people and spreading joy and peace. That was a big thing he always said: “Don’t look for happiness, look for peace.” What do you think of the Forty Acres Scholars Program so far? The program has been absolutely incredible. It’s only the second week of school, and the opportunities presented to me have been phenomenal. There’s a calendar of events, and I can’t wait to attend everything. How did you learn about FASP? A college-admissions counselor told me that I should look into it. I wasn’t expecting much, but I just said, “Oh well, I’ll give it a shot and see what happens.” Then I made the semifinals, and I was like, wow, this could actually happen. Then when I went to Finalist Weekend and I got the call I was blown away. UT had always been one of my top schools—close to home and obviously one of the best in the country. [caption id="attachment_4817" align="alignleft" width="329"] GIANCARLO BERNINI DEFIES GRAVITY IN HIS DORMITORY HALLWAY.[/caption] I understand you have started dabbling in hypnosis. Tell us about that. I went to see a staged hypnotist’s show one time and I saw people fall into a trance; it was weird. After the show, I went up to him and he told me that it’s just psychology, not magic or witchcraft or anything like that. He recommended a few books and videos, and I started reading. It’s relaxing your body into a state where you are kind of half-asleep and half-awake, but you are in control the whole time. I don’t like to talk about it too much because people tend to think it’s creepy and scary, but it’s really not. It’s entertainment. Your bio says that you’re an avid collector of Harry Potter memorabilia. Oh yes. I have this little corner in my dorm filled with my Harry Potter collection. I collect prop replicas from the films. I have a lot of the wands, the sword of Gryffindor, sorting hats, movie posters. Harry Potter is actually the reason I got into RTF. I had the DVD set, and after a while I realized I was spending more time watching the behind-the-scenes footage and commentary from the directors than I was the actual movies. How does your roommate feel about your collection? He likes it. He’s obviously not as big of a fan as I am, but he likes it. If you were going to be sorted into a house at Hogwarts, which house would it be? Oh wow. [Takes a deep breath.] I like to think of myself as a Gryffindor. I’m a Gryffindor at heart—I know I’m a Gryffindor. But all my friends are quick to point out that on Pottermore, J.K. Rowling’s official website, I was sorted into Hufflepuff. And I’m not too pleased with that. What do you hope to take away from this scholarship program? When I first heard about the enrichment funds and everything else the scholarship has to offer, I told myself I would take advantage of every opportunity. I have four years to figure out what I want to do with my life with the scholarship backing me up. Four years from now, hopefully I’ll be working my way up in the world of film. The scholarship is giving me the foundation I’ll need. Photos by Anna Donlan.

The Wizarding World of Giancarlo Bernini

Getting to know a magical Forty Acres Scholar The résumés of super-achieving high school students often look the same. But Giancarlo Bernini, a recipient of the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship supported by Nolan Perez, always stood out in his hometown of Mission, Texas. At 19, Bernini, Class of 2019, is a professional magician, poet, amateur hypnotist, and a serious collector of Harry Potter movie-prop replicas. We sat down during his second week of classes at UT, where he is majoring in radio-television-film. What is it like coming from Mission to Austin? Mission is a relatively small city, so the university and beyond is a little overwhelming. I’m trying to remember that old adage: “You can’t make a small university big, but you can make a big university small.”  I’ve been meeting a lot of people and finding my way around but it’s definitely a big change. Was there a moment when you realized that your life had changed? Well it’s the silliest thing, but I realized I have to do laundry now. Also there’s a Wendy’s right across the street from Moore-Hill [my dorm]. I have to constantly remind myself: Just because it’s right there doesn’t mean you have to go there. I’m struggling with that! It’s all symbolizing the fact that I’m in control right now. I’m an adult. You are majoring in RTF; what’s your dream career? I’d like to go into directing or editing. What kind of movies do you want to make? I want to make family movies, comedies, and possibly documentaries. I’m a big fan ofHarry Potter and other huge fandom movies. I think book adaptations is where I’ll find my niche. You are the vice president of the International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring 269. How did you first get interested in magic? My dad showed me a card trick when I was about 10 years old and I fell in love with the idea of putting a little spark of weird into a person’s day. For a moment there they are like, “What just happened?” My dad works as an oncologist at a children’s cancer clinic in McAllen, and I would do magic tricks for the patients in the lobby. That’s how I got my practice, and I got to really experience the power that magic has. These kids were going through chemotherapy. They were tired and really struggling. Obviously it’s not the most pleasant place in the world, but magic brought a smile to their faces. That’s when I realized it wasn’t just a cool hobby—magic is something that can impact people and brighten their day. Who was your favorite teacher in high school? There was one teacher who made a huge difference in my life—Mr. Martinez, my senior English teacher. He was very focused on the spiritual part of growing up and helping teenagers find their way. He emphasized the importance of loving other people and spreading joy and peace. That was a big thing he always said: “Don’t look for happiness, look for peace.” What do you think of the Forty Acres Scholars Program so far? The program has been absolutely incredible. It’s only the second week of school, and the opportunities presented to me have been phenomenal. There’s a calendar of events, and I can’t wait to attend everything. How did you learn about FASP? A college-admissions counselor told me that I should look into it. I wasn’t expecting much, but I just said, “Oh well, I’ll give it a shot and see what happens.” Then I made the semifinals, and I was like, wow, this could actually happen. Then when I went to Finalist Weekend and I got the call I was blown away. UT had always been one of my top schools—close to home and obviously one of the best in the country. [caption id="attachment_4817" align="alignleft" width="329"] GIANCARLO BERNINI DEFIES GRAVITY IN HIS DORMITORY HALLWAY.[/caption] I understand you have started dabbling in hypnosis. Tell us about that. I went to see a staged hypnotist’s show one time and I saw people fall into a trance; it was weird. After the show, I went up to him and he told me that it’s just psychology, not magic or witchcraft or anything like that. He recommended a few books and videos, and I started reading. It’s relaxing your body into a state where you are kind of half-asleep and half-awake, but you are in control the whole time. I don’t like to talk about it too much because people tend to think it’s creepy and scary, but it’s really not. It’s entertainment. Your bio says that you’re an avid collector of Harry Potter memorabilia. Oh yes. I have this little corner in my dorm filled with my Harry Potter collection. I collect prop replicas from the films. I have a lot of the wands, the sword of Gryffindor, sorting hats, movie posters. Harry Potter is actually the reason I got into RTF. I had the DVD set, and after a while I realized I was spending more time watching the behind-the-scenes footage and commentary from the directors than I was the actual movies. How does your roommate feel about your collection? He likes it. He’s obviously not as big of a fan as I am, but he likes it. If you were going to be sorted into a house at Hogwarts, which house would it be? Oh wow. [Takes a deep breath.] I like to think of myself as a Gryffindor. I’m a Gryffindor at heart—I know I’m a Gryffindor. But all my friends are quick to point out that on Pottermore, J.K. Rowling’s official website, I was sorted into Hufflepuff. And I’m not too pleased with that. What do you hope to take away from this scholarship program? When I first heard about the enrichment funds and everything else the scholarship has to offer, I told myself I would take advantage of every opportunity. I have four years to figure out what I want to do with my life with the scholarship backing me up. Four years from now, hopefully I’ll be working my way up in the world of film. The scholarship is giving me the foundation I’ll need. Photos by Anna Donlan.

"This Program Hasn't Just Blessed My Life": Marisa Swanson Reflects on Her Cohort's Four Years

Marisa Swanson is a UT senior studying social work and Plan II and the recipient of the Tom and Sally Dunning Forty Acres Scholarship. Swanson was a featured speaker at this year’s Texas Exes Dallas Chapter Scholarship Dinner at the Belo Mansion. The following is a transcript of her remarks. Good evening. I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak here tonight. I was lucky enough to speak at this exact same dinner three years ago, when I was just a freshman. Looking back, it’s crazy to think how much in my life has changed since then! I’ve interned with a nonprofit in Dallas, studied the foundations of social work abroad in London, and made connections with inspiring UT faculty members and alumni. I don’t know many 21-year-olds who can say they’ve shaken hands with Laura Bush, Admiral McRaven, Robert Rodriguez AND Matthew McConaughey, but I’m proud to be one of them - and it is all thanks to the Forty Acres Scholars Program. But this program hasn’t just blessed my life; it has aided my entire cohort in seeing our true potential and achieving our dreams. My cohort, composed of 14 amazing individuals, is one of the most diverse, hard-working, and talented group of young men and women that you could ever hope to meet. It would be impossible for me to go into enough detail to describe all of the fantastic feats my fellow cohort members have accomplished - but I’m going to try. This cohort takes academics seriously, with an overall average GPA of 3.8. Various members have been involved in research on campus, some working on the same projects for multiple semesters or years. One of our members, Arjun Rawal, will be traveling to Washington D.C. next semester to take part in the Archer Fellows Program, and many of us have studied abroad in countries such as England, Italy, Argentina, Egypt, Australia, and Botswana, proving that our influence expands far beyond the UT campus. We like extracurriculars. A lot. Seven of our 14 members have either founded or served as the President for one or more organizations on campus. Two students were recently inducted in the prestigious (and highly secretive) Friar Society. We have both one Orange Jacket and one Texas Blazer, and four of our members have been or are currently involved in the student government system. We have members in dance clubs, in environmental groups, in fashion clubs. We have members who have served as mentors at Honors Colloquium and at Camp Texas. We have members like Amy Enrione, who literally changed the criteria of the Freshman Interest Group model (or FIG) so that it now includes a mandatory service component. We have, to put it simply, a group of rockstars. The most exciting aspect of my cohort is that our adventures and accomplishments will not end next May. Already, we have begun planning our next steps. Some of us will remain at UT a little while longer to finish up degree plans and make one last powerful impact on campus. Some, like myself, will go onto graduate school or medical school (although I suppose I have to get into grad school first). Some will be entering the “real world”, like Cole Paxson, who will be working as a petroleum engineer for Anadarko Petroleum, or Caroline Meyerson, who received a job offer to work in New York in L’Oreal’s Management Development Program. Although we will be going our separate ways, it is safe to say we will remain connected for the rest of our lives thanks to this program, and can forever look to one another for support, inspiration, and friendship. The Forty Acres Scholars Program is doing exactly what it is meant to be doing - bringing the best and the brightest high school students to UT Austin, and offering them the chance to utilize their minds and skillsets at a premiere university nestled in the heart of Texas. I want to sincerely thank you all for your continued support of myself, my cohort, and this program. We wouldn’t be where we are without you. Thank you, and Hook ‘Em!   Marisa Swanson at the Texas Exes Dallas Chapter Scholarship Dinner with her parents. Photo courtesy of Marisa Swanson.

"This Program Hasn't Just Blessed My Life": Marisa Swanson Reflects on Her Cohort's Four Years

Marisa Swanson is a UT senior studying social work and Plan II and the recipient of the Tom and Sally Dunning Forty Acres Scholarship. Swanson was a featured speaker at this year’s Texas Exes Dallas Chapter Scholarship Dinner at the Belo Mansion. The following is a transcript of her remarks. Good evening. I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak here tonight. I was lucky enough to speak at this exact same dinner three years ago, when I was just a freshman. Looking back, it’s crazy to think how much in my life has changed since then! I’ve interned with a nonprofit in Dallas, studied the foundations of social work abroad in London, and made connections with inspiring UT faculty members and alumni. I don’t know many 21-year-olds who can say they’ve shaken hands with Laura Bush, Admiral McRaven, Robert Rodriguez AND Matthew McConaughey, but I’m proud to be one of them - and it is all thanks to the Forty Acres Scholars Program. But this program hasn’t just blessed my life; it has aided my entire cohort in seeing our true potential and achieving our dreams. My cohort, composed of 14 amazing individuals, is one of the most diverse, hard-working, and talented group of young men and women that you could ever hope to meet. It would be impossible for me to go into enough detail to describe all of the fantastic feats my fellow cohort members have accomplished - but I’m going to try. This cohort takes academics seriously, with an overall average GPA of 3.8. Various members have been involved in research on campus, some working on the same projects for multiple semesters or years. One of our members, Arjun Rawal, will be traveling to Washington D.C. next semester to take part in the Archer Fellows Program, and many of us have studied abroad in countries such as England, Italy, Argentina, Egypt, Australia, and Botswana, proving that our influence expands far beyond the UT campus. We like extracurriculars. A lot. Seven of our 14 members have either founded or served as the President for one or more organizations on campus. Two students were recently inducted in the prestigious (and highly secretive) Friar Society. We have both one Orange Jacket and one Texas Blazer, and four of our members have been or are currently involved in the student government system. We have members in dance clubs, in environmental groups, in fashion clubs. We have members who have served as mentors at Honors Colloquium and at Camp Texas. We have members like Amy Enrione, who literally changed the criteria of the Freshman Interest Group model (or FIG) so that it now includes a mandatory service component. We have, to put it simply, a group of rockstars. The most exciting aspect of my cohort is that our adventures and accomplishments will not end next May. Already, we have begun planning our next steps. Some of us will remain at UT a little while longer to finish up degree plans and make one last powerful impact on campus. Some, like myself, will go onto graduate school or medical school (although I suppose I have to get into grad school first). Some will be entering the “real world”, like Cole Paxson, who will be working as a petroleum engineer for Anadarko Petroleum, or Caroline Meyerson, who received a job offer to work in New York in L’Oreal’s Management Development Program. Although we will be going our separate ways, it is safe to say we will remain connected for the rest of our lives thanks to this program, and can forever look to one another for support, inspiration, and friendship. The Forty Acres Scholars Program is doing exactly what it is meant to be doing - bringing the best and the brightest high school students to UT Austin, and offering them the chance to utilize their minds and skillsets at a premiere university nestled in the heart of Texas. I want to sincerely thank you all for your continued support of myself, my cohort, and this program. We wouldn’t be where we are without you. Thank you, and Hook ‘Em!   Marisa Swanson at the Texas Exes Dallas Chapter Scholarship Dinner with her parents. Photo courtesy of Marisa Swanson.

"This Program Hasn't Just Blessed My Life": Marisa Swanson Reflects on Her Cohort's Four Years

Marisa Swanson is a UT senior studying social work and Plan II and the recipient of the Tom and Sally Dunning Forty Acres Scholarship. Swanson was a featured speaker at this year’s Texas Exes Dallas Chapter Scholarship Dinner at the Belo Mansion. The following is a transcript of her remarks. Good evening. I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak here tonight. I was lucky enough to speak at this exact same dinner three years ago, when I was just a freshman. Looking back, it’s crazy to think how much in my life has changed since then! I’ve interned with a nonprofit in Dallas, studied the foundations of social work abroad in London, and made connections with inspiring UT faculty members and alumni. I don’t know many 21-year-olds who can say they’ve shaken hands with Laura Bush, Admiral McRaven, Robert Rodriguez AND Matthew McConaughey, but I’m proud to be one of them - and it is all thanks to the Forty Acres Scholars Program. But this program hasn’t just blessed my life; it has aided my entire cohort in seeing our true potential and achieving our dreams. My cohort, composed of 14 amazing individuals, is one of the most diverse, hard-working, and talented group of young men and women that you could ever hope to meet. It would be impossible for me to go into enough detail to describe all of the fantastic feats my fellow cohort members have accomplished - but I’m going to try. This cohort takes academics seriously, with an overall average GPA of 3.8. Various members have been involved in research on campus, some working on the same projects for multiple semesters or years. One of our members, Arjun Rawal, will be traveling to Washington D.C. next semester to take part in the Archer Fellows Program, and many of us have studied abroad in countries such as England, Italy, Argentina, Egypt, Australia, and Botswana, proving that our influence expands far beyond the UT campus. We like extracurriculars. A lot. Seven of our 14 members have either founded or served as the President for one or more organizations on campus. Two students were recently inducted in the prestigious (and highly secretive) Friar Society. We have both one Orange Jacket and one Texas Blazer, and four of our members have been or are currently involved in the student government system. We have members in dance clubs, in environmental groups, in fashion clubs. We have members who have served as mentors at Honors Colloquium and at Camp Texas. We have members like Amy Enrione, who literally changed the criteria of the Freshman Interest Group model (or FIG) so that it now includes a mandatory service component. We have, to put it simply, a group of rockstars. The most exciting aspect of my cohort is that our adventures and accomplishments will not end next May. Already, we have begun planning our next steps. Some of us will remain at UT a little while longer to finish up degree plans and make one last powerful impact on campus. Some, like myself, will go onto graduate school or medical school (although I suppose I have to get into grad school first). Some will be entering the “real world”, like Cole Paxson, who will be working as a petroleum engineer for Anadarko Petroleum, or Caroline Meyerson, who received a job offer to work in New York in L’Oreal’s Management Development Program. Although we will be going our separate ways, it is safe to say we will remain connected for the rest of our lives thanks to this program, and can forever look to one another for support, inspiration, and friendship. The Forty Acres Scholars Program is doing exactly what it is meant to be doing - bringing the best and the brightest high school students to UT Austin, and offering them the chance to utilize their minds and skillsets at a premiere university nestled in the heart of Texas. I want to sincerely thank you all for your continued support of myself, my cohort, and this program. We wouldn’t be where we are without you. Thank you, and Hook ‘Em!   Marisa Swanson at the Texas Exes Dallas Chapter Scholarship Dinner with her parents. Photo courtesy of Marisa Swanson.

Texas Exes Awards $3.45 Million in Scholarships to UT Students [Infographic]

Texas Exes Awards $3.45 Million in Scholarships to UT Students [Infographic]

Texas Exes Awards $3.45 Million in Scholarships to UT Students [Infographic]

First Class

Four years after welcoming its inaugural class to campus, the Forty Acres Scholars Program watches its first graduates cross the stage. For years, UT had been losing Texas’ most talented high school students to the Ivy Leagues. In 2011, the Texas Exes introduced the university’s premier full-ride, merit-based scholarship program. With a comprehensive program that includes more than just a check—think a tight-knit cohort of fellow Longhorns, leadership training, and study-abroad opportunities—the Forty Acres Scholars Program managed to turn that problem on its head. The 10 members of the program’s class of 2015 were selected from a competitive pool of 780 applicants. As some of their fellow scholars continue their educations at UT, four members of that first class will become official Texas Exes—part of the organization that brought them to UT in the first place. Below, graduating Forty Acres Scholars Anne Alexander, Ashley Chang, Stephanie Eisner, and Emily Gruener reflect on their UT experiences and talk about what’s next. … On the best part of their time at UT Anne Alexander: Being able to study abroad was really incredible, and I wouldn’t have been able to do that if the program hadn’t provided the funds for it and gently nudged us to go. I got to go to Florence and immerse myself in a new culture for a full summer. Ashley Chang: My favorite part of being at UT was meeting the great diversity of people on campus. I learned more about myself because I got to see and experience new ideas. Stephanie Eisner: There are some really awesome mentors here. The professors I’ve had have been friendly, supportive, and eager to help me succeed. Emily Gruener: The alumni in particular have been very supportive. I met a Texas Ex my freshman year and he offered me an internship at his law firm. It’s great that UT alumni are so willing to help scholars figure out what they want to do. … On how their college experiences would have been different without the Forty Acres Scholars Program AA: I don’t think I would have challenged myself as much. When I saw what my fellow scholars were achieving on campus, it really challenged me to set bigger goals. AC: The transition from high school to college would have been a lot harder. The problem isn’t that there aren’t enough resources at UT; it’s just that people don’t always know they exist. We always knew the Texas Exes staff could help with any questions we had. SE: Being a Forty Acres Scholar made a lot of things easier for me, including opening the doors to creativity for what I wanted to do with my summers. I interned in Bangladesh after my freshman year, then spent a summer in Germany as a RISE Scholar. EG: I think I would’ve been afraid to take risks, such as unpaid internships or a solo service project in Guatemala. I would’ve probably stuck to trying things that more conventionally lead to success. … On what it means to become a Texas Ex AA: It’s good to know I’ll always have a place to call home. Texas Exes truly cares about connecting alumni and keeping the network strong. AC: Being a Texas Ex is such a privilege, and it will serve as motivation to work harder so I can say what started at UT actually changed the world. SE: It’s a great honor to be called a Texas Ex. I look forward to bringing what I learned about science and public health at UT to the next chapter of my life. EG: At the 2014 Distinguished Alumnus Awards, Matthew McConaughey said something about UT teaching you to fight for what you want. As a Texas Ex, I definitely have a strong desire to give back and help students the way the program helped me. Ashley Chang Elizabeth Shatto Massey Forty Acres Scholarship Then Neurobiology major and Health Science Scholar from Victoria Now Attending The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in the fall     Emily Gruener Mrs. Harold Myers Forty Acres Scholarship Then English, government, and Plan II Honors major from Houston Now Working in management consulting for Accenture in Boston, then starting law school at Stanford Stephanie Eisner Founding Donors Forty Acres Scholarship Then Public health major and Polymathic Scholar fromThe Woodlands Now Heading to the Fundação Oswaldo Cruz in Brazil for a four-month research project on Chagas disease Anne Alexander Charline and Red McCombs Family Forty Acres Scholarship, Chevron Enrichment Award Then Finance and business honors major from Houston Now Moving to Chicago for a consulting job at Accenture

First Class

Four years after welcoming its inaugural class to campus, the Forty Acres Scholars Program watches its first graduates cross the stage. For years, UT had been losing Texas’ most talented high school students to the Ivy Leagues. In 2011, the Texas Exes introduced the university’s premier full-ride, merit-based scholarship program. With a comprehensive program that includes more than just a check—think a tight-knit cohort of fellow Longhorns, leadership training, and study-abroad opportunities—the Forty Acres Scholars Program managed to turn that problem on its head. The 10 members of the program’s class of 2015 were selected from a competitive pool of 780 applicants. As some of their fellow scholars continue their educations at UT, four members of that first class will become official Texas Exes—part of the organization that brought them to UT in the first place. Below, graduating Forty Acres Scholars Anne Alexander, Ashley Chang, Stephanie Eisner, and Emily Gruener reflect on their UT experiences and talk about what’s next. … On the best part of their time at UT Anne Alexander: Being able to study abroad was really incredible, and I wouldn’t have been able to do that if the program hadn’t provided the funds for it and gently nudged us to go. I got to go to Florence and immerse myself in a new culture for a full summer. Ashley Chang: My favorite part of being at UT was meeting the great diversity of people on campus. I learned more about myself because I got to see and experience new ideas. Stephanie Eisner: There are some really awesome mentors here. The professors I’ve had have been friendly, supportive, and eager to help me succeed. Emily Gruener: The alumni in particular have been very supportive. I met a Texas Ex my freshman year and he offered me an internship at his law firm. It’s great that UT alumni are so willing to help scholars figure out what they want to do. … On how their college experiences would have been different without the Forty Acres Scholars Program AA: I don’t think I would have challenged myself as much. When I saw what my fellow scholars were achieving on campus, it really challenged me to set bigger goals. AC: The transition from high school to college would have been a lot harder. The problem isn’t that there aren’t enough resources at UT; it’s just that people don’t always know they exist. We always knew the Texas Exes staff could help with any questions we had. SE: Being a Forty Acres Scholar made a lot of things easier for me, including opening the doors to creativity for what I wanted to do with my summers. I interned in Bangladesh after my freshman year, then spent a summer in Germany as a RISE Scholar. EG: I think I would’ve been afraid to take risks, such as unpaid internships or a solo service project in Guatemala. I would’ve probably stuck to trying things that more conventionally lead to success. … On what it means to become a Texas Ex AA: It’s good to know I’ll always have a place to call home. Texas Exes truly cares about connecting alumni and keeping the network strong. AC: Being a Texas Ex is such a privilege, and it will serve as motivation to work harder so I can say what started at UT actually changed the world. SE: It’s a great honor to be called a Texas Ex. I look forward to bringing what I learned about science and public health at UT to the next chapter of my life. EG: At the 2014 Distinguished Alumnus Awards, Matthew McConaughey said something about UT teaching you to fight for what you want. As a Texas Ex, I definitely have a strong desire to give back and help students the way the program helped me. Ashley Chang Elizabeth Shatto Massey Forty Acres Scholarship Then Neurobiology major and Health Science Scholar from Victoria Now Attending The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in the fall     Emily Gruener Mrs. Harold Myers Forty Acres Scholarship Then English, government, and Plan II Honors major from Houston Now Working in management consulting for Accenture in Boston, then starting law school at Stanford Stephanie Eisner Founding Donors Forty Acres Scholarship Then Public health major and Polymathic Scholar fromThe Woodlands Now Heading to the Fundação Oswaldo Cruz in Brazil for a four-month research project on Chagas disease Anne Alexander Charline and Red McCombs Family Forty Acres Scholarship, Chevron Enrichment Award Then Finance and business honors major from Houston Now Moving to Chicago for a consulting job at Accenture

First Class

Four years after welcoming its inaugural class to campus, the Forty Acres Scholars Program watches its first graduates cross the stage. For years, UT had been losing Texas’ most talented high school students to the Ivy Leagues. In 2011, the Texas Exes introduced the university’s premier full-ride, merit-based scholarship program. With a comprehensive program that includes more than just a check—think a tight-knit cohort of fellow Longhorns, leadership training, and study-abroad opportunities—the Forty Acres Scholars Program managed to turn that problem on its head. The 10 members of the program’s class of 2015 were selected from a competitive pool of 780 applicants. As some of their fellow scholars continue their educations at UT, four members of that first class will become official Texas Exes—part of the organization that brought them to UT in the first place. Below, graduating Forty Acres Scholars Anne Alexander, Ashley Chang, Stephanie Eisner, and Emily Gruener reflect on their UT experiences and talk about what’s next. … On the best part of their time at UT Anne Alexander: Being able to study abroad was really incredible, and I wouldn’t have been able to do that if the program hadn’t provided the funds for it and gently nudged us to go. I got to go to Florence and immerse myself in a new culture for a full summer. Ashley Chang: My favorite part of being at UT was meeting the great diversity of people on campus. I learned more about myself because I got to see and experience new ideas. Stephanie Eisner: There are some really awesome mentors here. The professors I’ve had have been friendly, supportive, and eager to help me succeed. Emily Gruener: The alumni in particular have been very supportive. I met a Texas Ex my freshman year and he offered me an internship at his law firm. It’s great that UT alumni are so willing to help scholars figure out what they want to do. … On how their college experiences would have been different without the Forty Acres Scholars Program AA: I don’t think I would have challenged myself as much. When I saw what my fellow scholars were achieving on campus, it really challenged me to set bigger goals. AC: The transition from high school to college would have been a lot harder. The problem isn’t that there aren’t enough resources at UT; it’s just that people don’t always know they exist. We always knew the Texas Exes staff could help with any questions we had. SE: Being a Forty Acres Scholar made a lot of things easier for me, including opening the doors to creativity for what I wanted to do with my summers. I interned in Bangladesh after my freshman year, then spent a summer in Germany as a RISE Scholar. EG: I think I would’ve been afraid to take risks, such as unpaid internships or a solo service project in Guatemala. I would’ve probably stuck to trying things that more conventionally lead to success. … On what it means to become a Texas Ex AA: It’s good to know I’ll always have a place to call home. Texas Exes truly cares about connecting alumni and keeping the network strong. AC: Being a Texas Ex is such a privilege, and it will serve as motivation to work harder so I can say what started at UT actually changed the world. SE: It’s a great honor to be called a Texas Ex. I look forward to bringing what I learned about science and public health at UT to the next chapter of my life. EG: At the 2014 Distinguished Alumnus Awards, Matthew McConaughey said something about UT teaching you to fight for what you want. As a Texas Ex, I definitely have a strong desire to give back and help students the way the program helped me. Ashley Chang Elizabeth Shatto Massey Forty Acres Scholarship Then Neurobiology major and Health Science Scholar from Victoria Now Attending The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in the fall     Emily Gruener Mrs. Harold Myers Forty Acres Scholarship Then English, government, and Plan II Honors major from Houston Now Working in management consulting for Accenture in Boston, then starting law school at Stanford Stephanie Eisner Founding Donors Forty Acres Scholarship Then Public health major and Polymathic Scholar fromThe Woodlands Now Heading to the Fundação Oswaldo Cruz in Brazil for a four-month research project on Chagas disease Anne Alexander Charline and Red McCombs Family Forty Acres Scholarship, Chevron Enrichment Award Then Finance and business honors major from Houston Now Moving to Chicago for a consulting job at Accenture