Congratulations to the Class of 2025
Posted May 12, 2025
Brydn Abraham
Brydn is from Frisco, Texas and will be graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Plan II and Psychology, as well as a Bachelor of Business Administration in Canfield Business Honors Program & Management. He will be an Assistant Language Teacher in Japan through the JET Program for the upcoming year while he applies to law school.
Throughout college, Brydn prioritized friendships, using his time outside of class to foster meaningful relationships. “Playing board games with friends, finding new music with friends or catching up on TV shows together. Looking back at my college experiences, they often aren't marked by necessarily momentous events—large travels, big competitions, or big events. It's all the moments in-between. Spent with the people who made each of those moments feel so special.”
Brydn had the opportunity to study abroad at the University of Bath, where he was the only exchange student out of 75 from the U.S. His favorite part was “truly enjoying the immersive experience of learning about cultures from all over the world.”
His favorite memory from UT was at Kinsolving his freshman year. “Perhaps this is silly and trivial, but my favorite memory is actually a collection of memories I have all at Kinsolving Dining Hall: My entire freshman year plays in one giant flashback of all the lunches and dinners I had in the dining hall, always sitting with a new group of friends that I grew close with during the beginning of my college career. It sort of felt like a "third home" for all of us to gather each night.”
“Forty Acres has touched almost every aspect of my college experience, all in positive ways. From the enriching experience of spending over half a year abroad, both studying and backpacking in Europe, to the wonderful community I met in my fellow scholars, to the connections I made at our alumni events has completely changed my life and improved every aspect of my experience at UT. I still think back to all the times we've met esteemed professors, awarded Texas Exes (most recently the founder of P Terry's!), and how much each of these experience have added so much to my college experience.”
Brydn is the recipient of the Catherine G. and Sam L. Susser Forty Acres Scholarship. You can read more about him here.
Frances Cates
Frances is from Memphis, Tennessee and will be graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Plan II Honors. After graduation she will be attending the University of Cambridge in the UK to pursue an MPhil in Medical Science in Obstetrics & Gynecology!
During her time in Austin, Frances took full advantage of the beautiful trails around town. “My favorite college pastime is running—I know so many people hate it but there are amazing trails in Austin, and I love running Town Lake. I've run the Austin Half Marathon twice!” Frances also attended many UT football games, saying the 49-0 win against OU her sophomore year was her favorite.
Her greatest takeaway from college is “Take opportunities and invest in your relationships. Often, the two are intertwined. I have met some of my closest friends by taking the leap into projects, classes, or travels.”
“FASP has impacted not just my college experience but my life! I could go on forever about the fascinating, kind, compassionate, and driven people I have met in this program who I get to call my best friends. My friends in FASP have pushed me to be the best version of myself, and I am constantly learning and growing when I am with them.”
Frances is the recipient of the Eugene McDermott Forty Acres Scholarship. You can read more about her here.
Jeremiah Do
Jeremiah is from Garland, Texas and will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering (BSASE) and a minor in Materials Science. After graduation, Jeremiah is excited to pursue his dreams of aerospace administration by joining Lockheed Martin Aeronautics as a Project Engineer for the F-35 Program in Fort Worth, Texas. In addition, he will be pursuing a master's degree in Aerospace Engineering this fall—location to be decided soon!
Jeremiah said choosing his favorite memory was very difficult because there are so many, but he decided on his time in Ignite Texas, where he started as a camper and ended up serving as Assistant Director. “Each year, I get to connect freshman with loving and supportive groups that often shape the way they experience college. Being a part of that process has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my time here.”
Jeremiah also said one of his favorite memories was coming to the office and hanging out with the FASP staff. “The program wouldn’t be nearly as meaningful without their constant support, both emotionally and academically. Their office truly feels like a second home, with a door that’s always open and a staff that leads with empathy and care.
"I’ll never forget the day Whitney looked at me and asked, “Do you feel like you have too much on your plate?” It might sound like a small question, but in that moment, it meant everything. It was the first time someone had asked me that so directly, and it came from such a place of genuine love and concern. That simple question helped me take a step back and reflect on my own well-being in a way I hadn’t before.
"College comes with so many highs and lows, but having people like the FASP team, people who truly see you and care enough to ask the hard questions, makes all the difference. Their presence has helped me grow, not just as a student, but as a person.
“The Forty Acres Scholars Program has had a profound impact on my college experience by providing essential support and resources," Jeremiah said. "As the first in my family to attend college, I initially struggled with networking and self-doubt, but the program’s community helped me realize I wasn’t alone. The emotional support from my cohort has been invaluable. I’ve always known I had a trustworthy backbone of friends to lean on, which made the challenges of college more manageable. This network has been crucial in helping me build and grow my startup, offering mentorship and guidance that has allowed me to achieve my goals. Additionally, the ability to graduate debt-free has provided me the financial freedom to focus on my growth, both academically and professionally.”
Jeremiah is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Lana Jones O'Hara and Will O'Hara. You can read more about him here.
Faith Fulbright
Faith is from Odessa, Texas and will be graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Plan II and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Canfield Business Honors and finance. After graduation, she plans to work with Nomura Holdings, Inc., as an investment banking analyst in New York City!
Faith’s favorite memory was from her sophomore year spring break: “Nick, Diego, Joseph, and I road-tripped from Austin all the way to the Zion National Park, hitting Odessa (my hometown), Phoenix, the Grand Canyon, and more on our way. I had never camped or done any big hikes before, so this was a crazy change of pace for me! I’m so glad I got to have that experience, and happy that I pushed myself out of my comfort zone.” Pushing herself also contributed to what she learned in college. “I’ve been able to accomplish so much more than I ever thought possible, all because of friends, family, and mentors who told me to do the things that scared me," she says. "The anticipation is always worse than the act!”
Outside of hanging out with other Scholars, Faith likes to play video games on her brand-new, custom-built PC, and happy hour–hopping all the best eats and drinks in Austin on her off-class-days.
“The Forty Acres Scholars Program has been truly transformational," she adds. "Not only has it provided me with a lifelong group of friends, it enabled me to travel the world, gain self-confidence, and opened me to opportunities I never could have imagined. FASP is the great connector, and the great beginning to so many fantastic careers, friendships, and more!”
Faith is the recipient of the Fred A. Gottesman Forty Acres Scholarship. You can read more about her here.
Leila Garza
Leila is from Houston, Texas and will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. “Since I was young, becoming a nurse has always been my dream. After graduation, my goal is to begin a career in Houston, working in a neonatal ICU. It’s a path I’ve been passionate about for years, and I’m excited to finally take the next step toward making that dream a reality.”
Laila said some of her favorite UT memories happened at DKR. “There's truly nothing like being surrounded by a sea of burnt orange, singing school chants with fellow Longhorns, and feeling the energy of a home game. I'll definitely miss the excitement of every touchdown and, of course, the five free Pluckers wings after each win. Looking back, it's amazing how my pride and love for this university have only grown stronger - and I know that no matter where life takes me, I'll always be a Longhorn at heart.”
Another one of her favorite memories was her opportunity to study abroad. “I never imagined I'd have the chance to travel across the world during college, but FASP made that possible. Through the program, I spent six weeks in Spain learning Spanish while fully immersing myself in the daily life of my host family. One of my favorite memories from that time was celebrating my 21st birthday in London with Chardelene Reyes. Being able to mark such a meaningful milestone away from home - with a familiar face by my side - was something I’ll always cherish. I’m incredibly grateful to FASP for giving me the opportunity to explore new places, connect with people from around the world, and experience unforgettable moments that will stay with me for a lifetime.”
“There's no doubt that FASP has played a huge role in shaping my college experience. I'm thankful that this program saw potential in a first-generation Latina from Houston, Texas, and chose to invest in my journey. Through FASP, I've gained more than just financial support—I've found lifelong friends, built an incredible network, and grown into someone who's proud to soon be a Texas Ex. The doors this scholarship has opened for me are endless, and I’ll carry that gratitude with me wherever I go.”
Leila is the recipient of the AIM Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship. You can read more about her here.
Nina Hamuy
Nina is from Highland Beach, Florida majoring in Canfield Business Honors and will be graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration on the Honors Track. After graduation, she will be doing Consulting as a Business Analyst at McKinsey & Co in their New York office.
While using her enrichment stipend, Nina was able to travel to 13 countries. During this time, she was able to see some other Scholars who were abroad! “Spending a weekend in London during my study abroad semester with Diego, Joseph, and Leah was not only my favorite weekend trip, but also my favorite memory FASP has brought me! We had the famous chocolate strawberries from Borough Market, saw the changing of the guards, and explored every inch of the city together while cherishing a little piece of home.” Some of Nina’s other favorite memories include hanging out on her porch with Scholars and traveling to support UT football at some away games this past season.
“The people in this program have shaped my experiences both as a student and beyond graduation. Older Scholars guided me to my industry while alumni held my hand through the recruiting process, resulting in my full-time offer of employment at McKinsey. The relationships I fostered with younger Scholars brought light and joy into my life and gave me a sense of purpose within this program. The Scholars before me who served as a guiding light were a major resource, and I hope to return the favor with those in younger cohorts.”
Nina is the recipient of the Karen and Charles Matthews, Jr. Forty Acres Scholarship. You can read more about her here.
Holly Gayle Hull
Holly Gayle is from Shiner, Texas majoring in Applied Movement Science with a UTeach Certificate and a Minor in Italian Language. After graduation she will be teaching at Ball High School in Galveston in the Life Sciences department!
She says the most memorable party of studying abroad was her host family! ”The country itself is beautiful in unimaginable ways, but my host parents, Emmanuela and Carlo showed me the traditional culture. Living several miles from the center of Rome gave me the most immersive experience and I will be forever grateful.”
While on campus, Holly Gayle’s favorite past times were going on walks and trying local coffee shops. Her greatest takeaway is: “Life always seems to work itself out. No matter how stressful life gets or how many exams get packed into a week, there is a plan for me and I am where I am meant to be!”
“FASP has impacted me in ways I cannot efficiently put into words. As a future educator, graduating debt-free is a blessing. Besides the obvious monetary benefits, the people I have been surrounded with these last four years have changed me for the better. I am so thankful for my peers and especially Riley, Whitney, Ashley, and Megan. These wonderful ladies have been the guidance I needed while navigating my life here at UT.”
Holly Gayle is the recipient of the Friends of Darrell K Royal Forty Acres Scholarship. You can read more about her here.
Eleanor Hutcheson
Eleanor is from Houston and will be graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. After graduation, she will be working at LP Analyst in Dallas, Texas, starting this August. She is excited to begin this next chapter in Dallas and apply what she has learned at UT to support institutional investors in making informed decisions about their private asset portfolios.
During her study abroad program, Eleanor’s favorite memory was a reflective one. “One of my favorite memories from studying abroad was the day I walked up to Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence and watched the sun set over the city and the Duomo with a pizza in hand. I remember just sitting there thinking about how grateful I was for this opportunity—I still couldn’t believe I was actually there, even three weeks in. It was one of those moments that just didn’t feel real. I know I never would’ve done something like that if it weren’t for the Forty Acres Program, and I’m so thankful for it.”
Senior year holds many special moments but her favorite was during the Senior Dinner Series. “We read the letters we had written to ourselves at the start of college. It was so eye-opening to see how much I’ve changed over these past four years and how close I’ve grown with the people around me. It really affirmed what I’ve been realizing these past few months—that change is something to embrace, and if there’s one thing I’m sure of, it’s that my future will never turn out how I expect it to. I’m already looking forward to reading the next letter I wrote to myself in five years and keeping this tradition going.”
“The Forty Acres Scholars Program completely shaped my college experience. I wouldn’t have met any of these amazing people—including our program coordinators—who have each impacted my time at UT in their own unique way. It’s given me access to such a diverse group of students from different majors and cities that I may have never crossed paths with otherwise, and I’m so grateful for that. On top of that, the alumni network is incredible, and I know it’s something I’ll continue to lean on even after graduation.”
Eleanor is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Leslie and John David Moritz. You can read more about her here.
Esther Jin
Esther is from League City, Texas and is majoring in Mechanical Engineering Honors with a minor in Studio Art. She will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. After graduation she will be working as a Mechanical Design Engineer at Tesla in Austin.
During her time at UT, a lot of Esther’s time went to the Solar Car team and other activities in the Engineering School like hanging out in the break room at her on-campus job at the engineering makerspace and Texas Inventionworks. “At Longhorn Racing, I spent several sleepless nights working on the car alongside my teammates. One summer night at the national competition in Kansas, I was working so intently that I didn't even notice when the clock had struck midnight, and that I officially turned 19. Suddenly, my teammates surprised me by singing happy birthday, and fellow scholar Walter was holding a cake lit with candles. Everyone was covered in sweat and exhausted to their limit, myself included, but in that moment all my stress washed away and I was left with pure gratitude and appreciation for my friends.”
Outside of the engineering school, her favorite memory was the most recent Finalist Weekend. “Participating in different tours and panels and answering questions about my own experience while hearing about finalists' goals and dreams left me feeling inspired about the future of the program. It was a great chance to reminisce on my experience as a Forty Acres Scholar and an amazing way to close out the past four years.
“The Forty Acres Scholars Program provided me with incredible mentorship from fellow scholars, such as Jackson Bellard, Walter Stark, and Olivia Pierce who influenced a great deal of my academic, professional, and study abroad opportunities. Knowing that there was someone in the program that I could reach out to for any opportunity, from registering for classes to joining clubs, made UT feel much more like home.”
Esther is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by the Cockrell School of Engineering. You can read more about her here.
Leah Kegerreis
Leah is from Dallas and will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science – Geology. In the fall Leah will be part of the Disney College Program in Orlando, Florida. In the meantime, she hopes to work on her portfolio to apply for art school!
Like many others, Leah’s favorite memory from her time in the program was the Senior Trip to Costa Rica. This group knows how to keep themselves entertained on a long bus ride. Outside of the program, her favorite memories usually involved her love for Geology. “I loved going on geology field trips with the Jackson School! Whether we were taking boats out of Port Aransas or hiking through Hill Country, we had a blast learning more about the natural world.” She also loved meeting up with other Scholars during her study abroad in Florence.
Leah said in college she learned “the most important thing isn't your resume, but loving your people well! Don't take assignments too seriously, but pour your time into the things that bring you joy.”
“I absolutely loved growing close to my cohort over the past four years. Coming into college, I already had a group of friends and supporters with whom to explore my new home. Additionally, FASP gave me the opportunity to study abroad in Florence, which has inspired me to attend art school and realize my dream of becoming an independent artist in the future!”
Leah is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Nancy and Mark Reichek. You can read more about her here.
Niels Levy-Thiebaut
Niels is from Houston, Texas and will be receiving a Bachelor of Science and Arts in Biochemistry Honors, a Bachelor of Arts in Plan II Honors, a Certificate in Pre-Health Professions, and a Certificate in Evidence and Inquiry. He will be attending medical school next fall, most likely in Houston at McGovern Medical School (here’s to four more years of rooting for the Longhorns and wearing burnt orange!).
During his 4 years, Niels was a member of Longhorn Powerlifting. “Competing for UT and the US at the 2022 IPF World University Powerlifting Cup in Istanbul, Turkey, was an amazing experience and honor. After medaling bronze for my weight class, I got to visit Istanbul and experience the cuisine, culture, and visit the magnificent Hagia Sofia.” He also got to see even more new places while studying abroad. “I loved visiting Japan through my study abroad program and after. I got to see Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Okinawa, and Hokkaido through programming, solo travel, and group weekend trips. Getting to stay in a traditional home and visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto remains a highlight.”
Like some of our other seniors, Niels found himself fully immersed in Texas sporting events. “Watching Texas sports (especially football) has been a great pastime. Coming from France and attending a small school for high school, the community formed around sports was new to me. I loved watching the Longhorns and feeling connected to others and my school through sports.”
“The Forty Acres Scholars Program has made my college experience amazing, unique, and one I will cherish forever. Being financially free has meant more time and latitude for joining organizations I love, like the Tejas Club and Silver Spurs, while focusing on my academics. FASP has allowed me to explore the world through study abroad and travel in a way I would not have been able to do otherwise. FASP has connected me with opportunities, people, and support. Most importantly, FASP has given me a family and some of my best friends from these past four years. My experience in college would not have been nearly as fulfilling and wonderful without FASP.”
Niels is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Carolyn Holmes. You can read more about him here.
Joseph Newcomer
Joseph is from Dallas, Texas and will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Math and a Bachelor of Science Physics. Following graduation, he will be working as a Forensic Data Scientist at Integra FEC!
Jospeh’s favorite memory from the program was his cohort’s Freshman Retreat. “This was the summer of 2021, and many Covid-19 protocols were still in place. Because of this, we were unable to attend Camp Texas together as a cohort since it got cancelled. However, since we already had the time carved out, instead all of us rented an Airbnb in Austin for a few days and got to experience a lot of what there is to do in this city together. This experience made us all bond so quickly, and after those few days, it became very apparent that these were going to be my best friends throughout all of college.”
His biggest takeaway from college is that good people are everything.
“The biggest impact FASP has had on my college experience has been the people. My best friends and college roommates are fellow scholars, and I’ve formed great friendships with many others in the program. Being surrounded by such a supportive, inspiring community has made college feel like home, and I genuinely hope to stay connected with everyone long after graduation.”
Jospeh is the recipient of the Texas Exes Dallas Chapter Forty Acres Scholarship. You can read more about him here.
Chardelene Reyes
Chardelene is from Cypress, Texas and will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After graduation she is returning to Houston, to pursue a career as an RN in the Neonatal ICU.
Chardelene’s favorite memory from her time in the program was the Senior Trip to Costa Rica. “We went whitewater rafting, saw tons of wildlife like sloths and toucans, ziplined in the rain, and danced with locals. It was a great bonding experience and a bittersweet last hurrah with my cohort.”
She used her enrichment stipend to study abroad in Santander, Spain! “I was so nervous to meet my host family, but once I finally did, they were so kind and welcoming. They helped me improve my Spanish and my most precious memories with them are the meals we shared together. I still keep in touch with my host mom to this day and we keep each other updated! During this time, I was also able to watch Spain win the 2024 Euro Cup in Madrid! I traveled with Leila, another member of my cohort and we watched the game and celebrated together!”
“I remember having so many dreams as a high school senior. The Forty Acres Scholars Program has made it possible for me to pursue those dreams alongside the wonderful people in my cohort. I have met the kindest, funniest, weirdest, most intelligent people through this cohort, and it's all thanks to FASP. I have been able to gallivant around different countries, meet the most interesting people, and check off item after item on my bucket list. I would not have been able to attend UT if not for the Forty Acres Scholars Program, and I will be forever grateful for what this program has blessed me with.”
Chardelene is the recipient of the Mike A. Myers Forty Acres Scholarship. You can read more about her here.
Diego Robbins
Diego is from San Antonio, Texas and will be graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Analytics. After graduation, he will be staying in Austin as an Associate at the Boston Consulting Group's Austin Office.
Diego had a list of his top takeaways from college:
- Participating in class and going to your professors' office hours are such easy ways to find lifelong mentors.
- Say yes to things early and often in your freshman year.
- It's all too easy to get caught up in the stresses of planning for post-grad life. Make sure to be intentional in doing fun college things, whatever that means to you.
Diego truly made the most out of his enrichment stipend in Prague. “I was fortunate enough to take trips to 15 different countries during my semester abroad, but trips that stand out the most are the ones that I took with fellow Scholars. I spent three days in London with Nina Hamuy, Leah Kegerreis, and Joseph Newcomer; five days in Istanbul with Leah and Joseph; three days visiting Leah in Florence, a chance 45-minute french fry reunion with Nina and Joseph in Amsterdam, and 11 days traveling Northern Europe with Joseph on a trip which I consider to be the crown jewel of my enrichment experience. I could spend pages talking about any one of those trips.”
“Community. From day one, I found a cohort of brilliant, unique, and supportive peers who have stood by me through every milestone. My closest friends—two of whom I’ve lived with for the past three years—are Scholars, and knowing I always have that tight‑knit group made a huge campus feel like home.
"Connection. Beyond classmates, the program plugged me into a network of faculty, alumni, and older Scholars who’ve mentored me academically and professionally. Whether it was grabbing coffee with a favorite professor, getting resume feedback from an alum in my field, or leaning on upper‑class Scholars to navigate internships, those relationships opened doors I wouldn’t have found on my own.
"Discovery. Thanks to the enrichment stipend, I spent a semester in the Czech Republic and visited 15 countries alongside fellow Scholars—stretching my worldview and confidence. Closer to home, leadership roles in student organizations and research projects pushed me to explore new passions and develop skills I still carry with me.
"Most of all, being a Forty Acres Scholar gave me the confidence to succeed at The University of Texas. Knowing the University believed in me allowed me to believe in myself—transforming every challenge into an opportunity to grow.”
Diego is the recipient of the Ray and Denise Nixon Forty Acres Scholarship. You can read more about him here.
Mia Li Rodriguez
Mia Li is from Brownsville, Texas and will be graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Bachelor of Arts in Plan II Honors. After graduation she plans to work for a nonprofit in Dallas to serve Spanish-speaking communities.
When asked what her favorite college memory was, she said: “While I have too many favorite memories to just choose one, attending a Briston Maroney concert at Emo's with my friends was pretty special. I think I was also writing an essay on my phone during the break between acts.”
Aside from concerts, Mia Li also likes to spend time at Lady Bird Lake, participate in book clubs, late night dessert runs with friends, and of course, football gamedays!
She was able to study aboard multiple times with amazing memories from that as well. “I had the opportunity to study abroad twice in Singapore and Rome. My favorite memory from Singapore was attending an evening concert at the Supertree Grove. The theme was Star Wars and the light show matched the music perfectly. In Rome, I had the opportunity to attend a Papal Mass at St. Peter's Basilica. I appreciated participating in such a significant cultural and religious event.”
“The Forty Acres Scholars Program brought me to UT. It's hard to describe how much support and opportunities the program provides. The support comes from an incredible community of staff, donors, volunteers, and fellow scholars who care about each student directly. Thanks to my enrichment, I got to spend two summers abroad in incredible countries.”
Mia Li is the recipient of the Stan L. McLelland Forty Acres Scholarship and the Marilyn Marshall White Enrichment Award. You can read more about her here.
Nick Van Lente
Nick is a Plan II major from Austin and will be receiving a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations. After graduation, he will be in the Detroit area, hopefully working in non-profit arts. He’s curious about museum spaces, libraries, archives, and university settings. Nick will be returning to grad school in a few years, so he’s hoping to gain some entry-level experience that will inform my postgrad journey.
Nick loves listening to music in his free time. “We will either sit on the balcony or drive around and talk about songs.” If he’s not doing that with his friends, he also likes to swim at Barton Springs or St. Eds.
This cohort liked to dress up in themes for all of the FASP programming events. “I have learned to cherish all of the weeknight dinners with my cohort. One that sticks out was Halloween our freshman year. We all arrived in costume and had an amazing time. Five of us dressed as Mystery Incorporated—I was Shaggy and Diego was Scooby. If you ever meet Nick, you should ask him about saving the sloth on the senior trip to Costa Rica!"
When asked what his biggest takeaway from college is, Nick said, “Knowing yourself requires exiting your comfort zone and really deciding what matters to you, what you value. I think that sometimes we don't ask ourselves the important questions.”
“FASP has completely changed my life, beyond my "college experience." First and foremost, FASP has formed the base of my community on campus; I arrived to class on the first day already knowing some of what would become my best friends. FASP also allowed me to travel the world. I've made it to almost 30 countries and without FASP, I would never have made those memories.”
Nick is the recipient of the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Forty Acres Scholarship. You can read more about him here.
