Deisiree De Jesus

Deisiree is from Edinburg, Texas, and will graduate with a BS in Applied Learning & Development. She was also a Camp Texas counselor, an experience that helped define her time at UT.

“Camp Texas was one of my first introductions to student life at UT, and it helped me feel confident navigating the University as a freshman. Because of that experience, I knew I wanted to become a counselor myself. I was also lucky to become part of a counselor team that quickly became family.

At counselor retreat, we spent a night huddled on the fields of Camp Buckner, watching the stars, singing and dancing, and talking about who we hoped to become over the next four years. After that night, I felt like I had found the people I would experience college with for life.”

She also studied abroad in Oxford, England, with Dr. Richard Reddick and Dr. Joshua Childs, where she explored the UK’s education system through site visits, guest speakers, and historical context.

After graduation, she plans to teach middle school English Language Arts in a Texas public school.

“There aren't enough words to describe just how much the Forty Acres Scholars Program has impacted my college experience. Before coming to UT, I felt so unsure about my place in the world and at a huge college like UT. I knew I wanted to teach, but I didn't know how I was going to get there and what community I'd be able to have to help me along the way. However, the Forty Acres Scholars Program has given me so much that immediately quelled those worries and reminded me that I had a place at UT. Besides providing me with the financial means to take advantage of so many different learning opportunities that have developed my knowledge of the world and the education field, the program has provided me invaluable mentorship through interactions with my donors and experts in my field, as well as a support system that has seen me through my highest highs and my lowest lows. Through my cohort, I've met some of my bestest friends that I am sure will be with me for life. They're people who always know what I'm going through and are there to offer a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold, and a joke to laugh at. The staff of FASP, Riley, Whitney, and Megan, have also just been a core support system that have gifted us grace when needed and are always there to talk when needed, reminding us that we are scholars and humans. They're also the geniuses behind the awesome programming events we are lucky to take part in, which have given me endless connection and discovery opportunities.”

Deisiree is the recipient of the Mary John and Ralph Spence Forty Acres Scholarship. You can read more about her here.

Molly Hunter

She is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by the Wood Family. You can read more about her here.

 

Ryan Karkowsky

Ryan is from Houston, Texas, and will graduate with degrees in Finance, Canfield Business Honors, and Plan II Honors.

His favorite UT memory was bringing his family onto the field next to Smokey the Cannon after Texas beat Texas A&M in his final home game as a student. He was also inspired during his time abroad to write his thesis on Korean philosophy.

After graduation, he will work in finance strategy consulting at Deloitte in New York.

“The Forty Acres Scholars Program pushed me to live up to a philosophy that I really align with today: "find comfort in your own discomfort, for that vulnerability allows you to grow." From a connection standpoint, FASP genuinely made me more open to putting myself out there to meet alumni and ask about career path advice and general life questions. From a community standpoint, FASP introduced me to a wide range of fellow Scholars both within and outside of cohort across a variety of majors, hometowns, backgrounds, and interests, which has all made me a more understanding human. And from a discovery standpoint, my enrichment experiences to both Copenhagen, Denmark and Seoul, South Korea allowed me to become immersed into various parts of the world with people, food, history, and culture that were all new to me.”

Ryan is the recipient of the John and Cynthia Adkins/Texas Exes Houston Chapter Forty Acres Scholarship. You can read more about him here.

 

Bradley Klinck

Bradley is from Alexandria, Virginia, and will graduate with degrees in Radio-Television-Film and Advertising, along with a minor in Business and Public Policy.

Some of his favorite memories include flying in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia, traveling to Belize with his Scholar cohort, and attending his final Texas football game at DKR.

After graduation, Bradley will work in commercial production in Austin while pursuing a long-term goal of breaking into film development.

“FASP has given me the opportunity to attend an international film festival, spend five formative months in Spain, travel around Europe, meet incredible alumni, and make even better friends. Not to mention the financial peace of mind to set myself up for success in the real world.”

He 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.

 

Rudy Lea III

Rudy is from Garland, Texas, and will graduate with a BBA in Business Honors and Finance. His favorite pastime was studying in the Fine Arts Library, and his biggest takeaways include goal orientation, ambition, and curiosity.

One of his favorite experiences was studying abroad in Singapore and traveling throughout Asia, along with exploring Mayan ruins during the senior trip to Belize.

After graduation, he will work as a business analyst at McKinsey & Company in Dallas.

“FASP has provided me with some of my closest friends, and the program opened the door to many professional opportunities and invaluable mentorship.”

He is the recipient of the Susie and John L. Adams Forty Acres Scholarship. You can read more about him here.

 

Chelsie Lopez

Chelsie is from Houston, Texas, and will graduate with a BBA in Finance and a minor in Marketing. Studying abroad was a life-changing experience for her.

“I studied abroad in Barcelona during the summer of my sophomore year, which was my first time traveling outside of the country! It is safe to say that this experience truly changed my life and changed my perspective on life. Words will never be enough to express how grateful I am to be part of such a meaningful community that has provided me with incredible opportunities such as traveling abroad. I loved Europe so much that I decided to spend a full semester abroad in Prague during my junior year. One of my favorite memories from Prague was getting a strawberry chimney cake and walking across Charles Bridge with friends during sunset time!”

She also cherishes memories from the Freshman and Senior Dinner Series and her one-on-one meetings with program staff. “It means so much to know that FASP is not only a source of financial support, but a community where the staff genuinely cares about every single one of us.”

After graduation, she will begin her role as an asset management analyst at PNC Bank in Houston.

“I can truly say that I would not be where I am today if God didn't put the Forty Acres Scholars Program in my life. This program has given me some of my best friends, allowed me to travel the world when it once felt like a far-fetched dream, and helped me grow both professionally and personally in so many ways. It also gave me the push I needed to step outside of my comfort zone and say yes to things that once scared me. Middle and high school me would be very proud.”

She is the recipient of the AIM Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship. You can read more about her here.

 

Sophia Maynard

Sophia is from Houston, Texas, and will graduate with a BA in Economics and a minor in Business. One of her favorite FASP traditions is Scholar Thanksgiving.

“It is so much fun to get together with all the cohorts before we leave for break and get to play games and enjoy time with one another!”

Some of her favorite UT memories include football games, especially beating Texas A&M and Oklahoma. “There’s nothing like being in the stands surrounded by my best friends, classmates, and alumni all sharing the same energy, pride, and excitement. Those moments captured everything I love about UT: community, tradition, and the unmatched spirit of being a Longhorn.”

Sophia also learned an important lesson during her time at UT: “It’s okay not to have everything figured out. Growth happens through trial, change, and even failure.”

After graduation, she plans to attend law school while continuing to grow her business, Sophi’s Celebrations.

“The Forty Acres Scholars Program has shaped my college experience by connecting me to the Texas Exes network and a community that is deeply invested in my growth. Through these relationships, I’ve gained mentorship, guidance, and opportunities that have helped me better define my goals. It’s shown me the power of a strong network and the lasting impact of meaningful connections.”

She is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, in memory of Ben Thomas Featherston. You can read more about her here.

 

Andrew McAlinden

Andrew is from Austin, Texas, and will graduate with a BS in Computer Science and Mathematics. His biggest takeaway from college is that relationships are the most valuable asset for both personal happiness and professional success.

Many of Andrew’s favorite memories involve travel, including studying abroad in Australia and Switzerland, visiting national parks, and exploring Belize with his Scholar cohort.

“I went skiing for the second time ever in the beautiful villiage of Bettmeralp. We had so much fun on the slopes and hanging out in the Airbnb, and this trip started a skiing addiction that lasted throughout the rest of college.”

After graduation, he will work as an algorithm developer at Hudson River Trading in New York City.

“I can confidently say that I wouldn't have studied abroad without FASP, and now my abroad experience are among my best college (and life) memories.”

Andrew is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Joanie and Doug Aron and Rebekah and Gary Reaves. You can read more about him here.

 

Abigail Mimbela

Abigail is from El Paso, Texas, and will graduate with a BBA in Business Honors and Finance. She made full use of her enrichment stipend: “I have been incredibly fortunate to have the financial support of the enrichment stipend for my congressional internship, my study abroad experience in Singapore, and my graduate school applications.”

One of her favorite memories was bonding with her cohort during the senior trip to Belize. “I will never forget the sound of our laughter echoing through the trees—keeping the howler monkeys just as awake as our fellow scholars.”

After graduation, she plans to remain in Austin before attending law school.

“The Forty Acres Scholars Program has impacted every single facet of my time at the University of Texas. From on-campus involvement to transformative off-campus opportunities, this program has turned every hope I had for college into a reality. I feel so lucky to have had a foundation of friendship, mentorship, and scholarship supporting me since before my very first day on the Forty Acres.”

She is the recipient of the Barbara and Alan Dreeben Forty Acres Scholarship. You can read more about her here.

 

Lucienne Moran

Lucienne is from Spring, Texas and will be graduating with degrees in Canfield Business Honors and Physics.

She is the recipient of the Charline and Red McCombs Family Forty Acres Scholarship and the Marilyn Marshall White Enrichment Award. You can read more about her here.

 

Yahir Olivares

Yahir is from Houston, Texas and will graduate with a BBA in Supply Chain Management and a Minor in Entrepreneurship.

He describes his time at UT as a collection of meaningful moments, especially during his freshman year, from Camp Texas to meeting professors to late-night food runs with fellow Forty Acres Scholars. “UT hasn't only offered a world-class education along with exciting events all over, but it has also brought me long-lasting friendships that I will forever cherish. The Forty Acres is truly a special place where one can both pursue knowledge and collaborate to change the world.”

During his enrichment experience, he studied abroad in Barcelona through a course on Social and Cultural Entrepreneurship, learning about initiatives that empower communities, while also traveling to Italy and Germany with his significant other, a fellow scholar. Outside of academics, he discovered a love for cooking, transforming his apartment kitchen into “a laboratory full of spices and ingredients,” using food as a way to bring people together.

Reflecting on his time in college, his greatest takeaway is that success is not linear. “Life, passions, and careers don't follow a straight roadmap, and rather than fearing change, I now view it as a key component for growth.”

After graduation, he plans to work as an Operation Management Trainee for Central Transport.

“The impact of the Forty Acres Scholars Program has been truly transformative. It offered me more than just an education, it offered me an unwavering support system and a network of scholars who've inspired me daily. I am deeply grateful for the doors this program has opened and the lifelong friendships it has brought, I couldn't imagine my college experience without the Forty Acres Scholars Program.”

He is the recipient of the Sylvie and Gary Crum Forty Acres Scholarship. You can read more about him here.

 

Akshita Rawat

Akshita is from San Antonio, Texas, and will graduate with a BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Like many of her peers, the senior trip to Belize was a highlight, but mentorship played an equally important role in her experience.

“Having the mentorship of Ms. Arleas Upton and the thoughtful conversations with donors John and Laura Beckworth made these moments even more meaningful, offering support and encouragement every step of the way. Altogether, these experiences strengthened my growth, created lasting friendships, and made my time in the program truly unforgettable.”

Some of her favorite UT memories include Ring Day, Texas-OU weekend, and the Texas Law Alumni Award Ceremony.

“Together, these experiences perfectly capture the connection, celebration, and traditions that made my time at UT so meaningful and memorable.”

After graduation, she plans to pursue a master's degree in Artificial Intelligence.

“The Forty Acres Scholars Program has had a meaningful impact on my college experience by fostering a strong sense of community and connection. Through the program, I was able to engage with a group of driven and supportive peers who continuously inspired me to grow. It also provided opportunities to build meaningful relationships, gain new perspectives, and be part of a community that encouraged both personal and academic growth. In addition, the mentorship I received—especially from Ms. Arleas Upton and donors John and Laura Beckworth—played an important role in guiding and supporting me throughout my time in the program.”

She is the recipient of the Hobby/Beckworth Forty Acres Scholarship. You can read more about her here.

 

Corey’L Sams

Corey’L is from Spring, Texas, and will graduate with a BBA in Canfield Business Honors. One of his favorite memories was attending his first Longhorn football game with his donor, John Adkins.

“It was my very first time at the stadium for a game and I remember it being a great welcome to the university. While cheering with the rest of the crowd of Longhorns it felt like ‘I'm right where I'm supposed to be’.”

Outside of class, Corey’L enjoys photography, playing pool, and exploring new coffee shops. During his four years he learned “correlation doesn't always equal causation, but we have a duty to do the correlative actions to help most likely produce the outcome we desire.”

After graduation, he will work in tech consultative sales in Austin while continuing to pursue entrepreneurial ventures with RadPeople.

“The Forty Acres Scholars Program has shaped my college experience by surrounding me with a high-impact community, mentorship, and opportunities that turned connections into real projects, personal growth, and supportive direction for my future.”

He is the recipient of the John and Cynthia Adkins/Texas Exes Houston Chapter Forty Acres Scholarship. You can read more about him here.

 

Isabella Soares

Isabella is from Pearland, Texas, and will graduate with a BS in Chemical Engineering, along with Engineering Honors and a minor in Materials Science.

Her biggest takeaway from college is to “approach everything with kindness and curiosity, including yourself.”

One of her favorite enrichment experiences was visiting the fjords in Norway, where she checked off a lifelong goal while creating lasting memories with friends.

After graduation, she will pursue a PhD in Chemical Engineering at MIT.

“The Forty Acres Scholars Program played a monumental role in my college experience.

Through FASP, I was able to travel to Europe for the first time, network with sustainability entrepreneurs around the country, and pursue research projects I loved without having to worry about financial constraints. Through this program, I have learned so much about not only the world, but about myself. The diverse interests within FASP have opened my eyes to so many interesting avenues of life and helped me develop into the well-rounded, confident, and curious person I am today.

But most importantly, I met some of my closest friends through this program. Des, Angie, Ash, Akshita, and all of the amazing people in this program have been constant sources of joy and support during my time in college. I’ve laughed, cried, and grown with these amazing people, and I’m grateful to have them in life during and after my college career. Their presence, as well as the amazing opportunities I’ve received through FASP, will continue to inspire and guide me for years to come.”

She is the recipient of the Erin and Thomas A. Bunkley Forty Acres Scholarship. You can read more about her here.

 

Ashleigh Trujillo

Ashleigh is from San Antonio, Texas, and will graduate with a BS in Education and a minor in Educational Psychology.

She credits a defining academic moment to her first evening class with Dr. James Paton, Individual Differences, which introduced her to concepts of accessibility, inclusion, and disability. “The course completely shifted my perspective and opened my eyes to the importance of creating spaces that are inclusive and equitable for all individuals. It challenged the way I thought about education, support, and what it truly means to understand and value differences.”

She describes the class as more than a degree requirement, it solidified her career path and inspired her passion for working with diverse populations and advocating for accessibility and inclusion.

Through her enrichment experiences, she traveled to Germany, Barcelona, and Italy, cherishing both the spontaneous moments, like walking through Rome at 2 a.m., and the challenges that pushed her to become more independent.

Outside of academics, she loved exploring new dessert spots with her boyfriend and friends, valuing the time spent together more than the destination itself.

After graduation, she will begin working full time with Spark Learning, a preschool and ABA center in Austin, before relocating out of state.

“Coming into college, I did not fully realize how much having a strong support system would shape my experience, but Forty Acres gave me exactly that. The program surrounded me with staff and fellow scholars who genuinely cared, making my college challenges feel achievable even, when I felt defeated.

Forty Acres provided me with the knowledge and foundation to network and build meaningful connections with UT professors through opportunities like the annual faculty dinners. Which pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone and helped me grow both personally and professionally.

More than anything, this program gave me a sense of belonging. Through the scholarship, I built and maintained friendships that have impacted my college experience more deeply than I can put into words. These are the people who celebrated my wins, supported me through challenges, and truly became a second family. Forty Acres did not just support my education, it shaped who I am today and gave me a community that I will carry with me long after graduation.”

She is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Gregory Nance Moore in memory of Kathleen Cavanagh Moore. You can read more about her here.

 

Wesland Ung

Wesland is from Allen, Texas, and will graduate with a BS in Biochemistry, along with a minor in Business and a certificate in Pre-Health Professions. Outside the classroom, he was actively involved in Texas Taekwondo, representing UT at national competitions.

One of his most meaningful experiences was participating in a service research project with UNICEF in Geneva, Switzerland, where he helped identify corporate partners to support humanitarian work in the Middle East and South Asia.

His biggest takeaway from college is the importance of engaging with people from all walks of life.

“Being part of this community pushed me to step outside of my own perspective, build meaningful connections, and appreciate how diverse experiences shape the way people think and navigate the world. These interactions helped me grow not only as a student, but as an individual who listens more intentionally and seeks to understand before acting. I hope to carry this mindset into medicine, where connecting with patients from diverse backgrounds is essential to providing compassionate and effective care.”

After graduation, Wesland will spend a gap year working as a Patient Care Technician and teaching Taekwondo before attending medical school.

“The Forty Acres Scholars Program has shaped my college experience by surrounding me with a community of driven, diverse individuals who constantly challenged me to think beyond my own prospects. Being in an environment where peers were pursuing such a wide range of goals exposed me to new perspectives and ways of approaching problems.”

He is the recipient of the Texas Exes Dallas Chapter Forty Acres Scholarship. You can read more about him here.

 

Sahan Yerram

Sahan is from Coppell, Texas, and will graduate with a BBA in Business Honors and Finance, as well as a BA in Sustainability Studies.

One of his favorite memories was the final day of the senior trip to Belize, where he and his cohort were able to slow down, reflect, and appreciate their time together.

“Spending time with my cohort before our final semester helped me reminisce and appreciate all the memories we had together. It felt like we were together at Camp Texas just a couple months ago.”

Throughout his time at UT, Sahan embraced opportunities to step outside his comfort zone, whether through traveling with his dance team, trying new foods, or building new friendships.

“You will never be in an environment where you're allowed to explore and fail as much as you can in college. Trying new things will either unlock a new interest and help you find out what you don't like, which are both important to finding your own identity. So don't be afraid to take a class you have no background knowledge in or sign up for a Maymester in a new country.”

After graduation, he will begin a career in private equity in Austin.

“Over the last four years, the FASP community has served as a tight-knit home base within a large school environment. I've met some of the most motivated and passionate people through the program and am glad to call many of them my lifelong friends. FASP has also helped me springboard my career vision. As someone who didn't have a clear picture on what they wanted to pursue coming into college, talking to upperclassmen and program alumni has significantly shaped my career goals and values. Having the ability to go to school with full financial freedom has given me the ability to explore new subjects, gain an international worldview, and make the most out of my college experience.”

He is the recipient of the Karen and Charles Matthews, Jr. Forty Acres Scholarship. You can read more about him here.