Forty Acres Scholars Program Class of 2030 Announced

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Today, we are thrilled to introduce you to our 22 new and exceptional Forty Acres Scholars. Among the incoming class are founders of community service programs, school clubs, and businesses. Also in the mix are four high school valedictorians, 13 AP Scholars with Distinction, National Merit Scholars, and Presidential Volunteer Service Award recipients. Many more are decorated varsity athletes, team captains, club presidents, musicians, and entrepreneurs.

These Scholars will receive full funding for their tuition, a living stipend, a book stipend, and opportunities for enrichment activities including a global experience, professional and personal development, volunteer and service opportunities, and the chance to help further their education. As the only program of its kind administered by an alumni association, the Forty Acres Scholars Program helps Scholars develop a unique connection with their alma mater—and with each other. Over their four years on campus, Scholar cohorts form a tight bond with each other and serve as a powerful network and resource to each other during their time on campus and beyond.

Meet the Class of 2030: 

Debra-Jul Akanmu from Dallas, Texas, is the recipient of the Texas Exes Dallas Chapter Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending Frontier STEM Academy, Akanmu served as president of her school's HOSA chapter, president of the National Honor Society, and co-founder of a non-profit organization supporting the education of school-aged girls in Nigeria. She has obtained her phlebotomy certification, patient care technician certification, and pharmacy technician certification. She also obtained the AP Scholar with distinction award and interned at John Peter Smith hospital where she utilized her phlebotomy and patient care technician skills on the Med-Surg floors, admissions holding unit, and Urgent care. During her senior year, she also interned at Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic and Spine hospital, where she shadowed orthopedic surgeries, pain procedures, observed radiology testing, shadowed CRNA's, orthopedic surgeons, and registered nurses. In her free time, she has been volunteering with hospice patients since 8th grade, plays piano for her church, and loves to knit. Akanmu plans to major in Nursing Honors with interest in pursuing the Social Inequality, Health, and Policy certificate. She is the daughter of Dorcas and Oludele Akanmu.

Caroline Best from Chevy Chase, Maryland, is the recipient of the Moore Family Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending the Holton-Arms School, Best served as the Communications and Sports Media Intern at the University of Maryland. She was the only high school student selected to intern with the University of Maryland Athletic Department. She was a community engagement representative where she was selected by peers to serve as the primary liaison for community service initiatives for her grade, recognized for exceptional commitment to service and leadership. As well as a Global Scholar Award Recipient where she was one of only fifteen students in the senior class selected for this distinction, recognizing exceptional engagement with global issues and international affairs. Her awards and recognitions include Volunteer of the Year for National Center for Children and Families, for commitment to mission and ensuring every child gets to experience joy, safety, and wonder that every child deserves. She also received a Certificate of Social Entrepreneurship where she was a selected participant in a competitive entrepreneurship and community innovation program. She also received Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, being awarded two Silver Keys and three honorable mentions for paintings and drawings. Her and her family have visited 44 states on road trips, and she has collected a license plate from each one. She’s hoping to get to all 50. She has also always been involved in the arts, whether in theatre, advanced drawing and painting, or as a graphic designer for her grade. Best plans to major in Communications and Leadership. She is considering double majoring in either Advertising or Marketing at McCombs, and/or minoring in Sports Media or Communicating Social Issues. She is the daughter of Kristen and Stephen Best.

Caroline Bonner from Houston, Texas, is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Lisette and Jim Kaper. While attending Memorial Senior High School, Bonner was valedictorian and served as the president of National Spanish Honor Society as well as philanthropy chair on student council her senior year, helping to organize and lead the annual student council Canned Food Drive. She turned it into a school wide sports and fine arts competition and brought in a record amount of donations—roughly 36,000 cans—which were donated to nine food pantries across Houston. She also played varsity tennis in school, and every summer she swam and coached kids on her neighborhood pool's swim team, which she has been a part of for 13 years. Her awards and recognitions include National Merit Scholar, The President's Volunteer Service Award, AP Scholar with Distinction as well as a recipient of her school's Outstanding Pre-Calculus Award, AP Statistics Award, and AP Language and Composition award. She enjoys gardening, journaling, playing piano, and any kind of sport. She was voted by her class of 2026 fellow seniors as most likely to win a Nobel Peace Prize. She also holds the MSBSC MOC 200 Free Relay Record for 15-18 Girls. Bonner plans to major in Environmental Engineering in the Engineering Honors Program and Plan II Honors with a possible minor in Spanish. She is the daughter of Heather and Robert Bonner.

Elliott Day from Austin, Texas, is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Jenny and Adam Saphier. While attending Stephen F. Austin High School, Day served as president of Mu Alpha Theta, Editor-in-Chief of The Maroon, and was a mathematics researcher in the University of Texas at Austin Experimental Geometry Lab, where he developed a computational tool to model Lie algebra cohomology through independent research under the mentorship of a UT-Austin PhD researcher. His awards and recognitions include AP Scholar with Distinction, National Merit Commended Scholar, and Austin Independent School District Trustee Scholar Award (four-year recipient). He loved spending part of his high school summers in rural Kentucky with the Appalachia Service Project (ASP), assisting families with home repairs and community projects. Day plans on majoring in Mathematics and Plan II Honors with a minor in Business. He is the son of Kristen and Aaron Day.

Graciela Garcia from Arlington, Texas, is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Gregory Nance Moore in memory of Kathleen Cavanagh Moore. While attending Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy, Garcia was a National Youth Ambassador for the Tourette Association of America and leader of the Dallas/Fort Worth support group for youth with Tourette's, founder and president of Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy's LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) Council and State Youth President for LULAC Texas, and on the City of Grand Prairie Mayor's Teen Council. Her awards and recognitions include AP Scholar with Distinction, Grand Prairie ISD Student of Character Award, and a Seal of Biliteracy Award. She is a goalkeeper for the Atletico Dallas Soccer Club on an ECNL RL NTX team. She says she is excited to take her gloves and cleats to UT to play in intramurals. Garcia plans to major in Public Affairs and Spanish. She is the daughter of Kari and Sandro Garcia.

Jacob George from Pearland, Texas, is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Kevin Cumming. While attending Shadow Creek High School, George was a Rice University Computational Photonics Lab Intern where he built a python model that uses matrix multiplication to predict and graph the behavior of light waves in solid materials. He served as Model United Nations Club President, organizing inter-school Model United Nations conferences for both local high schools and middle schools. He also volunteered at the NASA Space Center Houston where he educated international guests about NASA missions and Space Center exhibits through interactive activities and presentations. His awards and recognitions include being a National Merit $2500 Award recipient and a perfect score on the AP Computer Principles AP Exam. As part of the exam, he built and received full credit on a computer program that compares international air pollution levels. He also received the Houston Area Model United Nations XLIX "Best Delegate" Award from the oldest Model United Nations Conference in the Southwest region of the United States. In his free time, he enjoys playing competitive soccer and experimenting in the kitchen, where he creates and shares new food recipes. He plans to major in Honors Electrical and Computer Engineering and Canfield Business Honors with a Computational Science and Engineering Certificate. He is the son of Goldy and Joseph George.

Sara Guedez from Mission, Texas, is the recipient of the Inman Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending Sharyland High School, Guedez was co-founder of Bridge Builders for Refugees, a nonprofit that has supported over 300 families at the Rio Grande Valley border by providing essential supplies and creating bilingual resources for immigrant communities. She was also a three-year section leader for the Sharyland High School Marching Band, where she led the clarinet section, organizing specialized rehearsals, providing individualized support to members, and teaching 120 students marching fundamentals, contributing to the band’s growth and success. During concert season, she earned a chair in the top wind ensemble all four years. She also served as an officer in SkillsUSA, where she helped organize fundraisers that raised more than $2,000 and supported student participation in competitions, leadership workshops, and career development opportunities. Her awards and recognitions include National Merit Commended Scholar, a two-time SkillsUSA District Champion in Electrical Code, and a Business Professionals of America State Finalist in Economic Research. She is currently an intern at GMG Design and Construction, shadowing an architect across client meetings, design development, and project site visits, gaining firsthand exposure to the full building process. Guedez plans to major in Architecture. Her first project site visit was at the age of two. She would also like to explore business and engineering, with a possible Business Foundations Minor and/or the Humanitarian Engineering Certificate. She is the daughter of Claudia Garcia de Guedez and Gustavo Guedez.

Syrus Gupta from Dallas, Texas, is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Julie and Don Judson. While attending the Greenhill School, Gupta served as captain of the Greenhill Improv Troupe, selected through a competitive process to lead rehearsals and mentor new members and performed in 20+ live shows for audiences of up to 300. He also served as president of the Junior Classical League Club where he led meetings and coordinated events celebrating Latin language and culture; prepared members for regional and state competitions, earning multiple awards across academic and artistic categories. He was also head of special events for Greenhill Arts Board where he planned and executed major arts programming, including schoolwide showcases, screenings, and coffeehouses. His awards and recognitions include earning several awards and nominations from film festivals around the world, including Best Film at the Pegasus Film Festival and Best Music Video at the All-American High School Film Festival, and an English Department Book Award, recognized by the Greenhill English Department for excellence in literary analysis, writing, and engagement with the curriculum. He was also a National Merit Commended Scholar. He founded and led the development of a mobile app startup called Eventify, focused on streamlining the event planning process, to pitch to his school's VC fund panel, securing $2,000 in seed funding. He has also performed in nearly 10 theater productions since he was a kid, even traveling abroad to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the world’s largest arts festival. His favorite role was Kevin G. in Mean Girls. Gupta plans to major in Radio-Television-Film and Plan II Honors with a Minor in the McComb's School of Business or Minor in Media and Entertainment Industries. He is the son of Boski Sharma and Sharad Gupta.

Corinne Hampton from Austin, Texas, is the recipient of the Mike A. Myers Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending McCallum High School, Hampton served as a McCallum Dance Fine Arts Ambassador, was the co-founder and president of the McCallum Mindfulness Organization, seeking to promote the social-emotional well-being of students, and served as a communications director on student council. Her awards and recognitions include African American Senior Scholar Award recipient, AP Scholar with Distinction, and a member of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts. She is also the co-artistic director of her school's fully student-led dance production. Hampton plans to major in Dance with interests to major in Psychology, as she is very interested in sports psychology. She also plans to pursue a pilates certification. She is the daughter of Elizabeth and Craig Hampton.

Anirudh Medicherla from Denton, Texas, is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Andrea and Dan Ellinor. While attending the Texas Academy of Math and Science, Medicherla was an exercise physiology researcher at UNT Applied Physiology Laboratory where he conducted human performance testing on elite athletes and co-authored research presentations for the International Journal of Strength and Conditioning. He was also executive board member of HOPE (Helping Other People Everywhere) where he supervised 17 volunteer committees providing weekly service opportunities, helped raise over $65,000 for charities including Save the Children and Project HOPE, and organized blood drives collecting 800 units of blood and saving 2,400 lives. Finally, he was founder of Science-Based Fitness Education Platform where he built an online platform with over 17,000 followers translating exercise physiology and sports science research into clear, evidence-based guidance on training and recovery for a diverse audience. His awards and recognitions include an Undergraduate Research Fellowship, the University of North Texas, awarded $4,500 through a competitive faculty selection process to conduct research under Dr. Jakob Vingren; presented findings on alcohol biomarker variability at UNT Scholars Day 2026; International Biology Battle 9th Place Worldwide, placed 9th globally for advanced problem-solving in biology and human physiology; International Logic Olympiad, Gold Scholar, awarded to the top 5% globally for excellence in symbolic logic and deductive reasoning. Medicherla plans to major in Exercise Science. His other interests are Human Physiology and research in sports medicine and high-performance athletics, with interests in athlete care, injury prevention, and health communication, with plans to pursue a minor in Analytics and the Business of Sports. He is the son of Rajani Adapa and Murthy Medicherla.

Kendall Miltonberger from Austin, Texas, is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Lana Jones O'Hara and Will O'Hara. While attending Vandegrift High School, Miltonberger was a member of the Vandegrift High School cheer program for four years and served as varsity co-captain during her senior season. She was also an officer for the PALS program where she mentored elementary and middle school students and volunteered with several philanthropies throughout Austin, focusing on supporting individuals with mental and physical disabilities. Outside of school, she served as president of her National Charity League class, where she led and organized meetings, and oversaw and supported board members in planning service events. Her awards and recognitions include the Bronze Presidential Service Award through the National Charity League for completing more than 50 hours of community service in one year as well as the Vandy Perf Award from the Vandegrift cheer program, recognizing her work ethic, leadership, and commitment to being a great ambassador for the program. Additionally, Miltonberger was named an AP Scholar with Honor by the College Board for strong academic achievement across multiple Advanced Placement exams. She is also a triplet and will be a member of the Texas All-Girl Cheerleading team next year. Miltonberger plans to major in Social Work with hopes to pursue a minor in Government. She is the daughter of Melissa and Neil Miltonberger.

Ava Newbury from Frisco, Texas, is the recipient of the Karen and Charles Matthews, Jr. Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending Rick Reedt High School, Newbury served two years as competition officer in DECA, onboarding new members, coaching written events, and judging school competitions competed at the international level. She served as vice president of philanthropy in National Charity League, where she connected members with service opportunities and supported local non-profits through volunteering. She is also a dual German American citizen passionate about languages and cultures and completed a marketing internship in Germany. She served as a member of the National Spanish Honor Society and Spanish liaison for Refresh NTX, supporting non-English-speaking families in accessing essential services. Her awards and recognitions include National Merit Scholar, DECA three time TX State Champion and qualified three times for the DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) and a two time International Finalist in the categories Integrated Marketing Campaign and Professional Selling, and Presidential Volunteer Service Awards in Gold and Bronze. She is passionate about music, whether it’s listening or playing. She is a classically trained pianist and last year had an amazing opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall with her studio. She plans to major in Canfield Business Honors with a minor in International Business Certificate in German. She is the daughter of Anja and Karsten Newbury.

Ifeoluwa Oladimeji from Mckinney, Texas, is the recipient of the Edith and E.B. Sutton Memorial Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending Heritage High School, Oladimeji was the co-founder and co-president of the school’s Model United Nations club, where she organized conferences and educated students on global humanitarian challenges. She also interned at Whalen Law Office, where she contributed to trial preparation and conducted legal research in criminal defense. Oladimeji also researched human rights education pedagogies for the NGO Human Rights Education Associates, analyzing teaching methods and their applications in university and law school settings. Her awards and recognitions include being named an Outstanding Advocate Qualifier for Texas High School Mock Trial Region 10, ranking among the top 15 attorneys, earning the College Board African American Recognition Award, and being recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction. Oladimeji plans to major in International Relations and Global Studies with a minor in History and a Bridging Disciplines Program (BDP) certificate in Human Rights and Social Justice. She is the daughter of Bunmi and Joseph Oladimeji.

Kaosisochukwu Sonia Onyeagba from Houston, Texas, is the recipient of the AIM Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending KIPP Houston High School, Onyeagba was the founder and president of KIPP Houston High School H.O.S.A Chapter, founder and CEO of "SlayedbySony" Hair Business, and a four-year varsity volleyball starter. Her awards and recognitions include Top 5% of graduating class, National Spanish Association Gold Medalist, KIPP McGregor Scholarship Award Recipient, and AP Scholar. She is also a first-generation Nigerian American. Onyeagba plans to major in Neuroscience with a Minor in Public Health, Certificate in Spanish, and a Certificate in Finance. She is the daughter of Stella and Ikechukwu Onyeagba.

Rori Reynolds from Austin, Texas, is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Reba and Ralph Ferrell. While attending Lake Travis High School, Reynolds was student body president of her 4000-person high school, founder and executive director of LTHS Ripple Effect (TEDx), and sole high school summer intern for Austin-based startup Senseye Inc., an AI-driven medical diagnostics company. Her awards and recognitions include College Board National Merit Commended Scholar and AP Capstone Diploma recipient, AP Scholar with Distinction, as well as an Ivy Golf Institute True-U Award–winning varsity golf captain and seven-time golf tournament champion. Rori loves music and has learned to play several instruments, including the recorder, ukulele, piano, and guitar. This interest has grown into a passion for Broadway theater and attending music festivals like Austin City Limits. She is interested in pursuing a career at the intersection of artificial intelligence and real-world impact, particularly in how it is transforming financial systems, smart cities, and healthcare. Reynolds plans to major in Texas Honors Electrical and Computer Engineering & Business with a minor in Robotics and a minor in International Business. She is the daughter of Gina Sandon and Rob Reynolds.

Aniruddh Subramanian from Flower Mound, Texas, is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Carolyn and Peyton Townsend. While attending Flower Mound High School, Subramanian was the valedictorian and the president of the national student organization Nightingale Advocacy, pushing policymakers toward progressive healthcare reform. He served four years on the speech and debate team, competing in elimination rounds of the Texas Forensic Association State Tournament and the National Speech and Debate Tournament. He was also captain of Flower Mound HS Model United Nations team. His awards and recognitions include National Merit Finalist, Editorial Writing UIL State finalist 2025, holds a degree of premier distinction in the National Speech and Debate Association, awarded to less than 4% of competitors nationwide. He is also a politics junkie and can't go a day without completing the New York Times’ Connections and Wordle games. Subramanian plans to major in Civics Honors & Plan II Honors with Minors in Business and Public Policy or Economics. He is the son of Meenakshi Umapathy and Chandra Subramanian.

Abigail Trahan from Tyler, Texas, is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Jamie and Jeremy Saylor. While attending Robert E. Lee High School, Trahan was a Tyler Legacy Key Club Webmaster, Camp Mystic Tonkawa Tribe Captain, and the Young Life President. Her awards and recognitions include Academic All-District for volleyball, THSCA Academic All-State for volleyball, and National Honor Society. She is also the social media manager for Tyler Legacy Football. Trahan plans to major in Public Relations with hopes of exploring Sports Management. She is the daughter of Dr. Lauren and Mr. Beau Trahan.

Annie Tsang from Bellaire, Texas, is the recipient of the Texas Exes Baytown Chapter Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending Bellaire High School, Tsang was a physical therapy intern at Pace Chiropractic and Physical Therapy where she guided patients through exercises and assisted with treatments, gaining hands-on experience in physical therapy. She was also vice president of the Crochet and Knitting Club where she coordinated lessons at senior homes and elementary schools and led weekly meetings that included instruction and community service projects, such as overseeing the creation of 15 crochet blankets and care packages for hospitalized patients. And finally, was marketing chief of the Bellaire Carillon Yearbook where she managed marketing campaigns and collaborated with team members to raise over $55,000 through sponsorships across three years for yearbook production. Her awards and recognitions include AP Scholar with Distinction, National History Day Senior Group Website: Third Place, and the Gee Family Association Education Fund: Jane Gee Memorial Scholarship, awarded for leadership and service in the community. In her free time, she loves baking and sharing treats with her friends and family. A big perk of being the president of Dessert Club is getting to see everyone enjoy the treats they make. Tsang plans to major in Exercise Science with an Ethics & Leadership in Health Care Certificate and Business Foundations Minor. She is the daughter of Vantanee Pornkittichotcharoen and Chak Tsang.

Daniel Vassiliev from Houston, Texas, is the recipient of the Fred A. Gottesman Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending Clear Lake High School, Vassiliev served as the National Honor Society and DECA President, was a varsity basketball and tennis player, and the STEM Siblings President, leading high school mentors delivering hands-on STEM programs across the district. His awards and recognitions include International DECA finalist, First in District and Third in Houston Science Fair (Aerospace Engineering), National Merit Commended Scholar, and an AP Scholar with Distinction. He has also advocated for NASA in D.C. with Citizens for Space Exploration, competed in FIRST Robotics and mentored VEX students to Worlds, interned at UT’s Center for Space Research, co-owns Next Level Entertainment, a photo booth business, and is fluent in Russian. Vassiliev plans to major in Electrical & Computer Engineering and Business Honors with hopes to also explore finance. He is the son of Olga and Nikolai Vassiliev.

Cole Wakefield from Mckinney, Texas, is the recipient of the Chris Cartwright Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending Mckinney Boyd High School, Wakefield was valedictorian and served on the Samaritan Inn Homeless Shelter's Teen Action Council where he had the opportunity to tutor the shelter's incredible children and coordinated both teen and family service day events. He served as the president for the Young Men's Service League McKinney Chapter where he had the opportunity to write a chapter in the "Giving the Ultimate Gift" (Stovall) book, describing the organization's work serving the Shiloh Place shelter for domestic abuse. He also served as the president of McKinney Boyd's National Honor Society. His awards and recognitions include National Merit Finalist, AP Scholar with Distinction, and he was a recipient of the McKinney Boyd High School Outstanding Leadership Award. He also worked on a year-long project researching real estate development in the Dallas area and played on the McKinney Boyd tennis team for all four years in high school. Wakefield plans to major in Canfield Business Honors and Plan II Honors with a potential major in Accounting or Finance. He is the son of Heather and Brian Wakefield.

Aaron Wu from Houston, Texas, is the recipient of the Sarah M. and Charles E. Seay Forty Acres Scholarship; Marilyn Marshall White Enrichment Award. While attending the St. John’s School, Wu served as Chair of City of Houston's Mayor's Youth Council where he chaired monthly general assembly meetings and virtual/ad-hoc meetings to develop initiatives that promote youth voices, representation, and civic engagement in Houston. He was co-chair of CommServe board, where he launched his school’s first ever “Red & Black Gives Back Week,” a week devoted to schoolwide service which consisted of 10 service events, a forum, and a donation drive in one week. He also served as secretary-general/president of the Model United Nations Team. His awards and recognitions include the Mayor’s Next Generation Award honored by Mayor John Whitmire for his service efforts within Houston, and the Excellence in Community Service award recognized by St. John's School for demonstrating a sustained commitment to service and leadership. He is also an AP Scholar with Distinction. In his free time, he enjoys cooking for his family during Thanksgiving, cookouts with friends, and volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House. He likes anything outdoors such as hikes and running. He also plays the clarinet. Wu plans to major in Canfield Business Honors and Plan II Honors. He is the son of Pinli Ma and Shunxing Wu.

Eli Yorio from Austin, Texas, is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Amanda and Ford Albritton in honor of C. Lamar Norsworthy III. While attending St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, Yorio was co-valedictorian and founded 26 for 26, a campaign in partnership with Undue Medical Debt that has eliminated over $6.3 million in outstanding medical debt for 5,688 Austinites, built the Trial Tracker app to help doctors and research staff identify available clinical trials for patients, and was a four-year varsity golfer. His awards and recognitions include a City of Austin proclamation for the impact made by 26 for 26, KVUE 5 Who Care Award for making a difference in the Austin community, and he was a National Merit Finalist. His fun fact is that he once paddle boarded the full 21 miles of Lake Austin from dam to dam. Yorio plans to major in Plan II Honors and Biology while in the Health Science Scholars Honors Program. He is the son of Andi and Jeff Yorio.

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Forty Acres Scholars Program Class of 2030 Announced

The Texas Exes is pleased to announce the Forty Acres Scholars Program Class of 2030. This program inspires and nurtures visionary leaders and helps them use their talents to benefit society. Earlier this spring, 60 impressive finalists joined our staff and current Scholars on the UT campus for a full weekend showcasing life on the Forty Acres. The weekend included visits to their admitted colleges, a mock class with a UT professor, a field tour of the Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, networking dinners, informative panels, and more—all concluding with individual interviews.Today, we are thrilled to introduce you to our 22 new and exceptional Forty Acres Scholars. Among the incoming class are founders of community service programs, school clubs, and businesses. Also in the mix are four high school valedictorians, 13 AP Scholars with Distinction, National Merit Scholars, and Presidential Volunteer Service Award recipients. Many more are decorated varsity athletes, team captains, club presidents, musicians, and entrepreneurs.These Scholars will receive full funding for their tuition, a living stipend, a book stipend, and opportunities for enrichment activities including a global experience, professional and personal development, volunteer and service opportunities, and the chance to help further their education. As the only program of its kind administered by an alumni association, the Forty Acres Scholars Program helps Scholars develop a unique connection with their alma mater—and with each other. Over their four years on campus, Scholar cohorts form a tight bond with each other and serve as a powerful network and resource to each other during their time on campus and beyond.  Meet the Class of 2030:  Debra-Jul Akanmu from Dallas, Texas, is the recipient of the Texas Exes Dallas Chapter Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending Frontier STEM Academy, Akanmu served as president of her school's HOSA chapter, president of the National Honor Society, and co-founder of a non-profit organization supporting the education of school-aged girls in Nigeria. She has obtained her phlebotomy certification, patient care technician certification, and pharmacy technician certification. She also obtained the AP Scholar with distinction award and interned at John Peter Smith hospital where she utilized her phlebotomy and patient care technician skills on the Med-Surg floors, admissions holding unit, and Urgent care. During her senior year, she also interned at Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic and Spine hospital, where she shadowed orthopedic surgeries, pain procedures, observed radiology testing, shadowed CRNA's, orthopedic surgeons, and registered nurses. In her free time, she has been volunteering with hospice patients since 8th grade, plays piano for her church, and loves to knit. Akanmu plans to major in Nursing Honors with interest in pursuing the Social Inequality, Health, and Policy certificate. She is the daughter of Dorcas and Oludele Akanmu. Caroline Best from Chevy Chase, Maryland, is the recipient of the Moore Family Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending the Holton-Arms School, Best served as the Communications and Sports Media Intern at the University of Maryland. She was the only high school student selected to intern with the University of Maryland Athletic Department. She was a community engagement representative where she was selected by peers to serve as the primary liaison for community service initiatives for her grade, recognized for exceptional commitment to service and leadership. As well as a Global Scholar Award Recipient where she was one of only fifteen students in the senior class selected for this distinction, recognizing exceptional engagement with global issues and international affairs. Her awards and recognitions include Volunteer of the Year for National Center for Children and Families, for commitment to mission and ensuring every child gets to experience joy, safety, and wonder that every child deserves. She also received a Certificate of Social Entrepreneurship where she was a selected participant in a competitive entrepreneurship and community innovation program. She also received Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, being awarded two Silver Keys and three honorable mentions for paintings and drawings. Her and her family have visited 44 states on road trips, and she has collected a license plate from each one. She’s hoping to get to all 50. She has also always been involved in the arts, whether in theatre, advanced drawing and painting, or as a graphic designer for her grade. Best plans to major in Communications and Leadership. She is considering double majoring in either Advertising or Marketing at McCombs, and/or minoring in Sports Media or Communicating Social Issues. She is the daughter of Kristen and Stephen Best. Caroline Bonner from Houston, Texas, is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Lisette and Jim Kaper. While attending Memorial Senior High School, Bonner was valedictorian and served as the president of National Spanish Honor Society as well as philanthropy chair on student council her senior year, helping to organize and lead the annual student council Canned Food Drive. She turned it into a school wide sports and fine arts competition and brought in a record amount of donations—roughly 36,000 cans—which were donated to nine food pantries across Houston. She also played varsity tennis in school, and every summer she swam and coached kids on her neighborhood pool's swim team, which she has been a part of for 13 years. Her awards and recognitions include National Merit Scholar, The President's Volunteer Service Award, AP Scholar with Distinction as well as a recipient of her school's Outstanding Pre-Calculus Award, AP Statistics Award, and AP Language and Composition award. She enjoys gardening, journaling, playing piano, and any kind of sport. She was voted by her class of 2026 fellow seniors as most likely to win a Nobel Peace Prize. She also holds the MSBSC MOC 200 Free Relay Record for 15-18 Girls. Bonner plans to major in Environmental Engineering in the Engineering Honors Program and Plan II Honors with a possible minor in Spanish. She is the daughter of Heather and Robert Bonner. Elliott Day from Austin, Texas, is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Jenny and Adam Saphier. While attending Stephen F. Austin High School, Day served as president of Mu Alpha Theta, Editor-in-Chief of The Maroon, and was a mathematics researcher in the University of Texas at Austin Experimental Geometry Lab, where he developed a computational tool to model Lie algebra cohomology through independent research under the mentorship of a UT-Austin PhD researcher. His awards and recognitions include AP Scholar with Distinction, National Merit Commended Scholar, and Austin Independent School District Trustee Scholar Award (four-year recipient). He loved spending part of his high school summers in rural Kentucky with the Appalachia Service Project (ASP), assisting families with home repairs and community projects. Day plans on majoring in Mathematics and Plan II Honors with a minor in Business. He is the son of Kristen and Aaron Day. Graciela Garcia from Arlington, Texas, is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Gregory Nance Moore in memory of Kathleen Cavanagh Moore. While attending Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy, Garcia was a National Youth Ambassador for the Tourette Association of America and leader of the Dallas/Fort Worth support group for youth with Tourette's, founder and president of Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy's LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) Council and State Youth President for LULAC Texas, and on the City of Grand Prairie Mayor's Teen Council. Her awards and recognitions include AP Scholar with Distinction, Grand Prairie ISD Student of Character Award, and a Seal of Biliteracy Award. She is a goalkeeper for the Atletico Dallas Soccer Club on an ECNL RL NTX team. She says she is excited to take her gloves and cleats to UT to play in intramurals. Garcia plans to major in Public Affairs and Spanish. She is the daughter of Kari and Sandro Garcia. Jacob George from Pearland, Texas, is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Kevin Cumming. While attending Shadow Creek High School, George was a Rice University Computational Photonics Lab Intern where he built a python model that uses matrix multiplication to predict and graph the behavior of light waves in solid materials. He served as Model United Nations Club President, organizing inter-school Model United Nations conferences for both local high schools and middle schools. He also volunteered at the NASA Space Center Houston where he educated international guests about NASA missions and Space Center exhibits through interactive activities and presentations. His awards and recognitions include being a National Merit $2500 Award recipient and a perfect score on the AP Computer Principles AP Exam. As part of the exam, he built and received full credit on a computer program that compares international air pollution levels. He also received the Houston Area Model United Nations XLIX "Best Delegate" Award from the oldest Model United Nations Conference in the Southwest region of the United States. In his free time, he enjoys playing competitive soccer and experimenting in the kitchen, where he creates and shares new food recipes. He plans to major in Honors Electrical and Computer Engineering and Canfield Business Honors with a Computational Science and Engineering Certificate. He is the son of Goldy and Joseph George. Sara Guedez from Mission, Texas, is the recipient of the Inman Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending Sharyland High School, Guedez was co-founder of Bridge Builders for Refugees, a nonprofit that has supported over 300 families at the Rio Grande Valley border by providing essential supplies and creating bilingual resources for immigrant communities. She was also a three-year section leader for the Sharyland High School Marching Band, where she led the clarinet section, organizing specialized rehearsals, providing individualized support to members, and teaching 120 students marching fundamentals, contributing to the band’s growth and success. During concert season, she earned a chair in the top wind ensemble all four years. She also served as an officer in SkillsUSA, where she helped organize fundraisers that raised more than $2,000 and supported student participation in competitions, leadership workshops, and career development opportunities. Her awards and recognitions include National Merit Commended Scholar, a two-time SkillsUSA District Champion in Electrical Code, and a Business Professionals of America State Finalist in Economic Research. She is currently an intern at GMG Design and Construction, shadowing an architect across client meetings, design development, and project site visits, gaining firsthand exposure to the full building process. Guedez plans to major in Architecture. Her first project site visit was at the age of two. She would also like to explore business and engineering, with a possible Business Foundations Minor and/or the Humanitarian Engineering Certificate. She is the daughter of Claudia Garcia de Guedez and Gustavo Guedez. Syrus Gupta from Dallas, Texas, is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Julie and Don Judson. While attending the Greenhill School, Gupta served as captain of the Greenhill Improv Troupe, selected through a competitive process to lead rehearsals and mentor new members and performed in 20+ live shows for audiences of up to 300. He also served as president of the Junior Classical League Club where he led meetings and coordinated events celebrating Latin language and culture; prepared members for regional and state competitions, earning multiple awards across academic and artistic categories. He was also head of special events for Greenhill Arts Board where he planned and executed major arts programming, including schoolwide showcases, screenings, and coffeehouses. His awards and recognitions include earning several awards and nominations from film festivals around the world, including Best Film at the Pegasus Film Festival and Best Music Video at the All-American High School Film Festival, and an English Department Book Award, recognized by the Greenhill English Department for excellence in literary analysis, writing, and engagement with the curriculum. He was also a National Merit Commended Scholar. He founded and led the development of a mobile app startup called Eventify, focused on streamlining the event planning process, to pitch to his school's VC fund panel, securing $2,000 in seed funding. He has also performed in nearly 10 theater productions since he was a kid, even traveling abroad to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the world’s largest arts festival. His favorite role was Kevin G. in Mean Girls. Gupta plans to major in Radio-Television-Film and Plan II Honors with a Minor in the McComb's School of Business or Minor in Media and Entertainment Industries. He is the son of Boski Sharma and Sharad Gupta. Corinne Hampton from Austin, Texas, is the recipient of the Mike A. Myers Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending McCallum High School, Hampton served as a McCallum Dance Fine Arts Ambassador, was the co-founder and president of the McCallum Mindfulness Organization, seeking to promote the social-emotional well-being of students, and served as a communications director on student council. Her awards and recognitions include African American Senior Scholar Award recipient, AP Scholar with Distinction, and a member of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts. She is also the co-artistic director of her school's fully student-led dance production. Hampton plans to major in Dance with interests to major in Psychology, as she is very interested in sports psychology. She also plans to pursue a pilates certification. She is the daughter of Elizabeth and Craig Hampton. Anirudh Medicherla from Denton, Texas, is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Andrea and Dan Ellinor. While attending the Texas Academy of Math and Science, Medicherla was an exercise physiology researcher at UNT Applied Physiology Laboratory where he conducted human performance testing on elite athletes and co-authored research presentations for the International Journal of Strength and Conditioning. He was also executive board member of HOPE (Helping Other People Everywhere) where he supervised 17 volunteer committees providing weekly service opportunities, helped raise over $65,000 for charities including Save the Children and Project HOPE, and organized blood drives collecting 800 units of blood and saving 2,400 lives. Finally, he was founder of Science-Based Fitness Education Platform where he built an online platform with over 17,000 followers translating exercise physiology and sports science research into clear, evidence-based guidance on training and recovery for a diverse audience. His awards and recognitions include an Undergraduate Research Fellowship, the University of North Texas, awarded $4,500 through a competitive faculty selection process to conduct research under Dr. Jakob Vingren; presented findings on alcohol biomarker variability at UNT Scholars Day 2026; International Biology Battle 9th Place Worldwide, placed 9th globally for advanced problem-solving in biology and human physiology; International Logic Olympiad, Gold Scholar, awarded to the top 5% globally for excellence in symbolic logic and deductive reasoning. Medicherla plans to major in Exercise Science. His other interests are Human Physiology and research in sports medicine and high-performance athletics, with interests in athlete care, injury prevention, and health communication, with plans to pursue a minor in Analytics and the Business of Sports. He is the son of Rajani Adapa and Murthy Medicherla. Kendall Miltonberger from Austin, Texas, is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Lana Jones O'Hara and Will O'Hara. While attending Vandegrift High School, Miltonberger was a member of the Vandegrift High School cheer program for four years and served as varsity co-captain during her senior season. She was also an officer for the PALS program where she mentored elementary and middle school students and volunteered with several philanthropies throughout Austin, focusing on supporting individuals with mental and physical disabilities. Outside of school, she served as president of her National Charity League class, where she led and organized meetings, and oversaw and supported board members in planning service events. Her awards and recognitions include the Bronze Presidential Service Award through the National Charity League for completing more than 50 hours of community service in one year as well as the Vandy Perf Award from the Vandegrift cheer program, recognizing her work ethic, leadership, and commitment to being a great ambassador for the program. Additionally, Miltonberger was named an AP Scholar with Honor by the College Board for strong academic achievement across multiple Advanced Placement exams. She is also a triplet and will be a member of the Texas All-Girl Cheerleading team next year. Miltonberger plans to major in Social Work with hopes to pursue a minor in Government. She is the daughter of Melissa and Neil Miltonberger. Ava Newbury from Frisco, Texas, is the recipient of the Karen and Charles Matthews, Jr. Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending Rick Reedt High School, Newbury served two years as competition officer in DECA, onboarding new members, coaching written events, and judging school competitions competed at the international level. She served as vice president of philanthropy in National Charity League, where she connected members with service opportunities and supported local non-profits through volunteering. She is also a dual German American citizen passionate about languages and cultures and completed a marketing internship in Germany. She served as a member of the National Spanish Honor Society and Spanish liaison for Refresh NTX, supporting non-English-speaking families in accessing essential services. Her awards and recognitions include National Merit Scholar, DECA three time TX State Champion and qualified three times for the DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) and a two time International Finalist in the categories Integrated Marketing Campaign and Professional Selling, and Presidential Volunteer Service Awards in Gold and Bronze. She is passionate about music, whether it’s listening or playing. She is a classically trained pianist and last year had an amazing opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall with her studio. She plans to major in Canfield Business Honors with a minor in International Business Certificate in German. She is the daughter of Anja and Karsten Newbury. Ifeoluwa Oladimeji from Mckinney, Texas, is the recipient of the Edith and E.B. Sutton Memorial Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending Heritage High School, Oladimeji was the co-founder and co-president of the school’s Model United Nations club, where she organized conferences and educated students on global humanitarian challenges. She also interned at Whalen Law Office, where she contributed to trial preparation and conducted legal research in criminal defense. Oladimeji also researched human rights education pedagogies for the NGO Human Rights Education Associates, analyzing teaching methods and their applications in university and law school settings. Her awards and recognitions include being named an Outstanding Advocate Qualifier for Texas High School Mock Trial Region 10, ranking among the top 15 attorneys, earning the College Board African American Recognition Award, and being recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction. Oladimeji plans to major in International Relations and Global Studies with a minor in History and a Bridging Disciplines Program (BDP) certificate in Human Rights and Social Justice. She is the daughter of Bunmi and Joseph Oladimeji. Kaosisochukwu Sonia Onyeagba from Houston, Texas, is the recipient of the AIM Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending KIPP Houston High School, Onyeagba was the founder and president of KIPP Houston High School H.O.S.A Chapter, founder and CEO of "SlayedbySony" Hair Business, and a four-year varsity volleyball starter. Her awards and recognitions include Top 5% of graduating class, National Spanish Association Gold Medalist, KIPP McGregor Scholarship Award Recipient, and AP Scholar. She is also a first-generation Nigerian American. Onyeagba plans to major in Neuroscience with a Minor in Public Health, Certificate in Spanish, and a Certificate in Finance. She is the daughter of Stella and Ikechukwu Onyeagba. Rori Reynolds from Austin, Texas, is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Reba and Ralph Ferrell. While attending Lake Travis High School, Reynolds was student body president of her 4000-person high school, founder and executive director of LTHS Ripple Effect (TEDx), and sole high school summer intern for Austin-based startup Senseye Inc., an AI-driven medical diagnostics company. Her awards and recognitions include College Board National Merit Commended Scholar and AP Capstone Diploma recipient, AP Scholar with Distinction, as well as an Ivy Golf Institute True-U Award–winning varsity golf captain and seven-time golf tournament champion. Rori loves music and has learned to play several instruments, including the recorder, ukulele, piano, and guitar. This interest has grown into a passion for Broadway theater and attending music festivals like Austin City Limits. She is interested in pursuing a career at the intersection of artificial intelligence and real-world impact, particularly in how it is transforming financial systems, smart cities, and healthcare. Reynolds plans to major in Texas Honors Electrical and Computer Engineering & Business with a minor in Robotics and a minor in International Business. She is the daughter of Gina Sandon and Rob Reynolds. Aniruddh Subramanian from Flower Mound, Texas, is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Carolyn and Peyton Townsend. While attending Flower Mound High School, Subramanian was the valedictorian and the president of the national student organization Nightingale Advocacy, pushing policymakers toward progressive healthcare reform. He served four years on the speech and debate team, competing in elimination rounds of the Texas Forensic Association State Tournament and the National Speech and Debate Tournament. He was also captain of Flower Mound HS Model United Nations team. His awards and recognitions include National Merit Finalist, Editorial Writing UIL State finalist 2025, holds a degree of premier distinction in the National Speech and Debate Association, awarded to less than 4% of competitors nationwide. He is also a politics junkie and can't go a day without completing the New York Times’ Connections and Wordle games. Subramanian plans to major in Civics Honors & Plan II Honors with Minors in Business and Public Policy or Economics. He is the son of Meenakshi Umapathy and Chandra Subramanian. Abigail Trahan from Tyler, Texas, is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Jamie and Jeremy Saylor. While attending Robert E. Lee High School, Trahan was a Tyler Legacy Key Club Webmaster, Camp Mystic Tonkawa Tribe Captain, and the Young Life President. Her awards and recognitions include Academic All-District for volleyball, THSCA Academic All-State for volleyball, and National Honor Society. She is also the social media manager for Tyler Legacy Football. Trahan plans to major in Public Relations with hopes of exploring Sports Management. She is the daughter of Dr. Lauren and Mr. Beau Trahan. Annie Tsang from Bellaire, Texas, is the recipient of the Texas Exes Baytown Chapter Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending Bellaire High School, Tsang was a physical therapy intern at Pace Chiropractic and Physical Therapy where she guided patients through exercises and assisted with treatments, gaining hands-on experience in physical therapy. She was also vice president of the Crochet and Knitting Club where she coordinated lessons at senior homes and elementary schools and led weekly meetings that included instruction and community service projects, such as overseeing the creation of 15 crochet blankets and care packages for hospitalized patients. And finally, was marketing chief of the Bellaire Carillon Yearbook where she managed marketing campaigns and collaborated with team members to raise over $55,000 through sponsorships across three years for yearbook production. Her awards and recognitions include AP Scholar with Distinction, National History Day Senior Group Website: Third Place, and the Gee Family Association Education Fund: Jane Gee Memorial Scholarship, awarded for leadership and service in the community. In her free time, she loves baking and sharing treats with her friends and family. A big perk of being the president of Dessert Club is getting to see everyone enjoy the treats they make. Tsang plans to major in Exercise Science with an Ethics & Leadership in Health Care Certificate and Business Foundations Minor. She is the daughter of Vantanee Pornkittichotcharoen and Chak Tsang. Daniel Vassiliev from Houston, Texas, is the recipient of the Fred A. Gottesman Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending Clear Lake High School, Vassiliev served as the National Honor Society and DECA President, was a varsity basketball and tennis player, and the STEM Siblings President, leading high school mentors delivering hands-on STEM programs across the district. His awards and recognitions include International DECA finalist, First in District and Third in Houston Science Fair (Aerospace Engineering), National Merit Commended Scholar, and an AP Scholar with Distinction. He has also advocated for NASA in D.C. with Citizens for Space Exploration, competed in FIRST Robotics and mentored VEX students to Worlds, interned at UT’s Center for Space Research, co-owns Next Level Entertainment, a photo booth business, and is fluent in Russian. Vassiliev plans to major in Electrical & Computer Engineering and Business Honors with hopes to also explore finance. He is the son of Olga and Nikolai Vassiliev. Cole Wakefield from Mckinney, Texas, is the recipient of the Chris Cartwright Forty Acres Scholarship. While attending Mckinney Boyd High School, Wakefield was valedictorian and served on the Samaritan Inn Homeless Shelter's Teen Action Council where he had the opportunity to tutor the shelter's incredible children and coordinated both teen and family service day events. He served as the president for the Young Men's Service League McKinney Chapter where he had the opportunity to write a chapter in the "Giving the Ultimate Gift" (Stovall) book, describing the organization's work serving the Shiloh Place shelter for domestic abuse. He also served as the president of McKinney Boyd's National Honor Society. His awards and recognitions include National Merit Finalist, AP Scholar with Distinction, and he was a recipient of the McKinney Boyd High School Outstanding Leadership Award. He also worked on a year-long project researching real estate development in the Dallas area and played on the McKinney Boyd tennis team for all four years in high school. Wakefield plans to major in Canfield Business Honors and Plan II Honors with a potential major in Accounting or Finance. He is the son of Heather and Brian Wakefield. Aaron Wu from Houston, Texas, is the recipient of the Sarah M. and Charles E. Seay Forty Acres Scholarship; Marilyn Marshall White Enrichment Award. While attending the St. John’s School, Wu served as Chair of City of Houston's Mayor's Youth Council where he chaired monthly general assembly meetings and virtual/ad-hoc meetings to develop initiatives that promote youth voices, representation, and civic engagement in Houston. He was co-chair of CommServe board, where he launched his school’s first ever “Red & Black Gives Back Week,” a week devoted to schoolwide service which consisted of 10 service events, a forum, and a donation drive in one week. He also served as secretary-general/president of the Model United Nations Team. His awards and recognitions include the Mayor’s Next Generation Award honored by Mayor John Whitmire for his service efforts within Houston, and the Excellence in Community Service award recognized by St. John's School for demonstrating a sustained commitment to service and leadership. He is also an AP Scholar with Distinction. In his free time, he enjoys cooking for his family during Thanksgiving, cookouts with friends, and volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House. He likes anything outdoors such as hikes and running. He also plays the clarinet. Wu plans to major in Canfield Business Honors and Plan II Honors. He is the son of Pinli Ma and Shunxing Wu. Eli Yorio from Austin, Texas, is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Amanda and Ford Albritton in honor of C. Lamar Norsworthy III. While attending St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, Yorio was co-valedictorian and founded 26 for 26, a campaign in partnership with Undue Medical Debt that has eliminated over $6.3 million in outstanding medical debt for 5,688 Austinites, built the Trial Tracker app to help doctors and research staff identify available clinical trials for patients, and was a four-year varsity golfer. His awards and recognitions include a City of Austin proclamation for the impact made by 26 for 26, KVUE 5 Who Care Award for making a difference in the Austin community, and he was a National Merit Finalist. His fun fact is that he once paddle boarded the full 21 miles of Lake Austin from dam to dam. Yorio plans to major in Plan II Honors and Biology while in the Health Science Scholars Honors Program. He is the son of Andi and Jeff Yorio.

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Forty Acres Scholars Program Class of 2030 Announced

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Forty Acres Scholars Program Class of 2030 Announced

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Forty Acres Scholars Program Class of 2030 Announced

Congratulations to the Forty Acres Scholars Program Class of 2026

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Angeline Aloysius

Angeline is from San Diego, California, and will graduate with a BS in Informatics. The University has provided her with connections that have supported her growth over the last four years.

“The network of relationships I got to build at UT, from my roommates to professors to team members turned friends, has allowed me to grow personally and professionally and has helped shape the kind of impact I want to have on people’s lives. I am so grateful to Dr. Booth, who I got to bring to the Faculty Dinner twice, for being an incredible mentor and cheerleader over the last few years. She has fundamentally shaped my research interests and motivations to challenge and change systems.

I’ve loved seeing how college has shaped my friends’ lives and futures, and I’m really lucky I got to be there alongside them as they grew.”

After graduation, she plans to work as a UX designer and researcher on the Patient Experience team at athenahealth before applying to graduate school. She will also continue her research with Dr. Booth, which will be presented at the 2027 iConference in New Zealand.

“The Forty Acres Scholars Program is a large reason why I decided to come to UT. Being from California and having most of my friends commit to colleges on the west and east coast, UT hadn’t really been on my radar during college application season. Having moved around a lot growing up, I went to nine different schools between K-12, so being surrounded by a constant community was something I was really hoping to have during my college experience. The tight-knit community I saw within the scholars present at my Finalist Weekend showed me that FASP could be exactly that for me. This program has also allowed me to have the most interesting conversations with so many inspiring and accomplished Longhorns, such as Jeannie Leavitt, Longhorns who I don’t know how I would have otherwise had a chance to interact with.”

Angeline is the recipient of the Martin Dies, Jr. Forty Acres Scholarship. You can read more about her here.

Leonardo Andrade

Leonardo is from Houston, Texas, and will graduate with a BBA in Management Information Systems. One of his favorite memories was studying abroad in Taiwan.

“I especially liked a hike we did into the surrounding hills and mountains of Taipei. Rudy and I walked around and found many friendly cats. We got to enjoy some food and brew our own tea, and we ended our trek by visiting a cat café that housed only one cat. The cat ended up sitting right next to us, and we had a beautiful panoramic view of the nature, the foggy sky, and small creeks all the way below. We ended our trip into the mountains by getting into a gondola and going to a night market to enjoy some snacks at the end of the day.”

During his time at UT, Leonardo learned to make use of his resources, what he learns, the friends he makes, and to develop his hobbies. “Use this time to explore and build yourself into a better version of yourself. Talk to others and stay curious!”

After graduation, he plans to work full time in B2B tech sales in Houston or Austin.

“The Forty Acres Scholars Program really shaped my college experience by surrounding myself with amazing students who all pushed me to succeed in all facets of my life. I made few connections and friendships as deep as the ones I did in this program, and I have no regrets because all I need is in this program.”

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

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

Molly is from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and will graduate with a BS in Education and a minor in Social Work. Her time at UT was defined by global exploration and a deep commitment to education access.

Through her enrichment stipend, Molly traveled to more than 20 countries studying education systems, cultures, and communities. One of her most meaningful experiences was visiting Comet House School in Kenya, where she witnessed the impact of accessible education firsthand.

“When I was 15, I lived in this community for a month where I got to work at Comet House when it was still a boy's home. My freshman year summer, I got to utilize my enrichment stipend to visit the school for the first time in 3 years.

Getting to reconnect with these sweet students and watch teachers break ground on building the middle school for Comet students to have the promise of eventually completing their high school degree opened my eyes to the beauty of quality, accessible education for unique populations. Since then, I got return on my way home from studying abroad where I got to work in the special education classroom and serve alongside extremely talented and caring teachers from the local community.”

After graduation, Molly will move to Nashville to work alongside teen parents, supporting housing, education, and parenting resources, while continuing her connection to Comet House School.

“Forty Acres has given me the gift of growing my perspective and dreams. I started college with a simple dream to work in education and thrive in a new state where I truly knew nobody. Forty Acres immediately gave me a family of people that not only cared about me, but cared about my dreams. I have since made lifelong friends, traveled around the world to experience and understand education systems in 21 countries, and gained the skills and experiences to now work in education and social work as I move to post grad. I am forever grateful for the many ways that Forty Acres came alongside me through people, activities, programming, networking events, and enrichment to walk with me as I grew up in college. These truly were the best 4 years of my life and I am incredibly grateful to Forty Acres for the deep impact every person and experience has had on my life!”

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.

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Congratulations to the Forty Acres Scholars Program Class of 2026

Angeline AloysiusAngeline is from San Diego, California, and will graduate with a BS in Informatics. The University has provided her with connections that have supported her growth over the last four years.“The network of relationships I got to build at UT, from my roommates to professors to team members turned friends, has allowed me to grow personally and professionally and has helped shape the kind of impact I want to have on people’s lives. I am so grateful to Dr. Booth, who I got to bring to the Faculty Dinner twice, for being an incredible mentor and cheerleader over the last few years. She has fundamentally shaped my research interests and motivations to challenge and change systems.I’ve loved seeing how college has shaped my friends’ lives and futures, and I’m really lucky I got to be there alongside them as they grew.”After graduation, she plans to work as a UX designer and researcher on the Patient Experience team at athenahealth before applying to graduate school. She will also continue her research with Dr. Booth, which will be presented at the 2027 iConference in New Zealand.“The Forty Acres Scholars Program is a large reason why I decided to come to UT. Being from California and having most of my friends commit to colleges on the west and east coast, UT hadn’t really been on my radar during college application season. Having moved around a lot growing up, I went to nine different schools between K-12, so being surrounded by a constant community was something I was really hoping to have during my college experience. The tight-knit community I saw within the scholars present at my Finalist Weekend showed me that FASP could be exactly that for me. This program has also allowed me to have the most interesting conversations with so many inspiring and accomplished Longhorns, such as Jeannie Leavitt, Longhorns who I don’t know how I would have otherwise had a chance to interact with.”Angeline is the recipient of the Martin Dies, Jr. Forty Acres Scholarship. You can read more about her here. Leonardo AndradeLeonardo is from Houston, Texas, and will graduate with a BBA in Management Information Systems. One of his favorite memories was studying abroad in Taiwan.“I especially liked a hike we did into the surrounding hills and mountains of Taipei. Rudy and I walked around and found many friendly cats. We got to enjoy some food and brew our own tea, and we ended our trek by visiting a cat café that housed only one cat. The cat ended up sitting right next to us, and we had a beautiful panoramic view of the nature, the foggy sky, and small creeks all the way below. We ended our trip into the mountains by getting into a gondola and going to a night market to enjoy some snacks at the end of the day.”During his time at UT, Leonardo learned to make use of his resources, what he learns, the friends he makes, and to develop his hobbies. “Use this time to explore and build yourself into a better version of yourself. Talk to others and stay curious!”After graduation, he plans to work full time in B2B tech sales in Houston or Austin.“The Forty Acres Scholars Program really shaped my college experience by surrounding myself with amazing students who all pushed me to succeed in all facets of my life. I made few connections and friendships as deep as the ones I did in this program, and I have no regrets because all I need is in this program.”Leonardo is the recipient of the AIM Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship. You can read more about him here. Deisiree De JesusDeisiree 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 HunterMolly is from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and will graduate with a BS in Education and a minor in Social Work. Her time at UT was defined by global exploration and a deep commitment to education access.Through her enrichment stipend, Molly traveled to more than 20 countries studying education systems, cultures, and communities. One of her most meaningful experiences was visiting Comet House School in Kenya, where she witnessed the impact of accessible education firsthand.“When I was 15, I lived in this community for a month where I got to work at Comet House when it was still a boy's home. My freshman year summer, I got to utilize my enrichment stipend to visit the school for the first time in 3 years.Getting to reconnect with these sweet students and watch teachers break ground on building the middle school for Comet students to have the promise of eventually completing their high school degree opened my eyes to the beauty of quality, accessible education for unique populations. Since then, I got return on my way home from studying abroad where I got to work in the special education classroom and serve alongside extremely talented and caring teachers from the local community.”After graduation, Molly will move to Nashville to work alongside teen parents, supporting housing, education, and parenting resources, while continuing her connection to Comet House School.“Forty Acres has given me the gift of growing my perspective and dreams. I started college with a simple dream to work in education and thrive in a new state where I truly knew nobody. Forty Acres immediately gave me a family of people that not only cared about me, but cared about my dreams. I have since made lifelong friends, traveled around the world to experience and understand education systems in 21 countries, and gained the skills and experiences to now work in education and social work as I move to post grad. I am forever grateful for the many ways that Forty Acres came alongside me through people, activities, programming, networking events, and enrichment to walk with me as I grew up in college. These truly were the best 4 years of my life and I am incredibly grateful to Forty Acres for the deep impact every person and experience has had on my life!”She is the recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by the Wood Family. You can read more about her here. Ryan KarkowskyRyan 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 KlinckBradley 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 IIIRudy 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 LopezChelsie 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 MaynardSophia 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 McAlindenAndrew 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 MimbelaAbigail 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 MoranLucienne 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 OlivaresYahir 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 RawatAkshita 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 SamsCorey’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 SoaresIsabella 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 TrujilloAshleigh 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 UngWesland 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 YerramSahan 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.

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Congratulations to the Forty Acres Scholars Program Class of 2026

2026 Winners

Read more about 2026 Winners

Jorgeson Pittman, LLP

Ian Pittman
Founding Partner
BA 2005, JD 2009, School of Law, Life Member

Jorgeson Pittman LLP focuses on Family Law, Fertility Law, Probate and Estate Planning for traditional and LGBT families throughout Texas. The Firm s motto encapsulates its core belief Your family. Our priority. Whatever shape your family takes, the attorneys at Jorgeson Pittman LLP can help you plan for and protect it.

Spirit Dress

C. Mercer Black
Founder & CEO
BS 2000, Moody College of Communication, Life Member

Spirit Dress is a modern Americana folk apparel brand celebrating tradition with a fresh, contemporary twist. Blending heritage textiles with intricate embroidery that reflects seasonal trends and school spirit, each garment is designed with fit and comfort in mind. For game day or any day, Texas women love Spirit Dress.
2025 Returning Winner

McKinney York Architects

Michelle Rossomando
President
MAR 1998, School of Architecture

Brian Carlson
Partner
BAR 1998 , School of Architecture [DG3]

William Wood
Partner
BAR 1996, School of Architecture; BS 1996, Cockrell School of Engineering

Navvab Taylor
Partner
BAR 2000, School of Architecture

BB Imaging

Diana Ferguson
CEO
BA 2004, College of Liberal Arts

Blanca Lesmes
Co-Founder, Chair of the Board
MBA 2011, McCombs School of Business

BB Imaging fosters long-term partnerships to build stronger teams, deliver better care, and create lasting impact. We are a team of world-class sonographers who deliver clearer images and deeper insights.
2024, 2025 Returning Winner

Forward Interiors

Lizzie Wagner Bailey
Owner & Designer
BS 2001, College of Education, Life Member

Interior design firm.
2024 Returning Winner

Galaxy Technology Hires, LLC

James Brandon Garrett
Founder & President
BS 2007, Moody College of Communication, Life Member

Galaxy Technology Hires is an engineering and technology recruitment firm, headquartered in Houston, with a small team of highly specialized niche recruiters and sourcers. Primarily supporting the aerospace and defense industry, the firm provides engineering and technical professionals to government and commercial clients across the U.S. The founder of the firm started GalaxyTek, following his career at SpaceX, where he hired over 700 engineers and technical professionals for Elon Musk.
2024 Returning Winner

Neighborhood Veterinary Centers

Shay Hanson
CEO
BBA 2002, McCombs School of Business

Neighborhood Veterinary Centers (NVC) is a family-owned network of veterinary clinics founded in order to bring exceptional pet care to local communities. We are dedicated not only to providing quality routine services that keep pets happy and healthy, but also advanced surgical procedures for our friends who require additional care. We re proud to continue serving our communities by being good neighbors and providing outstanding veterinary care to Southeast Texas.
2024, 2025 Returning Winner

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