Sabrina Benítez

Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Forty Acres Scholarship

“The Forty Acres Scholars Program has given me the opportunity of a lifetime to enrich my learning through engagement with other cultures. Before entering college, I had never traveled out of the country. Upon receiving the scholarship, I was most excited about using the enrichment program to see the world! Whether it was shadowing doctors in Milan, Italy, or conducting health education workshops in Antigua, Guatemala, these experiences cemented my decision to pursue a career in medicine and deepened my understanding of the human spirit. My time abroad will forever be a highlight of my college career, and I am immensely grateful to my donors and the Forty Acres Scholars Program for facilitating these invaluable experiences.” 

Mary Margaret Burniston

Hobby/Beckworth Forty Acres Scholarship

“Whether it be Zoom happy hours with my cohort during the COVID-19 pandemic, workshopping short stories with fellow scholars in creative writing classes, or calling up scholar alums to get advice on future career goals, the Forty Acres Scholars program has consistently been one of the most supportive, encouraging, and loving organizations I have been a part of in college. Being a Forty Acres Scholar has given me the confidence to reach out to professors I admire, seek out mentors, and pursue unexpected opportunities. FASP has brought me my closest friends, most trusted advisors, and always first choice adventure partners.” 

Olivia Cardenas

Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Jeanne L. and Michael L. Klein

“What struck me most during my Finalist Weekend was the obvious bond of older scholars. I craved that sense of community and support in my own college experience, and it is safe to say the Forty Acres Scholars Program has brought me more than I could’ve ever hoped for. Through this program, I have gotten to experience college alongside the most brilliant, diverse, and selfless people. The commitment I have seen in my fellow scholars to helping others, to getting the most out of every experience, and to unabashedly pursuing what they love has elevated me not only as a student but as a person. I leave this program with lifelong friends who I know will never stop learning and working to leave this world better than they found it. I am inspired by them to do the same. I am eternally grateful for this experience and the people I have met along the way, especially my donors Jeanne and Michael Klein.”

Ricky Cooks

Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Beverly and Will O'Hara; Chevron Enrichment Award

“The Forty Acres Scholars Program relieved me of so many stresses, helping me better pursue my goals and dreams. From the financial support provided from my amazing donors and other alumni to the friends that have been in my corner from day one at UT, FASP has given me several life-changing opportunities. In a very quick summation, I was able to study in Argentina, intern in our nation’s capitol, and meet an amazing network of alumni and professors...all while sprinkling in a few hit Broadway musicals! I’m inspired by my peers in the program— they’re quite literally some of most awe-inspiring individuals I’ve met. They each inspire me to explore and pursue the ways in which I will change the world around me. I couldn’t be more thankful for all FASP has brought my way at The University of Texas.”

Carlyn Crow

Charline and Red McCombs Family Forty Acres Scholarship; Marilyn Marshall White Enrichment Award

“The Forty Acres Scholars Program is unlike any other opportunity I discovered during my college application process. The Forty Acres offered unique benefits that made saying yes to UT the obvious choice. I was originally skeptical of attending a college so close to home, yet with the Forty Acres Scholars Program my college campus extends worldwide. I was also skeptical of attending a college with 50,000 students. Once again, the Forty Acres Scholars Program condenses the massive student population into 70 of the most well-connected people in a close-knit community. This program connects me to opportunities across the campus and the globe, whether it’s studying abroad in Buenos Aires, connecting me with an alumnus in an industry I hope to explore, or to a Texas Exes event in Hong Kong. There is not another scholarship program that will invest in you more than this one does. ”

Ashley Deutser

John and Cynthia Adkins/Texas Exes Houston Chapter Forty Acres Scholarship

“I never would have been at Texas if it weren’t for the Forty Acres Scholars Program. From my first day at school, I knew I had a family in my cohort that would become some of my closest friends. Over the years, that has proven true time and time again. These are people I have gotten to travel the world with— studying the problems of Catholicism in Rome, supply chain in Hong Kong, or sustainability in Copenhagen— thanks to this Program. Now going out into the world, I am so excited to see what my fellow scholars will do (like how I see older scholar alumni before us) and know that I have the full force of the Texas Exes behind me. I am so thankful to my donors, Forty Acres Society members, and the FASP staff for making this Program completely life changing. I am forever grateful that the Forty Acres Scholars Program made me a lifelong longhorn. Hook ‘em!” 

Min Kim

Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by S. Todd and Diana Maclin

"The Forty Acres Scholars Program has propelled me through an amazing college experience I never could have imagined. The Scholars in our cohort have inspired me to dream big, broadened my perspectives, and provided a supportive and close-knit community since day one. The program not only afforded me resources and opportunities, but more importantly, encouraged me to pursue my passions—from large-scale global health to molecular biology research—here in Austin, across the country, and abroad. I've been able to connect with incredibly accomplished alumni, donors, faculty, and peers whose words of wisdom and support have been invaluable. Looking back on the past three years, yes, I've grown as a student and aspiring physician but even more so in my confidence and drive as a leader, contributor, facilitator, and difference-maker. What starts here changes the world—and I'm blessed to be part of the group leading the charge." 

Joe Levin

Eugene McDermott Forty Acres Scholarship

"I can't imagine my time at UT without the Forty Acres Scholars Program. Because of FASP and the Texas Exes, I've found my best friends, traveled the world, and had opportunities—like fostering meaningful relationships with deans, professors, and alumni—that other college kids only dream of. Oh, and I also met Willie Nelson. Top that!"

John McDonald

Sylvie and Gary Crum Forty Acres Scholarship

“During my Finalist Weekend four years ago, all the graduating Scholars told me that this program was life changing. I never really understood what that meant. Four years later, I can confirm this is the case. The alumni and events have given me the opportunity to pursue my professional goals. The enrichment stipend enabled me to explore areas of interest outside of my major. Most of all, my cohort has served as my family away from home. The experiences we made together are invaluable and it would not have been possible if it were not for the Forty Acres Scholars Program. All these experiences, especially with the other scholars, are what make this program exceptional.” 

Ronen Melloul

AIM Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship

“I’m not an art major but allow me to paint a picture: six students sitting around a circular table with nametags, chicken tacos, and cheesecake for dessert. This setup is at the purest form of any Forty Acres event, whether it be a discussion or an all-Scholar meeting. Whatever it is, I am in heaven—my friends and I coming together to learn and grow. It has been a blessing to have this community. Thank you to the Texas Exes staff for your commitment to cultivating Forty Acres with a culture of learning and belonging.”

Yessmeen Moharram

Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by the College of Fine Arts

“I initially heard about the Forty Acres Scholars Program while attending a Fine Arts Information session at UT Austin. I did my own research afterwards, and it sounded like everything I wanted: academic excellence, diversity, a rich cultural and social experience, and long-lasting friendships/connections. I was already super interested in UT, so the thought of being supported through a program like FASP made the idea of coming to UT even more exciting. Coming to Finalist Weekend just confirmed to me how much I wanted to be a part of this community and program. The resources offered to us sounded amazing; every single finalist was passionate, driven, kind, and inspiring, and getting a more in depth look at what my life might look like at UT just made me fall in love all over again!”

Hannah Penley

Mary John and Ralph Spence Forty Acres Scholarship

“Four years ago, I never would have dreamed of being part of such a unique program with people that are so special to me. I will leave UT with a deeper love for my community, a deeper passion for my future career in education, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of creation. With my enrichment stipend, I studied abroad for a semester in Tampere, Finland, as well as traveled to Bangalore, India to learn about their education system. I student-taught in multiple grade levels and classes in Tampere, learning the language and learning new ways to teach content. In India, I observed classes in various styles of schools in an education system that is very different from that of the United States. I have gained a greater perspective on what kind of teacher I want to be—one who deeply cares about the students, their backgrounds, and their education.”

Shilpa Rajagopal

Erin and Thomas A. Bunkley Forty Acres Scholarship

“The Forty Acres Scholarship has defined my UT experience in so many ways. This program has given me a chance to explore my passions diversely, whether it be through Forty Acres Discussions, different networking events, or the opportunity to study abroad. During the past four years, I have interacted with my academic and professional role models, developed some truly meaningful friendships with my fellow scholars, and discovered just how special the Longhorn community is in uplifting students and alumni. Thank you to my family, my donors, Mr. and Mrs. Bunkley, and all the wonderful Texas Exes staff for helping create an incredible support system. I am so proud and grateful to be a Longhorn!”