Jackson Bellard

Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by the Humboldt Mandell Family

"The Forty Acres Scholars Program has been pivotal in setting me up for my future. The day I applied to The University of Texas is a vivid memory. Being from Northern Nevada, I had no experience with UT. FASP brought me to Austin for the first time during Finalist Weekend, and I fell in love instantly. I have connected with incredible people, from my peers to professors and alumni. Thanks to my incredible donors who have given me the opportunity to be a Longhorn. My friendship with Dr. Mandell is a highlight of my time on the Forty Acres, from our semester lunches to our museum days. I feel blessed to have him as a part of my life. The connections I made have helped mold me into the man I am today. I will forever be a Longhorn."

Sydney Collins

Lowell Lebermann Scholarship Marilyn Marshall White Enrichment Award

"I can't imagine how my life would have gone without the incredible support and resources the Forty Acres Scholars Program provides. It has not only allowed me the financial freedom to focus on my academic passions but also a ready-made, tight-knit community of Scholars, alumni, and staff. No matter what you want to study or do, being part of FASP affords you the resources and connections to live a full and successful life. This program has shaped my life, and I will always be grateful to the Texas Exes and my wonderful donors Mrs. Marilyn White and the Lowell Lebermann Foundation."

Ethan Davila

Inman Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship

"The Forty Acres Scholars Program gave me the support, confidence, and resources I needed to get the most out of my experience at UT. I am overwhelmed by how many opportunities I’ve had. The program pushes you to be the best person you can be. I am incredibly grateful to the Inman family for allowing me to experience everything I could have wanted while at UT. I am thankful to be part of this lifelong community and look forward to being able to continue to be involved with my alma mater."

Daija Esparza

Madison Charitable Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship

"The Forty Acres Scholars Program has allowed me to achieve the dreams and goals that I've had for myself since I was little. Since I was a little girl, my mom and grandma have emphasized to me how important it was to continue my education. It was something they wished they could have done themselves and something I knew I was going to accomplish. Through FASP, I have met some of the most inspiring and amazing people, both in the program and on campus. It helped me push myself out of my comfort zone and travel abroad to countries I could have never imagined visiting. I will always be a Longhorn forever, have a vast network of support, and friendships that will last a lifetime. The trajectory of my future has changed forever."

Will Florer

Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Gayle and Jeff Stouffer

"From visiting the Israel-Palestine territory to studying and working in Los Angeles, I will always be grateful for the incredible journeys that were possible because of the Forty Acres Scholars Program. Perhaps the greatest aspect of this unique program is the direct access I had to the other talented, determined, and friendly Scholars who make the community so special. I cannot wait to see how my fellow Scholars change the world with their individual gifts. I am truly thankful to my donors, the Stouffer Family and the Stamps Foundation, and the Texas Exes for believing and investing in me. And I extend my highest gratitude to my family as they have stood by me and supported me throughout this amazing chapter. Hook ’em!"

Thomas Grannen

Ray and Denise Nixon Forty Acres Scholarship

"I feel immense gratitude for the people who make the Forty Acres Scholars Program possible. The members of my cohort are among the most exceptional people I have met inside or outside of the Longhorn community. Everyone in FASP has a unique ability to be high-achieving and also down-to-earth, a combination I really appreciate. I am incredibly thankful for Ashley Rasmussen, Whitney Carter, Riley Goerner, and Ray and Denise Nixon for supporting my academic growth and personal development as a part of this program. Hook ’em!"

Nikhil Guddati

Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Sandy and Phil Green

"Through FASP, I’ve met some of my closest friends and had some of my favorite experiences at UT Austin. The students in this community push me to be my best, and the staff is constantly encouraging me to grow. With this support, I’ve been able to do so much more at UT than I ever thought possible. Seeing everyone’s unique ambition, goals, and perspectives has inspired me. Through this program, I’ve found a home on campus, and I’m eternally grateful for all that has been offered. Thank you to my donors for supporting this amazing journey."

Anushka Gupta

Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by the McCombs School of Business

"College isn’t an easy transition for most people, and it certainly wasn’t for me—especially during the pandemic. At a time when I thought I would constantly be meeting new people and making lifelong friends, I was largely confined to the four corners of my room and my social interactions were limited to Zoom calls and FaceTimes. This is when I realized what community really meant and how thankful I was to be a part of an amazing one like FASP. The support and kindness I have felt throughout my time in college has made me a stronger person and empowered me to reach all of my goals. FASP has been at the core of my college career, and I know this community will stay with me long after I graduate."

Connor Hrachovy

Susie and John L. Adams Forty Acres Scholarship

"I am beyond grateful to be a part of the Forty Acres Scholars Program community and to fully experience its three core tenets of community, connection, and discovery. Through semesterly retreats, dinners, and countless other events, FASP has fostered an inseparable community that has provided me lifelong friendships and peers who will always have each other’s backs and challenge each other intellectually. Furthermore, I am forever thankful for the global experiences made possible through FASP—studying abroad in London and Budapest were eye-opening experiences, and their cultural takeaways are invaluable. FASP is a catalyst for growth in all aspects of life, and I am grateful to be experiencing it with some of my closest friends. I am very thankful to Mr. and Mrs. Adams and FASP for an enriching and fulfilling experience at UT. I look forward to giving back and continuing to share the selfless and compassionate values they instilled in me."

Nikita Kakkad

Carol and Gary Kelly Forty Acres Scholarship

"I remember getting in the car after my interview and telling my dad that if I had the chance to be a part of FASP, I would say yes with zero hesitation. From my first exposure to the program, it was clear that the supportive community and incredible alumni network gives Scholars the confidence to begin such incredible journeys at UT Austin. My fellow Scholars are a constant source of inspiration, positivity, and support. Program staff are always welcoming and encouraging. I cannot overstate how incredible the faculty and opportunities at UT are, and being able to share my joys and watch my fellow scholars succeed is such a privilege. I could have never imagined that my university experience would encompass studying abroad, becoming a published author, and doing research at one of the best hospitals in the country—the opportunities that FASP provides are a large part of the success I’ve had. I cannot thank the Kellys enough for providing their support for the past four years. I can’t believe my cohort only has a year left together, but I know we’ll make the most of it. Hook 'em forever!"

Helen Kalleb

Elizabeth Shatto Massey Forty Acres Scholarship

"Time has flown by so quickly! It was not long ago that I was walking onto UT campus for the first time during Finalist Weekend. I did not realize what an impact a program like this would make on my life. I am forever grateful for the Forty Acres Scholars Program, as I know my college experience would not be the same without the love, mentorship, and opportunities provided to me. This program has made Austin feel like a second home and has gifted me with cherished memories, unforgettable experiences in other countries, and the best friends and roommates I could ask for! This program is so unique, and it feels surreal that my time at UT is ending soon. I cannot wait to make the most of it! Hook ‘em forever!"

Sara Kothia

Jeanne L. and Michael L. Klein Forty Acres Scholarship

"I will forever be grateful for the unparalleled opportunity to be a part of the Forty Acres Scholars Program. From the moment I stepped foot onto campus for Finalist Weekend, I knew this program would be life-changing, but my 17-year-old self could have never dreamt of what my time in the program had in store. This family-like community of alumni, donors, staff, and fellow Scholars has defined my college experience and pushed me every day to keep learning and growing. Their unwavering support helped me explore my personal, academic, and professional goals and encouraged me to build a future that I could truly be proud of. The enrichment experiences have shaped my worldview and allowed me to explore, research, and study communities and aspects of nursing that will continue to influence my career for decades to come. I cannot begin to picture what my college experience would have been like without the program, and I would like to sincerely thank Mr. and Mrs. Klein for giving me the chance to be a part of this one-of-a-kind community."

Sophia Li

Charline and Red McCombs Family Forty Acres Scholarship

"The Forty Acres Scholars Program has given me opportunities beyond borders, experiences I will never forget, and a community that has truly made my college experience."

Amanda Mackenzie

Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Lana Jones O'Hara and Will O'Hara

"For as long as I can remember, UT Austin has been my dream school, and attending as a Forty Acres Scholar has made the experience so much more fulfilling. Not only did I get to enter with a community of support around me, I was able to surround myself with a community that continuously influenced me to become the best version of myself. Everyone always continues to encourage, push, and inspire me to reach my full potential. From Freshman dinners to studying in Italy, I am forever grateful for the opportunities I have received and the people I am surrounded by. I am forever grateful for this program giving me the best four years of my life!"

Aria Morgan

Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Forty Acres Scholarship

"The Forty Acres Scholars Program has been instrumental in curating my undergraduate experience at The University of Texas. It has allowed me to pursue my education in theatre and my interests in playwriting and directing while I work toward law school as my ultimate goal. This program enabled me to study in Cape Town, South Africa, and to travel to Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE. I cannot overstate the impact this program has had on me. From the other Scholars to my donors and those working to coordinate our programs, I have been uplifted and supported in so many ways. I’ll always be grateful to this program for the opportunities it gave me. I applied and, in a sea of other applicants, was blessed with a life-changing opportunity."

Alice Nguyen

Marilyn and Ron Neiman Forty Acres Scholarship

"The Forty Acres Scholars Program is a dream come true. I am tremendously grateful to have this community of staff, donors, alumni, and peers who have uplifted me throughout my time at The University of Texas. This program has opened doors I never dared to fathom. Without FASP, I would not be writing this from Italy, where I have studied the frescoes of Giotto and walked the same streets as Dante Alighieri and Lord Byron! Words cannot express how transformative this program has been for me academically, professionally, and personally. I have endless gratitude for Marilyn and Ron Neiman and their generous gift that made my time here possible. I am especially thankful for my proxy donor, Linnet Deily, who has been an incredible mentor and friend during my time at Texas. Being a Forty Acres Scholar has truly been the privilege of a lifetime, and I would choose UT again in this life and every other."

Lana Mohamed

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

"I cannot put into words how influential the Forty Acres Scholars Program has been to my life. The endless opportunities, close-knit network, and incredible Texas Exes staff have made my college experience more incredible than I ever thought it would be. This program has allowed me to explore my passions and make an impact. It has given me the confidence, support, and resources to achieve my professional and career goals. It has allowed me to travel the world and learn about different cultures, expanding my mindset and perspective constantly. The most special part of this program, in my opinion, is the people. They have given me a small community within a large school. My cohort have become my lifelong friends, and I am forever grateful for the connections I have made. I am so thankful for the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Maclin and the Stamps Foundation, as well as Whitney, Ashley, Riley, and the rest of the Forty Acres staff for giving me this incredible opportunity. Hook 'em!"

Amelia Nickerson

Sarah M. and Charles E. Seay Forty Acres Scholarship

"The Forty Acres Scholars Program has enriched my college experience in ways I never imagined; it has afforded me freedom, inspiration, and community. I was given the freedom to pursue my passions in and out of school. I traveled to over 50 cities and nearly 20 countries, where I explored new cultures and broadened my perspective. Inspiration struck me from my first FASP experience at Finalist Weekend and continues to grow as I witness the accomplishments of driven Scholars and alumni. Finally, these Scholars, along with the FASP donors and staff, have become a second family that made me feel loved, supported, and welcomed throughout my time at UT. FASP has played a pivotal role in my life, and I will be forever thankful for the opportunity to be a Forty Acres Scholar."

Devan Patel

Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by the McCombs School of Business

"The Forty Acres Scholarship Program is an extraordinary opportunity that has changed my life. With such diverse and driven individuals, the tight-knit community of FASP makes UT Austin feel like home. From renowned professors and global learning experiences to lifelong mentorship and unwavering support, this program has also opened doors, created lifelong memories, and helped me grow, both personally and professionally. With the support of the donors, staff, and fellow Scholars, I do not doubt that each one of us will create meaningful, lasting change in the world. It is a privilege to be a part of this life-changing program, and I am forever grateful to those who have made it possible."

Olivia Pierce

Moore Family Forty Acres Scholarship, Chevron Enrichment Award

"Going to UT and being a Forty Acres Scholar was never my plan—until it was. I feel so lucky to have seemingly stumbled my way into this opportunity of a lifetime. This program gave me access to a strong community of like-minded Scholars, allowed me to interact with inspiring alumni, gave me the resources to study all around the world, and let me graduate debt-free. Financially free and enriched by the lessons I've learned from alumni, speakers, fellow Scholars, and travel—I can't wait to see what the future holds."

Walter Stark

Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by the Cockrell School of Engineering

"Being part of the Forty Acres Program has been the cornerstone of my experience at UT Austin. The program created a strong sense of community, resulting in an easier transition into college and many lifelong friends. Before this experience, I never left the United States, had a passport, or considered studying abroad. Thanks to the program, I could study in Zurich, Switzerland, which was academically rigorous yet extremely fun. I was very lucky to be mentored by John Roby, Kimberly Clark, and Albert Swantner, who taught me important lessons and were invaluable for discussions about my academic and professional goals. I will be forever grateful to have been part of FASP at UT Austin. The program has provided opportunities I wouldn’t have dreamed possible."