Houston Chapter Holds Scholarship Dinner

Can't see this slideshow? Click here. Houston's River Oaks Country Club turned burnt-orange on March 23 for the Texas Exes Houston Chapter's spring scholarship dinner. The guests of honor were longtime UT boosters Suzan Glickman, BS ’64, Life Member, and Julius Glickman, BA ’62, LLB ’66, Life Member, Distinguished Alumnus. "The Glickmans have done so much for UT," says Texas Exes Houston Chapter coordinator Suzanne Tamas, "and it was really special to honor them." An award-winning Houston attorney, Julius Glickman was UT student body president and helped convince Austin barbershops to open their doors to African-American students for the first time. The Plan II graduate’s passion for the arts and humanities led him to chair Humanities Texas, fund a gallery in the Blanton Museum of Art, and support UT in myriad other ways, including chairing the Development Board and the Chancellor’s Council. He and Suzan are also among the biggest supporters of the Forty Acres Scholars Program. At the event, Texas Exes executive director and CEO Leslie Cedar, UT president Bill Powers, and Forty Acres Scholar Abhay Divakaruni all spoke about the Glickmans' influence on UT. The evening also featured a video presentation honoring the Glickmans, as well as both silent and live auctions. Among the more creative items sold was an at-home meal cooked by chef Randy Rucker and accompanied by live music from country singer Bri Bagwell. In classic Glickman style, the event helped the University in a big way. According to Tamas, more than 275 guests raised at least $75,000 for the chapter's scholarship fund, making this the chapter's biggest annual fundraiser. The Houston Chapter awards roughly $80,000 to about 20 UT scholarship recipients every year. Photos by Genesis Photography.

Houston Chapter Holds Scholarship Dinner

Can't see this slideshow? Click here. Houston's River Oaks Country Club turned burnt-orange on March 23 for the Texas Exes Houston Chapter's spring scholarship dinner. The guests of honor were longtime UT boosters Suzan Glickman, BS ’64, Life Member, and Julius Glickman, BA ’62, LLB ’66, Life Member, Distinguished Alumnus. "The Glickmans have done so much for UT," says Texas Exes Houston Chapter coordinator Suzanne Tamas, "and it was really special to honor them." An award-winning Houston attorney, Julius Glickman was UT student body president and helped convince Austin barbershops to open their doors to African-American students for the first time. The Plan II graduate’s passion for the arts and humanities led him to chair Humanities Texas, fund a gallery in the Blanton Museum of Art, and support UT in myriad other ways, including chairing the Development Board and the Chancellor’s Council. He and Suzan are also among the biggest supporters of the Forty Acres Scholars Program. At the event, Texas Exes executive director and CEO Leslie Cedar, UT president Bill Powers, and Forty Acres Scholar Abhay Divakaruni all spoke about the Glickmans' influence on UT. The evening also featured a video presentation honoring the Glickmans, as well as both silent and live auctions. Among the more creative items sold was an at-home meal cooked by chef Randy Rucker and accompanied by live music from country singer Bri Bagwell. In classic Glickman style, the event helped the University in a big way. According to Tamas, more than 275 guests raised at least $75,000 for the chapter's scholarship fund, making this the chapter's biggest annual fundraiser. The Houston Chapter awards roughly $80,000 to about 20 UT scholarship recipients every year. Photos by Genesis Photography.

Houston Chapter Holds Scholarship Dinner

Can't see this slideshow? Click here. Houston's River Oaks Country Club turned burnt-orange on March 23 for the Texas Exes Houston Chapter's spring scholarship dinner. The guests of honor were longtime UT boosters Suzan Glickman, BS ’64, Life Member, and Julius Glickman, BA ’62, LLB ’66, Life Member, Distinguished Alumnus. "The Glickmans have done so much for UT," says Texas Exes Houston Chapter coordinator Suzanne Tamas, "and it was really special to honor them." An award-winning Houston attorney, Julius Glickman was UT student body president and helped convince Austin barbershops to open their doors to African-American students for the first time. The Plan II graduate’s passion for the arts and humanities led him to chair Humanities Texas, fund a gallery in the Blanton Museum of Art, and support UT in myriad other ways, including chairing the Development Board and the Chancellor’s Council. He and Suzan are also among the biggest supporters of the Forty Acres Scholars Program. At the event, Texas Exes executive director and CEO Leslie Cedar, UT president Bill Powers, and Forty Acres Scholar Abhay Divakaruni all spoke about the Glickmans' influence on UT. The evening also featured a video presentation honoring the Glickmans, as well as both silent and live auctions. Among the more creative items sold was an at-home meal cooked by chef Randy Rucker and accompanied by live music from country singer Bri Bagwell. In classic Glickman style, the event helped the University in a big way. According to Tamas, more than 275 guests raised at least $75,000 for the chapter's scholarship fund, making this the chapter's biggest annual fundraiser. The Houston Chapter awards roughly $80,000 to about 20 UT scholarship recipients every year. Photos by Genesis Photography.

Forty Acres Scholar Joins UT Polo Club

Forty Acres Scholar Tiffany Chan has been on campus for only one semester, but she’s already finding new ways to broaden her horizons. Chan, a Chemical Engineering and Plan II major, joined the UT Polo Club in the fall, and has been riding ever since. The catch? Before joining the club, she’d barely ever ridden a horse. “I had been on a horse once at camp,” Chan jokes, “but that didn't really count.” Just being on the Forty Acres has inspired Chan to try new things. “If you walk down Speedway, there are so many organizations and opportunities you never thought possible," Chan says. "Riding a horse was not something I came to UT expecting to do, but I’m so glad I did.” Her fellow polo club members have made Chan feel more at home at such a large university. “It’s made the campus feel a lot smaller,” she says. “Some people come to UT thinking it’s a huge campus, and that they can’t find their niche ... but one of the great things about a big campus is all of the organizations available to students.” Chan, now the polo club’s merchandise chair, was initially attracted to polo because of the horses, but she’s gained much more than riding experience in her time with the club. “The teamwork aspect of playing polo will apply to the real world,” Chan says. “On the field, you really have to communicate well to achieve that end goal. You can’t play just isolated by yourself, it doesn't work that way.” The Forty Acres Scholars Program has also helped Chan to get her college career off to a strong start. “I feel really privileged to be a part of this program,” Chan says. “I can’t imagine getting through the semester without the Texas Exes and my fellow scholars. Saying we’re a family, it sounds cliché, but it’s so true. Everyone here pushes you to do your best.” Aside from school and the polo club, Chan participates in the Women in Engineering Program, is a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and serves as a student representative on the Engineering Honors Council. In her limited spare time, she volunteers at the Austin Animal Center. “The ‘animal love’ thing is new,” Chan admits, “but I've really made a connection with them, and it may be something I look into going into the future.”

Forty Acres Scholar Joins UT Polo Club

Forty Acres Scholar Tiffany Chan has been on campus for only one semester, but she’s already finding new ways to broaden her horizons. Chan, a Chemical Engineering and Plan II major, joined the UT Polo Club in the fall, and has been riding ever since. The catch? Before joining the club, she’d barely ever ridden a horse. “I had been on a horse once at camp,” Chan jokes, “but that didn't really count.” Just being on the Forty Acres has inspired Chan to try new things. “If you walk down Speedway, there are so many organizations and opportunities you never thought possible," Chan says. "Riding a horse was not something I came to UT expecting to do, but I’m so glad I did.” Her fellow polo club members have made Chan feel more at home at such a large university. “It’s made the campus feel a lot smaller,” she says. “Some people come to UT thinking it’s a huge campus, and that they can’t find their niche ... but one of the great things about a big campus is all of the organizations available to students.” Chan, now the polo club’s merchandise chair, was initially attracted to polo because of the horses, but she’s gained much more than riding experience in her time with the club. “The teamwork aspect of playing polo will apply to the real world,” Chan says. “On the field, you really have to communicate well to achieve that end goal. You can’t play just isolated by yourself, it doesn't work that way.” The Forty Acres Scholars Program has also helped Chan to get her college career off to a strong start. “I feel really privileged to be a part of this program,” Chan says. “I can’t imagine getting through the semester without the Texas Exes and my fellow scholars. Saying we’re a family, it sounds cliché, but it’s so true. Everyone here pushes you to do your best.” Aside from school and the polo club, Chan participates in the Women in Engineering Program, is a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and serves as a student representative on the Engineering Honors Council. In her limited spare time, she volunteers at the Austin Animal Center. “The ‘animal love’ thing is new,” Chan admits, “but I've really made a connection with them, and it may be something I look into going into the future.”

Forty Acres Scholar Joins UT Polo Club

Forty Acres Scholar Tiffany Chan has been on campus for only one semester, but she’s already finding new ways to broaden her horizons. Chan, a Chemical Engineering and Plan II major, joined the UT Polo Club in the fall, and has been riding ever since. The catch? Before joining the club, she’d barely ever ridden a horse. “I had been on a horse once at camp,” Chan jokes, “but that didn't really count.” Just being on the Forty Acres has inspired Chan to try new things. “If you walk down Speedway, there are so many organizations and opportunities you never thought possible," Chan says. "Riding a horse was not something I came to UT expecting to do, but I’m so glad I did.” Her fellow polo club members have made Chan feel more at home at such a large university. “It’s made the campus feel a lot smaller,” she says. “Some people come to UT thinking it’s a huge campus, and that they can’t find their niche ... but one of the great things about a big campus is all of the organizations available to students.” Chan, now the polo club’s merchandise chair, was initially attracted to polo because of the horses, but she’s gained much more than riding experience in her time with the club. “The teamwork aspect of playing polo will apply to the real world,” Chan says. “On the field, you really have to communicate well to achieve that end goal. You can’t play just isolated by yourself, it doesn't work that way.” The Forty Acres Scholars Program has also helped Chan to get her college career off to a strong start. “I feel really privileged to be a part of this program,” Chan says. “I can’t imagine getting through the semester without the Texas Exes and my fellow scholars. Saying we’re a family, it sounds cliché, but it’s so true. Everyone here pushes you to do your best.” Aside from school and the polo club, Chan participates in the Women in Engineering Program, is a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and serves as a student representative on the Engineering Honors Council. In her limited spare time, she volunteers at the Austin Animal Center. “The ‘animal love’ thing is new,” Chan admits, “but I've really made a connection with them, and it may be something I look into going into the future.”

Introducing the 2013 Forty Acres Scholars Program Finalists

The University of Texas' most prestigious scholarship is moving closer to selecting its third class. From the more than 28,000 students who applied to the University, 41 finalists have been selected for the Forty Acres Scholars Program. They're an elite bunch. They hail from six states and 16 Texas counties and have an average SAT score of 1430. This year's finalists aim to study in almost all of UT's colleges and schools, from fine arts to business, education, and engineering. They'll be in Austin from April 4-6 for Finalists' Weekend, where they'll tour campus, visit with their school or college, meet current scholars and alumni, and even see the city via the amphibious Austin Duck Tour, among other activities. The weekend will conclude with interviews that will help select the final group of scholarship recipients. Forty Acres Scholars Program associate director Kristy Kimball says she's eagerly awaiting Finalists' Weekend. "We've been reviewing applications since January and earlier, so it will be great to finally meet the students," Kimball says. "We feel like we already know them, and we can't wait to get to know them better." Below, meet the 2013 Forty Acres Scholars Program finalists. Ashley Alcantara Lamar High School Houston, TX Claire Creighton Carroll Senior High School Southlake, TX Trey Curran Jesuit College Preparatory School Plano, TX Sam Dalton Highland Park High School Dallas, TX Genaro DeLeon HM King High School Kingsville, TX Rachel Dick Tanque Verde High School Tucson, AZ Milan Doshi Elkins High School Missouri City, TX Gabriela Estrada Business Careers High School San Antonio, TX Sarah Fischer Leonardtown High School Mechanicsville, MD Tyler Freed Alamo Heights Senior High School San Antonio, TX Connor Frew McKinney Boyd High School McKinney, TX Ben Giddens Alamo Heights Senior High School San Antonio, TX Jonathan Go Wichita Collegiate School Andover, KS Julio Gonzalez Pharr-San Juan-Alamo High School McAllen, TX Mark Gorthey Westlake High School Austin, TX Madison Gove Dickinson High School Dickinson, TX Nicole Grunwald Pantego Christian Academy Mansfield, TX Amanda Hildebrand Tom Clark High School San Antonio, TX Jacklyn Jacobe Kinkaid School Houston, TX Archana Jeeji Westwood High School Austin, TX Yoon Jeong Plano West Senior High School Farmers Branch, TX Jennifer Knesbach Bellaire Senior High School Houston, TX Gene Lewis Robert E. Lee High School Tyler, TX Molly Marek Boerne High School Boerne, TX Keyur Mehta Westlake High School Austin, TX Christine Nott Harlingen High School South Harlingen, TX Alejandra Ortega Barbara Jordan High School for Careers Houston, TX Isabel Pask Lake Highlands High School Dallas, TX McKay Proctor Montgomery Bell Academy Nashville, TN Caroline Read Highland Park High School Dallas, TX Marlene Renz Alamo Heights Senior High School San Antonio, TX Ron Richard Ridge Point High School Missouri City, TX Bronwyn Scott Kingwood High School Kingwood, TX Kris Seavers Ronald Reagan High School San Antonio, TX Cooper Simon Central High School Forth Worth, TX Kate Stotesbery Regents School of Austin Austin, TX Kathryn Stouffer Highland Park High School Dallas, TX Scott Urbis Los Fresnos Senior High School Brownsville, TX Sarah Vogts Interlochen Arts Academy Dakota Dunes, SD Chris Wager Strake Jesuit College Preparatory School Houston, TX Marsha Zhang St. John's School Houston, TX

Introducing the 2013 Forty Acres Scholars Program Finalists

The University of Texas' most prestigious scholarship is moving closer to selecting its third class. From the more than 28,000 students who applied to the University, 41 finalists have been selected for the Forty Acres Scholars Program. They're an elite bunch. They hail from six states and 16 Texas counties and have an average SAT score of 1430. This year's finalists aim to study in almost all of UT's colleges and schools, from fine arts to business, education, and engineering. They'll be in Austin from April 4-6 for Finalists' Weekend, where they'll tour campus, visit with their school or college, meet current scholars and alumni, and even see the city via the amphibious Austin Duck Tour, among other activities. The weekend will conclude with interviews that will help select the final group of scholarship recipients. Forty Acres Scholars Program associate director Kristy Kimball says she's eagerly awaiting Finalists' Weekend. "We've been reviewing applications since January and earlier, so it will be great to finally meet the students," Kimball says. "We feel like we already know them, and we can't wait to get to know them better." Below, meet the 2013 Forty Acres Scholars Program finalists. Ashley Alcantara Lamar High School Houston, TX Claire Creighton Carroll Senior High School Southlake, TX Trey Curran Jesuit College Preparatory School Plano, TX Sam Dalton Highland Park High School Dallas, TX Genaro DeLeon HM King High School Kingsville, TX Rachel Dick Tanque Verde High School Tucson, AZ Milan Doshi Elkins High School Missouri City, TX Gabriela Estrada Business Careers High School San Antonio, TX Sarah Fischer Leonardtown High School Mechanicsville, MD Tyler Freed Alamo Heights Senior High School San Antonio, TX Connor Frew McKinney Boyd High School McKinney, TX Ben Giddens Alamo Heights Senior High School San Antonio, TX Jonathan Go Wichita Collegiate School Andover, KS Julio Gonzalez Pharr-San Juan-Alamo High School McAllen, TX Mark Gorthey Westlake High School Austin, TX Madison Gove Dickinson High School Dickinson, TX Nicole Grunwald Pantego Christian Academy Mansfield, TX Amanda Hildebrand Tom Clark High School San Antonio, TX Jacklyn Jacobe Kinkaid School Houston, TX Archana Jeeji Westwood High School Austin, TX Yoon Jeong Plano West Senior High School Farmers Branch, TX Jennifer Knesbach Bellaire Senior High School Houston, TX Gene Lewis Robert E. Lee High School Tyler, TX Molly Marek Boerne High School Boerne, TX Keyur Mehta Westlake High School Austin, TX Christine Nott Harlingen High School South Harlingen, TX Alejandra Ortega Barbara Jordan High School for Careers Houston, TX Isabel Pask Lake Highlands High School Dallas, TX McKay Proctor Montgomery Bell Academy Nashville, TN Caroline Read Highland Park High School Dallas, TX Marlene Renz Alamo Heights Senior High School San Antonio, TX Ron Richard Ridge Point High School Missouri City, TX Bronwyn Scott Kingwood High School Kingwood, TX Kris Seavers Ronald Reagan High School San Antonio, TX Cooper Simon Central High School Forth Worth, TX Kate Stotesbery Regents School of Austin Austin, TX Kathryn Stouffer Highland Park High School Dallas, TX Scott Urbis Los Fresnos Senior High School Brownsville, TX Sarah Vogts Interlochen Arts Academy Dakota Dunes, SD Chris Wager Strake Jesuit College Preparatory School Houston, TX Marsha Zhang St. John's School Houston, TX

Introducing the 2013 Forty Acres Scholars Program Finalists

The University of Texas' most prestigious scholarship is moving closer to selecting its third class. From the more than 28,000 students who applied to the University, 41 finalists have been selected for the Forty Acres Scholars Program. They're an elite bunch. They hail from six states and 16 Texas counties and have an average SAT score of 1430. This year's finalists aim to study in almost all of UT's colleges and schools, from fine arts to business, education, and engineering. They'll be in Austin from April 4-6 for Finalists' Weekend, where they'll tour campus, visit with their school or college, meet current scholars and alumni, and even see the city via the amphibious Austin Duck Tour, among other activities. The weekend will conclude with interviews that will help select the final group of scholarship recipients. Forty Acres Scholars Program associate director Kristy Kimball says she's eagerly awaiting Finalists' Weekend. "We've been reviewing applications since January and earlier, so it will be great to finally meet the students," Kimball says. "We feel like we already know them, and we can't wait to get to know them better." Below, meet the 2013 Forty Acres Scholars Program finalists. Ashley Alcantara Lamar High School Houston, TX Claire Creighton Carroll Senior High School Southlake, TX Trey Curran Jesuit College Preparatory School Plano, TX Sam Dalton Highland Park High School Dallas, TX Genaro DeLeon HM King High School Kingsville, TX Rachel Dick Tanque Verde High School Tucson, AZ Milan Doshi Elkins High School Missouri City, TX Gabriela Estrada Business Careers High School San Antonio, TX Sarah Fischer Leonardtown High School Mechanicsville, MD Tyler Freed Alamo Heights Senior High School San Antonio, TX Connor Frew McKinney Boyd High School McKinney, TX Ben Giddens Alamo Heights Senior High School San Antonio, TX Jonathan Go Wichita Collegiate School Andover, KS Julio Gonzalez Pharr-San Juan-Alamo High School McAllen, TX Mark Gorthey Westlake High School Austin, TX Madison Gove Dickinson High School Dickinson, TX Nicole Grunwald Pantego Christian Academy Mansfield, TX Amanda Hildebrand Tom Clark High School San Antonio, TX Jacklyn Jacobe Kinkaid School Houston, TX Archana Jeeji Westwood High School Austin, TX Yoon Jeong Plano West Senior High School Farmers Branch, TX Jennifer Knesbach Bellaire Senior High School Houston, TX Gene Lewis Robert E. Lee High School Tyler, TX Molly Marek Boerne High School Boerne, TX Keyur Mehta Westlake High School Austin, TX Christine Nott Harlingen High School South Harlingen, TX Alejandra Ortega Barbara Jordan High School for Careers Houston, TX Isabel Pask Lake Highlands High School Dallas, TX McKay Proctor Montgomery Bell Academy Nashville, TN Caroline Read Highland Park High School Dallas, TX Marlene Renz Alamo Heights Senior High School San Antonio, TX Ron Richard Ridge Point High School Missouri City, TX Bronwyn Scott Kingwood High School Kingwood, TX Kris Seavers Ronald Reagan High School San Antonio, TX Cooper Simon Central High School Forth Worth, TX Kate Stotesbery Regents School of Austin Austin, TX Kathryn Stouffer Highland Park High School Dallas, TX Scott Urbis Los Fresnos Senior High School Brownsville, TX Sarah Vogts Interlochen Arts Academy Dakota Dunes, SD Chris Wager Strake Jesuit College Preparatory School Houston, TX Marsha Zhang St. John's School Houston, TX

Forty Acres Scholar Builds Clinic, Community in Honduras

As a first-year architecture and Plan II Honors major, Rachel Larson is already pursuing her goal to create sustainable design for the third world. Her first step toward this goal was joining Global Brigades, which calls itself the world's largest student-led global health and sustainable development organization. Global Brigades puts young volunteers to work in skill-based programs ranging from dentistry to business and human rights. Naturally, Larson chose to work with the nonprofit's architecture branch. Larson became a "brigadier" in the fall and traveled over winter break to Honduras to help build a health clinic in El Canton. The health clinic is based on an award-winning design created by UT brigadiers a few years ago. Once completed, the clinic will provide general health care to a region severely lacking it. When Larson arrived in Honduras, other teams had already begun building the health clinic. The foundation was laid, and the walls were rising. Larson and her team set to work building a retaining wall behind the building to keep erosion back and stabilize the plot of land where the clinic sits. "I am a firm believer that architecture can change lives," Larson says.  "If you design a building the right way, it can drastically change the way people in a community live." For the people of El Canton, the new clinic should open doors for better health care—and for educating community members. "The [Global Architecture Brigade] never just cuts a check and sends it to people who need money," Larson says. "Instead, they try and build structures and teach sustainability that will improve the lives of the people." The experience also gave Larson a vital real-world lesson in architecture. In the studio, she and other architecture students work with chipboard—a test material that is much easier to work with than field materials. "Getting a chance to build something where you have to worry about bricks lining up really shows you how important it is to have a good idea of how structures work," Larson says. Blakeney Kurad, director of the Forty Acres Scholars Program and development, says that Larson's experience exemplifies why Forty Acres Scholars are required not only to do community service, but also to enrich their careers and go abroad. Larson just managed to do all three at once, Kurad says. "Each scholar has a stipend for a global experience, professional development, and community service," Kurad explains. "Rachel's trip was a perfect combination of all three components." The group of people most excited about her trip, Larson says, were her fellow Forty Acres Scholars. "Pretty much everyone was very excited about me going on this trip," she says. "Everyone wanted to hear every detail."

Forty Acres Scholar Builds Clinic, Community in Honduras

As a first-year architecture and Plan II Honors major, Rachel Larson is already pursuing her goal to create sustainable design for the third world. Her first step toward this goal was joining Global Brigades, which calls itself the world's largest student-led global health and sustainable development organization. Global Brigades puts young volunteers to work in skill-based programs ranging from dentistry to business and human rights. Naturally, Larson chose to work with the nonprofit's architecture branch. Larson became a "brigadier" in the fall and traveled over winter break to Honduras to help build a health clinic in El Canton. The health clinic is based on an award-winning design created by UT brigadiers a few years ago. Once completed, the clinic will provide general health care to a region severely lacking it. When Larson arrived in Honduras, other teams had already begun building the health clinic. The foundation was laid, and the walls were rising. Larson and her team set to work building a retaining wall behind the building to keep erosion back and stabilize the plot of land where the clinic sits. "I am a firm believer that architecture can change lives," Larson says.  "If you design a building the right way, it can drastically change the way people in a community live." For the people of El Canton, the new clinic should open doors for better health care—and for educating community members. "The [Global Architecture Brigade] never just cuts a check and sends it to people who need money," Larson says. "Instead, they try and build structures and teach sustainability that will improve the lives of the people." The experience also gave Larson a vital real-world lesson in architecture. In the studio, she and other architecture students work with chipboard—a test material that is much easier to work with than field materials. "Getting a chance to build something where you have to worry about bricks lining up really shows you how important it is to have a good idea of how structures work," Larson says. Blakeney Kurad, director of the Forty Acres Scholars Program and development, says that Larson's experience exemplifies why Forty Acres Scholars are required not only to do community service, but also to enrich their careers and go abroad. Larson just managed to do all three at once, Kurad says. "Each scholar has a stipend for a global experience, professional development, and community service," Kurad explains. "Rachel's trip was a perfect combination of all three components." The group of people most excited about her trip, Larson says, were her fellow Forty Acres Scholars. "Pretty much everyone was very excited about me going on this trip," she says. "Everyone wanted to hear every detail."

Forty Acres Scholar Builds Clinic, Community in Honduras

As a first-year architecture and Plan II Honors major, Rachel Larson is already pursuing her goal to create sustainable design for the third world. Her first step toward this goal was joining Global Brigades, which calls itself the world's largest student-led global health and sustainable development organization. Global Brigades puts young volunteers to work in skill-based programs ranging from dentistry to business and human rights. Naturally, Larson chose to work with the nonprofit's architecture branch. Larson became a "brigadier" in the fall and traveled over winter break to Honduras to help build a health clinic in El Canton. The health clinic is based on an award-winning design created by UT brigadiers a few years ago. Once completed, the clinic will provide general health care to a region severely lacking it. When Larson arrived in Honduras, other teams had already begun building the health clinic. The foundation was laid, and the walls were rising. Larson and her team set to work building a retaining wall behind the building to keep erosion back and stabilize the plot of land where the clinic sits. "I am a firm believer that architecture can change lives," Larson says.  "If you design a building the right way, it can drastically change the way people in a community live." For the people of El Canton, the new clinic should open doors for better health care—and for educating community members. "The [Global Architecture Brigade] never just cuts a check and sends it to people who need money," Larson says. "Instead, they try and build structures and teach sustainability that will improve the lives of the people." The experience also gave Larson a vital real-world lesson in architecture. In the studio, she and other architecture students work with chipboard—a test material that is much easier to work with than field materials. "Getting a chance to build something where you have to worry about bricks lining up really shows you how important it is to have a good idea of how structures work," Larson says. Blakeney Kurad, director of the Forty Acres Scholars Program and development, says that Larson's experience exemplifies why Forty Acres Scholars are required not only to do community service, but also to enrich their careers and go abroad. Larson just managed to do all three at once, Kurad says. "Each scholar has a stipend for a global experience, professional development, and community service," Kurad explains. "Rachel's trip was a perfect combination of all three components." The group of people most excited about her trip, Larson says, were her fellow Forty Acres Scholars. "Pretty much everyone was very excited about me going on this trip," she says. "Everyone wanted to hear every detail."

Forty Acres Scholars Attend Leadership Conference

UT’s sophomore Forty Acres Scholars attended the 2013 Hatton W. Sumners Undergraduate Leadership Conference hosted by the Center for Ethical Leadership and organized by LBJ School of Public Affairs professor Howard Prince. The conference focused on inspiring students to seek and accept leadership responsibilities. Forty Acres Scholar Ashley Chang says the conference completely exceeded her expectations. “The speeches and the elective sessions about leadership were extremely beneficial and enlightening,” Chang says. “I really enjoyed every single presentation and event that was set up for us.” Chang says her favorite part was listening to the speakers talk about their own life experiences. “There were just certain presentations that I know we’ll never forget because of how inspiring they were,” she says. “I loved hearing about everything they’ve done, the journeys they’ve gone through, and how they’ve handled obstacles to make the best of the situations they were given.” Although the conference focused on the educational components of developing leaders, there was still enough time for some fun and games. Chang says the social events, dinners, and karaoke nights were aspects of the conference that she thoroughly enjoyed. These events allowed her to form strong friendships through informal interaction with other students. “It was great to be with students from different schools all over the U.S.,” Chang says. “We were all inspired to pursue our dreams and become better leaders in our daily lives.”

Forty Acres Scholars Attend Leadership Conference

UT’s sophomore Forty Acres Scholars attended the 2013 Hatton W. Sumners Undergraduate Leadership Conference hosted by the Center for Ethical Leadership and organized by LBJ School of Public Affairs professor Howard Prince. The conference focused on inspiring students to seek and accept leadership responsibilities. Forty Acres Scholar Ashley Chang says the conference completely exceeded her expectations. “The speeches and the elective sessions about leadership were extremely beneficial and enlightening,” Chang says. “I really enjoyed every single presentation and event that was set up for us.” Chang says her favorite part was listening to the speakers talk about their own life experiences. “There were just certain presentations that I know we’ll never forget because of how inspiring they were,” she says. “I loved hearing about everything they’ve done, the journeys they’ve gone through, and how they’ve handled obstacles to make the best of the situations they were given.” Although the conference focused on the educational components of developing leaders, there was still enough time for some fun and games. Chang says the social events, dinners, and karaoke nights were aspects of the conference that she thoroughly enjoyed. These events allowed her to form strong friendships through informal interaction with other students. “It was great to be with students from different schools all over the U.S.,” Chang says. “We were all inspired to pursue our dreams and become better leaders in our daily lives.”

Forty Acres Scholars Attend Leadership Conference

UT’s sophomore Forty Acres Scholars attended the 2013 Hatton W. Sumners Undergraduate Leadership Conference hosted by the Center for Ethical Leadership and organized by LBJ School of Public Affairs professor Howard Prince. The conference focused on inspiring students to seek and accept leadership responsibilities. Forty Acres Scholar Ashley Chang says the conference completely exceeded her expectations. “The speeches and the elective sessions about leadership were extremely beneficial and enlightening,” Chang says. “I really enjoyed every single presentation and event that was set up for us.” Chang says her favorite part was listening to the speakers talk about their own life experiences. “There were just certain presentations that I know we’ll never forget because of how inspiring they were,” she says. “I loved hearing about everything they’ve done, the journeys they’ve gone through, and how they’ve handled obstacles to make the best of the situations they were given.” Although the conference focused on the educational components of developing leaders, there was still enough time for some fun and games. Chang says the social events, dinners, and karaoke nights were aspects of the conference that she thoroughly enjoyed. These events allowed her to form strong friendships through informal interaction with other students. “It was great to be with students from different schools all over the U.S.,” Chang says. “We were all inspired to pursue our dreams and become better leaders in our daily lives.”

Announcing the Lenora and Walter F. Brown Forty Acres Scholarship

San Antonio is a big city with an even bigger heart, as evidenced by the new Lenora and Walter F. Brown Forty Acres Scholarship. The scholarship—named in honor of Lenora Brown, BBA ’56, and Walter F. Brown, BBA ’57, Life Members—will give the best San Antonio-area students a premier education at UT-Austin. In addition to paying for all tuition, fees, and books, the Forty Acres Scholars Program provides a living stipend, study abroad and internship support, mentoring, and other resources. About 40 alumni and friends of the University celebrated the news Thursday night in a ceremony at the home of Catherine and Walter Brown, JD ’76. Texas Rep. Dan Branch and Texas Exes executive director and CEO Leslie Cedar were among the attendees. The Browns' gift was instrumental in making the scholarship possible, but it was also part of a larger community effort, says Blakeney Kurad, director of the Forty Acres Scholars Program and development. "We’re so appreciative of our alumni and the Browns' efforts to support not only the Forty Acres Scholars Program, but also the San Antonio community," Kurad says. Bruce Hill, BBA ’77; Sally Clayton, MPA ’84; Craig Clayton, BBA ’84; Jim Goudge, BBA ’76; and Suzanne Goudge, BBA ’76, all Life Members, were among the many San Antonio Longhorns who made the evening possible. From left: Warren and Melissa Branch, Walter and Catherine Brown, and Dan and Stacey Branch. Photo by Aaron Leondar.

Announcing the Lenora and Walter F. Brown Forty Acres Scholarship

San Antonio is a big city with an even bigger heart, as evidenced by the new Lenora and Walter F. Brown Forty Acres Scholarship. The scholarship—named in honor of Lenora Brown, BBA ’56, and Walter F. Brown, BBA ’57, Life Members—will give the best San Antonio-area students a premier education at UT-Austin. In addition to paying for all tuition, fees, and books, the Forty Acres Scholars Program provides a living stipend, study abroad and internship support, mentoring, and other resources. About 40 alumni and friends of the University celebrated the news Thursday night in a ceremony at the home of Catherine and Walter Brown, JD ’76. Texas Rep. Dan Branch and Texas Exes executive director and CEO Leslie Cedar were among the attendees. The Browns' gift was instrumental in making the scholarship possible, but it was also part of a larger community effort, says Blakeney Kurad, director of the Forty Acres Scholars Program and development. "We’re so appreciative of our alumni and the Browns' efforts to support not only the Forty Acres Scholars Program, but also the San Antonio community," Kurad says. Bruce Hill, BBA ’77; Sally Clayton, MPA ’84; Craig Clayton, BBA ’84; Jim Goudge, BBA ’76; and Suzanne Goudge, BBA ’76, all Life Members, were among the many San Antonio Longhorns who made the evening possible. From left: Warren and Melissa Branch, Walter and Catherine Brown, and Dan and Stacey Branch. Photo by Aaron Leondar.

Announcing the Lenora and Walter F. Brown Forty Acres Scholarship

San Antonio is a big city with an even bigger heart, as evidenced by the new Lenora and Walter F. Brown Forty Acres Scholarship. The scholarship—named in honor of Lenora Brown, BBA ’56, and Walter F. Brown, BBA ’57, Life Members—will give the best San Antonio-area students a premier education at UT-Austin. In addition to paying for all tuition, fees, and books, the Forty Acres Scholars Program provides a living stipend, study abroad and internship support, mentoring, and other resources. About 40 alumni and friends of the University celebrated the news Thursday night in a ceremony at the home of Catherine and Walter Brown, JD ’76. Texas Rep. Dan Branch and Texas Exes executive director and CEO Leslie Cedar were among the attendees. The Browns' gift was instrumental in making the scholarship possible, but it was also part of a larger community effort, says Blakeney Kurad, director of the Forty Acres Scholars Program and development. "We’re so appreciative of our alumni and the Browns' efforts to support not only the Forty Acres Scholars Program, but also the San Antonio community," Kurad says. Bruce Hill, BBA ’77; Sally Clayton, MPA ’84; Craig Clayton, BBA ’84; Jim Goudge, BBA ’76; and Suzanne Goudge, BBA ’76, all Life Members, were among the many San Antonio Longhorns who made the evening possible. From left: Warren and Melissa Branch, Walter and Catherine Brown, and Dan and Stacey Branch. Photo by Aaron Leondar.

Forty Acres Scholar Finds Home Onstage

Connor Healy's decision to pursue his passion at UT is opening new doors. After studying electrical engineering his freshman year, Forty Acres Scholar Connor Healy realized his classes were making him unhappy. He'd chosen engineering because he was good at math and science in high school—but they weren't what he loved. "In high school," Healy says, "my passion was acting. But when I chose my major at UT, I wasn't thinking about my passions; I was thinking about my skills." In November, Healy made the decision to drop his electrical engineering major in favor of studying Plan II Honors and history. He also decided to pursue his high school passion by joining the Plan II Honors theater troupe, the Broccoli Project. Healy has acted in two Broccoli Project plays so far: God's Ear, where he played the tooth fairy, and Paganini, where he played several goofy minor characters. Before this semester, Healy had always stood in front of the curtain. But he's ready to change that. "I’ve only ever had control over my own acting, and I wanted to have control over the whole creative process," Healy says. "I chose to be a director because I wanted to help mold performances. I wanted to be on the other side for once." The play Healy will direct—which cannot be named until creative rights are obtained—is a one-act play featuring only two actors. He says the play is about existential loneliness and learning to have genuine interactions with other people. "My biggest hope, on a basic level, is for it not to be boring," Healy says. "The actors really have to breathe life into the show. You have to be able to relate to both of them, because if you don’t, they’re stale." Healy will begin auditions for his play soon. Though he's not certain what life will look like after graduation, he says he isn't worried. "I’m getting such a great education that, no matter what, I’m going to be okay," Healy says. "It’s much more important to me to study and do what I love than to study something just because it might guarantee me salary security."

Forty Acres Scholar Finds Home Onstage

Connor Healy's decision to pursue his passion at UT is opening new doors. After studying electrical engineering his freshman year, Forty Acres Scholar Connor Healy realized his classes were making him unhappy. He'd chosen engineering because he was good at math and science in high school—but they weren't what he loved. "In high school," Healy says, "my passion was acting. But when I chose my major at UT, I wasn't thinking about my passions; I was thinking about my skills." In November, Healy made the decision to drop his electrical engineering major in favor of studying Plan II Honors and history. He also decided to pursue his high school passion by joining the Plan II Honors theater troupe, the Broccoli Project. Healy has acted in two Broccoli Project plays so far: God's Ear, where he played the tooth fairy, and Paganini, where he played several goofy minor characters. Before this semester, Healy had always stood in front of the curtain. But he's ready to change that. "I’ve only ever had control over my own acting, and I wanted to have control over the whole creative process," Healy says. "I chose to be a director because I wanted to help mold performances. I wanted to be on the other side for once." The play Healy will direct—which cannot be named until creative rights are obtained—is a one-act play featuring only two actors. He says the play is about existential loneliness and learning to have genuine interactions with other people. "My biggest hope, on a basic level, is for it not to be boring," Healy says. "The actors really have to breathe life into the show. You have to be able to relate to both of them, because if you don’t, they’re stale." Healy will begin auditions for his play soon. Though he's not certain what life will look like after graduation, he says he isn't worried. "I’m getting such a great education that, no matter what, I’m going to be okay," Healy says. "It’s much more important to me to study and do what I love than to study something just because it might guarantee me salary security."

Forty Acres Scholar Finds Home Onstage

Connor Healy's decision to pursue his passion at UT is opening new doors. After studying electrical engineering his freshman year, Forty Acres Scholar Connor Healy realized his classes were making him unhappy. He'd chosen engineering because he was good at math and science in high school—but they weren't what he loved. "In high school," Healy says, "my passion was acting. But when I chose my major at UT, I wasn't thinking about my passions; I was thinking about my skills." In November, Healy made the decision to drop his electrical engineering major in favor of studying Plan II Honors and history. He also decided to pursue his high school passion by joining the Plan II Honors theater troupe, the Broccoli Project. Healy has acted in two Broccoli Project plays so far: God's Ear, where he played the tooth fairy, and Paganini, where he played several goofy minor characters. Before this semester, Healy had always stood in front of the curtain. But he's ready to change that. "I’ve only ever had control over my own acting, and I wanted to have control over the whole creative process," Healy says. "I chose to be a director because I wanted to help mold performances. I wanted to be on the other side for once." The play Healy will direct—which cannot be named until creative rights are obtained—is a one-act play featuring only two actors. He says the play is about existential loneliness and learning to have genuine interactions with other people. "My biggest hope, on a basic level, is for it not to be boring," Healy says. "The actors really have to breathe life into the show. You have to be able to relate to both of them, because if you don’t, they’re stale." Healy will begin auditions for his play soon. Though he's not certain what life will look like after graduation, he says he isn't worried. "I’m getting such a great education that, no matter what, I’m going to be okay," Healy says. "It’s much more important to me to study and do what I love than to study something just because it might guarantee me salary security."

Dallas Chapter Mentorship Program Dreams Big [Watch]

Two years ago, the Texas Exes Dallas Chapter started a mentorship program that pairs the chapter's scholarship recipients with alumni and older students. Called Longhorn Match, the program is designed to give talented young students more than just a check. It fosters relationships between Dallas-area students and alumni, giving students an encouraging ear as they face the challenges of college. Freshmen in the program are paired with two mentors—an alumnus and an older student who was previously a mentee. That double layer of support makes a big difference, says chapter board member and mentor John Donovan, BBA ’84, Life Member, in the video above. "One of the neatest things that's happening is we've got last year's scholarship recipients now also being mentors to the new freshmen that are experiencing their first semester at UT," Donovan says. "Not only do they have a mentor back here, an alumni mentor, but they have a fellow student on campus." Learn about the origins of Longhorn Match in this 2011 Alcalde story. Video by Scott Hardesty.

Dallas Chapter Mentorship Program Dreams Big [Watch]

Two years ago, the Texas Exes Dallas Chapter started a mentorship program that pairs the chapter's scholarship recipients with alumni and older students. Called Longhorn Match, the program is designed to give talented young students more than just a check. It fosters relationships between Dallas-area students and alumni, giving students an encouraging ear as they face the challenges of college. Freshmen in the program are paired with two mentors—an alumnus and an older student who was previously a mentee. That double layer of support makes a big difference, says chapter board member and mentor John Donovan, BBA ’84, Life Member, in the video above. "One of the neatest things that's happening is we've got last year's scholarship recipients now also being mentors to the new freshmen that are experiencing their first semester at UT," Donovan says. "Not only do they have a mentor back here, an alumni mentor, but they have a fellow student on campus." Learn about the origins of Longhorn Match in this 2011 Alcalde story. Video by Scott Hardesty.

Dallas Chapter Mentorship Program Dreams Big [Watch]

Two years ago, the Texas Exes Dallas Chapter started a mentorship program that pairs the chapter's scholarship recipients with alumni and older students. Called Longhorn Match, the program is designed to give talented young students more than just a check. It fosters relationships between Dallas-area students and alumni, giving students an encouraging ear as they face the challenges of college. Freshmen in the program are paired with two mentors—an alumnus and an older student who was previously a mentee. That double layer of support makes a big difference, says chapter board member and mentor John Donovan, BBA ’84, Life Member, in the video above. "One of the neatest things that's happening is we've got last year's scholarship recipients now also being mentors to the new freshmen that are experiencing their first semester at UT," Donovan says. "Not only do they have a mentor back here, an alumni mentor, but they have a fellow student on campus." Learn about the origins of Longhorn Match in this 2011 Alcalde story. Video by Scott Hardesty.

Scholarships Get Streamlined

Even the most organized student is awash in a sea of scholarship paperwork and glossy college viewbooks. With literally thousands of possible scholarships—each with its own application and requirements—it’s a wonder anyone can keep it all straight. Thankfully, the Texas Exes has just made it all a little easier. This year the association—in partnership with UT—unveiled a vastly simplified system: starting in fall 2013, every UT applicant will automatically be considered for all Texas Exes scholarships. Previously, students had to submit separate applications. “We were making students jump through too many hoops,” says Texas Exes vice president of scholarships and development Lori Bolding. “If they didn’t find us on their own, they missed out. Now we’re finding them.” The new system is also completely digital, saving countless reams of paper and headaches for staff and students alike. While selection criteria won’t change—alumni volunteers will help select applicants just as before—Bolding says the new method will boost the program’s power. For example, not all Llano, Texas-area students know about the Roger Beasley Scholarship for Llano grads, but now they’ll automatically be in the running. “This transforms our program’s reach in a big way,” Bolding says.

Scholarships Get Streamlined

Even the most organized student is awash in a sea of scholarship paperwork and glossy college viewbooks. With literally thousands of possible scholarships—each with its own application and requirements—it’s a wonder anyone can keep it all straight. Thankfully, the Texas Exes has just made it all a little easier. This year the association—in partnership with UT—unveiled a vastly simplified system: starting in fall 2013, every UT applicant will automatically be considered for all Texas Exes scholarships. Previously, students had to submit separate applications. “We were making students jump through too many hoops,” says Texas Exes vice president of scholarships and development Lori Bolding. “If they didn’t find us on their own, they missed out. Now we’re finding them.” The new system is also completely digital, saving countless reams of paper and headaches for staff and students alike. While selection criteria won’t change—alumni volunteers will help select applicants just as before—Bolding says the new method will boost the program’s power. For example, not all Llano, Texas-area students know about the Roger Beasley Scholarship for Llano grads, but now they’ll automatically be in the running. “This transforms our program’s reach in a big way,” Bolding says.

Scholarships Get Streamlined

Even the most organized student is awash in a sea of scholarship paperwork and glossy college viewbooks. With literally thousands of possible scholarships—each with its own application and requirements—it’s a wonder anyone can keep it all straight. Thankfully, the Texas Exes has just made it all a little easier. This year the association—in partnership with UT—unveiled a vastly simplified system: starting in fall 2013, every UT applicant will automatically be considered for all Texas Exes scholarships. Previously, students had to submit separate applications. “We were making students jump through too many hoops,” says Texas Exes vice president of scholarships and development Lori Bolding. “If they didn’t find us on their own, they missed out. Now we’re finding them.” The new system is also completely digital, saving countless reams of paper and headaches for staff and students alike. While selection criteria won’t change—alumni volunteers will help select applicants just as before—Bolding says the new method will boost the program’s power. For example, not all Llano, Texas-area students know about the Roger Beasley Scholarship for Llano grads, but now they’ll automatically be in the running. “This transforms our program’s reach in a big way,” Bolding says.

Student Hopes to Join Business with Philanthropy

Senior business management major James San Marco—recipient of the Lowell Lebermann Texas Exes Scholarship—wants to own his own business one day, but he wants to make sure it maintains a philanthropic role. “I want to create a business that makes a difference in whatever it does, one that also gives back to the community in a big way,” San Marco says. “I want to spend my time in an environment that creates positive change.” Already, San Marco is in pursuit of that goal. As founder and president of SA for MDA, he has helped raise more than $65,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). He has also served as a mentor for Communities in Schools of Central Texas, helping local students achieve their goals. San Marco has worked at the Texas Exes since January, first with chapters and now in the events department. Over the summer, he interned in San Francisco at Bloomberg LP as a financial analytics and sales intern. He has also studied abroad in Salamanca, Spain, and is both a Lime Connect fellow and a McKelvey Foundation Entrepreneurial Scholar. San Marco says being a TEA scholar has dramatically enhanced his time at UT. “It’s shown me a side of UT that is much more personal, and it’s given a big university more of a homey feel,” San Marco says. “There’s always somebody that cares, wants to help, and knows me personally and what my goals are.” The family atmosphere at the Texas Exes, San Marco says, has made TEA much more than a just a scholarship. “The relationships that I’ve developed over the years with the other scholars and people who work at Texas Exes have made for a really unique experience,” San Marco says. “It’s way more than a scholarship. It’s a full program. There are so many experiences, fun, and excitement.”

Student Hopes to Join Business with Philanthropy

Senior business management major James San Marco—recipient of the Lowell Lebermann Texas Exes Scholarship—wants to own his own business one day, but he wants to make sure it maintains a philanthropic role. “I want to create a business that makes a difference in whatever it does, one that also gives back to the community in a big way,” San Marco says. “I want to spend my time in an environment that creates positive change.” Already, San Marco is in pursuit of that goal. As founder and president of SA for MDA, he has helped raise more than $65,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). He has also served as a mentor for Communities in Schools of Central Texas, helping local students achieve their goals. San Marco has worked at the Texas Exes since January, first with chapters and now in the events department. Over the summer, he interned in San Francisco at Bloomberg LP as a financial analytics and sales intern. He has also studied abroad in Salamanca, Spain, and is both a Lime Connect fellow and a McKelvey Foundation Entrepreneurial Scholar. San Marco says being a TEA scholar has dramatically enhanced his time at UT. “It’s shown me a side of UT that is much more personal, and it’s given a big university more of a homey feel,” San Marco says. “There’s always somebody that cares, wants to help, and knows me personally and what my goals are.” The family atmosphere at the Texas Exes, San Marco says, has made TEA much more than a just a scholarship. “The relationships that I’ve developed over the years with the other scholars and people who work at Texas Exes have made for a really unique experience,” San Marco says. “It’s way more than a scholarship. It’s a full program. There are so many experiences, fun, and excitement.”

Student Hopes to Join Business with Philanthropy

Senior business management major James San Marco—recipient of the Lowell Lebermann Texas Exes Scholarship—wants to own his own business one day, but he wants to make sure it maintains a philanthropic role. “I want to create a business that makes a difference in whatever it does, one that also gives back to the community in a big way,” San Marco says. “I want to spend my time in an environment that creates positive change.” Already, San Marco is in pursuit of that goal. As founder and president of SA for MDA, he has helped raise more than $65,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). He has also served as a mentor for Communities in Schools of Central Texas, helping local students achieve their goals. San Marco has worked at the Texas Exes since January, first with chapters and now in the events department. Over the summer, he interned in San Francisco at Bloomberg LP as a financial analytics and sales intern. He has also studied abroad in Salamanca, Spain, and is both a Lime Connect fellow and a McKelvey Foundation Entrepreneurial Scholar. San Marco says being a TEA scholar has dramatically enhanced his time at UT. “It’s shown me a side of UT that is much more personal, and it’s given a big university more of a homey feel,” San Marco says. “There’s always somebody that cares, wants to help, and knows me personally and what my goals are.” The family atmosphere at the Texas Exes, San Marco says, has made TEA much more than a just a scholarship. “The relationships that I’ve developed over the years with the other scholars and people who work at Texas Exes have made for a really unique experience,” San Marco says. “It’s way more than a scholarship. It’s a full program. There are so many experiences, fun, and excitement.”