Scholar Receives President's Leadership Award

Forty Acres Scholar Armiya Humphrey came to The University of Texas to get a well-rounded education. Now a sophomore, Humphrey—an accounting and humanities major in the business honors program—is actively working toward that goal. Humphrey recently received the President's Leadership Award, an honor given to undergraduate students who make an impact at UT by demonstrating outstanding leadership. “I’m extremely surprised and honored,” Humphrey says. “It makes me feel like I’m really making a difference on campus.” Humphrey is a peer mentor in the business honors program, where she's helping 10 to 15 freshmen learn the ropes on the Forty Acres. She's also on the Student Ethics Board and Steering Committee, where she focuses on getting feedback from students to determine what changes need to be made. “We really want to build relationships with these students,” Humphrey says. “It’s about making new friendships.” She also hopes to implement a freshman ethics seminar that emphasizes the importance of integrity and the honor code at UT. In addition to her involvement with BHP, Humphrey rushed Delta Sigma Pi the second semester of her freshman year. The business fraternity is based on three pillars: professionalism, social activities, and community service. As Humphrey continues her undergraduate studies at UT, she hopes to dedicate more time to these organizations and also attend more events on the Forty Acres. “I want to expand in everything I’m a part of,” she says. “I want to become more of a leader and become even more involved on campus.”

Scholar Receives President's Leadership Award

Forty Acres Scholar Armiya Humphrey came to The University of Texas to get a well-rounded education. Now a sophomore, Humphrey—an accounting and humanities major in the business honors program—is actively working toward that goal. Humphrey recently received the President's Leadership Award, an honor given to undergraduate students who make an impact at UT by demonstrating outstanding leadership. “I’m extremely surprised and honored,” Humphrey says. “It makes me feel like I’m really making a difference on campus.” Humphrey is a peer mentor in the business honors program, where she's helping 10 to 15 freshmen learn the ropes on the Forty Acres. She's also on the Student Ethics Board and Steering Committee, where she focuses on getting feedback from students to determine what changes need to be made. “We really want to build relationships with these students,” Humphrey says. “It’s about making new friendships.” She also hopes to implement a freshman ethics seminar that emphasizes the importance of integrity and the honor code at UT. In addition to her involvement with BHP, Humphrey rushed Delta Sigma Pi the second semester of her freshman year. The business fraternity is based on three pillars: professionalism, social activities, and community service. As Humphrey continues her undergraduate studies at UT, she hopes to dedicate more time to these organizations and also attend more events on the Forty Acres. “I want to expand in everything I’m a part of,” she says. “I want to become more of a leader and become even more involved on campus.”

Scholar Receives President's Leadership Award

Forty Acres Scholar Armiya Humphrey came to The University of Texas to get a well-rounded education. Now a sophomore, Humphrey—an accounting and humanities major in the business honors program—is actively working toward that goal. Humphrey recently received the President's Leadership Award, an honor given to undergraduate students who make an impact at UT by demonstrating outstanding leadership. “I’m extremely surprised and honored,” Humphrey says. “It makes me feel like I’m really making a difference on campus.” Humphrey is a peer mentor in the business honors program, where she's helping 10 to 15 freshmen learn the ropes on the Forty Acres. She's also on the Student Ethics Board and Steering Committee, where she focuses on getting feedback from students to determine what changes need to be made. “We really want to build relationships with these students,” Humphrey says. “It’s about making new friendships.” She also hopes to implement a freshman ethics seminar that emphasizes the importance of integrity and the honor code at UT. In addition to her involvement with BHP, Humphrey rushed Delta Sigma Pi the second semester of her freshman year. The business fraternity is based on three pillars: professionalism, social activities, and community service. As Humphrey continues her undergraduate studies at UT, she hopes to dedicate more time to these organizations and also attend more events on the Forty Acres. “I want to expand in everything I’m a part of,” she says. “I want to become more of a leader and become even more involved on campus.”

Year in Review: The Forty Acres Scholars Look Back

The end of another academic year has arrived, and UT's most elite bunch of freshmen and sophomores—the Forty Acres Scholars—are taking a look back at their accomplishments on the UT campus thus far. Last week, all 23 of the current Forty Acres Scholars met at the Etter-Harbin Alumni Center to present about their endeavors at UT. The premier full-ride, merit-based scholarship for UT, the Forty Acres Scholars Program brings the nation's most talented students to Texas. Throughout the four years in the program, scholars are required to give back to the community, participate in a global experience, and grow professionally. During their presentations, the scholars discussed their efforts in those three areas with a panel of successful Texas Exes, including FASP fundraising chair Tom Dunning, BBA '65, Life Member. So what all have the Forty Acres Scholars accomplished in just one year? Well, a lot. Caroline Meyerson, a freshman business honors and Plan II honors major and Houston native, spent her first year on campus volunteering as an application evaluator for incoming students in the Business Honors Program. She recently became the director of alumni relations in Student Government, and is a member of the judicial committee of her sorority. This summer, she will be taking 13 hours of coursework and will be a camp counselor at Camp Texas. The Forty Acres Scholars Program, Meyerson said, has had a tremendous impact on her accomplishments as a freshman. “I honestly had no idea what this program would do for me,” Meyerson said. “The exposure that we get to this alumni base and the automatic friend group—every opportunity was so amazing.” Connecting to that Forty Acres Scholars family was something sophomore and accounting, business honors and humanities major Armiya Humphrey recommended for future scholars. [pullquote]“The exposure that we get to this alumni base and the automatic friend group—every opportunity was so amazing.”[/pullquote] "Get to know as many people as possible within the program," Humphrey said. “Networking is so big, and I think one of the important things the Forty Acres Scholarship Program does is connect you with people, students, and alumni. Take advantage of everything because it is worth it.” Humphrey recently received a President's Leadership Award at The EXies, an awards ceremony put on by the Texas Exes. The award recognizes undergraduate students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership within the student community on campus. Last summer, Humphrey worked with Empowerment 101 in San Antonio as a mentor to develop the SAT skills of high school minorities. Her next pursuits include mastering the Spanish language in Santander, Spain, this summer, completing the MPA program, and serving on the Business Honors Program student conduct board. Katie Mark, an architecture and architectural engineering honors freshman from Bethesda, Md., has found her home away from home in the Forty Acres Scholars Program. "I knew absolutely no one when I decided to come here," Mark said, "so getting to know the scholars during retreat and Camp Texas made the transition easier.” Mark received the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouts, after 13 years of service. She hopes to volunteer with a troop in Austin. All the scholars spoke of the incredible impact the program has had on their lives at UT. Abhay Divakaruni, a freshman Plan II and business honors major, said he found his sense of self-identity within the program. He is now writing a fiction novel about the journey of self-discovery and is in the process of starting a new organization on campus, the Society of Bards, to help others share their stories. He will spend his summer interning with Merrill Lynch in Sugar Land, Texas. Divakaruni's advice for future Forty Acres Scholars: “It’s okay to be human. The first year is the time to explore and understand you will make mistakes,” he said. “In the beginning, I think the best thing is to know you don’t have to achieve something great right off the bat. That you can be human for a bit.” Photo by Andrew Alden Miller.

Year in Review: The Forty Acres Scholars Look Back

The end of another academic year has arrived, and UT's most elite bunch of freshmen and sophomores—the Forty Acres Scholars—are taking a look back at their accomplishments on the UT campus thus far. Last week, all 23 of the current Forty Acres Scholars met at the Etter-Harbin Alumni Center to present about their endeavors at UT. The premier full-ride, merit-based scholarship for UT, the Forty Acres Scholars Program brings the nation's most talented students to Texas. Throughout the four years in the program, scholars are required to give back to the community, participate in a global experience, and grow professionally. During their presentations, the scholars discussed their efforts in those three areas with a panel of successful Texas Exes, including FASP fundraising chair Tom Dunning, BBA '65, Life Member. So what all have the Forty Acres Scholars accomplished in just one year? Well, a lot. Caroline Meyerson, a freshman business honors and Plan II honors major and Houston native, spent her first year on campus volunteering as an application evaluator for incoming students in the Business Honors Program. She recently became the director of alumni relations in Student Government, and is a member of the judicial committee of her sorority. This summer, she will be taking 13 hours of coursework and will be a camp counselor at Camp Texas. The Forty Acres Scholars Program, Meyerson said, has had a tremendous impact on her accomplishments as a freshman. “I honestly had no idea what this program would do for me,” Meyerson said. “The exposure that we get to this alumni base and the automatic friend group—every opportunity was so amazing.” Connecting to that Forty Acres Scholars family was something sophomore and accounting, business honors and humanities major Armiya Humphrey recommended for future scholars. [pullquote]“The exposure that we get to this alumni base and the automatic friend group—every opportunity was so amazing.”[/pullquote] "Get to know as many people as possible within the program," Humphrey said. “Networking is so big, and I think one of the important things the Forty Acres Scholarship Program does is connect you with people, students, and alumni. Take advantage of everything because it is worth it.” Humphrey recently received a President's Leadership Award at The EXies, an awards ceremony put on by the Texas Exes. The award recognizes undergraduate students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership within the student community on campus. Last summer, Humphrey worked with Empowerment 101 in San Antonio as a mentor to develop the SAT skills of high school minorities. Her next pursuits include mastering the Spanish language in Santander, Spain, this summer, completing the MPA program, and serving on the Business Honors Program student conduct board. Katie Mark, an architecture and architectural engineering honors freshman from Bethesda, Md., has found her home away from home in the Forty Acres Scholars Program. "I knew absolutely no one when I decided to come here," Mark said, "so getting to know the scholars during retreat and Camp Texas made the transition easier.” Mark received the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouts, after 13 years of service. She hopes to volunteer with a troop in Austin. All the scholars spoke of the incredible impact the program has had on their lives at UT. Abhay Divakaruni, a freshman Plan II and business honors major, said he found his sense of self-identity within the program. He is now writing a fiction novel about the journey of self-discovery and is in the process of starting a new organization on campus, the Society of Bards, to help others share their stories. He will spend his summer interning with Merrill Lynch in Sugar Land, Texas. Divakaruni's advice for future Forty Acres Scholars: “It’s okay to be human. The first year is the time to explore and understand you will make mistakes,” he said. “In the beginning, I think the best thing is to know you don’t have to achieve something great right off the bat. That you can be human for a bit.” Photo by Andrew Alden Miller.

Year in Review: The Forty Acres Scholars Look Back

The end of another academic year has arrived, and UT's most elite bunch of freshmen and sophomores—the Forty Acres Scholars—are taking a look back at their accomplishments on the UT campus thus far. Last week, all 23 of the current Forty Acres Scholars met at the Etter-Harbin Alumni Center to present about their endeavors at UT. The premier full-ride, merit-based scholarship for UT, the Forty Acres Scholars Program brings the nation's most talented students to Texas. Throughout the four years in the program, scholars are required to give back to the community, participate in a global experience, and grow professionally. During their presentations, the scholars discussed their efforts in those three areas with a panel of successful Texas Exes, including FASP fundraising chair Tom Dunning, BBA '65, Life Member. So what all have the Forty Acres Scholars accomplished in just one year? Well, a lot. Caroline Meyerson, a freshman business honors and Plan II honors major and Houston native, spent her first year on campus volunteering as an application evaluator for incoming students in the Business Honors Program. She recently became the director of alumni relations in Student Government, and is a member of the judicial committee of her sorority. This summer, she will be taking 13 hours of coursework and will be a camp counselor at Camp Texas. The Forty Acres Scholars Program, Meyerson said, has had a tremendous impact on her accomplishments as a freshman. “I honestly had no idea what this program would do for me,” Meyerson said. “The exposure that we get to this alumni base and the automatic friend group—every opportunity was so amazing.” Connecting to that Forty Acres Scholars family was something sophomore and accounting, business honors and humanities major Armiya Humphrey recommended for future scholars. [pullquote]“The exposure that we get to this alumni base and the automatic friend group—every opportunity was so amazing.”[/pullquote] "Get to know as many people as possible within the program," Humphrey said. “Networking is so big, and I think one of the important things the Forty Acres Scholarship Program does is connect you with people, students, and alumni. Take advantage of everything because it is worth it.” Humphrey recently received a President's Leadership Award at The EXies, an awards ceremony put on by the Texas Exes. The award recognizes undergraduate students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership within the student community on campus. Last summer, Humphrey worked with Empowerment 101 in San Antonio as a mentor to develop the SAT skills of high school minorities. Her next pursuits include mastering the Spanish language in Santander, Spain, this summer, completing the MPA program, and serving on the Business Honors Program student conduct board. Katie Mark, an architecture and architectural engineering honors freshman from Bethesda, Md., has found her home away from home in the Forty Acres Scholars Program. "I knew absolutely no one when I decided to come here," Mark said, "so getting to know the scholars during retreat and Camp Texas made the transition easier.” Mark received the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouts, after 13 years of service. She hopes to volunteer with a troop in Austin. All the scholars spoke of the incredible impact the program has had on their lives at UT. Abhay Divakaruni, a freshman Plan II and business honors major, said he found his sense of self-identity within the program. He is now writing a fiction novel about the journey of self-discovery and is in the process of starting a new organization on campus, the Society of Bards, to help others share their stories. He will spend his summer interning with Merrill Lynch in Sugar Land, Texas. Divakaruni's advice for future Forty Acres Scholars: “It’s okay to be human. The first year is the time to explore and understand you will make mistakes,” he said. “In the beginning, I think the best thing is to know you don’t have to achieve something great right off the bat. That you can be human for a bit.” Photo by Andrew Alden Miller.

Donor Spotlight: Tom Dunning

When Tom Dunning, BBA ’65, Life Member, was a student at UT, tuition was just $50 a year. Today, a single semester on the Forty Acres will run you between $5,500 and $6,000—a daunting fact that prompted Dunning and his wife, Sally, to give back through Texas Exes scholarships. Dunning, who is chairman emeritus of Dallas’ Lockton Dunning Benefits, has recently signed on as the chair of fundraising efforts for the Forty Acres Scholars Program—the premier full-ride, merit-based scholarship for The University of Texas at Austin. His goal: to help raise $150 million to expand the program to 200 scholars, far surpassing the 23 currently on campus. “We were losing many of our best and brightest students, who were getting full rides to schools like Virginia, North Carolina, and many of the Ivy League schools,” Dunning says. “The Forty Acres Scholars Program is about identifying the most outstanding scholars and leaders. We want the very, very best to stay in Texas and to attend UT." And Dunning has played a vital role in making that happen. He and Sally personally support the Forty Acres Scholars Program. Marisa Swanson, a bright young woman from Grand Prairie, Texas, who is majoring in Plan II Honors and Social Work, currently holds the Dunnings’ Forty Acres Scholarship. She turned down her acceptance to Harvard when she was offered the scholarship to UT. “The Forty Acres Scholars Program has been the greatest experience,” Swanson says. “[Tom Dunning] is literally the greatest man to have given me this blessing and opportunity.” The admiration goes both ways. Dunning says that when Swanson walks into a room, she has a wonderful presence. “She is just terrific,” he says. “She was very involved with nonprofits while she was in high school, because she is always looking to help others. It is very exciting for us to see how well she is doing at UT.” Swanson’s passion for social work is also shared by the Dunnings. “Both my wife and I, through our civic work and working with nonprofits and with city and state boards, have worked with a number of outstanding social workers,” Dunning says. “We have seen the positive impact they make on so many people and families. Social workers are truly the thread that holds the fabric of society together.” He hopes that Swanson gets the same great experience he had while attending school on the Forty Acres. Thanks to encouragement from the late Shirley Bird Perry, Dunning took on leadership roles in many campus organizations—including Sigma Phi Epsilon and the Silver Spurs—which later led him to become an active leader in Dallas and the state of Texas. “I’ve often said that if I had not gone to UT, I might not know who I am today,” Dunning says. “It’s where I met my wife, discovered what business I wanted to go into, and found lifelong friends. It all comes back to attending UT.” Tom Dunning and Marisa Swanson.

Donor Spotlight: Tom Dunning

When Tom Dunning, BBA ’65, Life Member, was a student at UT, tuition was just $50 a year. Today, a single semester on the Forty Acres will run you between $5,500 and $6,000—a daunting fact that prompted Dunning and his wife, Sally, to give back through Texas Exes scholarships. Dunning, who is chairman emeritus of Dallas’ Lockton Dunning Benefits, has recently signed on as the chair of fundraising efforts for the Forty Acres Scholars Program—the premier full-ride, merit-based scholarship for The University of Texas at Austin. His goal: to help raise $150 million to expand the program to 200 scholars, far surpassing the 23 currently on campus. “We were losing many of our best and brightest students, who were getting full rides to schools like Virginia, North Carolina, and many of the Ivy League schools,” Dunning says. “The Forty Acres Scholars Program is about identifying the most outstanding scholars and leaders. We want the very, very best to stay in Texas and to attend UT." And Dunning has played a vital role in making that happen. He and Sally personally support the Forty Acres Scholars Program. Marisa Swanson, a bright young woman from Grand Prairie, Texas, who is majoring in Plan II Honors and Social Work, currently holds the Dunnings’ Forty Acres Scholarship. She turned down her acceptance to Harvard when she was offered the scholarship to UT. “The Forty Acres Scholars Program has been the greatest experience,” Swanson says. “[Tom Dunning] is literally the greatest man to have given me this blessing and opportunity.” The admiration goes both ways. Dunning says that when Swanson walks into a room, she has a wonderful presence. “She is just terrific,” he says. “She was very involved with nonprofits while she was in high school, because she is always looking to help others. It is very exciting for us to see how well she is doing at UT.” Swanson’s passion for social work is also shared by the Dunnings. “Both my wife and I, through our civic work and working with nonprofits and with city and state boards, have worked with a number of outstanding social workers,” Dunning says. “We have seen the positive impact they make on so many people and families. Social workers are truly the thread that holds the fabric of society together.” He hopes that Swanson gets the same great experience he had while attending school on the Forty Acres. Thanks to encouragement from the late Shirley Bird Perry, Dunning took on leadership roles in many campus organizations—including Sigma Phi Epsilon and the Silver Spurs—which later led him to become an active leader in Dallas and the state of Texas. “I’ve often said that if I had not gone to UT, I might not know who I am today,” Dunning says. “It’s where I met my wife, discovered what business I wanted to go into, and found lifelong friends. It all comes back to attending UT.” Tom Dunning and Marisa Swanson.

Donor Spotlight: Tom Dunning

When Tom Dunning, BBA ’65, Life Member, was a student at UT, tuition was just $50 a year. Today, a single semester on the Forty Acres will run you between $5,500 and $6,000—a daunting fact that prompted Dunning and his wife, Sally, to give back through Texas Exes scholarships. Dunning, who is chairman emeritus of Dallas’ Lockton Dunning Benefits, has recently signed on as the chair of fundraising efforts for the Forty Acres Scholars Program—the premier full-ride, merit-based scholarship for The University of Texas at Austin. His goal: to help raise $150 million to expand the program to 200 scholars, far surpassing the 23 currently on campus. “We were losing many of our best and brightest students, who were getting full rides to schools like Virginia, North Carolina, and many of the Ivy League schools,” Dunning says. “The Forty Acres Scholars Program is about identifying the most outstanding scholars and leaders. We want the very, very best to stay in Texas and to attend UT." And Dunning has played a vital role in making that happen. He and Sally personally support the Forty Acres Scholars Program. Marisa Swanson, a bright young woman from Grand Prairie, Texas, who is majoring in Plan II Honors and Social Work, currently holds the Dunnings’ Forty Acres Scholarship. She turned down her acceptance to Harvard when she was offered the scholarship to UT. “The Forty Acres Scholars Program has been the greatest experience,” Swanson says. “[Tom Dunning] is literally the greatest man to have given me this blessing and opportunity.” The admiration goes both ways. Dunning says that when Swanson walks into a room, she has a wonderful presence. “She is just terrific,” he says. “She was very involved with nonprofits while she was in high school, because she is always looking to help others. It is very exciting for us to see how well she is doing at UT.” Swanson’s passion for social work is also shared by the Dunnings. “Both my wife and I, through our civic work and working with nonprofits and with city and state boards, have worked with a number of outstanding social workers,” Dunning says. “We have seen the positive impact they make on so many people and families. Social workers are truly the thread that holds the fabric of society together.” He hopes that Swanson gets the same great experience he had while attending school on the Forty Acres. Thanks to encouragement from the late Shirley Bird Perry, Dunning took on leadership roles in many campus organizations—including Sigma Phi Epsilon and the Silver Spurs—which later led him to become an active leader in Dallas and the state of Texas. “I’ve often said that if I had not gone to UT, I might not know who I am today,” Dunning says. “It’s where I met my wife, discovered what business I wanted to go into, and found lifelong friends. It all comes back to attending UT.” Tom Dunning and Marisa Swanson.

Forty Acres Finalists Get Red-Carpet Treatment

More than 40 of the nation's top high school seniors got to know The University of Texas a little better this weekend at the annual Forty Acres Scholars Program Finalists Weekend. From visits to UT's schools and colleges to an amphibious Austin Duck tour, the 41 finalists for UT's most elite full-ride merit scholarship got a thorough picture of what their life at UT and in Austin could look like. During three days on campus, they were given special access to all the University has to offer. UT president Bill Powers stopped by during their private tour of the Tower, and football legend Vince Young even made a surprise appearance. Forty Acres Scholars Program associate director Kristy Kimball says that the weekend had something for everyone. "They had the option to tour the new Moncrief-Neuhaus Athletics Center or the Bass Concert Hall," she says. "We wanted to show them not just academics, but also the fun side of UT." The finalists also enjoyed dinner with alumni, faculty, and staff, plus plenty of down time with current scholars. At Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, the Jumbotron was even lit up with a welcome message just for them. The weekend ended with the interviews that helped select the next class of scholarship recipients. Kimball says the scholarship team worked hard to make sure the finalists felt at ease. By May 1, the next class of recipients will be selected. Kimball is in the process of notifying the recipients by phone. "Many of the students I've called accepted on the spot," she says. "Getting to deliver that news makes me feel proud of the job I get to do." The finalists who don't receive the scholarship aren't left out in the cold. According to Kimball, the Texas Exes scholarship team makes every effort to find at least some financial assistance for all the finalists. "It's not a guarantee, but we do our best to support them all," Kimball says. "These are all extremely talented students, and our goal is for all 41 of them to attend UT." Forty Acres Scholars Program finalists pose with Bevo at the Alumni Center. Photo by Andrew Miller.

Forty Acres Finalists Get Red-Carpet Treatment

More than 40 of the nation's top high school seniors got to know The University of Texas a little better this weekend at the annual Forty Acres Scholars Program Finalists Weekend. From visits to UT's schools and colleges to an amphibious Austin Duck tour, the 41 finalists for UT's most elite full-ride merit scholarship got a thorough picture of what their life at UT and in Austin could look like. During three days on campus, they were given special access to all the University has to offer. UT president Bill Powers stopped by during their private tour of the Tower, and football legend Vince Young even made a surprise appearance. Forty Acres Scholars Program associate director Kristy Kimball says that the weekend had something for everyone. "They had the option to tour the new Moncrief-Neuhaus Athletics Center or the Bass Concert Hall," she says. "We wanted to show them not just academics, but also the fun side of UT." The finalists also enjoyed dinner with alumni, faculty, and staff, plus plenty of down time with current scholars. At Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, the Jumbotron was even lit up with a welcome message just for them. The weekend ended with the interviews that helped select the next class of scholarship recipients. Kimball says the scholarship team worked hard to make sure the finalists felt at ease. By May 1, the next class of recipients will be selected. Kimball is in the process of notifying the recipients by phone. "Many of the students I've called accepted on the spot," she says. "Getting to deliver that news makes me feel proud of the job I get to do." The finalists who don't receive the scholarship aren't left out in the cold. According to Kimball, the Texas Exes scholarship team makes every effort to find at least some financial assistance for all the finalists. "It's not a guarantee, but we do our best to support them all," Kimball says. "These are all extremely talented students, and our goal is for all 41 of them to attend UT." Forty Acres Scholars Program finalists pose with Bevo at the Alumni Center. Photo by Andrew Miller.

Forty Acres Finalists Get Red-Carpet Treatment

More than 40 of the nation's top high school seniors got to know The University of Texas a little better this weekend at the annual Forty Acres Scholars Program Finalists Weekend. From visits to UT's schools and colleges to an amphibious Austin Duck tour, the 41 finalists for UT's most elite full-ride merit scholarship got a thorough picture of what their life at UT and in Austin could look like. During three days on campus, they were given special access to all the University has to offer. UT president Bill Powers stopped by during their private tour of the Tower, and football legend Vince Young even made a surprise appearance. Forty Acres Scholars Program associate director Kristy Kimball says that the weekend had something for everyone. "They had the option to tour the new Moncrief-Neuhaus Athletics Center or the Bass Concert Hall," she says. "We wanted to show them not just academics, but also the fun side of UT." The finalists also enjoyed dinner with alumni, faculty, and staff, plus plenty of down time with current scholars. At Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, the Jumbotron was even lit up with a welcome message just for them. The weekend ended with the interviews that helped select the next class of scholarship recipients. Kimball says the scholarship team worked hard to make sure the finalists felt at ease. By May 1, the next class of recipients will be selected. Kimball is in the process of notifying the recipients by phone. "Many of the students I've called accepted on the spot," she says. "Getting to deliver that news makes me feel proud of the job I get to do." The finalists who don't receive the scholarship aren't left out in the cold. According to Kimball, the Texas Exes scholarship team makes every effort to find at least some financial assistance for all the finalists. "It's not a guarantee, but we do our best to support them all," Kimball says. "These are all extremely talented students, and our goal is for all 41 of them to attend UT." Forty Acres Scholars Program finalists pose with Bevo at the Alumni Center. Photo by Andrew Miller.

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.