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.”

Forty Acres Scholar Explores Public Health in Bangladesh

Stephanie Eisner spent her summer learning to give back to a community in need. Last summer, Forty Acres Scholar Stephanie Eisner traveled to Bangladesh, where she held an internship and a research position dedicated to helping underserved rural communities. "Bangladesh is fascinating because it's the poorest country in the world, but it's developing so fast," Eisner says. "It really felt like I was going back in time." Eisner began her summer at Grameen Bank, a microfinance company whose founder, Muhammad Yunus, won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in economic and social development.  While there, she was given the opportunity to work in rural areas outside of Urpur helping to empower women by interviewing them individually. From these personal interviews, Eisner and her fellow interns were able to create a report that will help the Grameen Bank distribute its loans more effectively. "The goal of the internship program is educational," Eisner said. " They want us to be able to go back to our lives and use their buisness model to help people." She then moved to a research position with the International Center for Diarrhoeal Disease Research where she worked for a week studying cholera in the short-stay unit of the hospital before transferring to study reproductive health and domestic violence in the slums. Eisner worked as a literature reviewer for a research paper about marriage and its influence on reproductive health. Through reading hundreds of academic papers, she learned about the different types of marriages in Dhaka and their effects on women. Eisner says this summer helped her learn to be intentional in the way she helps people. She does not want to serve in a capacity that only benefits her, she says. "I've always been really interested in finding important ways to bring about change outside of my own life and experiences," Eisner says. As a public health major, Eisner's experience in Bangladesh gave her a greater understanding of the complexity and difficulty in the world, in addition to helping her make decisions about her future after graduation. For now, she's considering medical school to become an obstetrician/gynecologist and work abroad. "My time in Bangladesh made me realize that life is way too short and way too precious to plan so that you can have an extensive résumé," Eisner says. Without the Forty Acres Scholars Program, Eisner says she would have had to spend the summer working to pay for school instead of using her skills to benefit others. "I just really feel like I've been given a lot," she says. "I see the gift that I've been given in this scholarship as something I can use so that others who aren't as fortunate can benefit as well." Next semester—though she has no experience in engineering—Eisner will put her creative ability and biology background to use working on prosthetic hands in an engineering lab. "UT tells you that you can be anything you want to be, " Eisner says. She has certainly taken that to heart.

Forty Acres Scholar Explores Public Health in Bangladesh

Stephanie Eisner spent her summer learning to give back to a community in need. Last summer, Forty Acres Scholar Stephanie Eisner traveled to Bangladesh, where she held an internship and a research position dedicated to helping underserved rural communities. "Bangladesh is fascinating because it's the poorest country in the world, but it's developing so fast," Eisner says. "It really felt like I was going back in time." Eisner began her summer at Grameen Bank, a microfinance company whose founder, Muhammad Yunus, won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in economic and social development.  While there, she was given the opportunity to work in rural areas outside of Urpur helping to empower women by interviewing them individually. From these personal interviews, Eisner and her fellow interns were able to create a report that will help the Grameen Bank distribute its loans more effectively. "The goal of the internship program is educational," Eisner said. " They want us to be able to go back to our lives and use their buisness model to help people." She then moved to a research position with the International Center for Diarrhoeal Disease Research where she worked for a week studying cholera in the short-stay unit of the hospital before transferring to study reproductive health and domestic violence in the slums. Eisner worked as a literature reviewer for a research paper about marriage and its influence on reproductive health. Through reading hundreds of academic papers, she learned about the different types of marriages in Dhaka and their effects on women. Eisner says this summer helped her learn to be intentional in the way she helps people. She does not want to serve in a capacity that only benefits her, she says. "I've always been really interested in finding important ways to bring about change outside of my own life and experiences," Eisner says. As a public health major, Eisner's experience in Bangladesh gave her a greater understanding of the complexity and difficulty in the world, in addition to helping her make decisions about her future after graduation. For now, she's considering medical school to become an obstetrician/gynecologist and work abroad. "My time in Bangladesh made me realize that life is way too short and way too precious to plan so that you can have an extensive résumé," Eisner says. Without the Forty Acres Scholars Program, Eisner says she would have had to spend the summer working to pay for school instead of using her skills to benefit others. "I just really feel like I've been given a lot," she says. "I see the gift that I've been given in this scholarship as something I can use so that others who aren't as fortunate can benefit as well." Next semester—though she has no experience in engineering—Eisner will put her creative ability and biology background to use working on prosthetic hands in an engineering lab. "UT tells you that you can be anything you want to be, " Eisner says. She has certainly taken that to heart.

Forty Acres Scholar Explores Public Health in Bangladesh

Stephanie Eisner spent her summer learning to give back to a community in need. Last summer, Forty Acres Scholar Stephanie Eisner traveled to Bangladesh, where she held an internship and a research position dedicated to helping underserved rural communities. "Bangladesh is fascinating because it's the poorest country in the world, but it's developing so fast," Eisner says. "It really felt like I was going back in time." Eisner began her summer at Grameen Bank, a microfinance company whose founder, Muhammad Yunus, won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in economic and social development.  While there, she was given the opportunity to work in rural areas outside of Urpur helping to empower women by interviewing them individually. From these personal interviews, Eisner and her fellow interns were able to create a report that will help the Grameen Bank distribute its loans more effectively. "The goal of the internship program is educational," Eisner said. " They want us to be able to go back to our lives and use their buisness model to help people." She then moved to a research position with the International Center for Diarrhoeal Disease Research where she worked for a week studying cholera in the short-stay unit of the hospital before transferring to study reproductive health and domestic violence in the slums. Eisner worked as a literature reviewer for a research paper about marriage and its influence on reproductive health. Through reading hundreds of academic papers, she learned about the different types of marriages in Dhaka and their effects on women. Eisner says this summer helped her learn to be intentional in the way she helps people. She does not want to serve in a capacity that only benefits her, she says. "I've always been really interested in finding important ways to bring about change outside of my own life and experiences," Eisner says. As a public health major, Eisner's experience in Bangladesh gave her a greater understanding of the complexity and difficulty in the world, in addition to helping her make decisions about her future after graduation. For now, she's considering medical school to become an obstetrician/gynecologist and work abroad. "My time in Bangladesh made me realize that life is way too short and way too precious to plan so that you can have an extensive résumé," Eisner says. Without the Forty Acres Scholars Program, Eisner says she would have had to spend the summer working to pay for school instead of using her skills to benefit others. "I just really feel like I've been given a lot," she says. "I see the gift that I've been given in this scholarship as something I can use so that others who aren't as fortunate can benefit as well." Next semester—though she has no experience in engineering—Eisner will put her creative ability and biology background to use working on prosthetic hands in an engineering lab. "UT tells you that you can be anything you want to be, " Eisner says. She has certainly taken that to heart.

Donning the Orange Jacket

Emily Gruener's early commitment to leadership is already paying off. As a sophomore, Emily Gruener has not had very much time to make an impact on The University of Texas, but her recent induction into the Orange Jackets will help. After serving as a representative, senator, and president of her high school student council, Gruener entered the University focused on pursuing a career in policy. As a government and Plan II major, she has joined Students for Education Reform and Student Government. She also serves on the executive board of the Undergraduate Research Journal. These qualities, she says, helped her become a good candidate for the Orange Jackets, a longstanding women's leadership organization. "I decided to apply because they've always had a really strong tradition of female leadership that I wanted to be a part of," Gruener says. As both a Forty Acres Scholar and an Orange Jacket, Gruener will have plenty of chances to embody the Orange Jacket tenets of scholarship, leadership, and service. "I'm so grateful for both of these opportunities," Gruener says. "I can continue trying to carry the tradition of so many of the famous [alumni] before me." "Emily is a compassionate, inquisitive, lovely new Tap [new Orange Jacket]," says the group's president, Maggie Gunn. "You can tell she is always thinking and always contributes volumes to the task or conversation at hand." Gruener will work with other new members on a yearlong service project that will benefit UT and the Austin community. "My goal for this year is really just to be a great, productive member of the tappee project," Gruener says. "I really just want that to be a huge success." Once the tappee project is completed in the spring, Gruener will be initiated as a member of The University of Texas' oldest honorary service organization. She will then be awarded the traditional orange vest worn by influential women before her, like Margaret C. Berry, Carol Keeton Strayhorn, and Lady Bird Johnson. "In general, I just want to leave a beneficial impact here at UT because the University has just given so much to me," Gruener says.

Donning the Orange Jacket

Emily Gruener's early commitment to leadership is already paying off. As a sophomore, Emily Gruener has not had very much time to make an impact on The University of Texas, but her recent induction into the Orange Jackets will help. After serving as a representative, senator, and president of her high school student council, Gruener entered the University focused on pursuing a career in policy. As a government and Plan II major, she has joined Students for Education Reform and Student Government. She also serves on the executive board of the Undergraduate Research Journal. These qualities, she says, helped her become a good candidate for the Orange Jackets, a longstanding women's leadership organization. "I decided to apply because they've always had a really strong tradition of female leadership that I wanted to be a part of," Gruener says. As both a Forty Acres Scholar and an Orange Jacket, Gruener will have plenty of chances to embody the Orange Jacket tenets of scholarship, leadership, and service. "I'm so grateful for both of these opportunities," Gruener says. "I can continue trying to carry the tradition of so many of the famous [alumni] before me." "Emily is a compassionate, inquisitive, lovely new Tap [new Orange Jacket]," says the group's president, Maggie Gunn. "You can tell she is always thinking and always contributes volumes to the task or conversation at hand." Gruener will work with other new members on a yearlong service project that will benefit UT and the Austin community. "My goal for this year is really just to be a great, productive member of the tappee project," Gruener says. "I really just want that to be a huge success." Once the tappee project is completed in the spring, Gruener will be initiated as a member of The University of Texas' oldest honorary service organization. She will then be awarded the traditional orange vest worn by influential women before her, like Margaret C. Berry, Carol Keeton Strayhorn, and Lady Bird Johnson. "In general, I just want to leave a beneficial impact here at UT because the University has just given so much to me," Gruener says.

Donning the Orange Jacket

Emily Gruener's early commitment to leadership is already paying off. As a sophomore, Emily Gruener has not had very much time to make an impact on The University of Texas, but her recent induction into the Orange Jackets will help. After serving as a representative, senator, and president of her high school student council, Gruener entered the University focused on pursuing a career in policy. As a government and Plan II major, she has joined Students for Education Reform and Student Government. She also serves on the executive board of the Undergraduate Research Journal. These qualities, she says, helped her become a good candidate for the Orange Jackets, a longstanding women's leadership organization. "I decided to apply because they've always had a really strong tradition of female leadership that I wanted to be a part of," Gruener says. As both a Forty Acres Scholar and an Orange Jacket, Gruener will have plenty of chances to embody the Orange Jacket tenets of scholarship, leadership, and service. "I'm so grateful for both of these opportunities," Gruener says. "I can continue trying to carry the tradition of so many of the famous [alumni] before me." "Emily is a compassionate, inquisitive, lovely new Tap [new Orange Jacket]," says the group's president, Maggie Gunn. "You can tell she is always thinking and always contributes volumes to the task or conversation at hand." Gruener will work with other new members on a yearlong service project that will benefit UT and the Austin community. "My goal for this year is really just to be a great, productive member of the tappee project," Gruener says. "I really just want that to be a huge success." Once the tappee project is completed in the spring, Gruener will be initiated as a member of The University of Texas' oldest honorary service organization. She will then be awarded the traditional orange vest worn by influential women before her, like Margaret C. Berry, Carol Keeton Strayhorn, and Lady Bird Johnson. "In general, I just want to leave a beneficial impact here at UT because the University has just given so much to me," Gruener says.

Forty Acres Scholar Chosen for Microsoft Internship

Monica Bischoff may only be a sophomore, but the Forty Acres Scholar has already achieved enormous success at The University of Texas. Bischoff, who is majoring in business honors and history, recently learned that she has been selected to be a finance analyst intern with Microsoft, a Fortune 100 company. This summer, Bischoff will only afford herself a couple of weeks of vacation. On May 28, she will make her way north to Redmond, Washington, 13 miles outside of Seattle. Though the Houston native has never lived outside of Texas, she’s thrilled for a new experience. “My mother’s side of the family lives in and around San Francisco,” she says, “and I love the West Coast.” A member of the inaugural class of Forty Acres Scholars, Bischoff is the recipient of the John and Cynthia Adkins/Texas Exes Houston Chapter Forty Acres Scholarship. She attributes much of her success to the Forty Acres Scholars Program. “The program just surrounds you with super motivated and inspirational people,” says Bischoff. “It’s gotten me to do things and go places I normally wouldn’t do or go.” In addition to being a Forty Acres Scholar, Bischoff has served as assistant financial vice president of Alpha Xi Delta, one of the nation’s longest-standing women’s fraternities. She is also a member of the Texas Undergraduate Investment Team, a student-led organization that focuses on giving undergraduates practical, real-life experience in finance. That experience will serve her well at Microsoft, where a demanding finance analyst rotation will task her with handling anything from financial analysis and reporting to internal auditing and venture integration. “What I really hope to gain from the internship is a way to apply hands-on what I’m learning in my classes,” Bischoff says. "I get a chance to see how a large company like this works." Bischoff has big plans for the future, but that doesn’t mean she’s in a hurry to graduate. “UT has just been amazing,” she says. “I don’t think I could be getting a better education.”

Forty Acres Scholar Chosen for Microsoft Internship

Monica Bischoff may only be a sophomore, but the Forty Acres Scholar has already achieved enormous success at The University of Texas. Bischoff, who is majoring in business honors and history, recently learned that she has been selected to be a finance analyst intern with Microsoft, a Fortune 100 company. This summer, Bischoff will only afford herself a couple of weeks of vacation. On May 28, she will make her way north to Redmond, Washington, 13 miles outside of Seattle. Though the Houston native has never lived outside of Texas, she’s thrilled for a new experience. “My mother’s side of the family lives in and around San Francisco,” she says, “and I love the West Coast.” A member of the inaugural class of Forty Acres Scholars, Bischoff is the recipient of the John and Cynthia Adkins/Texas Exes Houston Chapter Forty Acres Scholarship. She attributes much of her success to the Forty Acres Scholars Program. “The program just surrounds you with super motivated and inspirational people,” says Bischoff. “It’s gotten me to do things and go places I normally wouldn’t do or go.” In addition to being a Forty Acres Scholar, Bischoff has served as assistant financial vice president of Alpha Xi Delta, one of the nation’s longest-standing women’s fraternities. She is also a member of the Texas Undergraduate Investment Team, a student-led organization that focuses on giving undergraduates practical, real-life experience in finance. That experience will serve her well at Microsoft, where a demanding finance analyst rotation will task her with handling anything from financial analysis and reporting to internal auditing and venture integration. “What I really hope to gain from the internship is a way to apply hands-on what I’m learning in my classes,” Bischoff says. "I get a chance to see how a large company like this works." Bischoff has big plans for the future, but that doesn’t mean she’s in a hurry to graduate. “UT has just been amazing,” she says. “I don’t think I could be getting a better education.”

Forty Acres Scholar Chosen for Microsoft Internship

Monica Bischoff may only be a sophomore, but the Forty Acres Scholar has already achieved enormous success at The University of Texas. Bischoff, who is majoring in business honors and history, recently learned that she has been selected to be a finance analyst intern with Microsoft, a Fortune 100 company. This summer, Bischoff will only afford herself a couple of weeks of vacation. On May 28, she will make her way north to Redmond, Washington, 13 miles outside of Seattle. Though the Houston native has never lived outside of Texas, she’s thrilled for a new experience. “My mother’s side of the family lives in and around San Francisco,” she says, “and I love the West Coast.” A member of the inaugural class of Forty Acres Scholars, Bischoff is the recipient of the John and Cynthia Adkins/Texas Exes Houston Chapter Forty Acres Scholarship. She attributes much of her success to the Forty Acres Scholars Program. “The program just surrounds you with super motivated and inspirational people,” says Bischoff. “It’s gotten me to do things and go places I normally wouldn’t do or go.” In addition to being a Forty Acres Scholar, Bischoff has served as assistant financial vice president of Alpha Xi Delta, one of the nation’s longest-standing women’s fraternities. She is also a member of the Texas Undergraduate Investment Team, a student-led organization that focuses on giving undergraduates practical, real-life experience in finance. That experience will serve her well at Microsoft, where a demanding finance analyst rotation will task her with handling anything from financial analysis and reporting to internal auditing and venture integration. “What I really hope to gain from the internship is a way to apply hands-on what I’m learning in my classes,” Bischoff says. "I get a chance to see how a large company like this works." Bischoff has big plans for the future, but that doesn’t mean she’s in a hurry to graduate. “UT has just been amazing,” she says. “I don’t think I could be getting a better education.”

Scholar Builds Career and Character at UT

The recipient of the George Allan Odam Texas Exes Scholarship is a pro at managing her time. During her time on the Forty Acres, Jessica Schuck hasn't wasted a moment. The senior communications sciences and disorders major has revamped Texas Outdoorsmen, UT’s outdoors enthusiast group; interned in the developmental stuttering lab of the Intellectual Entrepreneurship Program; and been an active member of her sorority, Texas Kappa Delta. She has also given campus tours through SHARE, served as a nanny, and interned at local clinics. These experiences that go beyond just academics, Schuck says, have shaped her time at UT. “I feel I’ve been able to grow a lot better character,” Schuck says. “When I leave, I’ll be taking a lot more with me than I ever expected.” As a TEA scholar, Schuck enjoyed getting to connect with alumni mentors who’ve inspired her to stay involved with the University after graduation. “I don’t think I knew alumni had that sort of power,” Schuck says. “You can be just as involved as you were in school.” After graduation, Schuck plans on attending graduate school for communication sciences, then go on to work at a school or open her own practice. She’s also got big dreams for the long-term—even possibly becoming a UT professor. “I also hope to one day start a nonprofit alliance that works with home care and home therapy for families who have adopted or are fostering kids,” she says. “Because that’s a huge need right now, in Texas especially.”

Scholar Builds Career and Character at UT

The recipient of the George Allan Odam Texas Exes Scholarship is a pro at managing her time. During her time on the Forty Acres, Jessica Schuck hasn't wasted a moment. The senior communications sciences and disorders major has revamped Texas Outdoorsmen, UT’s outdoors enthusiast group; interned in the developmental stuttering lab of the Intellectual Entrepreneurship Program; and been an active member of her sorority, Texas Kappa Delta. She has also given campus tours through SHARE, served as a nanny, and interned at local clinics. These experiences that go beyond just academics, Schuck says, have shaped her time at UT. “I feel I’ve been able to grow a lot better character,” Schuck says. “When I leave, I’ll be taking a lot more with me than I ever expected.” As a TEA scholar, Schuck enjoyed getting to connect with alumni mentors who’ve inspired her to stay involved with the University after graduation. “I don’t think I knew alumni had that sort of power,” Schuck says. “You can be just as involved as you were in school.” After graduation, Schuck plans on attending graduate school for communication sciences, then go on to work at a school or open her own practice. She’s also got big dreams for the long-term—even possibly becoming a UT professor. “I also hope to one day start a nonprofit alliance that works with home care and home therapy for families who have adopted or are fostering kids,” she says. “Because that’s a huge need right now, in Texas especially.”

Scholar Builds Career and Character at UT

The recipient of the George Allan Odam Texas Exes Scholarship is a pro at managing her time. During her time on the Forty Acres, Jessica Schuck hasn't wasted a moment. The senior communications sciences and disorders major has revamped Texas Outdoorsmen, UT’s outdoors enthusiast group; interned in the developmental stuttering lab of the Intellectual Entrepreneurship Program; and been an active member of her sorority, Texas Kappa Delta. She has also given campus tours through SHARE, served as a nanny, and interned at local clinics. These experiences that go beyond just academics, Schuck says, have shaped her time at UT. “I feel I’ve been able to grow a lot better character,” Schuck says. “When I leave, I’ll be taking a lot more with me than I ever expected.” As a TEA scholar, Schuck enjoyed getting to connect with alumni mentors who’ve inspired her to stay involved with the University after graduation. “I don’t think I knew alumni had that sort of power,” Schuck says. “You can be just as involved as you were in school.” After graduation, Schuck plans on attending graduate school for communication sciences, then go on to work at a school or open her own practice. She’s also got big dreams for the long-term—even possibly becoming a UT professor. “I also hope to one day start a nonprofit alliance that works with home care and home therapy for families who have adopted or are fostering kids,” she says. “Because that’s a huge need right now, in Texas especially.”

Scholar Explores South African and South Korean Cultures

The Eugene McDermott Texas Exes Scholarship has sent Hannah Waitt around the globe. Inspired by a YouTube video a friend posted on her Facebook wall, Hannah Waitt, a senior Plan II Honors Program student majoring in international relations and global studies, traveled around the world to Seoul, South Korea, this past spring to study the emerging Korean music industry. Waitt says her research, which is for her Plan II thesis, explores the differences between the South Korean and American music industries. “There hasn’t been a lot of research done on the Korean music industry, and it’s this big, booming, flourishing thing that’s going on culturally,” Waitt says. “America is literally one of the last places that it’s reaching.” South Korea was Waitt’s second study abroad trip. In the summer following her freshman year, she traveled to South Africa, where she worked with underprivileged children. The two trips, Waitt says, would not have been possible without her TEA scholarship. “A lot of kids don’t even get to go one time,” Wait says. “I still can’t believe I got to go twice.” Waitt is just as involved on campus as she is abroad. She has served as vice president of public relations for her sorority, Texas Kappa Delta. She is a member of the Texas Spirits, a social, spirit, and service organization at UT, and played for UT’s women’s club soccer team. Being involved with the Texas Exes has led to other opportunities as well, including meeting her mentor, Rudy Garza, a former president of the alumni association. “It has been a really great networking opportunity,” Waitt says. “I’ve gotten to meet some really amazing people who have done some phenomenal things in life.” Next year, Waitt says she may attend graduate school, though she’s considering moving abroad and teaching for a year before continuing her education.

Scholar Explores South African and South Korean Cultures

The Eugene McDermott Texas Exes Scholarship has sent Hannah Waitt around the globe. Inspired by a YouTube video a friend posted on her Facebook wall, Hannah Waitt, a senior Plan II Honors Program student majoring in international relations and global studies, traveled around the world to Seoul, South Korea, this past spring to study the emerging Korean music industry. Waitt says her research, which is for her Plan II thesis, explores the differences between the South Korean and American music industries. “There hasn’t been a lot of research done on the Korean music industry, and it’s this big, booming, flourishing thing that’s going on culturally,” Waitt says. “America is literally one of the last places that it’s reaching.” South Korea was Waitt’s second study abroad trip. In the summer following her freshman year, she traveled to South Africa, where she worked with underprivileged children. The two trips, Waitt says, would not have been possible without her TEA scholarship. “A lot of kids don’t even get to go one time,” Wait says. “I still can’t believe I got to go twice.” Waitt is just as involved on campus as she is abroad. She has served as vice president of public relations for her sorority, Texas Kappa Delta. She is a member of the Texas Spirits, a social, spirit, and service organization at UT, and played for UT’s women’s club soccer team. Being involved with the Texas Exes has led to other opportunities as well, including meeting her mentor, Rudy Garza, a former president of the alumni association. “It has been a really great networking opportunity,” Waitt says. “I’ve gotten to meet some really amazing people who have done some phenomenal things in life.” Next year, Waitt says she may attend graduate school, though she’s considering moving abroad and teaching for a year before continuing her education.

Scholar Explores South African and South Korean Cultures

The Eugene McDermott Texas Exes Scholarship has sent Hannah Waitt around the globe. Inspired by a YouTube video a friend posted on her Facebook wall, Hannah Waitt, a senior Plan II Honors Program student majoring in international relations and global studies, traveled around the world to Seoul, South Korea, this past spring to study the emerging Korean music industry. Waitt says her research, which is for her Plan II thesis, explores the differences between the South Korean and American music industries. “There hasn’t been a lot of research done on the Korean music industry, and it’s this big, booming, flourishing thing that’s going on culturally,” Waitt says. “America is literally one of the last places that it’s reaching.” South Korea was Waitt’s second study abroad trip. In the summer following her freshman year, she traveled to South Africa, where she worked with underprivileged children. The two trips, Waitt says, would not have been possible without her TEA scholarship. “A lot of kids don’t even get to go one time,” Wait says. “I still can’t believe I got to go twice.” Waitt is just as involved on campus as she is abroad. She has served as vice president of public relations for her sorority, Texas Kappa Delta. She is a member of the Texas Spirits, a social, spirit, and service organization at UT, and played for UT’s women’s club soccer team. Being involved with the Texas Exes has led to other opportunities as well, including meeting her mentor, Rudy Garza, a former president of the alumni association. “It has been a really great networking opportunity,” Waitt says. “I’ve gotten to meet some really amazing people who have done some phenomenal things in life.” Next year, Waitt says she may attend graduate school, though she’s considering moving abroad and teaching for a year before continuing her education.

Great Scholars Are Brewing in Shiner, Texas

They can't even legally drink yet, but for four Shiner, Texas high school students, Shiner Beer is already having a profound impact on their college careers. Last fall, the Shiner Brewery Scholarship was awarded for the first time to two UT-bound high school students from the Southeast Texas town of Shiner—one each from the two local high schools, St. Paul and Shiner. Now in its second year, the scholarship aims to keep bright, talented students in the Lone Star State by providing $20,000 per year for four years to deserving future Longhorns. Devin Pesek, a junior microbiology and pre-med major at UT, was one of Shiner Brewery's first recipients. "Getting this scholarship is what made me ultimately decide to come to Texas," Pesek says. "Without it, I think I'd be in North Carolina [at Duke] right now." Carlos Alvarez, chairman and CEO of Shiner's parent company, Gambrinus, says that Gambrinus wanted to support education and the University. "The major factor that made a difference is the fact that we could do these through [the Texas Exes]," Alvarez says. "If we hadn't had access to a user-friendly system or structure to provide with selection and administrative tasks, it would probably not have been a decision that we would have made." This fall, the brewery has four students on the Forty Acres, who hopefully will continue to interact with the Shiner  community after graduation. Pesek says he has "no doubt he'll move back to a place like Shiner one day." "We may, down the road, benefit from their education and having invested in their education," Alvarez says. "They will hopefully come back to the neighborhood and help the area grow and prosper." Pesek has dreams of working in the medical field and is studying to take the MCAT this spring. Receiving the Shiner Brewery Scholarship has created opportunities for Pesek he didn't think were possible. "I've always wanted to study abroad, but it's kind of expensive," Pesek says. "Having this scholarship has allowed me to apply to study abroad in Spain next summer. I don't know if I would have had that opportunity if my school hadn't been paid for." Above, from left: Jimmy Mauric, Lisa Mauric, Recipient Jessica Arledge, Recipient Devin Pesek, Malu Alvarez, and Carlos Alvarez. Photo by Steve Moakley.  Top: Photo by AlphaTangoBravo via Flickr Creative Commons.

Great Scholars Are Brewing in Shiner, Texas

They can't even legally drink yet, but for four Shiner, Texas high school students, Shiner Beer is already having a profound impact on their college careers. Last fall, the Shiner Brewery Scholarship was awarded for the first time to two UT-bound high school students from the Southeast Texas town of Shiner—one each from the two local high schools, St. Paul and Shiner. Now in its second year, the scholarship aims to keep bright, talented students in the Lone Star State by providing $20,000 per year for four years to deserving future Longhorns. Devin Pesek, a junior microbiology and pre-med major at UT, was one of Shiner Brewery's first recipients. "Getting this scholarship is what made me ultimately decide to come to Texas," Pesek says. "Without it, I think I'd be in North Carolina [at Duke] right now." Carlos Alvarez, chairman and CEO of Shiner's parent company, Gambrinus, says that Gambrinus wanted to support education and the University. "The major factor that made a difference is the fact that we could do these through [the Texas Exes]," Alvarez says. "If we hadn't had access to a user-friendly system or structure to provide with selection and administrative tasks, it would probably not have been a decision that we would have made." This fall, the brewery has four students on the Forty Acres, who hopefully will continue to interact with the Shiner  community after graduation. Pesek says he has "no doubt he'll move back to a place like Shiner one day." "We may, down the road, benefit from their education and having invested in their education," Alvarez says. "They will hopefully come back to the neighborhood and help the area grow and prosper." Pesek has dreams of working in the medical field and is studying to take the MCAT this spring. Receiving the Shiner Brewery Scholarship has created opportunities for Pesek he didn't think were possible. "I've always wanted to study abroad, but it's kind of expensive," Pesek says. "Having this scholarship has allowed me to apply to study abroad in Spain next summer. I don't know if I would have had that opportunity if my school hadn't been paid for." Above, from left: Jimmy Mauric, Lisa Mauric, Recipient Jessica Arledge, Recipient Devin Pesek, Malu Alvarez, and Carlos Alvarez. Photo by Steve Moakley.  Top: Photo by AlphaTangoBravo via Flickr Creative Commons.

Great Scholars Are Brewing in Shiner, Texas

They can't even legally drink yet, but for four Shiner, Texas high school students, Shiner Beer is already having a profound impact on their college careers. Last fall, the Shiner Brewery Scholarship was awarded for the first time to two UT-bound high school students from the Southeast Texas town of Shiner—one each from the two local high schools, St. Paul and Shiner. Now in its second year, the scholarship aims to keep bright, talented students in the Lone Star State by providing $20,000 per year for four years to deserving future Longhorns. Devin Pesek, a junior microbiology and pre-med major at UT, was one of Shiner Brewery's first recipients. "Getting this scholarship is what made me ultimately decide to come to Texas," Pesek says. "Without it, I think I'd be in North Carolina [at Duke] right now." Carlos Alvarez, chairman and CEO of Shiner's parent company, Gambrinus, says that Gambrinus wanted to support education and the University. "The major factor that made a difference is the fact that we could do these through [the Texas Exes]," Alvarez says. "If we hadn't had access to a user-friendly system or structure to provide with selection and administrative tasks, it would probably not have been a decision that we would have made." This fall, the brewery has four students on the Forty Acres, who hopefully will continue to interact with the Shiner  community after graduation. Pesek says he has "no doubt he'll move back to a place like Shiner one day." "We may, down the road, benefit from their education and having invested in their education," Alvarez says. "They will hopefully come back to the neighborhood and help the area grow and prosper." Pesek has dreams of working in the medical field and is studying to take the MCAT this spring. Receiving the Shiner Brewery Scholarship has created opportunities for Pesek he didn't think were possible. "I've always wanted to study abroad, but it's kind of expensive," Pesek says. "Having this scholarship has allowed me to apply to study abroad in Spain next summer. I don't know if I would have had that opportunity if my school hadn't been paid for." Above, from left: Jimmy Mauric, Lisa Mauric, Recipient Jessica Arledge, Recipient Devin Pesek, Malu Alvarez, and Carlos Alvarez. Photo by Steve Moakley.  Top: Photo by AlphaTangoBravo via Flickr Creative Commons.