Scholar Spotlight: Olivia Pierce

Olivia Pierce, Class of 2024, is studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark where she is focusing on Engineering Communications. “It is pretty weird being a tourist in a country not open to American tourists," Olivia says. "Museums and cultural sites that are typically packed are empty, leading to truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Although I enjoy being the only person in a museum, I look forward to the day tourists come flooding back. And I’m not the only one who anxiously awaits the return of tourism: This past weekend I was over in Odense, Denmark, visiting a history museum. It was, like all museums right now, completely empty. As I was buying my ticket, the man at the front desk asked my group where we were from, and we responded 'Texas.' The two men at the front desk looked at each other and started cheering and high fiving, celebrating the return of tourists and thus some normalcy. It was a truly magical moment that I will never forget.” Olivia is the recipient of the Moore Family Forty Acres Scholarship and the Chevron Enrichment Award. Read more about her here. #ScholarSpotlight

Scholar Spotlight: Olivia Pierce

Olivia Pierce, Class of 2024, is studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark where she is focusing on Engineering Communications. “It is pretty weird being a tourist in a country not open to American tourists," Olivia says. "Museums and cultural sites that are typically packed are empty, leading to truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Although I enjoy being the only person in a museum, I look forward to the day tourists come flooding back. And I’m not the only one who anxiously awaits the return of tourism: This past weekend I was over in Odense, Denmark, visiting a history museum. It was, like all museums right now, completely empty. As I was buying my ticket, the man at the front desk asked my group where we were from, and we responded 'Texas.' The two men at the front desk looked at each other and started cheering and high fiving, celebrating the return of tourists and thus some normalcy. It was a truly magical moment that I will never forget.” Olivia is the recipient of the Moore Family Forty Acres Scholarship and the Chevron Enrichment Award. Read more about her here. #ScholarSpotlight

Scholar Spotlight: Olivia Pierce

Olivia Pierce, Class of 2024, is studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark where she is focusing on Engineering Communications. “It is pretty weird being a tourist in a country not open to American tourists," Olivia says. "Museums and cultural sites that are typically packed are empty, leading to truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Although I enjoy being the only person in a museum, I look forward to the day tourists come flooding back. And I’m not the only one who anxiously awaits the return of tourism: This past weekend I was over in Odense, Denmark, visiting a history museum. It was, like all museums right now, completely empty. As I was buying my ticket, the man at the front desk asked my group where we were from, and we responded 'Texas.' The two men at the front desk looked at each other and started cheering and high fiving, celebrating the return of tourists and thus some normalcy. It was a truly magical moment that I will never forget.” Olivia is the recipient of the Moore Family Forty Acres Scholarship and the Chevron Enrichment Award. Read more about her here. #ScholarSpotlight

Scholar Spotlight: Nikita Kakkad

Nikita Kakkad, Class of 2024, is studying abroad in Ireland. Before she embarks on her research project working in a laboratory, she is exploring the beautiful country and getting to know her fellow students. “The first day we were able to leave the quarantine we went to the city, and it was so amazing—the streets were bustling, and the different restaurants and shops were so beautiful," Nikita says. "I love the architecture here, it reminds me of Boston, one of my favorite cities back in the U.S. We spent that whole week just exploring the city and the surrounding areas, trying new cafes, going to shops and museums! It was so nice to be able to have a free week in Dublin to explore and get acquainted. That Friday, we left early in the morning for Galway, and on Friday, we spent time exploring and enjoying the coast. On Saturday morning, we left early to catch the two-hour bus to the Cliffs of Moher—I don’t ever think I’ll forget how beautiful it was there.” Nikita is the recipient of the Carol and Gary Kelly Forty Acres Scholarship. Read more about her here. #ScholarSpotlight

Scholar Spotlight: Nikita Kakkad

Nikita Kakkad, Class of 2024, is studying abroad in Ireland. Before she embarks on her research project working in a laboratory, she is exploring the beautiful country and getting to know her fellow students. “The first day we were able to leave the quarantine we went to the city, and it was so amazing—the streets were bustling, and the different restaurants and shops were so beautiful," Nikita says. "I love the architecture here, it reminds me of Boston, one of my favorite cities back in the U.S. We spent that whole week just exploring the city and the surrounding areas, trying new cafes, going to shops and museums! It was so nice to be able to have a free week in Dublin to explore and get acquainted. That Friday, we left early in the morning for Galway, and on Friday, we spent time exploring and enjoying the coast. On Saturday morning, we left early to catch the two-hour bus to the Cliffs of Moher—I don’t ever think I’ll forget how beautiful it was there.” Nikita is the recipient of the Carol and Gary Kelly Forty Acres Scholarship. Read more about her here. #ScholarSpotlight

Scholar Spotlight: Nikita Kakkad

Nikita Kakkad, Class of 2024, is studying abroad in Ireland. Before she embarks on her research project working in a laboratory, she is exploring the beautiful country and getting to know her fellow students. “The first day we were able to leave the quarantine we went to the city, and it was so amazing—the streets were bustling, and the different restaurants and shops were so beautiful," Nikita says. "I love the architecture here, it reminds me of Boston, one of my favorite cities back in the U.S. We spent that whole week just exploring the city and the surrounding areas, trying new cafes, going to shops and museums! It was so nice to be able to have a free week in Dublin to explore and get acquainted. That Friday, we left early in the morning for Galway, and on Friday, we spent time exploring and enjoying the coast. On Saturday morning, we left early to catch the two-hour bus to the Cliffs of Moher—I don’t ever think I’ll forget how beautiful it was there.” Nikita is the recipient of the Carol and Gary Kelly Forty Acres Scholarship. Read more about her here. #ScholarSpotlight

Scholar Spotlight: Kerry Mackenzie

This week, we shine the Scholar Spotlight on Kerry Mackenzie, Class of 2022. Kerry is majoring in government and Plan II Honors and is currently studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark. While abroad, she is concentrating on the relevant topics of sustainability and renewable energy. Learning from one of the most knowledgeable advocates on the subject, Professor Carlos Robles, Kerry has had the opportunity to gain some exciting first-hand experience—much of which hits close to home. “Since Carlos is well known around Denmark as a renewables advocate, we’ve supplemented each of our lessons with in-person tours of different key renewable spaces," Kerry says. "Last week, we even did a day study tour of different research, production, and supply chain spaces in the Danish renewable industry. Highlights included getting to climb and stand on the top of a medium-sized wind turbine, questioning a district government official after a presentation regarding the area’s plan to become a 100 percent clean energy consumer by 2025, learning at a research center where the first modern wind energy was developed, a bike tour of Copenhagen to learn about sustainable city planning, and visiting the site of the previously largest wind turbine in the world, which was built by the surrounding community of hippies in protest of government reinvestment in renewables. Of special interest to me was a discussion with many industry professionals about their thoughts on Texas’s ERCOT. I hope to learn more about solar power and complete a final presentation on solutions to ERCOT’s energy planning.” Kerry is the recipient of the Waltrip/Texas Exes Fort Worth Chapter Forty Acres Scholarship. Read more about her here. #ScholarSpotlight

Scholar Spotlight: Kerry Mackenzie

This week, we shine the Scholar Spotlight on Kerry Mackenzie, Class of 2022. Kerry is majoring in government and Plan II Honors and is currently studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark. While abroad, she is concentrating on the relevant topics of sustainability and renewable energy. Learning from one of the most knowledgeable advocates on the subject, Professor Carlos Robles, Kerry has had the opportunity to gain some exciting first-hand experience—much of which hits close to home. “Since Carlos is well known around Denmark as a renewables advocate, we’ve supplemented each of our lessons with in-person tours of different key renewable spaces," Kerry says. "Last week, we even did a day study tour of different research, production, and supply chain spaces in the Danish renewable industry. Highlights included getting to climb and stand on the top of a medium-sized wind turbine, questioning a district government official after a presentation regarding the area’s plan to become a 100 percent clean energy consumer by 2025, learning at a research center where the first modern wind energy was developed, a bike tour of Copenhagen to learn about sustainable city planning, and visiting the site of the previously largest wind turbine in the world, which was built by the surrounding community of hippies in protest of government reinvestment in renewables. Of special interest to me was a discussion with many industry professionals about their thoughts on Texas’s ERCOT. I hope to learn more about solar power and complete a final presentation on solutions to ERCOT’s energy planning.” Kerry is the recipient of the Waltrip/Texas Exes Fort Worth Chapter Forty Acres Scholarship. Read more about her here. #ScholarSpotlight

Scholar Spotlight: Kerry Mackenzie

This week, we shine the Scholar Spotlight on Kerry Mackenzie, Class of 2022. Kerry is majoring in government and Plan II Honors and is currently studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark. While abroad, she is concentrating on the relevant topics of sustainability and renewable energy. Learning from one of the most knowledgeable advocates on the subject, Professor Carlos Robles, Kerry has had the opportunity to gain some exciting first-hand experience—much of which hits close to home. “Since Carlos is well known around Denmark as a renewables advocate, we’ve supplemented each of our lessons with in-person tours of different key renewable spaces," Kerry says. "Last week, we even did a day study tour of different research, production, and supply chain spaces in the Danish renewable industry. Highlights included getting to climb and stand on the top of a medium-sized wind turbine, questioning a district government official after a presentation regarding the area’s plan to become a 100 percent clean energy consumer by 2025, learning at a research center where the first modern wind energy was developed, a bike tour of Copenhagen to learn about sustainable city planning, and visiting the site of the previously largest wind turbine in the world, which was built by the surrounding community of hippies in protest of government reinvestment in renewables. Of special interest to me was a discussion with many industry professionals about their thoughts on Texas’s ERCOT. I hope to learn more about solar power and complete a final presentation on solutions to ERCOT’s energy planning.” Kerry is the recipient of the Waltrip/Texas Exes Fort Worth Chapter Forty Acres Scholarship. Read more about her here. #ScholarSpotlight

Texas Exes Student Member Mentorship Program

Bringing alumni and students together to form meaningful connections with each other and deepen their ties to the university where students will have the opportunity to gain academic guidance, career advice, and personal development.

Texas Exes Student Member Mentorship Program

Bringing alumni and students together to form meaningful connections with each other and deepen their ties to the university where students will have the opportunity to gain academic guidance, career advice, and personal development.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Available to Life Members, Members, Student Members

The University of Texas at Austin Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center uses native plants to restore and create sustainable, beautiful landscapes. Texas Exes members receive a 15% discount on select membership levels at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. 

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Available to Life Members, Members, Student Members

The University of Texas at Austin Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center uses native plants to restore and create sustainable, beautiful landscapes. Texas Exes members receive a 15% discount on select membership levels at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. 

Exes Surprise Newest Class of Forty Acres Scholars

During the weekend of May 22, our incoming freshman Scholars received surprise at-home visits from various Forty Acres Society members and local Texas Exes chapter members in their area. Scholars received a variety of goodies, including baked goods, balloons, UT T-shirts, and more. As this class of Scholars did not get to participate in an in-person Finalist Weekend, the Forty Acres Scholars Program staff and Society members wanted to welcome them to the Program in a personal and unique way.   A Texas-sized burnt-orange THANK YOU to all of our volunteers who made these deliveries possible across the nation, including: Ann Clary Old, Ann Seals, Becky Ferguson, Brock Niezgoda, Carl Tippen, Courtney Roehling, David Janco, Ginger Cearley, Jessica Castillo, Jose Talavera, Katie Dunn, Letty Fernandez, Maria Garate, Monica Li, and Ramon Fernandez. You all prove that there's always a Texas Ex nearby willing to lend a hand!  See below for more pictures from the weekend deliveries. 

Exes Surprise Newest Class of Forty Acres Scholars

During the weekend of May 22, our incoming freshman Scholars received surprise at-home visits from various Forty Acres Society members and local Texas Exes chapter members in their area. Scholars received a variety of goodies, including baked goods, balloons, UT T-shirts, and more. As this class of Scholars did not get to participate in an in-person Finalist Weekend, the Forty Acres Scholars Program staff and Society members wanted to welcome them to the Program in a personal and unique way.   A Texas-sized burnt-orange THANK YOU to all of our volunteers who made these deliveries possible across the nation, including: Ann Clary Old, Ann Seals, Becky Ferguson, Brock Niezgoda, Carl Tippen, Courtney Roehling, David Janco, Ginger Cearley, Jessica Castillo, Jose Talavera, Katie Dunn, Letty Fernandez, Maria Garate, Monica Li, and Ramon Fernandez. You all prove that there's always a Texas Ex nearby willing to lend a hand!  See below for more pictures from the weekend deliveries. 

Exes Surprise Newest Class of Forty Acres Scholars

During the weekend of May 22, our incoming freshman Scholars received surprise at-home visits from various Forty Acres Society members and local Texas Exes chapter members in their area. Scholars received a variety of goodies, including baked goods, balloons, UT T-shirts, and more. As this class of Scholars did not get to participate in an in-person Finalist Weekend, the Forty Acres Scholars Program staff and Society members wanted to welcome them to the Program in a personal and unique way.   A Texas-sized burnt-orange THANK YOU to all of our volunteers who made these deliveries possible across the nation, including: Ann Clary Old, Ann Seals, Becky Ferguson, Brock Niezgoda, Carl Tippen, Courtney Roehling, David Janco, Ginger Cearley, Jessica Castillo, Jose Talavera, Katie Dunn, Letty Fernandez, Maria Garate, Monica Li, and Ramon Fernandez. You all prove that there's always a Texas Ex nearby willing to lend a hand!  See below for more pictures from the weekend deliveries. 

87th Legislative Session Outcomes and Overview

The Texas Exes is grateful for the support of the advocates who worked to strengthen Texas higher education.  Your engagement made a difference!  Initial budget decisions did not include funding for student enrollment growth, but calls and emails from our alumni and supporters helped reverse what could have been a very detrimental decision.  Happy Sine Die!    This past Memorial Day marked the end of the 87th Legislative Session, and while the House and Senate both adjourned, we anticipate they will be back for a special session or two.       Below is a breakdown of outcomes for the Texas Exes legislative priorities and a few other key issues. UT Austin’s total general revenue appropriation for the 2022-23 biennium is $647.6M, which is an estimated increase of more than 4 percent over last biennium.  Research   Research conducted at UT Austin enhances the quality of life for all Texans while allowing students opportunities to gain practical skills and real-world experiences.  We asked the legislature to ...   Increase the Texas Research University Fund (TRUF) to 11 percent of research expenditure to provide a larger investment in research aimed at solving challenges facing Texas.   Maintain funding for the Governor’s University Research Initiative (GURI) to support UT Austin’s efforts to recruit distinguished faculty who provide innovative classroom instruction.     What happened?  While the legislature did not increase the TRUF to an 11 percent match rate, UT Austin’s TRUF allocation increased by $2M, with a total appropriation of $66M for the biennium.   The GURI funding was maintained at current levels.     Core Academics  State formula funding comprises a significant part of the state’s financial support for UT Austin’s core academic mission: educating students. We asked the legislature to ...   Continue investing in UT Austin by enhancing current (FY20-21) funding levels for the formulas to fully account for enrollment growth rates.   Maintain the current biennium level of $40M and add an additional $20M in Institutional Enhancement funding to the university (FY22-23) for student success initiatives, core academic support and operations, and cutting-edge faculty research.    What happened?   Late in the session, as a result of advocate engagement, the Legislature funded student enrollment growth, and UT Austin will see an increase of $27.5M for the upcoming biennium. Additionally, Dell Medical School will see a $6.4M increase in formula funding. Unfortunately, the legislature did not provide an additional $20M in Institutional Enhancement funding but did maintain the current biennium level of funding.    Other Items  Student financial aid was increased by an additional $110M for several financial aid programs, including Texas Grants. Graduate medical education expansion appropriations totaled $199M for the biennium. This includes an additional $48M to achieve a 1.1 to 1 ratio of first year residency positions to medical school graduates. Funding was appropriated for The Liberty Institute.  This new and unaffiliated institute on the UT campus will be dedicated to free markets, economic development, and private enterprise.  The legislature did not fund an omnibus capital improvement projects bill.  Members indicated this could be a possibility during a special session, and UT will likely request funding to renovate the Physics, Math, & Astronomy Building.

87th Legislative Session Outcomes and Overview

The Texas Exes is grateful for the support of the advocates who worked to strengthen Texas higher education.  Your engagement made a difference!  Initial budget decisions did not include funding for student enrollment growth, but calls and emails from our alumni and supporters helped reverse what could have been a very detrimental decision.  Happy Sine Die!    This past Memorial Day marked the end of the 87th Legislative Session, and while the House and Senate both adjourned, we anticipate they will be back for a special session or two.       Below is a breakdown of outcomes for the Texas Exes legislative priorities and a few other key issues. UT Austin’s total general revenue appropriation for the 2022-23 biennium is $647.6M, which is an estimated increase of more than 4 percent over last biennium.  Research   Research conducted at UT Austin enhances the quality of life for all Texans while allowing students opportunities to gain practical skills and real-world experiences.  We asked the legislature to ...   Increase the Texas Research University Fund (TRUF) to 11 percent of research expenditure to provide a larger investment in research aimed at solving challenges facing Texas.   Maintain funding for the Governor’s University Research Initiative (GURI) to support UT Austin’s efforts to recruit distinguished faculty who provide innovative classroom instruction.     What happened?  While the legislature did not increase the TRUF to an 11 percent match rate, UT Austin’s TRUF allocation increased by $2M, with a total appropriation of $66M for the biennium.   The GURI funding was maintained at current levels.     Core Academics  State formula funding comprises a significant part of the state’s financial support for UT Austin’s core academic mission: educating students. We asked the legislature to ...   Continue investing in UT Austin by enhancing current (FY20-21) funding levels for the formulas to fully account for enrollment growth rates.   Maintain the current biennium level of $40M and add an additional $20M in Institutional Enhancement funding to the university (FY22-23) for student success initiatives, core academic support and operations, and cutting-edge faculty research.    What happened?   Late in the session, as a result of advocate engagement, the Legislature funded student enrollment growth, and UT Austin will see an increase of $27.5M for the upcoming biennium. Additionally, Dell Medical School will see a $6.4M increase in formula funding. Unfortunately, the legislature did not provide an additional $20M in Institutional Enhancement funding but did maintain the current biennium level of funding.    Other Items  Student financial aid was increased by an additional $110M for several financial aid programs, including Texas Grants. Graduate medical education expansion appropriations totaled $199M for the biennium. This includes an additional $48M to achieve a 1.1 to 1 ratio of first year residency positions to medical school graduates. Funding was appropriated for The Liberty Institute.  This new and unaffiliated institute on the UT campus will be dedicated to free markets, economic development, and private enterprise.  The legislature did not fund an omnibus capital improvement projects bill.  Members indicated this could be a possibility during a special session, and UT will likely request funding to renovate the Physics, Math, & Astronomy Building.

87th Legislative Session Outcomes and Overview

The Texas Exes is grateful for the support of the advocates who worked to strengthen Texas higher education.  Your engagement made a difference!  Initial budget decisions did not include funding for student enrollment growth, but calls and emails from our alumni and supporters helped reverse what could have been a very detrimental decision.  Happy Sine Die!    This past Memorial Day marked the end of the 87th Legislative Session, and while the House and Senate both adjourned, we anticipate they will be back for a special session or two.       Below is a breakdown of outcomes for the Texas Exes legislative priorities and a few other key issues. UT Austin’s total general revenue appropriation for the 2022-23 biennium is $647.6M, which is an estimated increase of more than 4 percent over last biennium.  Research   Research conducted at UT Austin enhances the quality of life for all Texans while allowing students opportunities to gain practical skills and real-world experiences.  We asked the legislature to ...   Increase the Texas Research University Fund (TRUF) to 11 percent of research expenditure to provide a larger investment in research aimed at solving challenges facing Texas.   Maintain funding for the Governor’s University Research Initiative (GURI) to support UT Austin’s efforts to recruit distinguished faculty who provide innovative classroom instruction.     What happened?  While the legislature did not increase the TRUF to an 11 percent match rate, UT Austin’s TRUF allocation increased by $2M, with a total appropriation of $66M for the biennium.   The GURI funding was maintained at current levels.     Core Academics  State formula funding comprises a significant part of the state’s financial support for UT Austin’s core academic mission: educating students. We asked the legislature to ...   Continue investing in UT Austin by enhancing current (FY20-21) funding levels for the formulas to fully account for enrollment growth rates.   Maintain the current biennium level of $40M and add an additional $20M in Institutional Enhancement funding to the university (FY22-23) for student success initiatives, core academic support and operations, and cutting-edge faculty research.    What happened?   Late in the session, as a result of advocate engagement, the Legislature funded student enrollment growth, and UT Austin will see an increase of $27.5M for the upcoming biennium. Additionally, Dell Medical School will see a $6.4M increase in formula funding. Unfortunately, the legislature did not provide an additional $20M in Institutional Enhancement funding but did maintain the current biennium level of funding.    Other Items  Student financial aid was increased by an additional $110M for several financial aid programs, including Texas Grants. Graduate medical education expansion appropriations totaled $199M for the biennium. This includes an additional $48M to achieve a 1.1 to 1 ratio of first year residency positions to medical school graduates. Funding was appropriated for The Liberty Institute.  This new and unaffiliated institute on the UT campus will be dedicated to free markets, economic development, and private enterprise.  The legislature did not fund an omnibus capital improvement projects bill.  Members indicated this could be a possibility during a special session, and UT will likely request funding to renovate the Physics, Math, & Astronomy Building.