Longhorns Providing Relief in February’s Winter Storm
On Feb. 15, a brutal winter storm impacted the lives of millions of Texans, and many still need support. Take a look at a few of the ways Longhorns across the country have answered the call to aid Texans in a crisis.
Alumni Efforts
Matthew McConaughey, BS ’93, Life Member, Distinguished Alumnus, Minister of Culture, and Academy Award-winning actor, is co-hosting an upcoming virtual benefit with his wife, Camila, and the Just Keep Livin’ Foundation to assist in the long-term effort to rebuild Texas after the storm. More details about the benefit will be provided in the coming weeks.
Michael Huff, BS ’05, Texas Football alumnus and former NFL player, has sponsored thousands of meals from various restaurants across the state. He interacted with fans and Austin residents during and after the winter storm, even securing a job for a fan at Pinkerton’s BBQ. Huff provided food from Texas businesses such as Carpenter’s Cafe, Chick-fil-A, Juan in a Million, and Jubes Smokehouse.
Colt McCoy, BS ’09, served food, water, and supplies to thousands of students on campus during the storm. This was part of a larger effort at the University Co-op to help UT students affected by the storm and grid blackout.
Siete Family Foods, founded by Veronica Garza, BA ’03, president, and chief innovation officer of Siete Family Foods, and Miguel Garza, BBA ’09, JD ’12, the brand’s co-founder and CEO, helped to provide over 1,000 meals to the World Central Kitchen. Their efforts fed hundreds of Austin residents, including children at the Complex Care Clinic.
Tiffany Taylor Chen, BS ’01, and Leon Chen, BBA ’01, Life Members took a different approach to helping during the winter storm. Their business, Tiff’s Treats, is giving away 1,000 free cookie deliveries to those who helped provide relief to others during the storm. Using a nomination system, Tiff’s Treats randomly selected the heroes as a “thank you” for supporting their Texas community.
UT Community Efforts
UT’s Marine Science Institute rescued and rehabilitated nearly 1,000 sea turtles on the Gulf Coast before and during the storm. The Institute had the help of hundreds of volunteers in collecting the turtles and relocating them to warm, safe spaces until the water temperatures are more habitable.
UT professor and business owner, Kendra Scott, partnered with several Austin restaurants and offered hot meals at various locations. She partnered with businesses such as Veracruz Tacos, Burro Cheese Kitchen, Southside Flying Pizza and JP’s Pancake Company to provide food to Austinites.
Shmacked is a startup delivery service for the UT community, founded by students. The company stayed open throughout the entire storm, providing dozens of students with food, water bottles and other provisions. Shmacked prides itself on its “15-minute deliveries,” even with the unfavorable road conditions.
UT Austin students are creative in a crisis, including Sam Miles, who utilized her large Twitter following to raise $12,000 on Venmo and crowdsource resources.
The student body presidents of UT and Texas A&M have challenged Longhorn Nation and the Aggie Network to step up for a little friendly competition to see who can raise the most money for students in need.
Longhorn Caucus Efforts
With volunteer efforts ranging from Rep. Jim Murphy, BA ’82, passing out warm tacos at Ashford Elementary to Rep. Gina Hinojosa, BA ’96, distributing water to families in need without power, many Longhorn legislators went into their communities to show their support and lend a hand to their fellow Texans during the winter storm.
As the state recovers from one of the most devastating natural disasters in Texas history, Longhorns continue to provide solutions and relief to families.
If you know of an alumnus or story that should be added to this list, please let us know.
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Longhorns Providing Relief in February’s Winter Storm
On Feb. 15, a brutal winter storm impacted the lives of millions of Texans, and many still need support. Take a look at a few of the ways Longhorns across the country have answered the call to aid Texans in a crisis. Alumni Efforts Matthew McConaughey, BS ’93, Life Member, Distinguished Alumnus, Minister of Culture, and Academy Award-winning actor, is co-hosting an upcoming virtual benefit with his wife, Camila, and the Just Keep Livin’ Foundation to assist in the long-term effort to rebuild Texas after the storm. More details about the benefit will be provided in the coming weeks. Watch video Michael Huff, BS ’05, Texas Football alumnus and former NFL player, has sponsored thousands of meals from various restaurants across the state. He interacted with fans and Austin residents during and after the winter storm, even securing a job for a fan at Pinkerton’s BBQ. Huff provided food from Texas businesses such as Carpenter’s Cafe, Chick-fil-A, Juan in a Million, and Jubes Smokehouse. Read article Colt McCoy, BS ’09, served food, water, and supplies to thousands of students on campus during the storm. This was part of a larger effort at the University Co-op to help UT students affected by the storm and grid blackout. Read article Siete Family Foods, founded by Veronica Garza, BA ’03, president, and chief innovation officer of Siete Family Foods, and Miguel Garza, BBA ’09, JD ’12, the brand’s co-founder and CEO, helped to provide over 1,000 meals to the World Central Kitchen. Their efforts fed hundreds of Austin residents, including children at the Complex Care Clinic. Read on Twitter Tiffany Taylor Chen, BS ’01, and Leon Chen, BBA ’01, Life Members took a different approach to helping during the winter storm. Their business, Tiff’s Treats, is giving away 1,000 free cookie deliveries to those who helped provide relief to others during the storm. Using a nomination system, Tiff’s Treats randomly selected the heroes as a “thank you” for supporting their Texas community. Read article UT Community Efforts UT’s Marine Science Institute rescued and rehabilitated nearly 1,000 sea turtles on the Gulf Coast before and during the storm. The Institute had the help of hundreds of volunteers in collecting the turtles and relocating them to warm, safe spaces until the water temperatures are more habitable. Read article UT professor and business owner, Kendra Scott, partnered with several Austin restaurants and offered hot meals at various locations. She partnered with businesses such as Veracruz Tacos, Burro Cheese Kitchen, Southside Flying Pizza and JP’s Pancake Company to provide food to Austinites. Read article Shmacked is a startup delivery service for the UT community, founded by students. The company stayed open throughout the entire storm, providing dozens of students with food, water bottles and other provisions. Shmacked prides itself on its “15-minute deliveries,” even with the unfavorable road conditions. Learn more UT Austin students are creative in a crisis, including Sam Miles, who utilized her large Twitter following to raise $12,000 on Venmo and crowdsource resources. Learn more The student body presidents of UT and Texas A&M have challenged Longhorn Nation and the Aggie Network to step up for a little friendly competition to see who can raise the most money for students in need. Learn more Longhorn Caucus Efforts With volunteer efforts ranging from Rep. Jim Murphy, BA ’82, passing out warm tacos at Ashford Elementary to Rep. Gina Hinojosa, BA ’96, distributing water to families in need without power, many Longhorn legislators went into their communities to show their support and lend a hand to their fellow Texans during the winter storm. As the state recovers from one of the most devastating natural disasters in Texas history, Longhorns continue to provide solutions and relief to families. If you know of an alumnus or story that should be added to this list, please let us know.
Box List 1 - Teaser
Longhorns Providing Relief in February’s Winter Storm
On Feb. 15, a brutal winter storm impacted the lives of millions of Texans, and many still need support. Take a look at a few of the ways Longhorns across the country have answered the call to aid Texans in a crisis. Alumni Efforts Matthew McConaughey, BS ’93, Life Member, Distinguished Alumnus, Minister of Culture, and Academy Award-winning actor, is co-hosting an upcoming virtual benefit with his wife, Camila, and the Just Keep Livin’ Foundation to assist in the long-term effort to rebuild Texas after the storm. More details about the benefit will be provided in the coming weeks. Watch video Michael Huff, BS ’05, Texas Football alumnus and former NFL player, has sponsored thousands of meals from various restaurants across the state. He interacted with fans and Austin residents during and after the winter storm, even securing a job for a fan at Pinkerton’s BBQ. Huff provided food from Texas businesses such as Carpenter’s Cafe, Chick-fil-A, Juan in a Million, and Jubes Smokehouse. Read article Colt McCoy, BS ’09, served food, water, and supplies to thousands of students on campus during the storm. This was part of a larger effort at the University Co-op to help UT students affected by the storm and grid blackout. Read article Siete Family Foods, founded by Veronica Garza, BA ’03, president, and chief innovation officer of Siete Family Foods, and Miguel Garza, BBA ’09, JD ’12, the brand’s co-founder and CEO, helped to provide over 1,000 meals to the World Central Kitchen. Their efforts fed hundreds of Austin residents, including children at the Complex Care Clinic. Read on Twitter Tiffany Taylor Chen, BS ’01, and Leon Chen, BBA ’01, Life Members took a different approach to helping during the winter storm. Their business, Tiff’s Treats, is giving away 1,000 free cookie deliveries to those who helped provide relief to others during the storm. Using a nomination system, Tiff’s Treats randomly selected the heroes as a “thank you” for supporting their Texas community. Read article UT Community Efforts UT’s Marine Science Institute rescued and rehabilitated nearly 1,000 sea turtles on the Gulf Coast before and during the storm. The Institute had the help of hundreds of volunteers in collecting the turtles and relocating them to warm, safe spaces until the water temperatures are more habitable. Read article UT professor and business owner, Kendra Scott, partnered with several Austin restaurants and offered hot meals at various locations. She partnered with businesses such as Veracruz Tacos, Burro Cheese Kitchen, Southside Flying Pizza and JP’s Pancake Company to provide food to Austinites. Read article Shmacked is a startup delivery service for the UT community, founded by students. The company stayed open throughout the entire storm, providing dozens of students with food, water bottles and other provisions. Shmacked prides itself on its “15-minute deliveries,” even with the unfavorable road conditions. Learn more UT Austin students are creative in a crisis, including Sam Miles, who utilized her large Twitter following to raise $12,000 on Venmo and crowdsource resources. Learn more The student body presidents of UT and Texas A&M have challenged Longhorn Nation and the Aggie Network to step up for a little friendly competition to see who can raise the most money for students in need. Learn more Longhorn Caucus Efforts With volunteer efforts ranging from Rep. Jim Murphy, BA ’82, passing out warm tacos at Ashford Elementary to Rep. Gina Hinojosa, BA ’96, distributing water to families in need without power, many Longhorn legislators went into their communities to show their support and lend a hand to their fellow Texans during the winter storm. As the state recovers from one of the most devastating natural disasters in Texas history, Longhorns continue to provide solutions and relief to families. If you know of an alumnus or story that should be added to this list, please let us know.
Search Result
Longhorns Providing Relief in February’s Winter Storm
On Feb. 15, a brutal winter storm impacted the lives of millions of Texans, and many still need support. Take a look at a few of the ways Longhorns across the country have answered the call to aid Texans in a crisis. Alumni Efforts Matthew McConaughey, BS ’93, Life Member, Distinguished Alumnus, Minister of Culture, and Academy Award-winning actor, is co-hosting an upcoming virtual benefit with his wife, Camila, and the Just Keep Livin’ Foundation to assist in the long-term effort to rebuild Texas after the storm. More details about the benefit will be provided in the coming weeks. Watch video Michael Huff, BS ’05, Texas Football alumnus and former NFL player, has sponsored thousands of meals from various restaurants across the state. He interacted with fans and Austin residents during and after the winter storm, even securing a job for a fan at Pinkerton’s BBQ. Huff provided food from Texas businesses such as Carpenter’s Cafe, Chick-fil-A, Juan in a Million, and Jubes Smokehouse. Read article Colt McCoy, BS ’09, served food, water, and supplies to thousands of students on campus during the storm. This was part of a larger effort at the University Co-op to help UT students affected by the storm and grid blackout. Read article Siete Family Foods, founded by Veronica Garza, BA ’03, president, and chief innovation officer of Siete Family Foods, and Miguel Garza, BBA ’09, JD ’12, the brand’s co-founder and CEO, helped to provide over 1,000 meals to the World Central Kitchen. Their efforts fed hundreds of Austin residents, including children at the Complex Care Clinic. Read on Twitter Tiffany Taylor Chen, BS ’01, and Leon Chen, BBA ’01, Life Members took a different approach to helping during the winter storm. Their business, Tiff’s Treats, is giving away 1,000 free cookie deliveries to those who helped provide relief to others during the storm. Using a nomination system, Tiff’s Treats randomly selected the heroes as a “thank you” for supporting their Texas community. Read article UT Community Efforts UT’s Marine Science Institute rescued and rehabilitated nearly 1,000 sea turtles on the Gulf Coast before and during the storm. The Institute had the help of hundreds of volunteers in collecting the turtles and relocating them to warm, safe spaces until the water temperatures are more habitable. Read article UT professor and business owner, Kendra Scott, partnered with several Austin restaurants and offered hot meals at various locations. She partnered with businesses such as Veracruz Tacos, Burro Cheese Kitchen, Southside Flying Pizza and JP’s Pancake Company to provide food to Austinites. Read article Shmacked is a startup delivery service for the UT community, founded by students. The company stayed open throughout the entire storm, providing dozens of students with food, water bottles and other provisions. Shmacked prides itself on its “15-minute deliveries,” even with the unfavorable road conditions. Learn more UT Austin students are creative in a crisis, including Sam Miles, who utilized her large Twitter following to raise $12,000 on Venmo and crowdsource resources. Learn more The student body presidents of UT and Texas A&M have challenged Longhorn Nation and the Aggie Network to step up for a little friendly competition to see who can raise the most money for students in need. Learn more Longhorn Caucus Efforts With volunteer efforts ranging from Rep. Jim Murphy, BA ’82, passing out warm tacos at Ashford Elementary to Rep. Gina Hinojosa, BA ’96, distributing water to families in need without power, many Longhorn legislators went into their communities to show their support and lend a hand to their fellow Texans during the winter storm. As the state recovers from one of the most devastating natural disasters in Texas history, Longhorns continue to provide solutions and relief to families. If you know of an alumnus or story that should be added to this list, please let us know.
View List
Longhorns Providing Relief in February’s Winter Storm
On Feb. 15, a brutal winter storm impacted the lives of millions of Texans, and many still need support. Take a look at a few of the ways Longhorns across the country have answered the call to aid Texans in a crisis. Alumni Efforts Matthew McConaughey, BS ’93, Life Member, Distinguished Alumnus, Minister of Culture, and Academy Award-winning actor, is co-hosting an upcoming virtual benefit with his wife, Camila, and the Just Keep Livin’ Foundation to assist in the long-term effort to rebuild Texas after the storm. More details about the benefit will be provided in the coming weeks. Watch video Michael Huff, BS ’05, Texas Football alumnus and former NFL player, has sponsored thousands of meals from various restaurants across the state. He interacted with fans and Austin residents during and after the winter storm, even securing a job for a fan at Pinkerton’s BBQ. Huff provided food from Texas businesses such as Carpenter’s Cafe, Chick-fil-A, Juan in a Million, and Jubes Smokehouse. Read article Colt McCoy, BS ’09, served food, water, and supplies to thousands of students on campus during the storm. This was part of a larger effort at the University Co-op to help UT students affected by the storm and grid blackout. Read article Siete Family Foods, founded by Veronica Garza, BA ’03, president, and chief innovation officer of Siete Family Foods, and Miguel Garza, BBA ’09, JD ’12, the brand’s co-founder and CEO, helped to provide over 1,000 meals to the World Central Kitchen. Their efforts fed hundreds of Austin residents, including children at the Complex Care Clinic. Read on Twitter Tiffany Taylor Chen, BS ’01, and Leon Chen, BBA ’01, Life Members took a different approach to helping during the winter storm. Their business, Tiff’s Treats, is giving away 1,000 free cookie deliveries to those who helped provide relief to others during the storm. Using a nomination system, Tiff’s Treats randomly selected the heroes as a “thank you” for supporting their Texas community. Read article UT Community Efforts UT’s Marine Science Institute rescued and rehabilitated nearly 1,000 sea turtles on the Gulf Coast before and during the storm. The Institute had the help of hundreds of volunteers in collecting the turtles and relocating them to warm, safe spaces until the water temperatures are more habitable. Read article UT professor and business owner, Kendra Scott, partnered with several Austin restaurants and offered hot meals at various locations. She partnered with businesses such as Veracruz Tacos, Burro Cheese Kitchen, Southside Flying Pizza and JP’s Pancake Company to provide food to Austinites. Read article Shmacked is a startup delivery service for the UT community, founded by students. The company stayed open throughout the entire storm, providing dozens of students with food, water bottles and other provisions. Shmacked prides itself on its “15-minute deliveries,” even with the unfavorable road conditions. Learn more UT Austin students are creative in a crisis, including Sam Miles, who utilized her large Twitter following to raise $12,000 on Venmo and crowdsource resources. Learn more The student body presidents of UT and Texas A&M have challenged Longhorn Nation and the Aggie Network to step up for a little friendly competition to see who can raise the most money for students in need. Learn more Longhorn Caucus Efforts With volunteer efforts ranging from Rep. Jim Murphy, BA ’82, passing out warm tacos at Ashford Elementary to Rep. Gina Hinojosa, BA ’96, distributing water to families in need without power, many Longhorn legislators went into their communities to show their support and lend a hand to their fellow Texans during the winter storm. As the state recovers from one of the most devastating natural disasters in Texas history, Longhorns continue to provide solutions and relief to families. If you know of an alumnus or story that should be added to this list, please let us know.
Longhorn Legislator Committee Leadership
As of January 12, the Texas Legislature gaveled into the 87th Legislative Session. As a part of the legislative process, representatives and senators are given committee assignments by the Lt. Governor and Speaker of the House to review and debate legislation.
The Texas Exes recognizes and honors all our Longhorn leaders in the Texas Legislature for their service and dedication to advancing our state by strengthening higher education.
Below are the Longhorn legislators who were selected to lead House and Senate committees.
Texas Senate
Sen. Dawn Buckingham, BS '92
Chair, Senate Committee on Nominations
Sen. Brandon Creighton, BA '93
Chair, Senate Committee on Higher Education
Chair, Senate Select Committee on Ports
Sen. Nathan Johnson, JD '93
Vice-Chair, Senate Committee on Administration
Sen. Charles Schwertner, BS '92
Chair, Senate Committee on Administration
Sen. Judith Zaffirini, BS '67, MA '70, PHD '78, Life Member, DAA
Vice-Chair, Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Economic Development
Texas House
Rep. Sheryl Cole, BBA '86, JD '91, Life Member
Vice-Chair, House Administration Committee
Rep. Philip Cortez, PHD '17, Life Member
Chair, House Urban Affairs Committee
Rep. Craig Goldman, BA '91, Life Member
Chair, House Energy Resources Committee
Rep. Mary González, BA '07, PHD '19
Vice-Chair, House Appropriations Committee
Rep. Ana Hernandez, JD '04
Vice-Chair, House State Affairs Committee
Rep. Abel Herrero, JD '97
Vice-Chair, House Energy Resources Committee
Rep. Gina Hinojosa, BA '96, Life Member
Vice-Chair, House Human Services Committee
Rep. John Kuempel, BA '92, Life Member
Vice-Chair, House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee
Rep. J.M. Lozano, BA '03, Life Member
Vice-Chair, House Public Education Committee
Rep. Ben Leman, BBA '98
Vice-Chair, House Land & Resource Management Committee
Rep. Jim Murphy, BA '82
Chair, House Higher Education Committee
Rep. Richard Raymond Pena, BA '92, JD '06, Life Member
Chair, House Defense & Veterans’ Affairs Committee
Rep. Chris Turner, BA '96, Life Member
Chair, House Committee on Business & Industry
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Longhorn Legislator Committee Leadership
As of January 12, the Texas Legislature gaveled into the 87th Legislative Session. As a part of the legislative process, representatives and senators are given committee assignments by the Lt. Governor and Speaker of the House to review and debate legislation. The Texas Exes recognizes and honors all our Longhorn leaders in the Texas Legislature for their service and dedication to advancing our state by strengthening higher education. Below are the Longhorn legislators who were selected to lead House and Senate committees. Texas Senate Sen. Dawn Buckingham, BS '92 Chair, Senate Committee on Nominations Sen. Brandon Creighton, BA '93 Chair, Senate Committee on Higher Education Chair, Senate Select Committee on Ports Sen. Nathan Johnson, JD '93 Vice-Chair, Senate Committee on Administration Sen. Charles Schwertner, BS '92 Chair, Senate Committee on Administration Sen. Judith Zaffirini, BS '67, MA '70, PHD '78, Life Member, DAA Vice-Chair, Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Economic Development Texas House Rep. Sheryl Cole, BBA '86, JD '91, Life Member Vice-Chair, House Administration Committee Rep. Philip Cortez, PHD '17, Life Member Chair, House Urban Affairs Committee Rep. Craig Goldman, BA '91, Life Member Chair, House Energy Resources Committee Rep. Mary González, BA '07, PHD '19 Vice-Chair, House Appropriations Committee Rep. Ana Hernandez, JD '04 Vice-Chair, House State Affairs Committee Rep. Abel Herrero, JD '97 Vice-Chair, House Energy Resources Committee Rep. Gina Hinojosa, BA '96, Life Member Vice-Chair, House Human Services Committee Rep. John Kuempel, BA '92, Life Member Vice-Chair, House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee Rep. J.M. Lozano, BA '03, Life Member Vice-Chair, House Public Education Committee Rep. Ben Leman, BBA '98 Vice-Chair, House Land & Resource Management Committee Rep. Jim Murphy, BA '82 Chair, House Higher Education Committee Rep. Richard Raymond Pena, BA '92, JD '06, Life Member Chair, House Defense & Veterans’ Affairs Committee Rep. Chris Turner, BA '96, Life Member Chair, House Committee on Business & Industry
Box List 1 - Teaser
Longhorn Legislator Committee Leadership
As of January 12, the Texas Legislature gaveled into the 87th Legislative Session. As a part of the legislative process, representatives and senators are given committee assignments by the Lt. Governor and Speaker of the House to review and debate legislation. The Texas Exes recognizes and honors all our Longhorn leaders in the Texas Legislature for their service and dedication to advancing our state by strengthening higher education. Below are the Longhorn legislators who were selected to lead House and Senate committees. Texas Senate Sen. Dawn Buckingham, BS '92 Chair, Senate Committee on Nominations Sen. Brandon Creighton, BA '93 Chair, Senate Committee on Higher Education Chair, Senate Select Committee on Ports Sen. Nathan Johnson, JD '93 Vice-Chair, Senate Committee on Administration Sen. Charles Schwertner, BS '92 Chair, Senate Committee on Administration Sen. Judith Zaffirini, BS '67, MA '70, PHD '78, Life Member, DAA Vice-Chair, Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Economic Development Texas House Rep. Sheryl Cole, BBA '86, JD '91, Life Member Vice-Chair, House Administration Committee Rep. Philip Cortez, PHD '17, Life Member Chair, House Urban Affairs Committee Rep. Craig Goldman, BA '91, Life Member Chair, House Energy Resources Committee Rep. Mary González, BA '07, PHD '19 Vice-Chair, House Appropriations Committee Rep. Ana Hernandez, JD '04 Vice-Chair, House State Affairs Committee Rep. Abel Herrero, JD '97 Vice-Chair, House Energy Resources Committee Rep. Gina Hinojosa, BA '96, Life Member Vice-Chair, House Human Services Committee Rep. John Kuempel, BA '92, Life Member Vice-Chair, House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee Rep. J.M. Lozano, BA '03, Life Member Vice-Chair, House Public Education Committee Rep. Ben Leman, BBA '98 Vice-Chair, House Land & Resource Management Committee Rep. Jim Murphy, BA '82 Chair, House Higher Education Committee Rep. Richard Raymond Pena, BA '92, JD '06, Life Member Chair, House Defense & Veterans’ Affairs Committee Rep. Chris Turner, BA '96, Life Member Chair, House Committee on Business & Industry
Search Result
Longhorn Legislator Committee Leadership
As of January 12, the Texas Legislature gaveled into the 87th Legislative Session. As a part of the legislative process, representatives and senators are given committee assignments by the Lt. Governor and Speaker of the House to review and debate legislation. The Texas Exes recognizes and honors all our Longhorn leaders in the Texas Legislature for their service and dedication to advancing our state by strengthening higher education. Below are the Longhorn legislators who were selected to lead House and Senate committees. Texas Senate Sen. Dawn Buckingham, BS '92 Chair, Senate Committee on Nominations Sen. Brandon Creighton, BA '93 Chair, Senate Committee on Higher Education Chair, Senate Select Committee on Ports Sen. Nathan Johnson, JD '93 Vice-Chair, Senate Committee on Administration Sen. Charles Schwertner, BS '92 Chair, Senate Committee on Administration Sen. Judith Zaffirini, BS '67, MA '70, PHD '78, Life Member, DAA Vice-Chair, Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Economic Development Texas House Rep. Sheryl Cole, BBA '86, JD '91, Life Member Vice-Chair, House Administration Committee Rep. Philip Cortez, PHD '17, Life Member Chair, House Urban Affairs Committee Rep. Craig Goldman, BA '91, Life Member Chair, House Energy Resources Committee Rep. Mary González, BA '07, PHD '19 Vice-Chair, House Appropriations Committee Rep. Ana Hernandez, JD '04 Vice-Chair, House State Affairs Committee Rep. Abel Herrero, JD '97 Vice-Chair, House Energy Resources Committee Rep. Gina Hinojosa, BA '96, Life Member Vice-Chair, House Human Services Committee Rep. John Kuempel, BA '92, Life Member Vice-Chair, House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee Rep. J.M. Lozano, BA '03, Life Member Vice-Chair, House Public Education Committee Rep. Ben Leman, BBA '98 Vice-Chair, House Land & Resource Management Committee Rep. Jim Murphy, BA '82 Chair, House Higher Education Committee Rep. Richard Raymond Pena, BA '92, JD '06, Life Member Chair, House Defense & Veterans’ Affairs Committee Rep. Chris Turner, BA '96, Life Member Chair, House Committee on Business & Industry
View List
Longhorn Legislator Committee Leadership
As of January 12, the Texas Legislature gaveled into the 87th Legislative Session. As a part of the legislative process, representatives and senators are given committee assignments by the Lt. Governor and Speaker of the House to review and debate legislation. The Texas Exes recognizes and honors all our Longhorn leaders in the Texas Legislature for their service and dedication to advancing our state by strengthening higher education. Below are the Longhorn legislators who were selected to lead House and Senate committees. Texas Senate Sen. Dawn Buckingham, BS '92 Chair, Senate Committee on Nominations Sen. Brandon Creighton, BA '93 Chair, Senate Committee on Higher Education Chair, Senate Select Committee on Ports Sen. Nathan Johnson, JD '93 Vice-Chair, Senate Committee on Administration Sen. Charles Schwertner, BS '92 Chair, Senate Committee on Administration Sen. Judith Zaffirini, BS '67, MA '70, PHD '78, Life Member, DAA Vice-Chair, Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Economic Development Texas House Rep. Sheryl Cole, BBA '86, JD '91, Life Member Vice-Chair, House Administration Committee Rep. Philip Cortez, PHD '17, Life Member Chair, House Urban Affairs Committee Rep. Craig Goldman, BA '91, Life Member Chair, House Energy Resources Committee Rep. Mary González, BA '07, PHD '19 Vice-Chair, House Appropriations Committee Rep. Ana Hernandez, JD '04 Vice-Chair, House State Affairs Committee Rep. Abel Herrero, JD '97 Vice-Chair, House Energy Resources Committee Rep. Gina Hinojosa, BA '96, Life Member Vice-Chair, House Human Services Committee Rep. John Kuempel, BA '92, Life Member Vice-Chair, House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee Rep. J.M. Lozano, BA '03, Life Member Vice-Chair, House Public Education Committee Rep. Ben Leman, BBA '98 Vice-Chair, House Land & Resource Management Committee Rep. Jim Murphy, BA '82 Chair, House Higher Education Committee Rep. Richard Raymond Pena, BA '92, JD '06, Life Member Chair, House Defense & Veterans’ Affairs Committee Rep. Chris Turner, BA '96, Life Member Chair, House Committee on Business & Industry
Forty Acres Scholars Program Class of 2025 Finalists
The Forty Acres Scholars Program is proud to announce the 65 finalists for the Class of 2025. Finalists were selected from over 4,700 applicants. Out of those, 173 semifinalists were chosen to advance to a video interview.
This year’s finalists come from six U.S. states and have been admitted to 12 different schools across the university. Many of them participate in nationally recognized organizations and competitions such as Model UN, DECA, and UIL. Many are also athletes, team captains, musicians, and student body presidents. Some are published authors, founders of nonprofits, school organizations and online platforms, business owners, researchers, and coders. Their time has been spent participating in countless hours of community service, leading clubs and organizations in their schools, and interning across the nation.
From March 4–6, these exceptional high school students will join us online to participate in our first-ever virtual Finalist Weekend. Activities will include visits with their admitted colleges, a mock class with a UT professor, a virtual campus tour, panels with current Forty Acres Scholars, optional daily activities, and an individual interview.
The Forty Acres Scholars Program inspires and nurtures visionary leaders and helps them use their talents to benefit society. Our scholars demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a track record of outstanding academic success. Most importantly, they have passion and a desire to live out the core values of The University of Texas at Austin. The three tenets of the program are community, connection, and discovery. The program is a transformational adventure that helps individuals reach their full potential, and, alongside academic achievement, focuses on personal development, relationship building, and gaining perspective. As the only program of its kind administered by an alumni association, Forty Acres Scholars develop a unique relationship with their alma mater and graduate with an extraordinary network of Longhorns standing behind them.
Scholarship funding provides for tuition, a living stipend, a book stipend, an enrichment stipend, and program activities.
Meet the finalists:
Brydn Abraham
Centennial High School
Frisco, TX
Stephanie Aguilera
North Mesquite High School
Mesquite, TX
Angeline Ajit
Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science
Denton, TX
Olutoni Akintoye
KIPP Houston High School
Houston, TX
Sameer Balhara
Denmark High School
Alpharetta, GA
Kuba Bard
Cedar Park High School
Cedar Park, TX
Kinza Barrister
Great Hearts Irving
Irving, TX
Vivek Beeram
Saint Mary's Hall High School
San Antonio, TX
Stephano Boyer-Paulet
South Texas ISD Science Academy
Mercedes, TX
Avery Brooks
Georgetown High School
Georgetown, TX
Andrés Buckley
Franklin High School
El Paso, TX
Frances Cates
Hutchison School
Memphis, TN
Esha Chakraborti
The Woodlands College Park High School
The Woodlands, TX
Felix Chen
Westlake High School
Austin, TX
Melissa Derzavich
Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School
Miami, FL
Tanya Dhingra
Klein Cain High School
Klein, TX
Jeremiah Do
Garland High School
Garland, TX
Ethan Fang
The Kinkaid School
Houston, TX
Alicia Flores
New Caney High School
New Caney, TX
Sofia Flores
South Texas ISD Science Academy
Mercedes, TX
Faith Fulbright
Permian High School
Odessa, TX
Sanjna Ganjam
William B. Travis High School
Richmond, TX
Leila Garza
Milby High School
Houston, TX
Kayla Gillen
Leander High School
Leander, TX
Laysha Gonzalez
J.W. Nixon High School
Laredo, TX
Nina Hamuy
Pine Crest School
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Genevieve Holliday
Cherry Creek High School
Greenwood Village, CO
Tonya Hu
Dulles High School
Sugar Land, TX
Holly Hull
St. Paul High School
Shiner, TX
Eleanor Hutcheson
Westlake High School
Austin, TX
Noura Jabir
St. John's School
Houston, TX
Helen Jayesh
Earl Warren High School
San Antonio, TX
Esther Jin
Clear Springs High School
League City, TX
Abhinav Karthikeyan
Richard Montgomery High School
Rockville, MD
Stella Kastanek
Bishop Lynch High School
Dallas, TX
Leah Kegerreis
Trinity Christian Academy
Addison, TX
Aiden Lesneski
Northside Health Careers High School
San Antonio, TX
Niels Levy-Thiebaut
Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions
Houston, TX
Cindy Li
Glenda Dawson High School
Pearland, TX
Glen Liu
Westwood High School
Austin, TX
Emma Lloyd
Woodrow Wilson High School
Dallas, TX
Anoushka Luis
Frisco High School
Frisco, TX
Joshua Martin
Highland Park High School
Dallas, TX
Ethan Morales
YES Prep Southeast
Houston, TX
Lisa Morin
IDEA San Benito College Preparatory
San Benito, TX
Ashwin Murali
Glenda Dawson High School
Pearland, TX
Joseph Newcomer
School of Science and Engineering
Dallas, TX
Rishi Niranjan
Plano West Senior High School
Plano, TX
Cristian Olivarez
La Feria High School
La Feria, TX
Elizabeth Palomares Guzman
YES Prep Northside
Houston, TX
Max Palys
St. Mark's School of Texas
Dallas, TX
Patrick Pham
St. Thomas High School
Houston, TX
Daniela Ponce Cartagena
IDEA Carver College Preparatory
San Antonio, TX
Chardelene Reyes
Cypress Springs High School
Cypress, TX
Melissa Richardson
Dripping Springs High School
Dripping Springs, TX
Diego Robbins
Legacy of Educational Excellence High School
San Antonio, TX
Mia Li Rodriguez
Los Fresnos High School
Los Fresnos, TX
Aiden Ross
School for the Talented and Gifted
Dallas, TX
Jordan Sampey
Southwest High School
San Antonio, TX
Noura Shoukfeh
Lubbock High School
Lubbock, TX
Caedon Spencer
James Bowie High School
Austin, TX
Aylin Tanriverdi
Westwood High School
Austin, TX
Nicholas Van Lente
James Bowie High School
Austin, TX
Michelle Wang
Clements High School
Sugar Land, TX
Shirley Zhu
Bellaire Senior High School
Bellaire, TX
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![](/sites/default/files/2021_FASP_co2025_web.png)
Forty Acres Scholars Program Class of 2025 Finalists
The Forty Acres Scholars Program is proud to announce the 65 finalists for the Class of 2025. Finalists were selected from over 4,700 applicants. Out of those, 173 semifinalists were chosen to advance to a video interview. This year’s finalists come from six U.S. states and have been admitted to 12 different schools across the university. Many of them participate in nationally recognized organizations and competitions such as Model UN, DECA, and UIL. Many are also athletes, team captains, musicians, and student body presidents. Some are published authors, founders of nonprofits, school organizations and online platforms, business owners, researchers, and coders. Their time has been spent participating in countless hours of community service, leading clubs and organizations in their schools, and interning across the nation. From March 4–6, these exceptional high school students will join us online to participate in our first-ever virtual Finalist Weekend. Activities will include visits with their admitted colleges, a mock class with a UT professor, a virtual campus tour, panels with current Forty Acres Scholars, optional daily activities, and an individual interview. The Forty Acres Scholars Program inspires and nurtures visionary leaders and helps them use their talents to benefit society. Our scholars demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a track record of outstanding academic success. Most importantly, they have passion and a desire to live out the core values of The University of Texas at Austin. The three tenets of the program are community, connection, and discovery. The program is a transformational adventure that helps individuals reach their full potential, and, alongside academic achievement, focuses on personal development, relationship building, and gaining perspective. As the only program of its kind administered by an alumni association, Forty Acres Scholars develop a unique relationship with their alma mater and graduate with an extraordinary network of Longhorns standing behind them. Scholarship funding provides for tuition, a living stipend, a book stipend, an enrichment stipend, and program activities. Meet the finalists: Brydn Abraham Centennial High School Frisco, TX Stephanie Aguilera North Mesquite High School Mesquite, TX Angeline Ajit Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science Denton, TX Olutoni Akintoye KIPP Houston High School Houston, TX Sameer Balhara Denmark High School Alpharetta, GA Kuba Bard Cedar Park High School Cedar Park, TX Kinza Barrister Great Hearts Irving Irving, TX Vivek Beeram Saint Mary's Hall High School San Antonio, TX Stephano Boyer-Paulet South Texas ISD Science Academy Mercedes, TX Avery Brooks Georgetown High School Georgetown, TX Andrés Buckley Franklin High School El Paso, TX Frances Cates Hutchison School Memphis, TN Esha Chakraborti The Woodlands College Park High School The Woodlands, TX Felix Chen Westlake High School Austin, TX Melissa Derzavich Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School Miami, FL Tanya Dhingra Klein Cain High School Klein, TX Jeremiah Do Garland High School Garland, TX Ethan Fang The Kinkaid School Houston, TX Alicia Flores New Caney High School New Caney, TX Sofia Flores South Texas ISD Science Academy Mercedes, TX Faith Fulbright Permian High School Odessa, TX Sanjna Ganjam William B. Travis High School Richmond, TX Leila Garza Milby High School Houston, TX Kayla Gillen Leander High School Leander, TX Laysha Gonzalez J.W. Nixon High School Laredo, TX Nina Hamuy Pine Crest School Fort Lauderdale, FL Genevieve Holliday Cherry Creek High School Greenwood Village, CO Tonya Hu Dulles High School Sugar Land, TX Holly Hull St. Paul High School Shiner, TX Eleanor Hutcheson Westlake High School Austin, TX Noura Jabir St. John's School Houston, TX Helen Jayesh Earl Warren High School San Antonio, TX Esther Jin Clear Springs High School League City, TX Abhinav Karthikeyan Richard Montgomery High School Rockville, MD Stella Kastanek Bishop Lynch High School Dallas, TX Leah Kegerreis Trinity Christian Academy Addison, TX Aiden Lesneski Northside Health Careers High School San Antonio, TX Niels Levy-Thiebaut Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions Houston, TX Cindy Li Glenda Dawson High School Pearland, TX Glen Liu Westwood High School Austin, TX Emma Lloyd Woodrow Wilson High School Dallas, TX Anoushka Luis Frisco High School Frisco, TX Joshua Martin Highland Park High School Dallas, TX Ethan Morales YES Prep Southeast Houston, TX Lisa Morin IDEA San Benito College Preparatory San Benito, TX Ashwin Murali Glenda Dawson High School Pearland, TX Joseph Newcomer School of Science and Engineering Dallas, TX Rishi Niranjan Plano West Senior High School Plano, TX Cristian Olivarez La Feria High School La Feria, TX Elizabeth Palomares Guzman YES Prep Northside Houston, TX Max Palys St. Mark's School of Texas Dallas, TX Patrick Pham St. Thomas High School Houston, TX Daniela Ponce Cartagena IDEA Carver College Preparatory San Antonio, TX Chardelene Reyes Cypress Springs High School Cypress, TX Melissa Richardson Dripping Springs High School Dripping Springs, TX Diego Robbins Legacy of Educational Excellence High School San Antonio, TX Mia Li Rodriguez Los Fresnos High School Los Fresnos, TX Aiden Ross School for the Talented and Gifted Dallas, TX Jordan Sampey Southwest High School San Antonio, TX Noura Shoukfeh Lubbock High School Lubbock, TX Caedon Spencer James Bowie High School Austin, TX Aylin Tanriverdi Westwood High School Austin, TX Nicholas Van Lente James Bowie High School Austin, TX Michelle Wang Clements High School Sugar Land, TX Shirley Zhu Bellaire Senior High School Bellaire, TX
Box List 1 - Teaser
![](/sites/default/files/2021_FASP_co2025_web.png)
Forty Acres Scholars Program Class of 2025 Finalists
The Forty Acres Scholars Program is proud to announce the 65 finalists for the Class of 2025. Finalists were selected from over 4,700 applicants. Out of those, 173 semifinalists were chosen to advance to a video interview. This year’s finalists come from six U.S. states and have been admitted to 12 different schools across the university. Many of them participate in nationally recognized organizations and competitions such as Model UN, DECA, and UIL. Many are also athletes, team captains, musicians, and student body presidents. Some are published authors, founders of nonprofits, school organizations and online platforms, business owners, researchers, and coders. Their time has been spent participating in countless hours of community service, leading clubs and organizations in their schools, and interning across the nation. From March 4–6, these exceptional high school students will join us online to participate in our first-ever virtual Finalist Weekend. Activities will include visits with their admitted colleges, a mock class with a UT professor, a virtual campus tour, panels with current Forty Acres Scholars, optional daily activities, and an individual interview. The Forty Acres Scholars Program inspires and nurtures visionary leaders and helps them use their talents to benefit society. Our scholars demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a track record of outstanding academic success. Most importantly, they have passion and a desire to live out the core values of The University of Texas at Austin. The three tenets of the program are community, connection, and discovery. The program is a transformational adventure that helps individuals reach their full potential, and, alongside academic achievement, focuses on personal development, relationship building, and gaining perspective. As the only program of its kind administered by an alumni association, Forty Acres Scholars develop a unique relationship with their alma mater and graduate with an extraordinary network of Longhorns standing behind them. Scholarship funding provides for tuition, a living stipend, a book stipend, an enrichment stipend, and program activities. Meet the finalists: Brydn Abraham Centennial High School Frisco, TX Stephanie Aguilera North Mesquite High School Mesquite, TX Angeline Ajit Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science Denton, TX Olutoni Akintoye KIPP Houston High School Houston, TX Sameer Balhara Denmark High School Alpharetta, GA Kuba Bard Cedar Park High School Cedar Park, TX Kinza Barrister Great Hearts Irving Irving, TX Vivek Beeram Saint Mary's Hall High School San Antonio, TX Stephano Boyer-Paulet South Texas ISD Science Academy Mercedes, TX Avery Brooks Georgetown High School Georgetown, TX Andrés Buckley Franklin High School El Paso, TX Frances Cates Hutchison School Memphis, TN Esha Chakraborti The Woodlands College Park High School The Woodlands, TX Felix Chen Westlake High School Austin, TX Melissa Derzavich Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School Miami, FL Tanya Dhingra Klein Cain High School Klein, TX Jeremiah Do Garland High School Garland, TX Ethan Fang The Kinkaid School Houston, TX Alicia Flores New Caney High School New Caney, TX Sofia Flores South Texas ISD Science Academy Mercedes, TX Faith Fulbright Permian High School Odessa, TX Sanjna Ganjam William B. Travis High School Richmond, TX Leila Garza Milby High School Houston, TX Kayla Gillen Leander High School Leander, TX Laysha Gonzalez J.W. Nixon High School Laredo, TX Nina Hamuy Pine Crest School Fort Lauderdale, FL Genevieve Holliday Cherry Creek High School Greenwood Village, CO Tonya Hu Dulles High School Sugar Land, TX Holly Hull St. Paul High School Shiner, TX Eleanor Hutcheson Westlake High School Austin, TX Noura Jabir St. John's School Houston, TX Helen Jayesh Earl Warren High School San Antonio, TX Esther Jin Clear Springs High School League City, TX Abhinav Karthikeyan Richard Montgomery High School Rockville, MD Stella Kastanek Bishop Lynch High School Dallas, TX Leah Kegerreis Trinity Christian Academy Addison, TX Aiden Lesneski Northside Health Careers High School San Antonio, TX Niels Levy-Thiebaut Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions Houston, TX Cindy Li Glenda Dawson High School Pearland, TX Glen Liu Westwood High School Austin, TX Emma Lloyd Woodrow Wilson High School Dallas, TX Anoushka Luis Frisco High School Frisco, TX Joshua Martin Highland Park High School Dallas, TX Ethan Morales YES Prep Southeast Houston, TX Lisa Morin IDEA San Benito College Preparatory San Benito, TX Ashwin Murali Glenda Dawson High School Pearland, TX Joseph Newcomer School of Science and Engineering Dallas, TX Rishi Niranjan Plano West Senior High School Plano, TX Cristian Olivarez La Feria High School La Feria, TX Elizabeth Palomares Guzman YES Prep Northside Houston, TX Max Palys St. Mark's School of Texas Dallas, TX Patrick Pham St. Thomas High School Houston, TX Daniela Ponce Cartagena IDEA Carver College Preparatory San Antonio, TX Chardelene Reyes Cypress Springs High School Cypress, TX Melissa Richardson Dripping Springs High School Dripping Springs, TX Diego Robbins Legacy of Educational Excellence High School San Antonio, TX Mia Li Rodriguez Los Fresnos High School Los Fresnos, TX Aiden Ross School for the Talented and Gifted Dallas, TX Jordan Sampey Southwest High School San Antonio, TX Noura Shoukfeh Lubbock High School Lubbock, TX Caedon Spencer James Bowie High School Austin, TX Aylin Tanriverdi Westwood High School Austin, TX Nicholas Van Lente James Bowie High School Austin, TX Michelle Wang Clements High School Sugar Land, TX Shirley Zhu Bellaire Senior High School Bellaire, TX
Search Result
![](/sites/default/files/2021_FASP_co2025_web.png)
Forty Acres Scholars Program Class of 2025 Finalists
The Forty Acres Scholars Program is proud to announce the 65 finalists for the Class of 2025. Finalists were selected from over 4,700 applicants. Out of those, 173 semifinalists were chosen to advance to a video interview. This year’s finalists come from six U.S. states and have been admitted to 12 different schools across the university. Many of them participate in nationally recognized organizations and competitions such as Model UN, DECA, and UIL. Many are also athletes, team captains, musicians, and student body presidents. Some are published authors, founders of nonprofits, school organizations and online platforms, business owners, researchers, and coders. Their time has been spent participating in countless hours of community service, leading clubs and organizations in their schools, and interning across the nation. From March 4–6, these exceptional high school students will join us online to participate in our first-ever virtual Finalist Weekend. Activities will include visits with their admitted colleges, a mock class with a UT professor, a virtual campus tour, panels with current Forty Acres Scholars, optional daily activities, and an individual interview. The Forty Acres Scholars Program inspires and nurtures visionary leaders and helps them use their talents to benefit society. Our scholars demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a track record of outstanding academic success. Most importantly, they have passion and a desire to live out the core values of The University of Texas at Austin. The three tenets of the program are community, connection, and discovery. The program is a transformational adventure that helps individuals reach their full potential, and, alongside academic achievement, focuses on personal development, relationship building, and gaining perspective. As the only program of its kind administered by an alumni association, Forty Acres Scholars develop a unique relationship with their alma mater and graduate with an extraordinary network of Longhorns standing behind them. Scholarship funding provides for tuition, a living stipend, a book stipend, an enrichment stipend, and program activities. Meet the finalists: Brydn Abraham Centennial High School Frisco, TX Stephanie Aguilera North Mesquite High School Mesquite, TX Angeline Ajit Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science Denton, TX Olutoni Akintoye KIPP Houston High School Houston, TX Sameer Balhara Denmark High School Alpharetta, GA Kuba Bard Cedar Park High School Cedar Park, TX Kinza Barrister Great Hearts Irving Irving, TX Vivek Beeram Saint Mary's Hall High School San Antonio, TX Stephano Boyer-Paulet South Texas ISD Science Academy Mercedes, TX Avery Brooks Georgetown High School Georgetown, TX Andrés Buckley Franklin High School El Paso, TX Frances Cates Hutchison School Memphis, TN Esha Chakraborti The Woodlands College Park High School The Woodlands, TX Felix Chen Westlake High School Austin, TX Melissa Derzavich Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School Miami, FL Tanya Dhingra Klein Cain High School Klein, TX Jeremiah Do Garland High School Garland, TX Ethan Fang The Kinkaid School Houston, TX Alicia Flores New Caney High School New Caney, TX Sofia Flores South Texas ISD Science Academy Mercedes, TX Faith Fulbright Permian High School Odessa, TX Sanjna Ganjam William B. Travis High School Richmond, TX Leila Garza Milby High School Houston, TX Kayla Gillen Leander High School Leander, TX Laysha Gonzalez J.W. Nixon High School Laredo, TX Nina Hamuy Pine Crest School Fort Lauderdale, FL Genevieve Holliday Cherry Creek High School Greenwood Village, CO Tonya Hu Dulles High School Sugar Land, TX Holly Hull St. Paul High School Shiner, TX Eleanor Hutcheson Westlake High School Austin, TX Noura Jabir St. John's School Houston, TX Helen Jayesh Earl Warren High School San Antonio, TX Esther Jin Clear Springs High School League City, TX Abhinav Karthikeyan Richard Montgomery High School Rockville, MD Stella Kastanek Bishop Lynch High School Dallas, TX Leah Kegerreis Trinity Christian Academy Addison, TX Aiden Lesneski Northside Health Careers High School San Antonio, TX Niels Levy-Thiebaut Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions Houston, TX Cindy Li Glenda Dawson High School Pearland, TX Glen Liu Westwood High School Austin, TX Emma Lloyd Woodrow Wilson High School Dallas, TX Anoushka Luis Frisco High School Frisco, TX Joshua Martin Highland Park High School Dallas, TX Ethan Morales YES Prep Southeast Houston, TX Lisa Morin IDEA San Benito College Preparatory San Benito, TX Ashwin Murali Glenda Dawson High School Pearland, TX Joseph Newcomer School of Science and Engineering Dallas, TX Rishi Niranjan Plano West Senior High School Plano, TX Cristian Olivarez La Feria High School La Feria, TX Elizabeth Palomares Guzman YES Prep Northside Houston, TX Max Palys St. Mark's School of Texas Dallas, TX Patrick Pham St. Thomas High School Houston, TX Daniela Ponce Cartagena IDEA Carver College Preparatory San Antonio, TX Chardelene Reyes Cypress Springs High School Cypress, TX Melissa Richardson Dripping Springs High School Dripping Springs, TX Diego Robbins Legacy of Educational Excellence High School San Antonio, TX Mia Li Rodriguez Los Fresnos High School Los Fresnos, TX Aiden Ross School for the Talented and Gifted Dallas, TX Jordan Sampey Southwest High School San Antonio, TX Noura Shoukfeh Lubbock High School Lubbock, TX Caedon Spencer James Bowie High School Austin, TX Aylin Tanriverdi Westwood High School Austin, TX Nicholas Van Lente James Bowie High School Austin, TX Michelle Wang Clements High School Sugar Land, TX Shirley Zhu Bellaire Senior High School Bellaire, TX
View List
![](/sites/default/files/2021_FASP_co2025_web.png)
Forty Acres Scholars Program Class of 2025 Finalists
The Forty Acres Scholars Program is proud to announce the 65 finalists for the Class of 2025. Finalists were selected from over 4,700 applicants. Out of those, 173 semifinalists were chosen to advance to a video interview. This year’s finalists come from six U.S. states and have been admitted to 12 different schools across the university. Many of them participate in nationally recognized organizations and competitions such as Model UN, DECA, and UIL. Many are also athletes, team captains, musicians, and student body presidents. Some are published authors, founders of nonprofits, school organizations and online platforms, business owners, researchers, and coders. Their time has been spent participating in countless hours of community service, leading clubs and organizations in their schools, and interning across the nation. From March 4–6, these exceptional high school students will join us online to participate in our first-ever virtual Finalist Weekend. Activities will include visits with their admitted colleges, a mock class with a UT professor, a virtual campus tour, panels with current Forty Acres Scholars, optional daily activities, and an individual interview. The Forty Acres Scholars Program inspires and nurtures visionary leaders and helps them use their talents to benefit society. Our scholars demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a track record of outstanding academic success. Most importantly, they have passion and a desire to live out the core values of The University of Texas at Austin. The three tenets of the program are community, connection, and discovery. The program is a transformational adventure that helps individuals reach their full potential, and, alongside academic achievement, focuses on personal development, relationship building, and gaining perspective. As the only program of its kind administered by an alumni association, Forty Acres Scholars develop a unique relationship with their alma mater and graduate with an extraordinary network of Longhorns standing behind them. Scholarship funding provides for tuition, a living stipend, a book stipend, an enrichment stipend, and program activities. Meet the finalists: Brydn Abraham Centennial High School Frisco, TX Stephanie Aguilera North Mesquite High School Mesquite, TX Angeline Ajit Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science Denton, TX Olutoni Akintoye KIPP Houston High School Houston, TX Sameer Balhara Denmark High School Alpharetta, GA Kuba Bard Cedar Park High School Cedar Park, TX Kinza Barrister Great Hearts Irving Irving, TX Vivek Beeram Saint Mary's Hall High School San Antonio, TX Stephano Boyer-Paulet South Texas ISD Science Academy Mercedes, TX Avery Brooks Georgetown High School Georgetown, TX Andrés Buckley Franklin High School El Paso, TX Frances Cates Hutchison School Memphis, TN Esha Chakraborti The Woodlands College Park High School The Woodlands, TX Felix Chen Westlake High School Austin, TX Melissa Derzavich Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School Miami, FL Tanya Dhingra Klein Cain High School Klein, TX Jeremiah Do Garland High School Garland, TX Ethan Fang The Kinkaid School Houston, TX Alicia Flores New Caney High School New Caney, TX Sofia Flores South Texas ISD Science Academy Mercedes, TX Faith Fulbright Permian High School Odessa, TX Sanjna Ganjam William B. Travis High School Richmond, TX Leila Garza Milby High School Houston, TX Kayla Gillen Leander High School Leander, TX Laysha Gonzalez J.W. Nixon High School Laredo, TX Nina Hamuy Pine Crest School Fort Lauderdale, FL Genevieve Holliday Cherry Creek High School Greenwood Village, CO Tonya Hu Dulles High School Sugar Land, TX Holly Hull St. Paul High School Shiner, TX Eleanor Hutcheson Westlake High School Austin, TX Noura Jabir St. John's School Houston, TX Helen Jayesh Earl Warren High School San Antonio, TX Esther Jin Clear Springs High School League City, TX Abhinav Karthikeyan Richard Montgomery High School Rockville, MD Stella Kastanek Bishop Lynch High School Dallas, TX Leah Kegerreis Trinity Christian Academy Addison, TX Aiden Lesneski Northside Health Careers High School San Antonio, TX Niels Levy-Thiebaut Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions Houston, TX Cindy Li Glenda Dawson High School Pearland, TX Glen Liu Westwood High School Austin, TX Emma Lloyd Woodrow Wilson High School Dallas, TX Anoushka Luis Frisco High School Frisco, TX Joshua Martin Highland Park High School Dallas, TX Ethan Morales YES Prep Southeast Houston, TX Lisa Morin IDEA San Benito College Preparatory San Benito, TX Ashwin Murali Glenda Dawson High School Pearland, TX Joseph Newcomer School of Science and Engineering Dallas, TX Rishi Niranjan Plano West Senior High School Plano, TX Cristian Olivarez La Feria High School La Feria, TX Elizabeth Palomares Guzman YES Prep Northside Houston, TX Max Palys St. Mark's School of Texas Dallas, TX Patrick Pham St. Thomas High School Houston, TX Daniela Ponce Cartagena IDEA Carver College Preparatory San Antonio, TX Chardelene Reyes Cypress Springs High School Cypress, TX Melissa Richardson Dripping Springs High School Dripping Springs, TX Diego Robbins Legacy of Educational Excellence High School San Antonio, TX Mia Li Rodriguez Los Fresnos High School Los Fresnos, TX Aiden Ross School for the Talented and Gifted Dallas, TX Jordan Sampey Southwest High School San Antonio, TX Noura Shoukfeh Lubbock High School Lubbock, TX Caedon Spencer James Bowie High School Austin, TX Aylin Tanriverdi Westwood High School Austin, TX Nicholas Van Lente James Bowie High School Austin, TX Michelle Wang Clements High School Sugar Land, TX Shirley Zhu Bellaire Senior High School Bellaire, TX
Katherine Tong, BA ’12, a key player in the fight against food insecurity in Texas during the pandemic.
Katherine Tong, BA ’12, has been a key player in the fight against food insecurity in Texas during the pandemic.
During the 87th Texas Legislative Session, we’re sharing special alumni stories about Longhorns who stepped up in a time of crisis. As Economics Partnership Manager for the Houston Food Bank, Tong has seen the level of need in the community dramatically increase. In May of 2020, the organization served 143 percent more households than it did the previous year.
Through innovation and special partnerships, the Houston Food Bank has remained a lifeline for individuals and families during unprecedented times. In order to quickly scale their operation, and implement a complex, drive-thru system, Tong worked with companies like United Airlines. With their help, the food bank created Neighborhood Super Sites, which can distribute food to 1,500–9,000 vehicles at a time. Participants receive anywhere from 65–100 pounds of food, including produce, frozen meat, dairy, and bread. This assistance helps families focus their income on other critical areas like medicine, utilities, and rent.
Tong’s tireless work and dedication has helped the food bank meet the moment and increase its impact in the greater Houston are. Born and raised in Houston, Tong’s love for her hometown has been a driving force in her career.
Join a community of like-minded Longhorns by becoming a UT Advocate like Tong today.
Already a UT Advocate? Have an email or tweet sent on your behalf to share the positive impact of UT Austin for the state!
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Katherine Tong, BA ’12, a key player in the fight against food insecurity in Texas during the pandemic.
Katherine Tong, BA ’12, has been a key player in the fight against food insecurity in Texas during the pandemic. During the 87th Texas Legislative Session, we’re sharing special alumni stories about Longhorns who stepped up in a time of crisis. As Economics Partnership Manager for the Houston Food Bank, Tong has seen the level of need in the community dramatically increase. In May of 2020, the organization served 143 percent more households than it did the previous year. Through innovation and special partnerships, the Houston Food Bank has remained a lifeline for individuals and families during unprecedented times. In order to quickly scale their operation, and implement a complex, drive-thru system, Tong worked with companies like United Airlines. With their help, the food bank created Neighborhood Super Sites, which can distribute food to 1,500–9,000 vehicles at a time. Participants receive anywhere from 65–100 pounds of food, including produce, frozen meat, dairy, and bread. This assistance helps families focus their income on other critical areas like medicine, utilities, and rent. Tong’s tireless work and dedication has helped the food bank meet the moment and increase its impact in the greater Houston are. Born and raised in Houston, Tong’s love for her hometown has been a driving force in her career. Join a community of like-minded Longhorns by becoming a UT Advocate like Tong today. Already a UT Advocate? Have an email or tweet sent on your behalf to share the positive impact of UT Austin for the state!
Box List 1 - Teaser
Katherine Tong, BA ’12, a key player in the fight against food insecurity in Texas during the pandemic.
Katherine Tong, BA ’12, has been a key player in the fight against food insecurity in Texas during the pandemic. During the 87th Texas Legislative Session, we’re sharing special alumni stories about Longhorns who stepped up in a time of crisis. As Economics Partnership Manager for the Houston Food Bank, Tong has seen the level of need in the community dramatically increase. In May of 2020, the organization served 143 percent more households than it did the previous year. Through innovation and special partnerships, the Houston Food Bank has remained a lifeline for individuals and families during unprecedented times. In order to quickly scale their operation, and implement a complex, drive-thru system, Tong worked with companies like United Airlines. With their help, the food bank created Neighborhood Super Sites, which can distribute food to 1,500–9,000 vehicles at a time. Participants receive anywhere from 65–100 pounds of food, including produce, frozen meat, dairy, and bread. This assistance helps families focus their income on other critical areas like medicine, utilities, and rent. Tong’s tireless work and dedication has helped the food bank meet the moment and increase its impact in the greater Houston are. Born and raised in Houston, Tong’s love for her hometown has been a driving force in her career. Join a community of like-minded Longhorns by becoming a UT Advocate like Tong today. Already a UT Advocate? Have an email or tweet sent on your behalf to share the positive impact of UT Austin for the state!
Search Result
Katherine Tong, BA ’12, a key player in the fight against food insecurity in Texas during the pandemic.
Katherine Tong, BA ’12, has been a key player in the fight against food insecurity in Texas during the pandemic. During the 87th Texas Legislative Session, we’re sharing special alumni stories about Longhorns who stepped up in a time of crisis. As Economics Partnership Manager for the Houston Food Bank, Tong has seen the level of need in the community dramatically increase. In May of 2020, the organization served 143 percent more households than it did the previous year. Through innovation and special partnerships, the Houston Food Bank has remained a lifeline for individuals and families during unprecedented times. In order to quickly scale their operation, and implement a complex, drive-thru system, Tong worked with companies like United Airlines. With their help, the food bank created Neighborhood Super Sites, which can distribute food to 1,500–9,000 vehicles at a time. Participants receive anywhere from 65–100 pounds of food, including produce, frozen meat, dairy, and bread. This assistance helps families focus their income on other critical areas like medicine, utilities, and rent. Tong’s tireless work and dedication has helped the food bank meet the moment and increase its impact in the greater Houston are. Born and raised in Houston, Tong’s love for her hometown has been a driving force in her career. Join a community of like-minded Longhorns by becoming a UT Advocate like Tong today. Already a UT Advocate? Have an email or tweet sent on your behalf to share the positive impact of UT Austin for the state!
View List
Katherine Tong, BA ’12, a key player in the fight against food insecurity in Texas during the pandemic.
Katherine Tong, BA ’12, has been a key player in the fight against food insecurity in Texas during the pandemic. During the 87th Texas Legislative Session, we’re sharing special alumni stories about Longhorns who stepped up in a time of crisis. As Economics Partnership Manager for the Houston Food Bank, Tong has seen the level of need in the community dramatically increase. In May of 2020, the organization served 143 percent more households than it did the previous year. Through innovation and special partnerships, the Houston Food Bank has remained a lifeline for individuals and families during unprecedented times. In order to quickly scale their operation, and implement a complex, drive-thru system, Tong worked with companies like United Airlines. With their help, the food bank created Neighborhood Super Sites, which can distribute food to 1,500–9,000 vehicles at a time. Participants receive anywhere from 65–100 pounds of food, including produce, frozen meat, dairy, and bread. This assistance helps families focus their income on other critical areas like medicine, utilities, and rent. Tong’s tireless work and dedication has helped the food bank meet the moment and increase its impact in the greater Houston are. Born and raised in Houston, Tong’s love for her hometown has been a driving force in her career. Join a community of like-minded Longhorns by becoming a UT Advocate like Tong today. Already a UT Advocate? Have an email or tweet sent on your behalf to share the positive impact of UT Austin for the state!