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.

Congratulations to the Class of 2021!

Throughout their four years on campus, the 13 scholars in the Class of 2021 founded businesses and organizations and held key leadership positions. They researched, interned, and studied abroad around the world—all while supporting one another and earning a combined 22 undergraduate degrees.   As these scholars begin their next phase, they are heading off to sought-after graduate programs and a variety of jobs around the country. Read more about their experiences with the program and their plans for the future below.   Sabrina Benitez  Full bio Sabrina graduated with a BSA in Biology. She will be attending medical school on a full tuition merit scholarship to the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX.  “The Forty Acres Scholars Program has been my home for the past 4 years,” Sabrina says. “It has provided me with a sense of community and belonging on such a large campus. I always look forward to events where I can catch up with my fellow scholars and be inspired by their amazing accomplishments on the Forty Acres and beyond!”  Sabrina was a recipient of the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Forty Acres Scholarship.  Mary Margaret Burniston  Full bio Mary Margaret graduated with a BA in Government and Humanities Honors. She will be joining Facebook as a contract research assistant on the Central Integrity Team.  "The Forty Acres Scholars Program has really impacted every aspect of my college experience. I have cherished being a part of a community of such incredible and interesting people, and I have learned so much from fellow scholars and scholar alumni. I am very grateful for every way the Forty Acres Scholars Program has impacted my college experience, from supporting my summer in Oxford, England and my semester in Washington, D.C., to every semester at UT in between.”  Mary Margaret was a recipient of the Hobby/Beckworth Forty Acres Scholarship.  Olivia Cardenas  Full bio Olivia graduated with a BA in Plan II Honors and History. She will be attending law school at Duke University in the fall of 2021.  "Forty Acres is unique for the level of personal investment it offers each of us,” Olivia says. “From programming that facilitates professional development and cohort bonding, FASP has been my home at UT. It’s the people who make this program what it is—everyone from the staff to fellow scholars to alumni have made me feel empowered, supported, and inspired. I am eternally grateful for this experience and the people I have met along the way. I leave this program with lifelong friends who I know will never stop learning and working to leave this world better than they found it. I am inspired by them to do the same. These four years have been a period of intellectual and personal development and having the Forty Acres community in my corner has made all the difference.”  Olivia was a recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Jeanne L. and Michael L. Klein.  Ricky Cooks  Full bio Ricky graduated with a BA in Government and a minor in business. He will be working as a Staff Assistant for the U.S. House Financial Services Committee in Washington, D.C.  "During college, I’ve learned that the best expectations are the ones you set for yourself,” Ricky says. “In a school with so many impressive and accomplished students, it can be easy to compare yourself to others. I've found that I am at my best when I set my own goals and my make own plans to achieve them.”  Ricky was a recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Beverly and Will O'Hara and the Chevron Enrichment Award.  Carlyn Crow  Full bio Carlyn graduated with a BA in Plan II Honors, a BBA in Business Honors and Marketing, and a minor in entrepreneurship. She will be a 6-12 Grade Math Teacher in rural Idaho with Teach for America.  “FASP has surpassed all of my expectations of how the three pillars of Community, Connection, and Discovery have impacted my college experience. The FASP Community has given me a lifelong best friend, an awesome roomie, an inspiring mentee, a loving donor, and constant faculty support. FASP Connections have led me to meet UT Presidents, deans, professors, and distinguished alumni. Discovery has led me to studying abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina and to interning in Hong Kong where I worked with folks from all over the world while writing about arts and culture! I cannot begin to describe how grateful I am for the opportunities and experiences this program has provided me. This is a program I plan to give back to with my time, knowledge, and resources for the rest of my life.”  Carlyn was a recipient of the Charline and Red McCombs Family Forty Acres Scholarship and the Marilyn Marshall White Enrichment Award.  Ashley Deutser  Full bio Ashley graduated with a BBA in Business Honors and a BA in Plan II Honors. She will be staying in Austin and working in the better-for-you food and beverage space, hopefully launching her product later this year. “From my first day at UT, I knew I had a family in my cohort that would become some of my closest friends,” Ashley says. “Over the years that has proven true time and time again. These are people I have gotten to travel the world with—studying the politics of Catholicism in Rome, the supply chain in Hong Kong, or sustainability in Copenhagen—thanks to this program. Now that I am going out into the world, I am so excited to see what my fellow scholars will do and know that I have the full force of the Texas Exes behind my back. I am so thankful to my donors, Forty Acres Society members, and the FASP staff for making this program completely life-changing. I am forever grateful that the Forty Acres Scholars Program made me a lifelong Longhorn. Hook ’em!”  Ashley was a recipient of the John and Cynthia Adkins/Texas Exes Houston Chapter Forty Acres Scholarship.  Min Jun Kim  Full bio Min graduated with a BS in Biochemistry with Honors. He will be working and researching at a local clinic while taking a gap year before starting medical school next fall.  “The Forty Acres Scholars Program, and my cohort in particular, have set the standard and example for me all throughout college: to dream big and pursue excellence in everything I do, just as they have,” Min says. “This group of incredibly accomplished and diverse individuals has also inspired me to go beyond my comfort zone in my learning and, in turn, taught me a broader, more interdisciplinary perspective. Most importantly, though, they've been a community—friends who have grown together and supported each other through the ups and downs of the past four years, and will continue to do so. I am so proud and grateful to have spent my college years as a part of this family.”  Min was a recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by S. Todd and Diana Maclin.  Joe Levin  Full bio Joe graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism and a BA in Plan II Honors. He will be freelance writing in Austin, focusing on sports journalism.  "I couldn't imagine college without the Forty Acres Scholars Program,” Joe says. “My fellow scholars have inspired me, explored with me, and become some of my dearest friends in the world. Through the Texas Exes, I've been able to develop a closer relationship with professors, deans, and alumni across the globe. I'm so grateful to have been able to be a part of it!”  Joe was a recipient of the Eugene McDermott Forty Acres Scholarship.  John McDonald  Full bio John graduated with a BBA in Business Honors. He will be working for a healthcare start-up and then applying to medical school this cycle.  “The Program has been life-changing. The alumni and events have given me the opportunity to pursue my professional goals. The enrichment stipend enabled me to explore interests outside my major. And my cohort has served as my family away from home. I view this unique program as a community filled with extraordinary faculty, accomplished alumni, and supportive students who all want their fellow scholars to succeed. I am very thankful to have been selected into such an impressive program!”  John was a recipient of the Sylvie and Gary Crum Forty Acres Scholarship.  Ronen Melloul  Full bio Ronen graduated with a BBA in Business Honors and Management Information Systems. He will be returning to Houston to work with Entera Realty.  “The Forty Acres Scholars Program is a community more than it is a scholarship,” Ronen says. “The opportunity to grow my friendships and serve as a resource to others in the program led me to the Forty Acres. Studying abroad twice brought me a wealth of knowledge and invaluable experiences. For this, I am grateful, blessed, and thankful for the Program’s support.”  Ronen was a recipient of the AIM Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship.  Yessmeen Moharram  Full bio Yessmeen graduated with a BS in Radio-Television-Film, a BA in Theatre (with a focus in stage management), and a minor in Arts Management and Administration. She plans on moving to New York and continuing her career in film.  "College teaches you so much about yourself in so many ways beyond the classroom,”  Yessmeen says. “I would not have been able to have the same college experience without this program! Because of FASP, I was so lucky to become so involved in my departments and connected to people all over the university. Without FASP, I would not have been able to continue my education due to the cost.”  Yessmeen was a recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by the College of Fine Arts.  Hannah Penley  Full bio Hannah graduated with a BS in Mathematics and a UTeach Certification. She will be teaching high school mathematics and coaching cross country and soccer.  "All my enrichment opportunities from the Forty Acres Scholars Program were so incredible!" Hannah says. "Something that will always stick with me is my time student teaching and observing in various schools around the world. Experiencing different education systems around the world really intensified my passion for teaching. I am beyond excited to be able to help students learn and grow!”  Hannah was a recipient of the Mary John and Ralph Spence Forty Acres Scholarship.  Shilpa Rajagopal  Full bio Shilpa graduated with a BSA in Biology and a BBA in Marketing. She will be serving as a Community Health Fellow with the nonprofit organization Project Horseshoe Farm.  "The Forty Acres Scholars Program has gifted me with an incredible community of friends, mentors, and role models,” Shilpa says. “Coming into college with a varied set of interests, I am grateful that this program provided a space for me to not only pursue an interdisciplinary education, but also share these experiences with and learn alongside others. The collaborative, uplifting energy of the program has helped me better understand what it means to lead through service and compassion, and I know I will continue to feel this sense of support and connectedness to FASP for years to come.”  Shilpa was a recipient of the Erin and Thomas A. Bunkley Forty Acres Scholarship. 

Congratulations to the Class of 2021!

Throughout their four years on campus, the 13 scholars in the Class of 2021 founded businesses and organizations and held key leadership positions. They researched, interned, and studied abroad around the world—all while supporting one another and earning a combined 22 undergraduate degrees.   As these scholars begin their next phase, they are heading off to sought-after graduate programs and a variety of jobs around the country. Read more about their experiences with the program and their plans for the future below.   Sabrina Benitez  Full bio Sabrina graduated with a BSA in Biology. She will be attending medical school on a full tuition merit scholarship to the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX.  “The Forty Acres Scholars Program has been my home for the past 4 years,” Sabrina says. “It has provided me with a sense of community and belonging on such a large campus. I always look forward to events where I can catch up with my fellow scholars and be inspired by their amazing accomplishments on the Forty Acres and beyond!”  Sabrina was a recipient of the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Forty Acres Scholarship.  Mary Margaret Burniston  Full bio Mary Margaret graduated with a BA in Government and Humanities Honors. She will be joining Facebook as a contract research assistant on the Central Integrity Team.  "The Forty Acres Scholars Program has really impacted every aspect of my college experience. I have cherished being a part of a community of such incredible and interesting people, and I have learned so much from fellow scholars and scholar alumni. I am very grateful for every way the Forty Acres Scholars Program has impacted my college experience, from supporting my summer in Oxford, England and my semester in Washington, D.C., to every semester at UT in between.”  Mary Margaret was a recipient of the Hobby/Beckworth Forty Acres Scholarship.  Olivia Cardenas  Full bio Olivia graduated with a BA in Plan II Honors and History. She will be attending law school at Duke University in the fall of 2021.  "Forty Acres is unique for the level of personal investment it offers each of us,” Olivia says. “From programming that facilitates professional development and cohort bonding, FASP has been my home at UT. It’s the people who make this program what it is—everyone from the staff to fellow scholars to alumni have made me feel empowered, supported, and inspired. I am eternally grateful for this experience and the people I have met along the way. I leave this program with lifelong friends who I know will never stop learning and working to leave this world better than they found it. I am inspired by them to do the same. These four years have been a period of intellectual and personal development and having the Forty Acres community in my corner has made all the difference.”  Olivia was a recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Jeanne L. and Michael L. Klein.  Ricky Cooks  Full bio Ricky graduated with a BA in Government and a minor in business. He will be working as a Staff Assistant for the U.S. House Financial Services Committee in Washington, D.C.  "During college, I’ve learned that the best expectations are the ones you set for yourself,” Ricky says. “In a school with so many impressive and accomplished students, it can be easy to compare yourself to others. I've found that I am at my best when I set my own goals and my make own plans to achieve them.”  Ricky was a recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Beverly and Will O'Hara and the Chevron Enrichment Award.  Carlyn Crow  Full bio Carlyn graduated with a BA in Plan II Honors, a BBA in Business Honors and Marketing, and a minor in entrepreneurship. She will be a 6-12 Grade Math Teacher in rural Idaho with Teach for America.  “FASP has surpassed all of my expectations of how the three pillars of Community, Connection, and Discovery have impacted my college experience. The FASP Community has given me a lifelong best friend, an awesome roomie, an inspiring mentee, a loving donor, and constant faculty support. FASP Connections have led me to meet UT Presidents, deans, professors, and distinguished alumni. Discovery has led me to studying abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina and to interning in Hong Kong where I worked with folks from all over the world while writing about arts and culture! I cannot begin to describe how grateful I am for the opportunities and experiences this program has provided me. This is a program I plan to give back to with my time, knowledge, and resources for the rest of my life.”  Carlyn was a recipient of the Charline and Red McCombs Family Forty Acres Scholarship and the Marilyn Marshall White Enrichment Award.  Ashley Deutser  Full bio Ashley graduated with a BBA in Business Honors and a BA in Plan II Honors. She will be staying in Austin and working in the better-for-you food and beverage space, hopefully launching her product later this year. “From my first day at UT, I knew I had a family in my cohort that would become some of my closest friends,” Ashley says. “Over the years that has proven true time and time again. These are people I have gotten to travel the world with—studying the politics of Catholicism in Rome, the supply chain in Hong Kong, or sustainability in Copenhagen—thanks to this program. Now that I am going out into the world, I am so excited to see what my fellow scholars will do and know that I have the full force of the Texas Exes behind my back. I am so thankful to my donors, Forty Acres Society members, and the FASP staff for making this program completely life-changing. I am forever grateful that the Forty Acres Scholars Program made me a lifelong Longhorn. Hook ’em!”  Ashley was a recipient of the John and Cynthia Adkins/Texas Exes Houston Chapter Forty Acres Scholarship.  Min Jun Kim  Full bio Min graduated with a BS in Biochemistry with Honors. He will be working and researching at a local clinic while taking a gap year before starting medical school next fall.  “The Forty Acres Scholars Program, and my cohort in particular, have set the standard and example for me all throughout college: to dream big and pursue excellence in everything I do, just as they have,” Min says. “This group of incredibly accomplished and diverse individuals has also inspired me to go beyond my comfort zone in my learning and, in turn, taught me a broader, more interdisciplinary perspective. Most importantly, though, they've been a community—friends who have grown together and supported each other through the ups and downs of the past four years, and will continue to do so. I am so proud and grateful to have spent my college years as a part of this family.”  Min was a recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by S. Todd and Diana Maclin.  Joe Levin  Full bio Joe graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism and a BA in Plan II Honors. He will be freelance writing in Austin, focusing on sports journalism.  "I couldn't imagine college without the Forty Acres Scholars Program,” Joe says. “My fellow scholars have inspired me, explored with me, and become some of my dearest friends in the world. Through the Texas Exes, I've been able to develop a closer relationship with professors, deans, and alumni across the globe. I'm so grateful to have been able to be a part of it!”  Joe was a recipient of the Eugene McDermott Forty Acres Scholarship.  John McDonald  Full bio John graduated with a BBA in Business Honors. He will be working for a healthcare start-up and then applying to medical school this cycle.  “The Program has been life-changing. The alumni and events have given me the opportunity to pursue my professional goals. The enrichment stipend enabled me to explore interests outside my major. And my cohort has served as my family away from home. I view this unique program as a community filled with extraordinary faculty, accomplished alumni, and supportive students who all want their fellow scholars to succeed. I am very thankful to have been selected into such an impressive program!”  John was a recipient of the Sylvie and Gary Crum Forty Acres Scholarship.  Ronen Melloul  Full bio Ronen graduated with a BBA in Business Honors and Management Information Systems. He will be returning to Houston to work with Entera Realty.  “The Forty Acres Scholars Program is a community more than it is a scholarship,” Ronen says. “The opportunity to grow my friendships and serve as a resource to others in the program led me to the Forty Acres. Studying abroad twice brought me a wealth of knowledge and invaluable experiences. For this, I am grateful, blessed, and thankful for the Program’s support.”  Ronen was a recipient of the AIM Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship.  Yessmeen Moharram  Full bio Yessmeen graduated with a BS in Radio-Television-Film, a BA in Theatre (with a focus in stage management), and a minor in Arts Management and Administration. She plans on moving to New York and continuing her career in film.  "College teaches you so much about yourself in so many ways beyond the classroom,”  Yessmeen says. “I would not have been able to have the same college experience without this program! Because of FASP, I was so lucky to become so involved in my departments and connected to people all over the university. Without FASP, I would not have been able to continue my education due to the cost.”  Yessmeen was a recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by the College of Fine Arts.  Hannah Penley  Full bio Hannah graduated with a BS in Mathematics and a UTeach Certification. She will be teaching high school mathematics and coaching cross country and soccer.  "All my enrichment opportunities from the Forty Acres Scholars Program were so incredible!" Hannah says. "Something that will always stick with me is my time student teaching and observing in various schools around the world. Experiencing different education systems around the world really intensified my passion for teaching. I am beyond excited to be able to help students learn and grow!”  Hannah was a recipient of the Mary John and Ralph Spence Forty Acres Scholarship.  Shilpa Rajagopal  Full bio Shilpa graduated with a BSA in Biology and a BBA in Marketing. She will be serving as a Community Health Fellow with the nonprofit organization Project Horseshoe Farm.  "The Forty Acres Scholars Program has gifted me with an incredible community of friends, mentors, and role models,” Shilpa says. “Coming into college with a varied set of interests, I am grateful that this program provided a space for me to not only pursue an interdisciplinary education, but also share these experiences with and learn alongside others. The collaborative, uplifting energy of the program has helped me better understand what it means to lead through service and compassion, and I know I will continue to feel this sense of support and connectedness to FASP for years to come.”  Shilpa was a recipient of the Erin and Thomas A. Bunkley Forty Acres Scholarship. 

Congratulations to the Class of 2021!

Throughout their four years on campus, the 13 scholars in the Class of 2021 founded businesses and organizations and held key leadership positions. They researched, interned, and studied abroad around the world—all while supporting one another and earning a combined 22 undergraduate degrees.   As these scholars begin their next phase, they are heading off to sought-after graduate programs and a variety of jobs around the country. Read more about their experiences with the program and their plans for the future below.   Sabrina Benitez  Full bio Sabrina graduated with a BSA in Biology. She will be attending medical school on a full tuition merit scholarship to the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX.  “The Forty Acres Scholars Program has been my home for the past 4 years,” Sabrina says. “It has provided me with a sense of community and belonging on such a large campus. I always look forward to events where I can catch up with my fellow scholars and be inspired by their amazing accomplishments on the Forty Acres and beyond!”  Sabrina was a recipient of the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Forty Acres Scholarship.  Mary Margaret Burniston  Full bio Mary Margaret graduated with a BA in Government and Humanities Honors. She will be joining Facebook as a contract research assistant on the Central Integrity Team.  "The Forty Acres Scholars Program has really impacted every aspect of my college experience. I have cherished being a part of a community of such incredible and interesting people, and I have learned so much from fellow scholars and scholar alumni. I am very grateful for every way the Forty Acres Scholars Program has impacted my college experience, from supporting my summer in Oxford, England and my semester in Washington, D.C., to every semester at UT in between.”  Mary Margaret was a recipient of the Hobby/Beckworth Forty Acres Scholarship.  Olivia Cardenas  Full bio Olivia graduated with a BA in Plan II Honors and History. She will be attending law school at Duke University in the fall of 2021.  "Forty Acres is unique for the level of personal investment it offers each of us,” Olivia says. “From programming that facilitates professional development and cohort bonding, FASP has been my home at UT. It’s the people who make this program what it is—everyone from the staff to fellow scholars to alumni have made me feel empowered, supported, and inspired. I am eternally grateful for this experience and the people I have met along the way. I leave this program with lifelong friends who I know will never stop learning and working to leave this world better than they found it. I am inspired by them to do the same. These four years have been a period of intellectual and personal development and having the Forty Acres community in my corner has made all the difference.”  Olivia was a recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Jeanne L. and Michael L. Klein.  Ricky Cooks  Full bio Ricky graduated with a BA in Government and a minor in business. He will be working as a Staff Assistant for the U.S. House Financial Services Committee in Washington, D.C.  "During college, I’ve learned that the best expectations are the ones you set for yourself,” Ricky says. “In a school with so many impressive and accomplished students, it can be easy to compare yourself to others. I've found that I am at my best when I set my own goals and my make own plans to achieve them.”  Ricky was a recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by Beverly and Will O'Hara and the Chevron Enrichment Award.  Carlyn Crow  Full bio Carlyn graduated with a BA in Plan II Honors, a BBA in Business Honors and Marketing, and a minor in entrepreneurship. She will be a 6-12 Grade Math Teacher in rural Idaho with Teach for America.  “FASP has surpassed all of my expectations of how the three pillars of Community, Connection, and Discovery have impacted my college experience. The FASP Community has given me a lifelong best friend, an awesome roomie, an inspiring mentee, a loving donor, and constant faculty support. FASP Connections have led me to meet UT Presidents, deans, professors, and distinguished alumni. Discovery has led me to studying abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina and to interning in Hong Kong where I worked with folks from all over the world while writing about arts and culture! I cannot begin to describe how grateful I am for the opportunities and experiences this program has provided me. This is a program I plan to give back to with my time, knowledge, and resources for the rest of my life.”  Carlyn was a recipient of the Charline and Red McCombs Family Forty Acres Scholarship and the Marilyn Marshall White Enrichment Award.  Ashley Deutser  Full bio Ashley graduated with a BBA in Business Honors and a BA in Plan II Honors. She will be staying in Austin and working in the better-for-you food and beverage space, hopefully launching her product later this year. “From my first day at UT, I knew I had a family in my cohort that would become some of my closest friends,” Ashley says. “Over the years that has proven true time and time again. These are people I have gotten to travel the world with—studying the politics of Catholicism in Rome, the supply chain in Hong Kong, or sustainability in Copenhagen—thanks to this program. Now that I am going out into the world, I am so excited to see what my fellow scholars will do and know that I have the full force of the Texas Exes behind my back. I am so thankful to my donors, Forty Acres Society members, and the FASP staff for making this program completely life-changing. I am forever grateful that the Forty Acres Scholars Program made me a lifelong Longhorn. Hook ’em!”  Ashley was a recipient of the John and Cynthia Adkins/Texas Exes Houston Chapter Forty Acres Scholarship.  Min Jun Kim  Full bio Min graduated with a BS in Biochemistry with Honors. He will be working and researching at a local clinic while taking a gap year before starting medical school next fall.  “The Forty Acres Scholars Program, and my cohort in particular, have set the standard and example for me all throughout college: to dream big and pursue excellence in everything I do, just as they have,” Min says. “This group of incredibly accomplished and diverse individuals has also inspired me to go beyond my comfort zone in my learning and, in turn, taught me a broader, more interdisciplinary perspective. Most importantly, though, they've been a community—friends who have grown together and supported each other through the ups and downs of the past four years, and will continue to do so. I am so proud and grateful to have spent my college years as a part of this family.”  Min was a recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by S. Todd and Diana Maclin.  Joe Levin  Full bio Joe graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism and a BA in Plan II Honors. He will be freelance writing in Austin, focusing on sports journalism.  "I couldn't imagine college without the Forty Acres Scholars Program,” Joe says. “My fellow scholars have inspired me, explored with me, and become some of my dearest friends in the world. Through the Texas Exes, I've been able to develop a closer relationship with professors, deans, and alumni across the globe. I'm so grateful to have been able to be a part of it!”  Joe was a recipient of the Eugene McDermott Forty Acres Scholarship.  John McDonald  Full bio John graduated with a BBA in Business Honors. He will be working for a healthcare start-up and then applying to medical school this cycle.  “The Program has been life-changing. The alumni and events have given me the opportunity to pursue my professional goals. The enrichment stipend enabled me to explore interests outside my major. And my cohort has served as my family away from home. I view this unique program as a community filled with extraordinary faculty, accomplished alumni, and supportive students who all want their fellow scholars to succeed. I am very thankful to have been selected into such an impressive program!”  John was a recipient of the Sylvie and Gary Crum Forty Acres Scholarship.  Ronen Melloul  Full bio Ronen graduated with a BBA in Business Honors and Management Information Systems. He will be returning to Houston to work with Entera Realty.  “The Forty Acres Scholars Program is a community more than it is a scholarship,” Ronen says. “The opportunity to grow my friendships and serve as a resource to others in the program led me to the Forty Acres. Studying abroad twice brought me a wealth of knowledge and invaluable experiences. For this, I am grateful, blessed, and thankful for the Program’s support.”  Ronen was a recipient of the AIM Foundation Forty Acres Scholarship.  Yessmeen Moharram  Full bio Yessmeen graduated with a BS in Radio-Television-Film, a BA in Theatre (with a focus in stage management), and a minor in Arts Management and Administration. She plans on moving to New York and continuing her career in film.  "College teaches you so much about yourself in so many ways beyond the classroom,”  Yessmeen says. “I would not have been able to have the same college experience without this program! Because of FASP, I was so lucky to become so involved in my departments and connected to people all over the university. Without FASP, I would not have been able to continue my education due to the cost.”  Yessmeen was a recipient of the Stamps Forty Acres Scholarship, supported by the College of Fine Arts.  Hannah Penley  Full bio Hannah graduated with a BS in Mathematics and a UTeach Certification. She will be teaching high school mathematics and coaching cross country and soccer.  "All my enrichment opportunities from the Forty Acres Scholars Program were so incredible!" Hannah says. "Something that will always stick with me is my time student teaching and observing in various schools around the world. Experiencing different education systems around the world really intensified my passion for teaching. I am beyond excited to be able to help students learn and grow!”  Hannah was a recipient of the Mary John and Ralph Spence Forty Acres Scholarship.  Shilpa Rajagopal  Full bio Shilpa graduated with a BSA in Biology and a BBA in Marketing. She will be serving as a Community Health Fellow with the nonprofit organization Project Horseshoe Farm.  "The Forty Acres Scholars Program has gifted me with an incredible community of friends, mentors, and role models,” Shilpa says. “Coming into college with a varied set of interests, I am grateful that this program provided a space for me to not only pursue an interdisciplinary education, but also share these experiences with and learn alongside others. The collaborative, uplifting energy of the program has helped me better understand what it means to lead through service and compassion, and I know I will continue to feel this sense of support and connectedness to FASP for years to come.”  Shilpa was a recipient of the Erin and Thomas A. Bunkley Forty Acres Scholarship.