There was a lot to celebrate the night of November 19. At its 2014 scholarship dinner, the Texas Exes Dallas Chapter honored Rex W. Tillerson, BS ’75, Life Member, Distinguished Alumnus, CEO of ExxonMobil Corp., applauded the achievements of UT president Bill Powers and announced that the chapter had completed funding for its second Forty Acres Scholarship. And in true Dallas style, there was even more: They have already begun raising money for a third.

In just six years, the chapter and its volunteers have raised a total of $1 million and become a fundraising force for the Forty Acres Scholars Program, Texas Exes' premier merit-based scholarship for the University of Texas at Austin.

Jeff Duchin, BBA ’98, Life Member, a Dallas chapter leader and volunteer on the Chapters Advisory Board, says, "I think it’s unique that we’ve been able to fund two Forty Acres Scholarships on our own without matching. We have a lot of hardworking volunteers that make the event a success and a lot of passionate alumni who are willing to support the program and help out their local chapter."

Speakers at the dinner included Powers, whom the chapter honored with the first-ever "No. 1 President" bronzed Longhorn trophy; Texas Exes President Kay Bailey Hutchison, LLB ’67, BA ’92, Life Member, Distinguished Alumna; and Forty Acres Scholar Katherine Allen, a freshman Plan II  major.

Earlier this year, Duchin spoke with the Alcalde about spearheading a complete overhaul of the annual dinner's format, which has increased attendance, donations, and anticipation of the event. “Now it has a purpose,” Duchin said. “Now it has legs and strong supporters. It’s probably the biggest thing I am proud of.”

Above: Current and former chapter board members and Texas Exes staff at the 2014 scholarship dinner honoring Rex Tillerson.

Photo by David Duchin / DSPN Photos