Between completing his undergraduate degree, attending UT's School of Law, and now serving as an active alumnus on campus, Dan Graham, JD ’05, Life Member, has always felt at home on the Forty Acres. These days, he displays his Longhorn pride through his membership in the Forty Acres Society, a group of more than 80 alumni and friends of the University that supports the Forty Acres Scholars Program.

The Forty Acres Scholars Program is the premier full-ride, merit-based scholarship for The University of Texas at Austin. Graham’s role as a member of the Forty Acres Society Council not only allows him to support the best and brightest UT students, but it has also helped him connect with like-minded alumni who have a passion for giving back. Society members help fund UT scholarships with an annual gift.

“For a lot of other donation opportunities, you’re putting a smaller amount of money in a larger pool, and you aren’t sure exactly what the money is being used for,” Graham says. “It’s relatively inexpensive compared to other donations, and with that money you also get to experience the results.”

Graham knows the impact a scholarship has on a student's life—he's experienced it firsthand. While at UT as an undergrad, he studied computer science and philosophy as a Dean's Scholar for the College of Natural Sciences.

“I was fortunate enough through this program to develop long lasting relationships that are still valuable today,” says Graham. “Now I’m very excited to be helping the next generation.”

After graduating from UT's School of Law in 2005, Graham first became involved as an alumnus through the law school’s Non-Practicing Alumni Advisory Council, where he helped guide law students into careers better suited to their passions. He also helped UT Professor David Laude with an innovation science program that supported students with entrepreneurial interests.

Throughout his career, Graham has earned many accolades, including Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, 2012 Austinite of the Year, and was named one of 2012’s Best Austin CEO’s of the Year. He attributes his accomplishments to his time spent on the Forty Acres, where he started his first company, BuildASign.com, as a student. The company has seen success not only in the U.S. but also in Germany, Canada, and Great Britain.

The Forty Acres Society gives Graham the chance to give back to the school where it all began, as well as the opportunity to connect directly with the students who will benefit from his generosity. Unlike other donor programs, society members interact with the scholars and serve as their mentors.

Graham says that's definitely one of the most fulfilling aspects of the program.

”The society works to recruit the most talented students around the U.S. who have the options to attend any Ivy League or esteemed university they want,” Graham says. “A valuable thing the program does is bring diversity to the table.”

Photo courtesy Dan Graham.