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President's Scholars Sponsors 

AMERICAN AIRLINES PRESIDENT'S SCHOLAR

American Airlines is the world's largest airline. American,  American Eagle and the AmericanConnection airlines,  serve more than 250 cities in 40 countries with over 4,000 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 1,000 aircraft.  American's award-winning Web site, AA.com, provides users with easy access to check and book fares along with personalized news, information and travel offers.  American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld Alliance.

CHARANYA KRISHNASWAMI is a senior  from Plano, Texas, majoring in political science, finance and French.

 

PEGGY BAUEVRIC FOUNDATION ENDOWED PRESIDENT'S SCHOLARS

Established in 1984 in Minnesota, the Peggy Bauevric Foundation is an independent foundation that funds projects in education, social services, medical research and science, and the arts.

SARAH TOWNSEND is a junior from Dallas,  majoring in art history and Spanish.


Civic and philanthropic leader Mrs. Margaret McDermott of Dallas recently hosted a luncheon for the President’s Scholars who are sponsored by the Blanton family of Houston. Pictured from left are: Gail Turner, wife SMU President R. Gerald Turner; Dr. Turner; Jack Blanton; his daughter, Elizabeth Blanton Wareing; Brian Albrecht, the William Randolph and Margaret Ann Smith President’s Scholar; Nikki Pasrija, the Laura Lee and Jack Blanton Endowed President’s Scholar honoring Yvonne Streit; Amy Hand, the Blanton Endowed President’s Scholar honoring Alma S. Wynn/Robert Wynn Blanton; luncheon host Margaret McDermott; Jareth Embrey, the Blanton Endowed President’s Scholar honoring Louise Wynn Blanton; Mrs. Jack Blanton (Ginger); Austin Follett, the Blanton Endowed President’s Scholar honoring Eddy Clark Scurlock; and Mr. Blanton’s youngest son, Eddy Blanton.

LAURA LEE AND JACK S. BLANTON ENDOWED PRESIDENT'S SCHOLAR HONORING LOUISE WYNN BLANTON

This scholarship is named in memory and honor of Mr. Blanton's mother, Louise Wynn Blanton, who graduated from SMU in 1921 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. The late Laura Lee Blanton served on the SMU Board of Trustees and was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1989.

GIANG NGUYEN is a first year student from Coppell, Texas majoring in business.

 

LAURA LEE AND JACK S. BLANTON ENDOWED PRESIDENT'S SCHOLAR HONORING ALMA S. WYNN AND  ROBERT WYNN BLANTON

This scholarship was created in memory and honor of Mr. Blanton's grandmother and brother. Mr. Blanton's grandmother, Alma S. Wynn, the wife of a Methodist minister who was president of Centenary College, was a remarkable woman who did not have the benefit of college education. Mr. Blanton's brother, Robert Wynn Blanton, had completed his junior year at SMU when he died in an accident.

AMY HAND is a senior from Orlando, Florida, majoring in physics and mathematics.

 

LAURA LEE AND JACK S. BLANTON ENDOWED PRESIDENT'S SCHOLAR HONORING EDDY SCURLOCK

This scholarship was created in the memory and honor of Eddy Scurlock, former chair of Scurlock Oil Co. and Eddy Refining Co. Mr. Scurlock, who established the Scurlock Foundation to support health, education and religious organizations, was father of the Late Laura Lee Blanton.

ALEX MACE is a first year student from Wildwood, Missouri majoring in political science and markets and culture.

 

LAURA LEE AND JACK S. BLANTON ENDOWED PRESIDENT'S SCHOLAR HONORING WILLIAM RANDOLPH AND MARGARET ANN (PICKETT) SMITH

This scholarship was named in memory of William Randolph (Randy) Smith ('49) and in honor of Margaret Ann Smith, both lifelong friends of Mr. Blanton and his late wife, Laura Lee. While at SMU, Randy was member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega, Blue Key, Cycen Fjord, "M" Association, and the Student Council. He also was member of the SMU track team. A former member of SMU's Board of Trustees, Randy served as a member of the President's Associates volunteer committee in Houston and as a member of The Campaign for SMU Texas Committee. Two of the four Smith children graduated from SMU. While their children attended the University, Mrs. Smith was active in the SMU Mothers’ Club.

CHASE RICHARDS  is a first year student from Plano, Texas.

 

LAURA LEE AND JACK S. BLANTON ENDOWED PRESIDENT'S SCHOLAR HONORING YVONNE TUTTLE STREIT

Yvonne Streit ('49) received the SMU Distinguished Alumni Award in 1981 for her "distinguished contributions to the community of mankind that, in turn, have brought distinction to SMU." Mrs. Streit is the founder and former executive director of The Briarwood School, which has been praised nationally as a model school for educating children with severe learning disabilities. She also established and serves as executive director of the Brookwood Community, a 475-acre residential care facility for functionally disabled adults. She is married to another SMU graduate, David Streit ('51), and has three daughters, Vicki Streit, Vita Yvonne Streit Rogers, and Vivian Streit.

NIKKI PASRIJA is a senior from Houston, Texas majoring in journalism.

 

MR. AND MRS. GLENN COX PRESIDENT'S SCHOLAR

Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Cox live in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Mr. Cox is retired from his position as president and chief operating officer for Phillips Petroleum Company. Mr. and Mrs. Cox are graduates of SMU - he received a degree in marketing, she in sociology. Mr. Cox is a former SMU trustee. The couple has three children.

MARK TRAUTMANN is a first year student from Holmen, Wisconsin majoring in political science.

 

DELPHI MANAGEMENT CO., INC. SCOTT M. BLACK PRESIDENT'S SCHOLAR

Delphi Management was founded in 1980 by Scott M. Black to manage equity accounts for a select base of institutional clients. Pursuing an old-fashioned-values philosophy, Delphi Management has established an outstanding 28 year record while enhancing the assets of its many eleemosynary accounts, including SMU, The Meadows Foundation, Johns Hopkins University, and the James Irvine Foundation. As a part of its corporate mission, Delphi Management provides financial support for education, medicine, social causes, and the arts. Specifically, Delphi underwrites programs at SMU, Johns Hopkins University, Harvard University, and Technion University (Haifa), and has funded the construction of two children's cancer treatment centers near Tel Aviv and Haifa. Also, Delphi Management founded the Center for Sport in Society, which provides a drug outreach program in the inner-city Boston. Throughout the years, Delphi has sponsored major painting exhibitions at the Museum of Fine Arts (Boston) and the Portland Museum of Art (Maine).

SARAH SHEPARD is a junior from Austin, Texas, majoring in civil engineering with a minor in business.

 

GREGG AND MOLLY ENGLES PRESIDENT’S SCHOLARS THROUGH SMU’S WILLIS M. TATE DISTINGUISHED LECTURE SERIES

Gregg Engles is chairman and chief executive officer of Dean Foods Company, one of the leading food and beverage companies in the United States. Dean Foods Company and its subsidiaries operate over 100 plants in the U.S. and employ approximately 27,000 people.

 Mr. Engles currently serves as chair of the Willis M. Tate Distinguished Lecture Series Board of Directors, co-chairman of the Dallas CEO Roundtable, and on the boards of directors for Grocery Manufacturers of America, Southwestern Medical Foundation and TreeHouse Foods (NYSE). He is also a member of the Dartmouth President’s Leadership Council, the G100 and the Young Presidents’ Organization.

 Molly Engles, wife and mother, serves on the board of the Notre Dame School of Dallas, is involved with the Clayton Dabney Foundation and is a member of the President’s Advisory Council to The Dallas Center for the Performing Arts Foundation. Molly is also active in fundraising for numerous charitable organizations. The Engles have one child, Lily Kathleen.

HUNTER BROWN is a sophomore from Cammack Village, Arkansas and is majoring in history, and minoring in German and medieval studies.

JESSICA HAWKS is a sophomore from Cedar Park, Texas majoring in biochemistry and English.

RACHEL KITTRELL is a sophomore from Dallas, Texas majoring in psychology with a minor in art.

 

WILLIAM E. GIPSON SPECIAL SPONSOR

William Gipson attended SMU for two years and played football for the Mustangs. In 1991 he retired from his position as president of Pogo Producing Company in Houston, which, prior to 1977, was an affiliate of Pennzoil Company. Mr. Gipson is a strong supporter of private higher education and SMU.

 

LEILA PEYTON HALL ENDOWED PRESIDENT'S SCHOLARS

Leila Peyton Hall's first husband, George L. Peyton, served on SMU's Board of Trustees fro 1924 to 1939. Upon his death, Mrs. Hall completed his term of office. She provided SMU with funds for residence hall, which was named Peyton Hall in her honor. She also funded the Peyton Lectureship in Preaching, an endowment to honor the memory of George Peyton, who was a Methodist minister, director of Wesley Bible Choir, and a professor of religion at SMU. Mrs. Hall died in 1972. Through a bequest, the Leila Peyton Hall Endowment was established in 1977.

SAMANTHA CORNELIUS is a junior from Carrollton, Texas, and is majoring in political science and French.

MARIAM ISHAQUE is a junior from Plano, Texas, majoring in physics and Spanish for pre-medicine.

JORDAN JOHANSEN is a junior from DeSoto, Texas, majoring in music, anthropology and history with  minors in human rights and European studies.

CASSANDRA PANKONIEN is a junior from Magnolia, Texas, majoring in marketing and creative advertising.

 

THE LINDA AND MITCH HART PRESIDENT’S SCHOLARS THROUGH SMU’S WILLIS M. TATE DISTINGUISHED LECTURE SERIES

Linda Hart, a graduate of SMU’s Dedman School of Law, is Vice Chairman and CEO of HartGroup, Inc. She is a Trustee of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, headquartered in Washington, D.C., a member of the Women’s Leadership Board, Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government and is former Chairman and current ex officio member of the Legal Advisory Committee to the New York Stock Exchange. Ms. Hart is Past Chairman of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Association and has been an active leader in The Women’s Museum Board, The Dallas Citizens Council, the International Women’s Forum, The Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce, the Texas National Research Laboratory Commission and the Dallas Women’s Foundation. She serves on a variety of other civic boards, including the Executive Boards of SMU’s School of Law and Cox School of Business, and corporate boards, where she has taken leadership positions. While continuing her legal practice in Dallas, Ms. Hart also served as outside consultant to the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C., and as visiting professor at Stanford Law School. A former clerk on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, she has been a member of the American Bar Association House of Delegates and has written and lectured frequently throughout the country on corporate and securities law subjects.

Mitch Hart, a member of the SMU Board of Trustees, is chairman of Hart Group, Inc.; one of the original founders and current board member of The Home Depot, Inc.; founding director and former chairman of the Episcopal School of Dallas; and a former trustee and trustee emeritus of Duke University. Mr. Hart is a member of the World Presidents’ Organization and the Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America. He serves on numerous business and civic boards.

AYANA FLETCHER-TYSON   is a sophomore from Memphis, Tennessee considering sociology as her major.

AMANDA KOONS is a sophomore from Georgetown, Texas majoring in Spanish and possibly International relations with a minor in human rights.

PATRICK PROBST is a sophomore from Ballwin, Missouri majoring in economics and biology and minoring in Spanish and chemistry.

 

BETTY JO HAY ENDOWED PRESIDENT'S SCHOLAR

FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF BETTY JO HAY, VIAD CORP AND MONEYGRAM INTERNATIONAL, DONORS

Betty Jo Hay received her Bachelor of Arts degree from SMU in 1952. Throughout her life, Betty Jo never wavered in her commitment to service. Her life exemplified determination, courage, and a lifelong dedication to positively affecting the lives of others. The depth of that investment was revealed in her love of family: a core commitment that fashioned a community of caring and strength for her husband, children, grandchildren and a wide network of relatives and friends. She applied her characteristic humanity and tenacity to the public arena where she set a high standard for passionate, effective volunteer work. Her advocacy of mental health issues earned her a reputation for dynamic leadership as a board member and president of the National Mental Health Association. She and her husband, Jess, founded the Texas Mental Health Foundation and the Betty Jo Hay Distinguished Chair of Mental Health at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Betty Jo also championed children’s issues by serving as a member of the National Commission on Children, Texas Commission on Children and Youth, Governor’s Council on Disabilities and the National Committee for the Prevention of Child Abuse.

Improving higher education was another passion for her. Betty Jo served on the Coordinating Board of the Texas College and University System, Association of Higher Education for North Texas, Statewide Task Force on Accreditation and the Public Interest, and the Accreditation Committee for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Betty Jo Hay was an outstanding public citizen whose actions provided a superb example and role model that inspired a generation of volunteers and contributed much to improve the lives of the less fortunate in our society.

JUPIN MALHI  is a senior from Garland, Texas, majoring in biology and psychology with a minor in chemistry.

JENNA REEKIE  is a junior from Highland Village, Texas majoring in accounting.

 

HUFFINGTON BICENTENNIAL SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT FUND

Ambassador Roy M. Huffington’s distinguished career included global oil and gas exploration, international business, military service in the U.S. Navy and diplomatic service as U.S. Ambassador to Austria. Ambassador Huffington’s lifelong love for and association with SMU began as an undergraduate, earning a B.S. degree in geology from SMU in 1938, and continued throughout his life as he served as a Trustee and a Trustee emeritus, received SMU’s Distinguished Alumni Award, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from SMU in 1990, and received the Mustang Award in 1996 with his wife, Phyllis Gough Huffington, for longtime service and philanthropy to the University. In 2008, Ambassador Huffington donated gifts to endow SMU’s geology department, for which the University renamed it The Roy M. Huffington Department of Earth Sciences.

AMANDA PATTERSON is a senior from Bedford, Texas majoring in history and medieval studies.

CHELSEA WALKER is a sophomore from Coppell, Texas majoring in public policy and marketing.

 

THE KATHERINE HUGHES TRIGG and CHARLES S. TRIGG ENDOWED PRESIDENT’S SCHOLAR

Katherine Hughes and Charles H. Trigg met while attending SMU. Mr. Trigg earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and Mrs. Trigg, who studied piano and organ, received a Bachelor of Music degree. Mr. Trigg played football for the SMU Mustangs and later served as assistant football coach. The Hughes-Trigg Student Center, located near the place where the couple first met, is named in honor of the Triggs and their families. Mr. and Mrs. Trigg were recipients of the 1994 Distinguished Alumni Award.

BRIAN TENNER is a sophomore from Beaumont, Texas majoring in electrical engineering with a biomedical specialization.

 

RUTH RAY HUNT ENDOWED PRESIDENT'S SCHOLAR RAY L. AND NANCY ANN HUNT, DONORS

Ruth Ray Hunt widely known in Dallas for her compassion toward people in need. In her lifetime, she provided generous support for numerous civic and religious projects, including gifts to her church, support for the H.L. and Ruth Ray Hunt Heart Center at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, the Circle 10 Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and the American Cancer Research Learning Center in Dallas. Generous in spirit, Ruth Ray Hunt is remembered for the many lives she touched with unstinting kindness.

ANNIE NGUYEN is a senior from Dallas, Texas majoring in biology and chemistry.

 

JEFFREY DAVID JANSEN MEMORIAL ENDOWED PRESIDENT'S SCHOLAR MR. AND MRS. JOE FRANK JANSEN, DONORS

Jeffrey David Jansen, a former President's Scholar at SMU, graduated cum laude with Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1989. Jeffrey worked as a financial analyst before his death in 1991.

ALEXANDER FROLOV is a senior from Dallas, Texas, majoring in biology and philosophy.

 

JONES DAY PRESIDENT'S SCHOLARS THROUGH SMU'S WILLIS M. TATE DISTINGUISHED LECTURE SERIES

Jones Day is one of the largest international law firms with more than 2,200 lawyers in 30 major economic and financial centers around the world. The firm is honored to count among its clients members of the Fortune Global 500 and half of the Fortune 500. Jones Day is one firm worldwide. Jones Day ranks as one of the largest law offices in Dallas, with more than 185 lawyers. The size and breadth of the Jones Day Dallas practice enables the office to provide a full range of services to clients in Texas and throughout the world.

P. J. GARDNER is a senior from Omaha, Nebraska majoring in political science.

RHIANNON HAMAM is a senior from Bedford, Texas, majoring in journalism and political science with minors in human rights studies and French.

JONATHAN KOH is a senior from West Monroe, Louisiana, majoring in history and political science.

 

THE ROBERT C. AND CHARLOTTE R. KETTLER PRESIDENT'S SCHOLAR

Robert C. Kettler, a third-generation Washington, D.C.-area developer, is chairman and CEO of his firm Kettler, the largest land development firm in metropolitan Washington. It ranks among the nation’s top 15 multifamily developers. Mr. Kettler has served on the Board of Directors of the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association, the Northern Virginia Political Action Committee and the Washington and Metropolitan Area Boys Club. He has served on advisory boards at George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College and is currently on the Board of Trustees of The Potomac School in McLean, Virginia. He and his wife, Charlotte, have been married 26 years and have four children.

NICK BROWN is a senior from Dallas, Texas majoring in electrical engineering and mathematics.
 

LACERTE FAMILY PRESIDENT'S SCHOLARS THROUGH SMU'S WILLIS M. TATE DISTINGUISHED LECTURE SERIES

Lawrence Lacerte is founder and former president and CEO of Lacerte Software Corporation. . He also is the founder, president and CEO of Lacerte Technologies, producers of Exponet HR. He is a trustee for St. Mark’s School of Texas and a former member of the Executive Board of the Cox School of Business at SMU.

Joyce Lacerte holds membership on the boards of SMU’s Willis M. Tate Distinguished Lecture Series and the Dallas Zoological Society.

ALEXANDRA FELDMAN is a sophomore from Houston, Texas majoring in international studies.

LASHLEE WARNER is a first year student from New Orleans, Louisiana majoring in Spanish and pre-medicine.

DANIEL LOPEZ ROMO is a sophomore from Richardson, Texas majoring in mechanical engineering.

 

WILLIAM H. LIVELY PRESIDENT'S SCHOLAR THROUGH SMU'S WILLIS M. TATE DISTINGUISHED LECTURE SERIES

William H. Lively is president and CEO of the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts Foundation and president and CEO of the North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee. A native Texan, Mr. Lively earned his Bachelor of Music degree at SMU in 1965 and his Master of Education degree in 1970 from North Texas State University from 1998 through 2000. Mr. Lively was president and CEO of Up With People, headquartered in Denver. Mr. Lively was a member of SMU’s faculty and administration for 25 years. While at SMU, Mr. Lively served as vice president for development and external affairs and director of The Campaign for SMU; interim athletic director; associate vice president and executive director of the SMU Alumni Association; and associate vice president for University development. Mr. Lively founded the University’s Tate Lecture Series.

In response to Mr. Lively’s years of service to the University, and especially to the Tate Lecture Series, a group of Dallas business and civic leaders made gifts to SMU to establish a Tate Lecture named in his honor with the proceeds dedicated to support SMU President’s Scholars. This generous philanthropic gesture was made in secret and was a surprise to Mr. Lively, for which he and his wife, Mickey, have expressed their enduring gratitude.

KATHERINE ROSSI is a sophomore from Huntington Beach, California with plans to double major in business and psychology.

 

ALBERT N. ROHNSTEDT ENDOWED PRESIDENT’S SCHOLAR

LOMAS MORTGAGE USA AND FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES OF ALBERT ROHNSTEDT, DONORS

Albert N. Rohnstedt, former president and chief executive officer of The Lomas & Nettleton Company, served for many years as a member of the boards of Lomas & Nettleton Financial Corporation and Lomas & Nettleton Mortgage Investors. Mr. Rohnstedt was a pioneer in modern mortgage banking and an industry leader throughout his career, which began in the early 1930s. He passed away in November 1987. This scholarship was created and funded by 152 donations from friends and colleagues.

MICHELLE CLINTON is a sophomore from Allen, Texas majoring in engineering.

 

MAGUIRE OIL COMPANY PRESIDENT'S SCHOLAR

Maguire Oil Company was founded in Dallas in 1969 by Cary M. Maguire, who earlier had managed his father’s business, Russell Maguire Oil Operations. The Maguire family has participated in more than 150 oil and gas discoveries over the years. Mr. Maguire served on SMU’s Board of Trustees for 25 years and now serves as trustee emeritus. He is the founder of both the Maguire Center for Ethics and Public Responsibility and the Maguire Energy Institute at SMU, and the Maguire building at SMU is named after him. Mr. Maguire also serves on the National Petroleum Council and the Madison Council of the Library of Congress.

HANNAH BLISS is a first year student from Wildwood, Missouri and is majoring in public policy and markets and culture with minors in human rights and Spanish.

 

THE ROBERT F. AND JEANNETTE K. O'MEARA ENDOWED PRESIDENT'S SCHOLAR

This scholarship was created in memory of Robert F. O'Meara and in honor of Jeanette K. O'Meara, parents of Kevin P. O'Meara.  Kevin O'Meara was a member of the inaugural class of President's Scholars in 1982. He received a B.A. in Economics and a B.B.A. from SMU in 1986 and went on to earn an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School in 1988.   . Kevin O’Meara co-founded, is the former president and COO of Builders FirstSource, a publicly traded building products manufacturing and distribution company. He has continued his involvement with SMU, having served as co-chair of the President’s Scholars Alumni Endowment Fund. Patricia Ryan O’Meara received her B.A. degree from the University of Notre Dame and her J.D. from Duke University School of Law. The couple has three children.

NICK ELLEDGE is a junior from Frisco, Texas majoring in economics and political science.

 

THE OAKLAWN FOUNDATION ENDOWED PRESIDENT’S SCHOLAR

This endowed scholarship was initiated by William A. Arnold, IV, who graduated from SMU in 1986. While at SMU, Bill was actively involved with the SMU Student Foundation Endowment Fund, served as a Business School Senator and later became Student Body Treasurer in his senior year.  He has served as a member of the SMU Alumni Association Board of Directors and participates in various recruiting and fund-raising efforts. Mr. Arnold was elected to The Oaklawn Foundation Board of Directors in 1986 . In recent years, Oaklawn has contributed to the Dedman Life Sciences Building and generously supported efforts to bring the George W. Bush Presidential Library to SMU.

MICHAEL SHEETZ is a junior from Dallas, Texas majoring in political science.

 

OMNI HOTELS PRESIDENT'S SCHOLARS THROUGH SMU'S WILLIS M. TATE DISTINGUISHED LECTURE SERIES

Omni Hotels offers luxury accommodations at 40 hotels and resorts in leading business gateways and leisure destinations across North America. Based in the Dallas metroplex, Omni offers ten award-winning properties in all the major markets across the state and furthers its leading position in Texas when it opens the doors to the Omni Fort Worth Hotel in late 2008.

From exceptional golf and spa retreats to dynamic business settings, each location features four-diamond services, including outstanding signature restaurants, Wi-Fi connectivity and unique fitness options. The brand creates compelling, memorable guest experiences by tempting the senses in innovative ways, surrounding them with a balanced blend of scents, sounds, sights, textures and tastes. Omni’s mission for total customer service is further supported by its “Power of One” program that empowers associates to make on-the-spot decisions to meet or exceed guest expectations. Omni Hotels was recently ranked “Highest in Guest Satisfaction Among Upscale Hotel Chains” in the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study(SM) for the second year in a row.

SAIRA HUSAIN is a sophomore from Southlake, Texas majoring in biology and anthropology with minors in Spanish and human rights.

ADRIANA MARTINEZ is a sophomore from Dallas, Texas majoring in international studies and political science with a concentration on Latin America.

NICO STIRLING is a sophomore from Littleton, Colorado majoring in business.

 

ONCOR ELECTRIC DELIVERY PRESIDENT'S SCHOLARS THROUGH SMU'S WILLIS M. TATE DISTINGUISHED LECTURE SERIES

Oncor Electric Delivery, the transmission and distribution subsidiary of TXU Corp., delivers power to approximately three million homes and businesses in Texas through more than 100,000 miles of distribution and 14,000 miles of transmission lines.

Oncor Electric Delivery has made a commitment to the communities it serves to provide safe and reliable electric service and support educational programs that make a difference.

KATRINA GALKA is a junior from Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, majoring in vocal performance.

HOWARD HE is a sophomore student from Plano, Texas majoring in premedical studies.

SAMAIYA MUSHTAQ is a sophomore from Coppell, Texas majoring in international studies and pre-medicine studies.

 

THE LAURENCE AND CATHERINE PERRINE ENDOWED PRESIDENT’S SCHOLAR

A professor of English at SMU for 34 years, Laurence Perrine was highly esteemed by students and colleagues alike. His textbooks and scholarly writings brought him an international reputation. The success of Literature: Structure, Sound, and Sense (originally two volumes) made this endowment possible, and it remains a standard text. Catherine Perrine received many awards and citations for her work on environmental matters as a member of the League of Women Voters, Save Open Spaces, and numerous state and local task forces. The couple was renowned for their dedication, intelligence, and generosity of spirit.

RONNIE BARAKAT is a junior from Allen, Texas majoring in biology.

REBECCA QUINN is a junior from Dallas, Texas majoring in Spanish, French, and art history.

 

CHARLES H. AND REGINA PISTOR ENDOWED PRESIDENT'S SCHOLAR

Charles H. and Regina Pistor have been active in the Dallas community for more than 30 years. Mr. Pistor is a former trustee and vice chair of SMU. In 1987, he was honored as a distinguished alumnus. A former president of the American Bankers Association and CEO of Republic Bank Dallas, Mr. Pistor holds three degrees, including an M.B.A. from SMU. Mrs. Pistor received a B.S. in education from the University of Texas. The Pistors have a daughter who is an ordained Presbyterian minister; two sons, both of whom hold M.B.A. degrees from SMU; and six grandchildren.

MICHELLE ENGLE is a first year student from Richardson, Texas majoring in engineering.

 

THE CUSTARD AND PITTS FAMILY ENDOWED PRESIDENT’S SCHOLARS

L. FRANK PITTS, LINDA PITTS CUSTARD, AND WILLIAM A. CUSTARD, DONORS

The respect and loyalty of the Pitts/Custard Family for SMU has prompted L. Frank Pitts, his daughter, Linda Pitts Custard, and her husband, William A. Custard, to ultimately fund four President’s Scholars. Mr. and Mrs. Custard are graduates of SMU, and Mrs. Custard is a Trustee of the University.

THE LINDA PITTS CUSTARD PRESIDENT’S SCHOLAR

LYDIA KAPP is a sophomore from Aurora, Colorado majoring in theatre studies and Spanish.

THE L. FRANK PITTS PRESIDENT’S SCHOLARS

DREW PETERSEN is a junior from Austin, Texas majoring in biomedical engineering and business.

MAIA VANDYKE is a senior from Cleveland Heights, Ohio majoring in  biology.

THE WILLIAM A. CUSTARD PRESIDENT’S SCHOLARS

GINA FORD is a first year student from Fort Worth, Texas majoring in music performance and history.

 

A. KENNETH PYE AND JUDITH KING PYE ENDOWED PRESIDENT'S SCHOLAR

 SMU BOARD OF TRUSTEES, DONORS

A. Kenneth Pye was named the ninth president of SMU in 1987. Mr. Pye served the University with distinction until his resignation three weeks before his death in 1994. As president of SMU, Mr. Pye advanced diversity on the campus, increased the endowment by 43 percent, reestablished fiscal stability and supported academic integrity as hallmarks of the institution. Prior to coming to SMU, Mr. Pye served Duke University in several capacities: professor of law, university counsel, director of international studies, dean of the law school, chancellor and acting president. Mr. and Mrs. Pye met in Washington, D.C., and during their marriage, Mrs. Pye devoted herself to supporting her husband in his career.

Their son, Henry Williams Pye, graduated from SMU with a J.D. and an M.B.A. in 1997. Henry currently serves as the Assistant Vice President of Resident Solutions for JPI Companies based in Irving. JPI Resident Solutions encompasses the financial, operating, legal, and technical aspects of voice, video, and data services, bulk services, unit and building access control, unit and common area audio-video and lifestyle technologies, and other low voltage amenities and systems. JPI Resident Solutions also coordinates JPI’s and Third Party efforts with regard to high-performance, sustainable, and environmentally conscious design including LEED certification and energy management.

DANIEL PICKETT is a first year student from Denton, Texas majoring in biological sciences.

 

THE RAINER FAMILY/AUDREY GRIMES EPPERSON WILLIAM J. AND CAROLYN M. RAINER DONORS

William Rainer received his B.A. and M.B.A. degrees from SMU. While a student, he lettered in basketball and baseball, and for several years he played for the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. Mr. Rainer is a co-founder of Greenwich Capital Markets, Inc. and a former member of the SMU Board of Trustees. He currently serves as chair on the Dean’s Council at Harvard Divinity School. Mr. Rainer was appointed by President Bill Clinton to be chairman of the United States Enrichment Corporation and completed his public service as chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission in 2001. Carolyn Mattson Rainer received her B.A. degree from SMU and her M.S.W. degree from Columbia University and serves on the executive board of SMU-in-Taos. She is also on the SMU Central Universities Library Executive Board. They have three children.

LUAN (HENRY) NGUYEN is a junior from Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam majoring in biochemistry.

CARL AND PEGGY SEWELL PRESIDENT'S SCHOLARS

Carl Sewell, chairman of Sewell Automotive Companies and author of Customers for Life, received a B.B.A. degree from SMU. He serves SMU as chair of the Board of Trustees and as a member and past chair of the executive board of the Cox School of Business. He is a past president of St. Mark’s School of Texas and has served on the boards of the Neiman Marcus Group, SouthwestMedia Corporation, First City Bank, Ford Bank Group and United National Bank.

Peggy Sewell’s current civic involvement includes serving on the boards of M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Baylor Health Care Foundation, North Dallas Shared Ministries, the American Film Institute, The Dallas Museum of Art’s Board of Trustees and the Advisory Funding Board of the Junior League of Dallas. She also has served on the Susan G. Komen board of directors, SMU Meadows School of the Arts executive board and as a trustee of The Hockaday School. Together Peggy and Carl co-chaired SMU’s 1996-97 Annual Giving Campaign. Peggy is a contributing editor of Southern Accents magazine.

 

CARL AND PEGGY SEWELL ENDOWED PRESIDENT'S SCHOLARS

T. J. CHAKRAVARTHY is a junior from Southlake, Texas majoring in business.

ALLISON CHANDLER is a junior from Tuscaloosa, Alabama majoring in marketing.

ALI HAIDAR is a senior from Coppell, Texas majoring in biological sciences.

FILIP LORINC is a sophomore from Plano, Texas majoring in finance with a minor in mathematics and economics.

KALEY MARCIS is a junior from San Diego, California, majoring in mechanical engineering and mathematics with a minor in business administration.

RYAN MEYER is a senior from Bedford, Texas majoring in finance and history.

ANGELINE NGUYEN is a senior from Plano, Texas, majoring in biology and Spanish.

RACHEL SIMPSON is a senior from Plano, Texas, majoring in foreign languages (French and Spanish) and political science with a minor in English.

CORBIN SWAGERTY is a sophomore from Topeka, Kansas majoring in engineering.

SAMANTHA WATKINS is a junior from Forney, Texas, majoring in computer engineering, marketing and business management.

 

CARL AND PEGGY SEWELL ANNUAL PRESIDENT'S SCHOLARS

MARISSA BERENSON is a sophomore student from Fort Worth, Texas majoring in business.

TRIGG BURRAGE is a sophomore from Slidell, Louisiana, majoring in business and theatre.

SHARON CHAN is a sophomore from Carrollton, Texas, majoring in business.

MARET DELF is a sophomore from Plano, Texas, majoring in business, psychology, and art history.

JOE GAASBECK is a sophomore from Lawton, Oklahoma majoring in engineering and political science.

TYLER HARRIS is a first year student from Newport, Arkansas majoring in business.

JONATHAN HILL is a first year student from Maitland, Florida majoring in engineering.

VLADIMIR JOVANOVIC is a second year junior from Flower Mound majoring in computer science and psychology.

CONNOR KITE is a a first year student from Cypress, Texas and is majoring in mechanical engineering.

AARON KRAUSS is a sophomore student from Edmond, Oklahoma majoring in engineering.

CODY MERRILL is a first year student from Broken Bow, Oklahoma majoring in finance.

MICHAEL MITCHELL is a first year student from Austin, Texas majoring in finance and business.

BRADLEY RAY is a first year student from Plano, Texas majoring in mechanical engineering.

CRISTINA SANDERS is a sophomore from Cincinnati, Ohio majoring in biology.

TIMOTHY SCALZO is a first year student from Southlake, Texas majoring in computer science.

JESSICA SCHAUWECKER is a sophomore from Arlington, Texas majoring in creative writing, and mechanical and biomechanical engineering.

DOUGLAS SELLERS is a first year student from Montgomery, Alabama majoring in finance and political science.

MEGAN SESSEL is a first year student from Orange Beach, Alabama majoring in biochemistry and business.

RACHEL VAUGHAN is a first year student from Cedar Hill, Texas majoring in electrical and biomedical engineering.

AMRITA VIR is a sophomore from Houston, Texas majoring in business.

 

CHARLES S. SHARP ENDOWED PRESIDENT'S SCHOLARS RUTH SHARP ALTSHULER AND THE LATE CHARLES S. SHARP, DONORS

Charles S. Sharp was vice chair of the board of Fidelity Union Life Insurance Company and president of the Mayflower Investment Company. His civic honors and responsibilities included service as chair of the boards of The Salvation Army, United Way, YMCA, and the Dallas Summer Musicals. Ruth Altshuler ('48) is a past chair of SMU's Board of Trustees and served as co-chair of The Campaign for SMU: A Time to Lead.

MELISSA BOSMA is a senior from Desoto, Texas majoring in music performance.

KYLE CHESTER is a senior from Dallas majoring in EMIS and economics with financial applications.

ESTHER LIU is a first-year student from Lewisville, Texas majoring in communications.

SAVANNAH NILES is a first year student from Fort Worth, Texas majoring in biology and studio art.

CHARLTON ROBERTS is a sophomore from Ridgeland, Mississippi majoring in theatre studies and mathematics.

MARIA SANCHEZ is a sophomore from Irving, Texas majoring in engineering.

JASON SMITH is a senior from Grapevine, Texas majoring in mechanical engineering and public policy.

SHELBY STANLEY is a senior from Richardson, Texas majoring in dance and psychology.

 

HAROLD SIMMONS FOUNDATION ENDOWED PRESIDENT'S SCHOLARS

The Harold Simmons Foundation, established in 1998, is chaired by Harold Simmons. Lisa Simmons Epstein, his daughter, is president. The foundation awards grants supporting medical research; health and human services, including programs targeting high-risk  youth and families; and the educational, cultural, and civic improvement programs.

JACOB FLEMING is a first-year student from Livermore, Colorado majoring in biochemistry and psychology.

BERNARDO LOPEZ-MOGOLLON is a first-year student from San Antonio, Texas majoring in economics.

BETH MABLY is a junior from Evansville, Indiana and is majoring in dance and mathematics.

JASIA MAHDI is a junior student from Carrollton, Texas, majoring in biochemistry and history.

 

ROY AND CHRISTINE STURGIS CHARITABLE AND EDUCATIONAL TRUST OF DALLAS ENDOWED PRESIDENT'S SCHOLAR

Roy Sturgis was one of 10 children of an Arkansas farmer and homemaker. He dropped out of school after the eighth grade to work in the sawmills. Mr. Sturgis met married Texas native Christine Johns. They spent most of their lives in Arkansas, although they lived in Dallas during the 1960's. Roy and Christine Sturgis were successful in the timber and sawmill industries of southern Arkansas and other real estate and business investments. Roy Sturgis died in 1976, and Christine Sturgis died in 1981. Christine Sturgis created the Dallas-based charitable trust that bears their names. Although neither had an opportunity to receive an advanced education, they recognized the importance of a formal education for everyone. Their generosity through the charitable trust has provided scholarships for many young people attending colleges in Texas and Arkansas.

LUKE APISA is a first-year student from Centerville, Ohio majoring in Biological Sciences.

JOSEPH OTTOLENGHI is a first-year student from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida majoring in biological sciences.

 

WILLIS M. TATE PRESIDENT'S SCHOLARS TATE LECTURE SERIES BOARD OF DIRECTORS, DONORS

The Tate Board of Directors was created in 1992 to serve in an advisory capacity to the Willis M. Tate Distinguished Lecture Series. Board members pay annual dues in support of three President’s Scholars. Currently, Terdema L. Ussery chairs the 43-member board.

CALEB CATES is a sophomore from Valdosta, Georgia, majoring in public policy.

CHRISTIAN GENCO is a first-year student from Colleyville, Texas majoring in biochemistry.

KRISTIN HARRINGTON is a junior from Plano, Texas majoring in biology and German.

SANAZ TALAIFAR is a sophomore from Frisco, Texas majoring in international studies, French, and psychology.

SNIGDHA TOODI is a junior from Baton Rouge, Louisiana majoring in biological sciences.

 

TOLLESON PRESIDENT'S SCHOLARS THROUGH SMU'S WILLIS M. TATE DISTINGUISHED LECTURE SERIES MR. AND MRS. JOHN C. TOLLESON, DONORS

John C. Tolleson is the chairman and chief executive officer of Tolleson Wealth Management, a Dallas-based private banking and wealth management firm. He is the founder, former chairman and CEO of First USA, Inc., one of the largest independent credit card companies in the U.S. prior to its merger with Bank One in 1997. John serves on several boards, including Southwestern Medical Foundation, Dallas Center for the Performing Arts Foundation, SMU Board of Trustees and the Willis M. Tate Distinguished Lecture Series. In addition, he serves as chairman of the Executive Board of the Edwin L. Cox School of Business and was the recipient of the Cox School of Business Distinguished Alumni Award in 1996.

Debbie Tolleson is the president of the Tolleson Family Foundation and serves on the board of directors of Tolleson Wealth Management and on the executive board of Meadows School of the Arts. She is a member of the President’s Advisory Council of the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts Foundation, the SMU Parent Leadership Council and the Honorary Advisory Board of the World Affairs Council. Debbie is a founding member of The Women’s Auxiliary of Nexus and is active in fundraising for various charitable organizations.

NICK BURNS is a sophomore from Dallas, Texas, majoring in biological sciences and French.

MATT GAYER is a sophomore from Fenton, Missouri majoring in biological sciences.

MICHELLE PILLERS is a sophomore from Shorewood, Illinois majoring in physics and biochemistry.

 

PRESIDENT’S SCHOLAR THROUGH SMU’S PRESIDENT’S SCHOLARS ALUMNI

In 2002 the President’s Scholars Program at SMU celebrated its 20th anniversary. To commemorate this occasion, President’s Scholars alumni and their parents contributed funds to establish the President’s Scholars Alumni Endowment Fund. The earnings from this endowment support a President’s Scholar. This great tradition and program will continue to grow with continued support.

Ms. Becky Broadfoot Cullum, who is a President’s Scholar alumna, is the alumni representative. Ms. Cullum graduated in 2000 with a degree in Management Sciences and is working with the Young Life Organization.

JESSICA MAXEY is a sophomore from Shreveport, Louisiana majoring in mathematics and engineering.

 

PRESIDENT SCHOLARS SUPPORTED BY SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY

EMILY HABECK is a junior from Ardmore, Oklahoma majoring in theatre studies.

ALLISON JORDAN is a junior from Coppell, Texas. She is majoring in English and Religious Studies.

JONATHAN LYNN is a senior from Grand Prairie, Texas majoring in theatre studies.

JENNIFER RAAD is a senior from Dallas, Texas and is majoring in mathematics and biology with a pre-medicine emphasis.

ROBERT SMITH is a junior from Garland, Texas majoring in business, anthropology, and environmental sciences.

ARIANNA WELCH is a junior from Springfield, Illinois majoring in electrical engineering with a biomedical focus.