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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.

DAMILOLA SALAKO is a junior from Coppell, Texas majoring in biology and English with a creative writing specialization.

 

THE ANITA AND TRUMAN ARNOLD PRESIDENT'S SCHOLARS

Truman Arnold is the founder and chairman of the Board of Truman Arnold Companies (TAC), a privately–owned regional petroleum marketing and aviation fixed-based operations company. Truman has served on the National Petroleum Advisory Council, past president of the Petroleum Marketing Educational Foundation, former majority shareholder and chairman of the Executive Committee of Century Bank, chairman of the Board of Directors of St. Michael Health Care Systems, trustee of the Board of Directors of Opportunities, Inc., chairman of the Board of Directors of Texarkana College Foundation Board, president of Texarkana Chamber of Commerce, served on the Board of Regents for both Texarkana Community College and Lamar University, and received an Honorary Doctorate of Leadership from Texas A&M University-Texarkana in 2007.

 Anita Arnold is the executive vice president of Truman Arnold Companies. Anita has been active in a number of charitable, cultural, & community organizations. This includes her service as a Trustee for the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., where she chaired the Education Committee as well as serving on several other committees including the Board of Directors of Opportunities, Inc., a private charitable foundation that provides developmental support to children and adults with specialized needs in Southwest Arkansas and Northeast Texas. Anita has also served as a board member for Clinton School of Public Service, Women for Texas A&M – Texarkana, The Texas Committee for Humanities, Century Bank, Baylor Health Care System Foundation, Willis M. Tate Distinguished Lecture Series Board, and received an Honorary Doctorate of Leadership from Texas A&M University-Texarkana in 2007.

CAROLINE DILLARD is a junior from Plano, Texas majoring in finance and history.

LEXIE HAMMESFAHR is a junior from Marietta, Georgia majoring in broadcast journalism.

ROMAN STOLYAROV is a junior from Richardson, Texas majoring in electrical engineering with a biomedical specialization and computer science.

 

PEGGY BAUERVIC 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.

SARA KENDRICK is a sophomore from Dallas, Texas, majoring in engineering and biological sciences.


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 senior from Coppell, Texas majoring in business and music with a piano concentration.

 

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.

EILEEN HOEDEBECK is a junior from Irving, Texas, majoring in business and psychology.

 

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 senior from Wildwood, Missouri majoring in political science, economics and Spanish.

 

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 senior from Plano, Texas majoring in electrical engineering.

 

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.

HIBA IBAD is a junior from Coppell, Texas, majoring in biochemistry and philosophy.

 

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 senior from Holmen, Wisconsin majoring in business and public policy.

 

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).

SHERIN JOHN is a sophomore from Lewisville, Texas, majoring in biochemistry and biological sciences.

 

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.

 

THE DAN AND DEBRA FRIEDKIN PRESIDENT’S SCHOLAR

Mr. Dan Friedkin is chairman of the Friedkin Companies, a family-owned holding company that owns Gulf States Toyota. Gulf States Toyota is an auto dealership chain with over 150 locations through Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Mr. Friedkin earned his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University in 1988 and an M.B.A. degree from Rice University in 1992. He is an avid pilot, a former Hollywood stunt pilot flying a P-51 Mustang, a vintage World War II plane as part of an aerobatic team called The Horsemen. He is owner and driver of an off-road race car team called Tforce Motorsport which competed in the famous Baja off-road races. Mr. Friedkin is a hunter and avid outdoorsman who is active in wildlife conservation initiatives in the U.S. and abroad and in Africa. He and his family spend much of their time at their south Texas ranch where they are involved in wildlife management and research.

Mr. Friedkin is married to Debra Lynn (Hinchey) Friedkin. They have four children; Thomas D. ‘Danny’ (b. 1989), Ryan (b. 1990), Corbin (b. 1992) and Savannah (b. 1995).

Mr. Friedkin is chairman of the Kinkaid Investments Foundation and serves on the board of trustees of the Kinkaid School and is a board member of JPMorgan Chase in Houston. He is a member of the advisory board of the Texas A&M Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute. Mr. Friedkin is also vice chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, appointed by Governor Rick Perry.

Mr. and Mrs. Friedkin are members of the SMU Parent Leadership Council. Their philanthropic endeavors include a disaster relief fund set up by The Friedkin Companies following Hurricane Katrina to aid Toyota associates and their families who were affected by the hurricane.

KALEIGH SCHROPP is a junior from Leawood, Kansas majoring in chemistry and business.

 

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.

GWEN CARRIS is a sophomore from Dallas, Texas, majoring in engineering.

MEHDI HAMI is a sophomore from Garland, Texas, majoring in biochemistry and anthropology.

PAUL KINNEY is a sophomore from Centennial, Colorado, majoring in mechanical engineering.

ELIZABETH WHITE is a sophomore from Stillwater, Oklahoma, majoring in cello performance.

 

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.

 

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.

FANTINE GIAP is a sophomore from Rancho Santa Fe, California. She is majoring in biological sciences and mathematics.

MORIAH MOMSEN is a junior from El Paso, Texas majoring in mechanical engineering.

 

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.

RICKY MOUSER is a junior from Houston, Texas majoring in statistical science, philosophy, psychology and Spanish.

 

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 th/e 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 ir families. Mr. and Mrs. Trigg were recipients of the 1994 Distinguished Alumni Award.

 

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.

ARNAUD ZIMMERN is a junior from Dallas, TX majoring in mathematics, English, French and German.

 

THE EDWARD R. AND MARY ANN HYDE PRESIDENT'S SCHOLAR

Edward ‘Ed’ R. Hyde ’49 (ND) is a retired executive of the Sun Oil Company (now known as Sunoco). He joined Sun Oil immediately after leaving SMU and was with the company for 41 years. Mr. Hyde's specific role and responsibilities are not known; however, according to contact reports he spent several years at the company's Philadelphia headquarters and more than 20 years of his career internationally, including time in Liberia, Africa. Mr. Hyde left the Sunoco in the late 1980s.

Mr. Hyde attended SMU with the class of 1949, but did not earn a degree. During his time at SMU he was involved with the Arden Playhouse group after being encouraged to join by classmate Aaron Spelling. Mr. Hyde is a native of Mabank, Texas.

Mr. Hyde is married to Mary Ann ‘Lola’ (Jackson) Hyde, a native of Dallas. She is an alumna of the Hockaday School earning her high school diploma in 1949 and her junior college diploma in 1951. She continues to serve the school as an agent for the class of 1949.

According to contact reports, after graduation she worked as an administrative assistant for Sun Oil before her marriage to Mr. Hyde. Mrs. Hyde is currently serving as a member of the Executive Board for the Meadows School of the Arts. She is also a member of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League and chaired the new member luncheon in 2010.

JOSH ABRAMOVITCH is a junior from Pearland, Texas majoring in physics and engineering management, information and systems.

 

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.

TREVOR YOUNGBLOOD is a junior from Houston, Texas majoring in computer science with game development specialization.

 

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.

AMY CHEN is a junior from Flower Mound, Texas majoring in political science and communications.

RICHARD GEE is a junior from Charlotte, North Carolina majoring in political science and economics.

MARY WEBBER is a junior from Houston, Texas majoring in philosophy and political science.

 

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.

LASHLEE WARNER is a senior from New Orleans, Louisiana majoring in Spanish and biological science.

 

WILLIAM H. LIVELY PRESIDENT'S SCHOLAR

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.

 

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.

 

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 senior from Wildwood, Missouri and is majoring in political science and accounting.

 

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.

RAHFIN FARUK is a sophomore from Richardson, Texas, majoring in public policy, economics and international relations.

 

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.

KATIE GOLDEN is a sophomore from Keller, Texas, majoring in biological sciences.

 

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.

 

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

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

KETETHA OLENGUE is a sophomore from Colleyville, Texas, majoring in mathematics and computer science with a pre-medical specialization.

DANIEL TRUJILLO is a sophomore from La Canada Flintridge, California, majoring in psychology and management with a premedical focus.

 

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.

PEGGY PRUITT is a sophomore student from Kansas City, Missouri, majoring in anthropology.

KATHRYN SCHAIBLE  is a sophomore student from The Woodlands, Texas, majoring in dance and international studies.

 

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 senior from Richardson, Texas majoring in biological sciences and Spanish.

 

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

 

THE L. FRANK PITTS PRESIDENT’S SCHOLARS

SYLVIANNE NGUYEN is a junior from Richardson, Texas majoring in business and French.

DENNIS TAKEDA is a sophomore from Carrollton, Texas, majoring in finance and international studies.

 

THE WILLIAM A. CUSTARD PRESIDENT’S SCHOLARS

GINA FORD is a senior from Fort Worth, Texas majoring in oboe performance and psychology.

 

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 senior 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.

DEREK PHANEKHAM is a sophomore from Fort Worth, Texas, majoring in computer science.

 

THE GINA REAUD ENDOWED PRESIDENT'S SCHOLAR

ANDY LIN is a senior from Austin, Texas majoring in biological sciences and geology.

 

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

AARON CHU is a sophomore from Plano, Texas, majoring in biological sciences and possibly business.

TYLER FRISKE is a sophomore from Southlake, Texas, majoring in mechanical engineering and pre-medicine.

ALLISON LEOPOLD is a junior from Baton Rouge, LA majoring in environmental engineering, mathematics and dance.

LAUREN LYNGSTAD is a junior from Fargo, North Dakota majoring in finance.

ASHLEY MCNEIL is a junior from San Antonio, Texas majoring in mechanical engineering.

JARROD MILHORN is a sophomore from Dallas, Texas, majoring in biochemistry.

JAISON THOMAS is a junior from Carrollton, Texas majoring in accounting and biology.

ALEX USSERY is a junior from Austin, Texas majoring in civil engineering.

 

CARL AND PEGGY SEWELL ANNUAL PRESIDENT'S SCHOLARS

TYLER ANDERSON is a junior from Ozark, Missouri majoring in business management, economics, public policy and political science.

CHIP ARNOLD is a sophomore from New Orleans, Louisiana, majoring in business.

JULIANNA BOND is a sophomore from North Potomac, Maryland, majoring in business management and political science.

ANDREW CATES is a sophomore from Mesquite, Texas, majoring in risk management.

LAURA CHEN is a junior from Carrollton, Texas majoring in management science.

MARIAH COWLEY is a junior from McKinney, Texas, majoring in civil and environmental engineering.

MEERA DAY is a junior from San Marcos, Texas, majoring in mechanical engineering.

EMILY DUNN is a sophomore from Harker Heights, Texas, majoring in mechanical engineering.

ELISA FARRELL is a junior from Coppell, Texas majoring in business management.

WILLIAM FOX is a junior from St. Louis, Missouri majoring in engineering.

TYLER HARRIS is a senior from Newport, Arkansas majoring in business.

ALLISON HAWKS is a junior from Cedar Park, Texas majoring in electrical engineering.

HAYLEY HEATLEY is a junior from Wellington, Florida majoring in finance and biological science.

JONATHAN HILL is a senior from Maitland, Florida majoring in finance, mathematics and engineering management, information and systems.

CONNOR KITE is a senior from Cypress, Texas and is majoring in mechanical engineering and mathematics.

JAYWIN MALHI is a junior from Garland, Texas majoring in business management and political science.

ANDREW MARTEL is a sophomore from Overland Park, Kansas, majoring in electrical engineering with a biomedical specialization.

CODY MERRILL is a senior from Broken Bow, Oklahoma majoring in finance and economics.

MICHAEL MITCHELL is a senior from Austin, Texas majoring in finance and psychology.

MATTHEW MONTSINGER is a sophomore from Memphis, Tennessee, majoring in business.

MATTHEW MOZDZEN is a sophomore from Gilbert, Arizona, majoring in mechanical engineering.

LADE OBAMEHINTI is a sophomore from Keller, Texas, majoring mechanical engineering and mathematics.

BRADLEY RAY is a senior from Plano, Texas majoring in mechanical engineering.

LUCY RICHARDSON is a sophomore from Little Rock, Arkansas, majoring in civil engineering.

FARBEEN SAFA is a sophomore from Arlington, Texas, majoring in finance and biology.

TIMOTHY SCALZO is a senior from Southlake, Texas majoring in computer science and mathematics.

LINDSAY SEIDEL is a junior from Dallas, Texas majoring in marketing and psychology.

DOUGLAS SELLERS is a senior from Montgomery, Alabama majoring in finance and history.

RACHEL VAUGHAN is a senior from Cedar Hill, Texas majoring in chemistry and electrical and biomedical engineering.

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 S Board of Trustees and served as co-chair of The Campaign for SMU: A Time to Lead.

DIANA ANTOHE is a junior from Dallas, Texas majoring in studio art.

DANIEL BOUCHARD is a junior from Perryton, Texas majoring in music education and vocal performance.

ADRIENNE COOKSLEY is a junior from Austin, Texas majoring in French and corporate communications.

JOSHUA KUMLER is a junior from Jupiter, Florida majoring in theatre.

ESTHER LIU is a senior from Lewisville, Texas majoring in communications and engineering management, information and sytems.

SAVANNAH NILES is a senior from Fort Worth, Texas majoring in studio art and creative computation.

 

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 senior from Livermore, Colorado majoring in biochemistry.

BERNARDO LOPEZ-MOGOLLON is a senior from San Antonio, Texas majoring in economics and history.

MARGARET MOCHEL is a sophomore from Aurora, Colorado, majoring in biomedical mechanical engineering and Latin American and Iberian studies.

KATHLEEN STRAUSS is a sophomore from San Antonio, Texas, majoring in studio art.

 

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 senior from Centerville, Ohio majoring in biological sciences, German and economics.

JOSEPH OTTOLENGHI is a senior from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida majoring in psychology.

 

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.

CHRISTIAN GENCO is a senior from Colleyville, Texas majoring in biochemistry.

ALEXANDER HOSKINS is a sophomore from Dallas, Texas, majoring in theatre studies and arts management.

MARY KATHERINE SHOEMAKER is a sophomore from Point Clear, Alabama, majoring in biological sciences.

KYLE NAKATSUKA is a sophomore from Honolulu, Hawaii, majoring in biochemistry.

 

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.

 

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 senior from Shreveport, Louisiana, majoring in electrical engineering with a biomedical specialization, chemistry, and mathematics.

 

PRESIDENT SCHOLARS SUPPORTED BY SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY

ERIC ALT is a junior from Garland, Texas majoring in chemistry, mathematics and mechanical engineering.

MAI BEDAIR is a junior from Sunnyvale, Texas majoring in pre-medicine studies and psychology.

BRANDON BUB is a junior from Plano, Texas majoring in English.

MELODY CARON is a senior from Austin, Texas, majoring in electrical engineering with a computer engineering specialization.

ABIGAIL CLARK is a senior from Chagrin Falls, Ohio, majoring in flute performance.

ALEXANDRA DAMIANOS is a sophomore from Westport, Connecticut, majoring in history.

MICHAEL DEARMAN is a junior from Houston, Texas majoring in philosophy and history.

MICHAEL GRAVES is a junior from Bossier City, Louisiana majoring in corporate communications and religious studies.

JENNA HANNUM is a sophomore from Rockport, Texas, majoring in theatre studies and Spanish.

JEFFREY HE is a junior from Plano, Texas majoring in biological sciences.

ALEXANDRA JONES is a sophomore from Cedar Park, Texas, majoring in biochemistry, business and Spanish.

TAYLOR KARA is a sophomore from Merritt Island, Florida, majoring in political science and journalism.

JANICE KIM s a sophomore from Plano, Texas, majoring in biological sciences.

KELLY KISER is a sophomore from Columbus, Ohio, majoring in biological sciences.

PAUL KROEGER is a senior from Flower Mound, Texas, majoring in music with a concentration in voice performance.

EMILY LAMAR is a sophomore from Dallas, Texas, majoring in anthropology.

ALAINA LEGGETTE is a sophomore from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, majoring in environmental science.

CHRISTINA LOLLAR is a sophomore from Mesquite, Texas, majoring in biochemistry.

CORINNE MATTHEWS is a senior from Sachse, Texas, majoring in electrical engineering, English and mathematics.

SARAH MOWERY is a sophomore from Little Rock, Arkansas, doublemajoring in markets and culture and in French.

MATTHEW RISPOLI is a senior from Brownsville, Texas majoring in electrical engineering, physics, and mathematics.

ANNE-SOPHIE SIMARD is a junior from Memphis, Tennessee majoring in biological sciences.

ANDREW UDOFA is a junior from Baton Rouge, Louisiana majoring in biological sciences with a pre-medicine specialization.

HAYLEY WAGNER is a junior from Aurora, Colorado majoring in anthropology and French.

 

SMU ALUMNI BOARD ENDOWED PRESIDENT’S SCHOLAR

In 2008 SMU’s Alumni Board partnered with SMU Trustee and alumnus Carl Sewell ’66 to create a challenge designed to increase alumni participation in giving, particularly in support of scholarships. The result was the establishment of an endowed President’s Scholarship.

Ken Malcolmson ’74 currently serves as SMU’s chair of the Alumni Board and alumni representative for the Board of Trustees. He also serves as a member of the SMU-in-Taos Executive Board and of the Cox Associate Board in the Cox School of Business. Mr. Malcolmson is the chief executive officer of the West Central Region for Humana, one of the nation’s largest publicly traded health and supplemental benefits companies. He is responsible for the overall management and strategic planning for the company’s commercial PPO, consumer-choice and self-insured health benefit products in Texas, Colorado and Utah. He also is involved in numerous community activities, including the March of Dimes, Southwest Benefits Association, The American Benefits Council and First Presbyterian Church of Dallas, where he serves as an elder.

WILLIAM BADARAK is a senior from Riverside, California majoring in finance and economics.

RAAMIS KHWAJA is a sophomore from Flower Mound, Texas, majoring in biological sciences.

ALEXIS RICCI is a junior from Dallas, Texas majoring in business.