Terry Foundation Scholarship
In 1986, Howard and Nancy Terry established the Terry Foundation as a way to help young people reach their goals in higher education. At first, the foundation was small, including only seventeen students attending the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University. Since then, the Terry Foundation has grown significantly and now supports students at University of Houston, Texas State University-San Marcos, the University of Texas San Antonio, and the University of Texas at Dallas. What started as a small and humble program has become the largest private scholarship organization in the state of Texas.
In 2006, exactly twenty years after its conception, the Terry Foundation accepted 11 young students as the first class of Terry Scholars to attend the University of Texas at Dallas. Fourteen additional scholars were selected in 2007 and again in 2008. These young men and women, affectionately referred to as the Terry Scholars, are dedicated individuals who excel academically in a wide range of majors including business administration, engineering and computer science, physics, biology, chemistry, pre-law and pre-med. They are dedicated to serving both the University and the community volunteering for esteemed organizations including Habitat for Humanity, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Dallas wheelchair ramps, MediSend, speanding spring break in Pass Christian, MS to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina, Annual Sounds of Class and baking cookies with Sunrise Assisted Living residents.
In addition to attending the annual Terry Banquet and Terry Foudnation spring picnic, the scholars attend an etiquette course, a Dallas Music Hall Opera at Fair Park as well as plays, symphonies and other cultural activities throughout the year. Before the opera, the scholars enjoy the opportunity to test their etiquette skills while dining in an upscale restaurant.
The school year is kicked off with a BBQ and the Terry Orientation, where scholars have the opportunity to get to know one another and learn about the requirements to maintain their scholarship. This also provides them the opportunity to meet high level administrators and the Terry Foundation staff.
Finally, there are numerous opportunities for scholars to interact socially. Currently the Terry Scholars play co-recreation intramurals, as well as host two semester-end gatherings. Scholars attend a holiday party in December and in the spring are welcome to bring friends and family to the May Family Day celebration.
It is with pride and honor that these scholars represent the Terry Foundation at the University of Texas at Dallas. What began three years ago as a small scholarship program has significatnly grown into a reputable organization of intelligent young men and women of strong integrity and character.
this page last updated February 20, 2009
