Welcome to Your Alumni Community, Class of 2020!
From participating in unique alumni traditions to resources and discounts, here’s how you can make the most of your new status as a UT Dallas alumnus. Read more
Impact:
Alumni News
Three Comets Making a Difference in Their Communities
From feeding frontline workers to helping create ventilators for coronavirus patients, these Comets are doing what they can to help those in need. Read more »
University’s Impact Continues to Resonate with LGBTQ Alumni
After becoming involved in LGBTQ organizations on campus, Cody Kuhn BA’17, MA’18 and Larry Guillen MBA’19 continue working to make the world a more inclusive, understanding place. Read more
Alumnae at North Texas Food Bank are Motivated by the Mission
In their roles at the food bank, Erica Yaeger MBA’02, Vicky Eaglebear MBA’18 and Diana Kao BA’11, MS’16 are focused on feeding those in need, one change at a time. Read more
Senior, Student Worker Shares How COVID-19 has Affected Her College Experience
As a senior and student worker at UT Dallas, Joann Joseph BA’20 has spent the past few months e-learning, working from home and preparing for a graduation unlike any other. The literature graduate s Read more
The Books, Music and Podcasts Comets Recommend to Keep You Entertained
Whether you are an essential worker, working from home or looking for a break from your day-to-day routine, these recommendations and resources will help guide you through this unprecedented time. Boo Read more
Know a Comet Making a Difference?
From assisting friends and family to helping strangers in need, we want to hear how UT Dallas alumni are making a difference during this time. Share your stories here. Read more
A Survivor of the Holocaust, Eva Ratonyi MS’76 Shares the Importance of Education
Through the resourcefulness of her father, Ratonyi and her family were able to escape the Holocaust before living in a refugee camp. Through moves to New York and eventually Dallas, Ratonyi kept her e Read more
Through Break Bread, Break Borders, Jin-Ya Huang BS’95 is Empowering Female Refugees
Inspired by her late mother, Huang developed an organization that teaches refugee women job skills through catering for a cause. Read more
Become a Comets Giving Day Ambassador
Sign up as a digital ambassador, help celebrate the 50th anniversary, and be a part of the largest Comets Giving Day in UT Dallas history. Read more
Photo Gallery: Alumni Night at the National Videogame Museum
Fellow Comets attended a special networking event for alumni of the Naveen Jindal School of Management, the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, and the School of Arts, Technology, Read more
Inside the Official Alumni Association Welcome Box
There are many perks to joining your UT Dallas Alumni Association, including the official alumni box! Read more to see what’s inside your first-year welcome gift. Read more
How Five Comet Couples Found Love at UT Dallas
A college degree isn't the only thing UT Dallas grads often leave the University with. Read how these Comets met their significant others during their time as students. Read more
Alumni in the News: Comets Making Headlines
From the Dallas Business Journal to a groundbreaking new position and translation work, these UT Dallas graduates are making waves in the news. Read more
Comet Speaks: Fashion Photographer Nick Glover BA’19 Shares His Current Inspiration
The Dallas native, who has worked for major brands and magazines, talks about his current inspiration, his favorite Deep Ellum restaurant and his advice for aspiring photographers. Read more
Photo Gallery: Fall 2019 Commencement
Last month, we celebrated alongside the families and friends of our fall 2019 graduates. Welcome to your alumni community, Comets! Read more
Cookbook Author and Food Blogger Michelle Hoover BA’13 Shares Her Latest Recipe
Michelle Hoover BA’13 was just 17 years old when she was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, a chronic autoimmune disease that led to food allergies, a lack of energy and thyroid issues. Rather th Read more
Mark Your Calendars for These Spring Alumni Events
From Comets Giving Day to the annual UT Dallas Awards Gala, you won't want to miss these monumental alumni events. Read more
Meet the Alumni Hosts of UT Dallas’ Podcast “Could We Ever”
Before they were the hosts of “Could We Ever,” Ricardo Castrillon BA’17 and Danyelle Gates BA’17 were students at UT Dallas. Their familiarity with the University and passion for understanding Read more
Comet Gift Guide: Four Picks for Your Favorite Graduate
Stuff your loved ones’ stockings this season with exclusive UT Dallas gifts that will make their Comet hearts happy. Read more
Photo Gallery: 2019 UT Dallas Homecoming
Alumni were welcomed back to campus for the Student Leader Alumni Reception and Homecoming Tailgate by the Alumni Relations team during this year’s Homecoming festivities. Read more
Students, Alumni Celebrate Accomplishments at UT Dallas Ring Ceremony
More than 90 UT Dallas students and alumni received their University rings at the semiannual Ring Ceremony on Nov. 19. In celebration of the University’s 50th milestone, this year’s rings are ador Read more
Comet Corner: Money Coach Elle Hall-Coleman BS’08 Shares Her Holiday Budgeting Tips
As the founder of the financial lifestyle movement Girlfriend’s, Budget!, Elle Hall-Coleman BA’08 is an experienced money coach and personal finance blogger. The Dallas native lives with her p Read more
Three Comet-Owned Businesses to Support on Small Business Saturday
From eco-friendly flower bouquets to gourmet doughnuts and specialty tea, these alumni-owned entities offer unique ways to shop small. Read more
Alumni Couple Helped Bring Homecoming, Student Groups to Life in the ’90s
Stephanie Coker BA’97 and Mark Coker BS’98 have had a front-row seat to the creation of longtime traditions and organizations during their transformational time at UT Dallas. Read more
Second Annual Alumni Day of Service Brings UT Dallas Community Together
In partnership with the North Texas Food Bank, UT Dallas alumni provided more than 15,000 meals for the area community during the annual Alumni Day of Service. Read more
Jindal School Graduates Earn Women in Business Awards
Judy Hendrick MS’86 and Sejal Desai MBA’99 were recognized by the Dallas Business Journal for their leadership at an awards event on Aug. 21. Read more
Alumni Brothers Bring Video Games to Life Through Triple B Titles
Enrique Dryere BA’09 and Paul Dryere BA’12 combined their childhood passion and UT Dallas educations to create an indie game studio. Read more
Recap: UT Dallas Night at Globe Life Park
See our photo gallery from the second annual event, which included an alumni barbecue and President Richard C. Benson throwing out the first pitch. Read more
There’s Still Time to Sign Up for Oozeball
The 2019 mud volleyball tournament hosted by the Student Ambassadors kicks off Friday, Sept. 13 at 9 a.m. Registration for the event ends Wednesday, Sept. 11 at midnight. Read more
University Marks 50th Anniversary with Events, Banner Year of Branding
A yearlong celebration, which kicked off Aug. 18 at University Convocation, will mark this significant milestone, officially culminating with spring commencement ceremonies in May. Read more
Make an Impact on North Texas Giving Day
Join us on Sept. 19 for an 18-hour giving extravaganza to benefit our local nonprofits and make a difference in our Comet community. Read more
Biomedical Engineering Grad Becomes First Phi Kappa Phi 1897 Fellow
Sydney Sherman BS’19 has been named the first 1897 Fellow of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. The new national award recognizes the highest-scoring applicant in a STEM discipline. Read more
Comet Speaks: Author Kimberly King Parsons BA’00, MA’04 Shares Her Current Must-Haves, Book Recommendation
The mind behind Black Light, a collection of short stories debuting Aug. 13, reveals her favorite read of the year and provides advice for aspiring writers. Read more
UT Dallas Night at the Ballpark is Near
Watch the Texas Rangers take on the Seattle Mariners at the second annual UT Dallas Night at the Ballpark. Read more
UT Dallas Internship Program Led Mary Elbanna BA’16, MPP’16 to Career in Politics
Now the chief of staff for Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, Mary Elbanna BA’16, MPP’16 put her original plan to attend law school on hold to pursue a stint in public service. Read more
Planned Giving Comes Easily to Alumna
Jerri L. Hammer MS’97 and David Pomberg found a unique way to support UT Dallas through personalized planned giving options. As their gifts grow over time, so does their impact. Read more
Alumni in the News: Comets Making Headlines
From a love story in The New York Times to commentary in The Dallas Morning News, UT Dallas alumni are making waves in the news. Read more
Alumni Bring New Flavor, Nepali Dumplings to Dallas Diners
Leezen Amatya BS’15, Thang Duong BS’15 and Daniel Flores BS’15 are the Comets behind Momo Shack, a family-and-friends-owned pop-up business that makes Nepali dumplings from scratch. Read more
A Strong Community at UT Dallas Helped Michael Parmerlee BS’06 Find His Niche
The graduate’s formative years at the University allowed him to build a network of lifelong friends and connections and find success in his family business. Read more
Alumnus’ Gift Helps Transform University’s Esports Facility
Thanks to a $100,000 gift from Daniel Shen BS’10, the facility where The University of Texas at Dallas esports teams train and play is now the Sector 7 Energy Esports Gaming Arena. Read more
For Alumnus, University Ring Comes Full Circle 20 Years Later
Twenty years passed before a LinkedIn message paved the way to reunite Rob Thomas BS’94 with his long-lost UT Dallas ring, a story Thomas told as the featured speaker at the University’s biannual Read more
Wedded Bliss: See How Comet Couples Tied the Knot
Once strangers and undergraduates at The University of Texas at Dallas, these Comet couples have gone from students to married couples, a life milestone worth celebrating. Read on to see how the follo Read more
New Texas Instruments Fellowship Trains Future Nonprofit Leaders
Halfway through his tenure as the inaugural Texas Instruments Founders Leadership Fellow at The University of Texas at Dallas, Archie Nettles BS’11, MPA’18 said the fellowship has helped shape his Read more
Brian Beck-Smith BS’05 Helps Lead Future Comets to Success in Math
The DeSoto High School math teacher spends his spring and summers helping middle school students prepare for high school and college through UT Dallas’ Future Comets program. Read more
Alumni Reception Highlights State Farm, University’s Partnership
With more than 300 employees who graduated from The University of Texas at Dallas, State Farm’s partnership encourages engagement from alumni employees, who are given even more opportunities to stay Read more
A Guide to UT Dallas Summer Camps 2019
Catering to students with diverse interests, UT Dallas offers a wide range of summer programs for kids as young as 6 and as old as 18. Here’s a roundup of the current camps still open for registrati Read more
For Emily Chrastka BS’16, Creating Eco-friendly Flowers is a Science
The neuroscience graduate turned what she learned from grueling 18-hour semesters into an environmentally conscious business that provides long-lasting wood flowers for weddings, holidays, corporate e Read more
Distinguished Alumni, Supporters Celebrated at Annual Awards Gala
Three graduates and two long-time advocates were recognized for their accomplishments, advocacy and steadfast support during the 2019 UT Dallas Awards Gala on March 30. Read more
Comet Corner: Last-Minute Tips for Tax Season
Tax advisor Martin Navarro MS’14 The certified public accountant has years of experience delivering tax returns and has offeresd up a few last-minute tips for preparing your taxes. Read more
Female STEM Students Create YWISE Alumni Group for Wiser Future
Samantha Montoya, Amira Zakrya, Maria Valdez and Adriana Alva formed an alumni group for students who participated in UT Dallas’ YWISE Investigators program, which encourages young women to pursue S Read more
How UT Dallas Helped Emily Luth BS’17 Find Her True Passion
Although she loved the engineering field and planned to finish her degree in biomedical engineering, Luth’s experience in the athletic department and her time as a Student Ambassador helped transfor Read more
University Alumni, Supporters to be Honored at Annual Gala
Five individuals whose personal and professional accomplishments have contributed to the well-being of the University and their communities will be recognized during the evening’s celebrations. Read more
Female Comets Making Waves in Their Industries
In honor of International Women's Day, PhD student Candler Paige and Saadia Sheikh BA’09 share how they’re making a difference in the communities they care about. Read more
Calling All Comets: Become a Giving Day Ambassador
The third annual Comets Giving Day will take place Tuesday, April 2 from 6 a.m. to midnight. The 18-hour event provides UT Dallas alumni and supporters opportunities to support any area of the Univers Read more
Introducing JonssonConnect, a New App for Jonsson School Alumni
Stay connected with UT Dallas through a new, personal tool to help Jonsson School alumni stay up to date on school news, find jobs and register and check-in at events. Read more
Photo Gallery: A Celebration of Comets
Friends, supporters and alumni gathered throughout the fall semester to celebrate new developments and events at The University of Texas at Dallas. Read more
Comets on a Couch: Relationship Edition
We put Comet couples to the test in Newlywed Game-style trivia at the Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center. Stay tuned for more editions of Comets on a Couch! Read more
Comets Speak: Producer Ryan Ahrens BA’02 Shares His Current Must-Haves, Oscar Pick
Ahrens’ production company has produced notable films “Hacksaw Ridge,” “Chasing Coral” and “The Birth of a Nation.” The company recently premiered “Selah and the Spades” at last mont Read more
It’s Not Too Late to Order Your UT Dallas Ring
Whether you graduated this past year or a decade ago, you can still showcase your school pride and accomplishment with the UT Dallas ring. Read more
Alumni in the News: Comets Making Headlines
From Gizmodo to WFAA and the Dallas Business Journal, UT Dallas alumni are making waves in the news. Read more
Comet Corner: Dietitian Stella Yan BS’15 Shares Five Ways to Make Your Resolutions a Reality
Instead of making unrealistic resolutions when it comes to your diet and overall health, Stella Yan BS’15 suggests five simple ways to create better eating habits in 2019. Read more
Meet Cody Meyers, Director of Alumni Relations
Before coming to UT Dallas in 2017 to serve as the assistant director of alumni relations for the Naveen Jindal School of Management, Cody Meyers spent six years working in various roles for The Unive Read more
Ring Ceremony a Celebration of Accomplishments, Supporters
More than 70 UT Dallas students received their University rings in December as they gathered with family and friends to commemorate their personal achievements and thank those who have helped them on Read more
The Gift of Giving: Scholarship Serves as Inspiration for Graduate, Donor
Five years ago, Nicole Tucker BA'04 never imagined she could establish a scholarship at her alma mater. This past fall, the first scholarship was awarded to Lailani Garcia, a senior in the School of B Read more
Campus Mall and Trellis Plaza Renaming Announced at Celebration of Support
Iconic campus destinations named in honor of the late Mrs. Margaret McDermott, renowned Dallas-area philanthropist, loyal University benefactor and wife of UT Dallas co-founder Eugene McDermott. Read more
UT Dallas Alumna Brings a New Approach to Elementary Education
A few miles north of The University of Texas at Dallas, there is another school that prides itself on taking an innovative approach to education. The Guthrie School, founded in 2013 by Jill Guthrie BA Read more
Jindal School Alumnus Leverages Corporate Matching Gifts
R. Carter Pate MS’03 helped secure UT Dallas’ eligibility for matching gifts from PwC. Using this support, he helped fund the first scholarships for accounting students in the Naveen Jindal School Read more
University Recognizes Distinguished Alumni, Supporters at Awards Gala
UT Dallas alumni and friends recently gathered to celebrate the distinguished accomplishments and dedicated service of six award recipients at the 2018 UT Dallas Awards Gala on March 24, 2018. Read more
Young Alumni Couple Invests in Future Comets
Dr. Stacey Boland BS'00 and Dr. Justin Boland BS'00 originally met as undergraduates at UT Dallas. In addition to their annual gifts, the couple decided it was time to include the University in their Read more
Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center Opens On Campus
Activities at the Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center will engage students and strengthen ties to the University’s growing alumni base. Read more
Alumnus Named UT Dallas Development Board Chair
Mike Brodie BS’76 was appointed chair of the UT Dallas Development Board at the annual fall board meeting on Sept. 7. Read more
Alumnus Honors Professor’s Influence Decades Later
Until recently, Dr. Solomon Luo MS’78 hadn’t seen Professor John Jagger since his graduation from the University more than three decades ago. Yet the influence of this instructor has long made an Read more
Alumnus Invests in Future
With the start of the new semester, nine international students descended on UT Dallas eager to advance their studies and accelerate their futures. Setting them apart from many of their fellow interna Read more