Sixteen UT Dallas freshmen have arrived on campus as the largest class of Terry Scholars to date. The 11 women and five men come from throughout Texas and bring the number of students now in the University’s Terry Scholars Program to 54.

The students’ academic interests range from the arts to mechanical engineering. All 16 have demonstrated leadership skills both inside the classroom and out.

“With their outstanding academic achievements, their dedication to service, and their involvement in student organizations and activities, this year’s incoming class will fit seamlessly into the Terry Scholars Program, the university and the community at large,” said Blythe Torres, the program’s director.

The program is funded by the Terry Foundation, which is the largest provider of private scholarships in Texas. Established by Houston philanthropists Howard and Nancy Terry, the foundation has assisted more than 3,800 Texas college students over the past 25 years.

The 2011 Class of Terry Scholars

Bailey Currie
Bailey Currie, a graduate of Trinity High School in Euless, plans to major in arts and technology. She was senior class president, president of her school’s Senior Leadership Program and captain of her softball team. She also won three gold medals at the Houston Livestock and Rodeo Art Show and was the statewide art champion of the Beta Club. David DeAndrea

David DeAndrea from iSchool High, Lewisville. DeAndrea will major in Mechanical Engineering. His knowledge and essays on current events have won earned top prizes in state competitions.

Candace Galbreath

Candace Galbreath of MacArthur High School in Irving is an accounting major. In high school, she was involved in the Peer Assistance and Leadership Program and was a National Achievement Outstanding Participant. She was also voted Student of the Year.

Pooja Kapoor

Pooja Kapoor, a graduate of Plano West High School, will study biology. Kapoor is a Certified Nursing Assistant, has won two gold medals at a martial arts tournament and volunteered at a therapeutic recreation center as a high school student.

Ryan McClendon

Ryan McClendon graduated from Global High in Waxahachie. He will study computer science. McClendon is a math tutor and also does computer maintenance and repair.

Haley McMillan

Hayley McMillan, from Billy Ryan High School in Denton, is an interdisciplinary studies major. McMillan was a member of the Strutters Drill Team. She also received the Ms. All American award in a benefit for the American Cancer Society.

Laurel MohrmanLaurel Mohrman, a graduate of Franklin High School in El Paso, plans to study mathematics. She was a member of the Spanish Honor Society and the cross country team in high school. Juan Moreno

Juan Moreno graduated from the School of Science and Engineering Magnet High School in Dallas.  He is a mechanical engineering major. Moreno interned at the University of North Texas, was awarded the TED Service Project Wish Award and was a participant of the Exxon Mobil Green Team.

Katelyn Mullings

Katelyn Mullings, from Richland Collegiate High School in Dallas, plans to major in psychology.  She was a member of the Youth Leadership Team and Student Council.  She also plays keyboard in her church’s praise band.

Somaya Muna

Somaya Muna graduated from Cy-Fair High School in Cypress. Muna is majoring in biology. In high school, she created a student organization to support homeless veterans and volunteered at the North Texas Food Bank.

Donna Noorbakhsh

Donna Noorbakhsh, from Cedar Park High School in Austin, will study biology. Noorbakhsh was involved in 10 different organizations in high school, established the Random Acts of Kindness Club and placed in a UIL Poetry Interpretation at the state level.

Max Parker

Max Parker, a New Braunfels High School graduate, will major in biochemistry. He was president of the Chinese Club and attended the 2010 Chinese Summer Bridge Program at the Confucius Institute in Beijing.

Janki Patel

Janki Patel, from Allen High School, will major in psychology. Patel received her high school’s Citizenship Award and was vice president of Interact Club.

Noor Qureshi

Noor Qureshi graduated with an International Baccalaureate Diploma from Plano East High School. She intends to major in biomedical engineering. Qureshi was president of the Children’s Hospital Adolescent and Young Adult Clinic Advisory Group and was a member of the UT Dallas NanoExplorers Program.

Yesenia Reyes

Yesenia Reyes, a graduate of the School of Science and Engineering Magnet High School in Dallas, will study Biochemistry. Reyes was a UT Southwestern STARS Intern, a member of the National Society of Black Engineers and a tutor at Trinity River Mission.

Joseph White Joseph White, a graduate of Richardson High School, will major in electrical engineering and business management. White is involved in the ACE Mentor Program, the National Black MBA Association and was also on an Ethiopian semipro soccer team.

The scholarships cover a broad range of student expenses over four years of study, including tuition and fees, housing, books and living expenses. Terry Scholars also have access to a broad range of academic, service, cultural, social and leadership opportunities intended to enhance their undergraduate experience. Students are nominated in part for their leadership potential and academic ability.

“With the recent addition of the Terry Lounge, the appointment of our new faculty mentor, Dr. Denise Boots, and a new alumni program that includes 19 active and enthusiastic former UT Dallas Terry Scholars, the incoming freshmen will receive significant ongoing support that will ensure their success not just at UT Dallas but also in graduate and professional programs, in their careers and in pursuing their personal life-long goals,” Torres said.

The University of Texas at Dallas accepted its first 11 Terry Scholars in 2006.

The program supports students attending the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas A&M University, the University of Houston, the University of Texas at Dallas, Texas State University- San Marcos, the University of North Texas and Texas Tech University.