Bill Keffler Scholarship recipients

From left: Huy Ho, UT Dallas President David E. Daniel, Wajiha Desai, former Richardson City Manager Bill Keffler, Erwin Soto, Gianna Weingarden and Abdul-Rehman Syed.

A group of UT Dallas students had a chance to meet recently with their scholarship’s namesake — former Richardson City Manager Bill Keffler. 

Over lunch, Keffler talked with the scholars about their aspirations and shared his insights on becoming a successful professional. 

The Bill Keffler Scholarship was established by President David E. Daniel in honor of Keffler’s 17-year tenure as city manager.  Throughout his 35-year career with the city of Richardson, he has participated in many University events and has contributed significantly to the UT Dallas community.

He serves as a member of the UT Dallas Development Board and on the Erik Jonsson’s School of Engineering and Computer Science Advisory Board’s Executive Committee, as well as on the UT Dallas Advisory Council for the School of Economic, Political, and Policy Sciences.  In addition, he served as an adjunct instructor in the Graduate School of Public Affairs from 1992 to 1994.

“It has given me the opportunity as a teacher to further my education, acquire another degree, and to learn new research-based teaching methods that will benefit all my students’ learning abilities and conceptual knowledge of content.”

Alison Evans,
interdisciplinary
studies major

The scholars are selected based on their ties to the city, as well as academic standing and financial need.

Bill Keffler Scholars of the Class of 2013 and their majors include:

  • William Jouette, criminology, School of Economics, Political, and Policy Sciences.
  • Erwin Soto, software engineering, Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Sciences.
  • Abdul-Rehman Syed, neuroscience, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences.
  • Gianna Weingarden, chemistry, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. 

Members of the Class of 2014 include:

  • Wajiha Desai, arts and technology, School of Arts and Humanities.
  • Alison Evans, interdisciplinary studies, School of Interdisciplinary Studies.
  • Huy Ho, finance, Naveen Jindal School of Management. 

"It was an honor to get to know Mr. Keffler,” said Weingarden. “His invaluable advice, especially about the importance of building personal relationships, is so helpful as I prepare to graduate from UT Dallas and begin my career.”

Evans expressed gratitude for the scholarship. “It has given me the opportunity as a teacher to further my education, acquire another degree, and to learn new research-based teaching methods that will benefit all my students’ learning abilities and conceptual knowledge of content,” she said.    

For more information about scholarships available at UT Dallas, visit http://www.utdallas.edu/enroll/financialaid/scholarships.php.