DDG 2019 Newsletter

Dean’s Distinguished Graduates

ALUMNI NEWSLETTER

2019

On May 23, we gathered to celebrate the achievements of some of the most talented students in the College of Liberal Arts.

These twelve students symbolize the breadth of choices available to all of our students and the depth of opportunity available to those who are willing to undertake a challenge. Their hard work, determination, and dedication to scholarship and community truly show that they are remarkable students, and we are proud to honor them as 2019 Dean’s Distinguished Graduates.

The accomplishments of these outstanding students in the classroom and in the larger community demonstrate that University of Texas at Austin students are indeed among the best in the world. We celebrate their success as they complete their education and go into their chosen fields, where they will continue to be dedicated leaders and lifelong learners who will make us proud to call them graduates of the College of Liberal Arts.

(L to R Top Row): Scott J. Spivey, Gabriella Ranne Velasco, Benjamin E. Vega, Adrienne Ullman Epstein, Laura Anne Hallas, Jeremy Leslie Doran, Sydney Marjorie Bartlett, Luis Alfredo De La Cruz (L to R Bottom Row): Quimberly Ashley Jasso, Evelin Caro Gutierrez, Dean Randy Diehl, Wilhemina Dorothy Loder, Megan Elise Abrameit Group photo by Flash Photography; All Other Photos by Phil Butler

Dean’s Distinguished Graduates MEGAN ELISE ABRAMEIT Humanities (Special Honors; College Honors) Psychology Megan is a member of the Liberal Arts Honors Program, the Dedman Distinguished Scholars Program, and a former Bill Archer Fellowship student. She is passionate about fighting human trafficking, empowering women, creative writing, and understanding why people think the way they think. She has interned with many nonprofits, the Attorney General’s office, and the Texas Legislature, as well as volunteered as a mentor to teenage girls in foster care. She is working the year after graduation in Guatemala with International Justice Mission providing legal assistance for child sexual violence cases before starting law school.

SYDNEY MARJORIE BARTLETT English (Special Honors; College Honors) Sydney is from Athens, Texas, and studies English and Religious Studies in an integrated M.A. program at UT. Upon graduation, she will be biking to Alaska through Texas 4000 for Cancer, after which she hopes to work in nonprofit development and continue reading and writing creatively. In her spare time, Sydney enjoys running, cycling, learning, and rereading Paradise Lost.

2019 EVELIN CARO GUTIERREZ Government (Special Honors; College Honors) Philosophy Evelin was born in Cuba and immigrated to the U.S. six years ago. While at UT, she served as president of Minority Women Pursuing Law and as a Research Assistant for Innovations for Peace and Development. During the Archer Fellowship Program in Washington, D.C., she interned for the Organization of American States. Evelin has researched corruption and human rights, and worked closely with refugee communities in Houston through internships with Refugee Services of Texas and Sewa International. Evelin plans to pursue a law degree from Yale Law School.

LUIS ALFREDO DE LA CRUZ English (Special Honors; College Honors) Linguistics Luis is an English and Linguistics student, with certificates in Creative Writing and Native American & Indigenous Studies. He wrote two theses during his time at UT: a creative thesis, a collection of poems entitled Andean Dream, as well as an academic thesis on medievalism and the early ecopoetics of American poet W.S. Merwin. He has been especially involved in promoting the creative work of poets and writers through his work with literary journals on campus. Luis hopes to eventually pursue graduate study in comparative literature, with particular interests in poetry, translation, and environmental writing.

Dean’s Distinguished Graduates JEREMY LESLIE DORAN Government (Special Honors; College Honors) Political Communication Studies Raised in the West Texas town of Sonora, Jeremy’s undergraduate career reflected his interests in regional conflict, mass migration, and border policy in the Western Hemisphere. He completed his thesis with Dr. Kenneth Greene, assessing the implications of Mexico’s 2014 Southern Border Program on U.S./Mexico security cooperation. Following graduation, Jeremy will move to Washington, D.C., to work in international security policy before pursuing a master’s degree in security studies.

ADRIENNE ULLMAN EPSTEIN Sociology (Special Honors; College Honors) Government Women’s and Gender Studies Moving from Los Angeles to Austin changed Adrienne’s life for the better. Adrienne majored in sociology, government, and women’s & gender studies with a minor in business. For three years, she researched the effects of mitigation, race, and gender in federal death penalty jury cases, which culminated in an undergraduate thesis. She previously served as the Administrative Director of the Senate of College Councils and interned for U.S. Congressman Ted Lieu, Annie’s List, and Ambassador Eisen at The Brookings Institution as an Archer Fellow in Washington, D.C. Throughout these experiences, Adrienne made life-long friends and developed a love of Tex-Mex.

2019 LAURA ANNE HALLAS Plan II Honors Program Economics Health and Society Laura is passionate about improving global health through research and writing. Her work at Washington University’s Institute of Public Health and UT’s Dell Medical School has sought to address the impacts of policy on population health, a theme she pursued further while interning with The Dallas Morning News editorial board. While on campus, she served as the editor-in-chief of The Daily Texan. Laura will spend the next two years in the U.K. as a Marshall Scholar, where she will pursue degrees in public health and policy at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the University of Oxford.

QUIMBERLY ASHLEY JASSO International Relations and Global Studies (Special Honors) Quimberly has explored her interests in international relations, international security, and Asian studies while at UT, where she held leadership roles in Central Texas Model United Nations and the Hispanic Business Student Association. In addition to studying Mandarin in Dalian, China, through the Critical Language Scholarship, she interned with the U.S. Department of State. Quimberly was awarded a Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship, which grants her an appointment in the Foreign Service after completing her Master of Arts from Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies. She’s excited to represent Latinas and serve her country as a U.S. diplomat.

Dean’s Distinguished Graduates WILHEMINA DOROTHY LODER Classical Studies - Classical Archaeology Geography Wilhemina is passionate about studying the ancient world through bleeding edge technologies. She excavated at Morgantina in Sicily, assisted curation of UT’s numismatics collection, and conducted water chemistry in the Geoarchaeology Lab. Her interests include frontiers in the Greek and Roman world, ontologies, environmental archaeology, water, and watersheds. She is a loving wife, mother of two, U.S. Army combat veteran, and Arabic translator. She avidly pursued her dream of studying the ancient world and looks forward to the next adventure.

Tendimus in Latium.

SCOTT J. SPIVEY Plan II Honors Program Neuroscience Honors (Health Science Scholars) After serving as a free healthcare clinic volunteer, an innovation non-profit intern, a social justice ministry leader, and an honors pre-med society president, Scott plans to continue working toward health and social equity, especially for marginalized groups. Being part of a family of Mexican immigrants from the border community of El Paso, Texas, he was inspired to write his thesis on Latino/a immigration, chronic illness, and healthcare. To reconcile a future in both liberal arts and medicine, he will pursue a Master’s degree in medical social sciences at the University of Cambridge, in England, before matriculating into UT Austin Dell Medical School.

2019 BENJAMIN E. VEGA International Relations and Global Studies (Special Honors; College Honors) Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures Benjamin used his four years on the Forty Acres for academic and creative exploration. In his first year he joined Redefined Dance Company, a hip hop dance team he later led and directed. Benjamin also conducted independent research on the role of NGOs in Syria’s healthcare reconstruction.

He studied in Morocco, as well as served on the Liberal Arts Council as Traditions Coordinator and a member of their diversity subcommittee. Benjamin worked as an English instructor in Meknes, Morocco, a caregiver at the hospice/ rehabilitation facility, Doug’s House, and as an Intern for the City of San Antonio.

GABRIELLA RANNE VELASCO Humanities (Special Honors; College Honors) Sustainability Studies Gabriella’s undergraduate career combined her passions for environmental policy and social equity. For two years, Gabriella conducted independent research on urban planning and toxic exposure for her honors thesis: “Across the Street: An Institutional Analysis of Environmental Justice in Austin, Texas”. Gabriella also studied in Ecuador, served as the Liberal Arts Council’s Chair of Academic Affairs and Membership Director, and co-organized the Feminist Geography Collective, a research group that supports women and people of color in academia. In addition to her research and leadership roles, Gabriella interned with Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Hill Country Alliance, and the Austin EcoNetwork.

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Alumni Profile

What was your first job after graduation? What lesson did you learn on that job that you keep with you today?

I worked as a freelance writer in Austin and took on a variety of odd jobs through craigslist postings (yard work, janitorial work, mover). At the time, I was looking for a purpose — law school? Grad school? Gainful employment? I wanted to “do” creative writing for a living but could not find a professional outlet for my skills.

During this period I learned the value of persistence.

Persistence led to my first big break. But before that success came dozens of failures — missed connections, no callbacks, bad jobs, and being rejected from my top MFA programs.

Why did you get into your current line of work? How did you get started?

I read a magazine article about BuzzFeed's innovative copywriting team who created native advertising for the website. The team used data to write comedic lists, quizzes, and articles that integrated a brand. I thought the principle was smart and the challenge awesome. I met someone at SXSW ‘13 who worked at BuzzFeed and expressed my interest in the ad team. She suggested I create a community account and contribute editorial articles to the website — if I could prove myself editorially, it would be easier to land a job. Within a month, I had become the most viral community writer for BuzzFeed.

Soon after, the ad team posted a job in New York City.

I applied and got an interview. I took a leap of faith and moved from Austin to New York for that interview.

Thankfully, I got the job. Over the past 6 years, I've grown with the company from a copywriter, to a team lead, to a creative director, and now head of content for the London office.

Who or what was the biggest influence in your career?

For me, it's always been the Internet — and I would say

it's not an "influence" insomuch as an inspiration. Since middle school I've always been a weirdo who spends a lot of time trawling around online. First it was forums and chat rooms, then Wikipedia and Reddit and YouTube. Never did I imagine this would become a professional skill. For a long time, BuzzFeed was a harbinger of the "weird internet" for the mainstream Internet. Today, BuzzFeed is the mainstream. But I still find the freshest ideas in strange places, and then turn around and use it to inform our editorial content or sell an idea to a brand.

What's the best advice you didn't take?

My creative writing professors cautioned me from applying to an MFA in fiction directly out of undergrad. They felt it was more beneficial to go when you had more life under your belt. I applied anyway — and wasted hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars on writing samples and applications.

When the dust settled, I got an offer from only one of the twelve fully-funded programs to which I had applied. Then I did something you're not supposed to do: I turned down the offer. I realized — in a panic — I had nothing interesting to write about. My professors were right all along. Three months later I got a job at BuzzFeed. Things worked out.

make content that is influential. And then be able to explain to a recruiter why you made it, and why it was successful or not.

Ten years ago you needed thousands of dollars of equipment to produce work to a spec you can achieve today with a used cell phone. People have filmed feature length films on iPhone.

It has never been easier to make quality work. Get out there, make cool stuff, and publish it. And have fun!

Why did you decide to attend UT of Austin?

I'm a legacy. I bleed orange. But I flirted with the idea of going to a small liberal arts school. Ultimately, I felt UT did have that small liberal arts school (shout out to Liberal Arts Honors!) nestled within a larger university setting. This offered more opportunities. And besides, Austin is a hell of a city.

Is there a specific instructor/professor that made a large impact on? What did they say or do to influence you?

Dr. James Loehlin and the Shakespeare at Winedale program had a huge impact on me in school. Completing the program was a transformative experience. It taught me confidence, hard work, team building, and more. I was young for my class, only 19 when all my classmates were upperclassmen or grad students. I was naive and learned much about life from What abilities or personal qualities do you believe my older classmates. Meanwhile, Dr. Loehlin was putting on contribute most to success? a clinic in how to lead a team to deliver a creative product.

Hard work, humility, and flexibility. Hard work is essential — Our product that summer was a Shakespeare play. And you will get farther if you're willing to do extra and expect then incidentally I learned a lot about directing, staging, and nothing in return. Your extra hustle means you'll be gaining performance which has informed my professional efforts experience more rapidly than your peers. In time, this will pay filming commercials. Now that I lead a department, I ship a off. Even if you don't get the job or the promotion, you'll have team, not a product. And I think back to things Dr. Loehlin did more experience. That's something no one can take away from to focus and inspire us as a team. you. Humility is important because no one likes a know-it-all.

Be the person with the answers but never make a show of it.

Finally, Flexibility is key. Change always brings opportunity, but people don't like change. That's not going to help you.

What advice do you have Embrace change and find the opportunity in the change. And for recent DDGs? frankly, it's impossible to fight the change anyway. You're going with the flow one way or another — might as well be a Time is your only limited resource. willing captive.

What kinds of life/personal experience, paid or unpaid, would you encourage for anybody pursuing a career in this field?

I work in digital media, specifically video production and content creation. In my niche, people have titles like director, writer, producer, creative, designer, and content creator. The single best thing you can do to get a creative job is to produce your own work for fun today — on Instagram, YouTube, or mess around on TikTok. Don't try to be "an influencer," instead

Use your free time creatively. Invest it in things you find meaningful. If that means watching Netflix, then organize a movie club and watch with friends over a potluck dinner. Looking back, you’ll realize it was more meaningful. And never forget that life is short. Enjoy yours.

Having mentors and champions who are willing to give you a chance is key. I have been fortunate to have many such people in my life. At UT some of these people were fellow students like Kip Dixon, UT professors like Dale McLemore, UT Administrators like Marilyn Heimlich, Vice President James Vick, President Robert Berdahl and many others.

They each gave me opportunities to grow and learn and the confidence to pursue my dreams.

What kinds of life/personal experience, paid or unpaid, would you encourage for anybody pursuing a career in this field?

Being a camp counselor is a great way to learn empathy and good training to be a parent. Being an intern is also a great way to see if you like a certain area. Travel abroad - this opens your eyes to different cultures and possibilities.

Why did you decide to attend UT of Austin?

Alumni Profile Brian Siegal Director, AJC DDG, 1995 What was your first job after graduation? What lesson did you learn on that job that you keep with you today?

My first job after graduation from law school was with the law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer and Feld, LLP. I learned to be a life long learner as I was being mentored and taught about the law. I also learned how to be a good advocate. I also saw colleagues who were passionate about the law and was inspired by their energy to pursue my own vision and passions.

Why did you get into your current line of work? How did you get started?

Throughout both my education and career, I have pursued my passion for building bridges among different racial and ethnic groups. I have also always been fascinated with foreign policy and diplomacy. I feel fortunate that I found a position which allows me to engage in both of these areas. In doing so, I have been able to develop ties with international leaders, ethnic and religious leaders and government officials to work on policy issues and to find common ground.

Who or what was the biggest influence in your career?

I was all set to go to a small private university. However, when I was a high school junior, I visited the one person from my hometown of Birmingham, Alabama who was at UT and saw that I could get a great education and have a great time and I knew at that moment that I was a Longhorn.

Is there a specific instructor/professor that made a large impact on? What did they say or did to influence you?

I had many amazing professors at UT who inspired me. One of them who influenced me was my Thesis Advisor, Professor Dale McLemore from the Department of Sociology. He was thoughtful and kind and had confidence in me.

What's the best advice you didn't take?

"There is no reason to change the course you are on - just wait and opportunities will find you." I did not take this advice.

Rather, I was proactive and willing to go down different paths if one was not right for me.

What abilities or personal qualities do you believe contribute most to success?

Persistence and resilience is key. Being open minded and having empathy are also critical. Never stop learning and find a balance between pragmatism and idealism - you should follow your passion, but be willing to work hard to excel on your career path.

What advice do you have for recent DDGs? Make hard decisions, but be open minded about your career and your life. Follow your passion and work hard.

Dedicate yourself in some way to service and making the world a better place for everyone. Dream big and enjoy the ride!

Alumni Highlights From the Class of 1981 to the Class of 2014, DDG alumni from the College of Liberal Arts reflect on their education, lives and careers, and offer a variety of advice to fellow alumni as well as current students: What was your first job after graduation? What lesson did you learn on that job that you keep with you today?

Andrew Wilson (2014), who will join Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP as an associate this fall, says his experience teaching in France’s Normandy region held a number of key lessons, including the importance of a global education. “As the world becomes smaller it is increasingly important that we seek to better understand other cultures and societies. Through cross-cultural exchange we become better leaders, professionals, and global citizens.” Natalie Butler (2012), a consultant with the Boston Consulting Group, says she has learned that the value of a liberal arts degree “is really in pushing creative thinking.” Beth Ongun (1999), an assistant treasurer at Maxar Technologies, says her first job as auditor at PricewaterhouseCoopers taught her that “building relationships across an organization gives you the best chance to success. Get to know everyone from the janitor to the CFO, and it will serve you well.” Ann Gill Howard (1985), currently a candidate for Travis County Commissioner, once served as legal counsel to the US Senate Judiciary Committee. There she learned that a good supervisor works hard and cares about the quality of work performed by the team, but always treats employees with respect. “I strive to respect all my colleagues, every day, all day long.”

What kinds of life/personal experience, paid or unpaid, would you encourage for anybody pursuing a career in your field?

A physician in precision regenerative and functional medicine, Mihnea Dumitrescu (1996) recommends work in a hospital and in a private practice. “Make sure you understand how unglamorous medicine actually is. Have the ability to postpone gratification for a long period of time.” Retired lawyer Kathryn Tullos (1981) advises seeking out relationships with people who aren't just like you. “Get to know people of different ages, genders, sexual orientations, races, socio-economic situations, physical abilities, national origins, native tongues, and the like. The law, like so many professions, can make living in a bubble very easy.” Richard Reddick (1995), associate dean for Equity, Community Engagement, and Outreach, UT College of Education, says “I'm biased, but working with young people as they reach for their goals — educationally, professionally, and personally — is something we should pay forward, as it was done for us. Hannah Bloch-Wehba (2009), an assistant professor of law at Drexel University’s Kline School of Law, urges “Write, write, write! And if you're a person who tends to get stuck inside your own mind, take up a hobby that can occupy you while you're thinking‚ running, painting, music...”

Who or what was a big influence in your education or career?

Emily Schunior (1995) founder and CEO of Arc Speed Strategies, says two of her favorite professors were Mark Smith and Robert Abzug.She admired their “expansive, creative view of academic learning and potential. They were smart, thoughtful, funny, and accessible which gave me a lot of confidence that it's possible to be both intelligent and likeable!” Steven Rosenblum (1989), an assistant vice chancellor at Washington University, credits Michael Stoff specifically as the first reader of his thesis paper, and adds, “I got hooked on the great classes in the History Department my sophomore year and found a home there with tremendous faculty members and some really smart students.” Ari Schulman (2009), editor of The New Atlantis, says editing a magazine that takes a critical stance toward technocratic ideology partly arose out of studying literature at UT. Andrew Wilson (2014) says his Plan II education is the foundation for his current career. “The interdisciplinary studies the program emphasizes allowed me to explore varied interests and become a more engaged member of society. From world literature to theoretical physics, the Plan II curriculum sparked a lifelong curiosity in the world around me and helped guide me to my current career.” Hannah Bloch-Wehba (2009) credits great mentors both at UT and in her career. “In different ways, all of them taught me that writing and research can be a powerful tool for advocacy and social change. The conviction that good scholarship can improve the world around us has been a guiding force for me.”

Alumni Highlights What abilities or personal qualities do you believe contribute most to success?

Neurologist Kim Monday (1988) cites humility, forgiveness, and tenacity, and advises recent graduates “don't doubt yourself, you will succeed even if you fail first.” Brian Siegal (1995), director of the American Jewish Committee (AJC), says “persistence and resilience is key. Being open-minded and having empathy are also critical. Never stop learning and find a balance between pragmatism and idealism — you should follow your passion, but be willing to work hard to excel on your career path.” Emily Schunior (1995) is a huge believer in playing to one's strengths: “Self-awareness of those strengths and a willingness to craft a life and career around those will contribute immensely to ‘success’ by almost any definition. In other words, don't obsess about what you don't do well and spend an inordiate amount of time trying to shore up a ‘weakness.’” Richard Reddick (1995) says he is adept at finding people to help him reach his goals. “Also, I am a constant learner. I rarely feel like I totally know what I'm doing and I think that makes me receptive to feedback and a desire to do better.” Michael Hoffman (2003), scientist and assistant professor, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and the University of Toronto, says “the ability to keep working towards your goals even when you'd maybe rather do something else is the most important element to success. You can make it easier by choosing a field where the work is something you inherently enjoy. But almost everyone is still going to need a bit of grit to make important advances.” Alyssa Davis (2013), a senior consultant with Deloitte, cites attitude, elbow grease, and creativity. “I think when you're first starting out in your career, it's important to have a good attitude and be game to do the less glamorous work. People will want to work with you if you're enthusiastic and curious.” Lisa Brown (1997), coordinator in UT’s Charles A. Dana Center, says qualities contributing to success include flexibility, optimism, being OK with making mistakes, and compassion. She adds, “every failure is a learning opportunity. Don't be afraid to make mistakes.”

What advice do you have for recent DDGs? El Paso ER doctor and LGBTQ Center Medical Director Travis Cosban (2009) says recent DDGs should not get trapped in the idea of work needing to be a passion. “Find a good job.

Feel wanted or needed there. Make sure that job affords you another free time to do all the small things that make you happy.” David Nather (1988), managing editor of Axios, advises that “you’ll have a transition to go through when you

start your first job. It's humbling, but stick with it, work hard, keep your head down, stay confident, and good things will happen. It may take longer than you'd like, but never give up.”

Brian Siegal (1995), says “make hard decisions, but be open minded about your career and your life. Follow your passion and work hard. Dedicate yourself in some way to service and making the world a better place for everyone. Dream big and enjoy the ride!” Writer Mónica Parle (1998) advises recent DDGs to “take time. In all ways. Take time to figure out what you want to do. Take time with the people who interest you.

Take time with the people you love. Take time to see things and follow ideas just because they interest you. You'll be so much the richer for having really engaged with the world around you.” Michael Hoffman (2003) says, “If like me, you grew up in Texas, definitely try living somewhere else for a while!

It's hard to describe how much you can learn about yourself and about others just by living in a different culture. You can always move back to Texas later. And you can definitely visit.”

Monica Chartier (2011), a program manager at Dell, calls experience a teacher like no other, and advises recent DDGs to have a strategic vision and to step outside one’s comfort zone to drive initiatives. “Find your purpose and never lose sight of it.” Sarah (Lusher) Mason (2014), PhD Candidate at Northwestern University, says “Don't borrow trouble from the future,” and advises graduates to “find a career that lights you up and allows you to enjoy life outside your chosen career.”

WHAT ABILITIES OR PERSONAL QUALITIES DO YOU BELIEVE CONTRIBUTE MOST TO SUCCESS? Flexibility, honesty, transparency, collaboration. Ann Gill Howard Humility, forgiveness, and tenacity - Kim Monday Work hard, be humble, and always have a mission. - David Nather Try to do a little extra in everything you do and people will remember. - Steven Rosenblum Persistence and resilience is key. Being open minded and having empathy are also critical. Never stop learning and find a balance between pragmatism and idealism - you should follow your passion, but be willing to work hard to excel on your career path. - Brian Siegal

I am a huge believer in playing to one's strengths. Selfawareness of those strengths and a willingness to craft a life and career around those will contribute immensely to "success" by almost any definition. In other words, don't obsess about what you don't do well and spend an inordiate amount of time trying to shore up a "weakness." For instance I am not good at nor interested in detailed financial reporting.

I know what I need to do my job and partner with teammates who have a passion for this, letting me do what I do best strategy and innovation. - Emily Schunior

attitude and be game to do the less glamorous work. People will want to work with you if you're enthusiastic and curious.

Then you prove yourself by diligently completing projects and using creativity to solve problems. - Alyssa Davis

Discipline and a good memory. - Mihnea Dumitrescu

What's the best advice you didn't take?

Lighten up.

Flexibility, optimism, ok with making mistakes, compassion, relational. - Lisa Brown Dedication and doggedness, plus a little inspiration. Monica Parle The ability to execute on goals no matter how difficult the task. In Treasury, you cannot falter as that could mean the difference between bankruptcy or success. The ability to work well under pressure and build strong relationships across an organization have contributed strongly to my success. Beth Ongun I think the ability to keep working towards your goals even when you'd maybe rather do something else is the most important element to success. You can make it easier by choosing a field where the work is something you inherently enjoy. But almost everyone is still going to need a bit of grit to make important advances. - Michael Hoffman Diligence; independence; a sense of humor. Hannah Bloch-Wehba Interpersonal skills and social IQ. Knowing who is your friend.

Knowing who may not be. And knowing how to fit in to the mold just enough that people respect you and let you break it. - Travis Cosban Having strategic vision, and stepping outside your comfort zone to drive your own initiatives. - Monica Chartier Creative thinking and working with people. - Natalie Butler Attitude, elbow grease, and creativity. I think when you're first starting out in your career, it's important to have a good

Integrity, perseverance, and curiosity.Sarah (Lusher) Mason

ADVICE FOR DDGS?

What advice do you have for recent DDGs? Lighten up. Seriously. - Kathryn Tullos What's the best advice you didn't take?

Learn to meditate daily. I can see the value in it but I have not made time for it. I plan to change that this summer and read and meditate daily.

What advice do you have for recent DDGs? Relish your UT memories and find ways to stay connected to people and programs. Approach your next life stage with curiosity and know that you have options and can recover from poor choices. Pause to enjoy the bluebonnets and bees. Commit to love. Find ways big or small to make your community better! -Ann Gill Howard What's the best advice you didn't take?

The cream will rise to the top, don't be afraid.

What advice do you have for recent DDGs? Don't doubt yourself, you will succeed even if you fail first.

-Kim Monday What advice do you have for recent DDGs? You'll have a transition to go through when you start your first job. It's humbling, but stick with it, work hard, keep your head down, stay confident, and good things will happen. It may take longer than you'd like, but never give up. - David Nather What advice do you have for recent DDGs? Your career path will likely take several twist and turns but that is hopefully a good thing. Be sure to enjoy what you do

Alumni Highlights and you will surely find success. - Steven Rosenblum What’s the best advice you didn’t take?

Don’t borrow trouble from the future.

What advice do you have for recent DDGs? Find a career that lights you up and allows you to enjoy life outside your chosen career. - Sarah (Lusher) Mason

What's the best advice you didn't take?

"There is no reason to change the course you are on - just wait and opportunities will find you." I did not take this advice.

Rather, I was proactive and willing to go down different paths if one was not right for me.

What advice do you have for recent DDGs? Make hard decisions, but be open minded about your career and your life. Follow your passion and work hard. Dedicate yourself in some way to service and making the world a better place for everyone. Dream big and enjoy the ride! Brian Siegal What advice do you have for recent DDGs? I take this advice from the musical Hamilton. I expect most DDGs are "Hamiltons," meaning they are "young, scrappy, and hungry." But my advice is to try to balance that with your inner "Eliza" and remember to "look around! We are so lucky to be alive right now." If you can balance your ambition and drive with gratitude and presence, it will make for a much richer life. - Emily Schunior What's the best advice you didn't take?

Not to go into Medicine.

What advice do you have for recent DDGs? Learn Math. - Mihnea Dumitrescu What advice do you have for recent DDGs? Every failure is a learning opportunity. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. - Lisa Brown What's the best advice you didn't take?

Follow your heart. I keep learning this one again and again.

What advice do you have for recent DDGs? Take time. In all ways. Take time to figure out what you want to do. Take time with the people who interest you. Take time with

the people you love. Take time to see things and follow ideas just because they interest you. You'll be so much the richer for having really engaged with the world around you. Monica Parle What advice do you have for recent DDGs? Don't limit your scope to only liberal arts or what you are focused on right now. Your career will take you into fields you've never even heard of. Keep an open mind so that when that opportunity appears, you will grab it and ultimately find your passion. - Beth Ongun What's the best advice you didn't take?

Sometimes you should do things before you think you're ready for them.

What advice do you have for recent DDGs? If like me, you grew up in Texas, definitely try living somewhere else for a while! It's hard to describe how much you can learn about yourself and about others just by living in a different culture. You can always move back to Texas later. And you can definitely visit. - Michael Hoffman What's the best advice you didn't take?

Don't be so hard on yourself. - Hannah Bloch-Wehba What advice do you have for recent DDGs? You will be fine. Do not get trapped in the idea of your work needing to be a passion. Find a good job. Feel wanted or needed there. Make sure that job afford you another free time to do all the small things that make you happy. Travis Cosban What's the best advice you didn't take?

Grades aren't everything! Experience is a teacher like no other.

What advice do you have for recent DDGs? Find your purpose and never lose sight of it. Monica Chartier What's the best advice you didn't take?

Go to law school.

What advice do you have for recent DDGs? Having a plan is great, but also you have to follow opportunities and your heart. - Natalie Butler

Alumni Interviews KATHRYN TULLOS RETIRED LAWYER DDG, 1981 Why did you get into your current line of work? How did you get started?

I was a lawyer and chose that field because I liked to read, write, and speak publicly. Now I'm retired and living with my husband on the Mediterranean in southeast Spain, which we chose because it's incredibly fun. We travel a lot and, when we're home, drink Rioja on our balcony and watch the sun set over the sea.

Who or what was the biggest influence in your career?

I had the great good fortune to have an outstanding professor, Barbara Badger Aldave, in law school. I learned more than it's possible about being a lawyer, a woman in the law, and a good human being from her. We are still great friends.

What kinds of life/personal experience, paid or unpaid, would you encourage for anybody pursuing a career in this field?

Seek out relationships with people who aren't just like you. Get to know people of different ages, genders, sexual orientations, races, socio-economic situations, physical abilities, national origins, native tongues, and the like. The law, like so many professions, can make living in a bubble very easy.

What's the best advice you didn't take?

Lighten up.

What abilities or personal qualities do you believe contribute most to success?

Integrity. If I'm not closely watching my moral compass, the world will send me all sorts of places I should not let me go.

What advice do you have for recent DDGs? Lighten up. Seriously.  

ANN GILL HOWARD CANDIDATE, TRAVIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER DDG, 1985 What was your first job after graduation? What lesson did you learn on that job that you keep with you today?

When I left campus with 3 degrees in 1988, I headed to Washington, D.C. to work as legal counsel to the US Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by Joe Biden. I learned the value of a good supervisor who worked hard and cared about the quality of work performed by the team and always treated the employees with respect. I strive to respect all my colleagues, every day, all day long.

Why did you get into your current line of work? How did you get started?

I have just embarked on a campaign to win the Democratic Primary for Travis County Commissioner in 2020. This decision builds on a life of service to the Austin community and most recently, for the last 7 years, building a community that is fiercely dedicated to ending homelessness. My leadership skills were nurtured at the University in many ways thru student organizations and the Texas Exes. My role as executive director of the Ending Community Homelessness began in 2011 after I had completed 2 decades of volunteer service that included chairing 2 non-profit boards, coaching youth sports, being a PTA president and more.

Alumni Interviews Who or what was the biggest influence in your career?

I was influenced by US Congresswoman and LBJ School Professor Barbara Jordan, fort Worth lawyer and Texas Exes President Gordon Appleman, dozens of social workers, my parents, my husband and my children.

What kinds of life/personal experience, paid or unpaid, would you encourage for anybody pursuing a career in this field?

To be successful in community service, you need to be self aware so that you can give 100% to your mission and not be distracted much with needless drama.

Is there a specific instructor/professor that made a large impact on? What did they say or did to influence you?

Dr. Teresa Sullivan was my Sociology 101 professor and after her class, I declared sociology my major. I admired her excellence in teaching. She was so engaging - she knew and loved the material she taught. She brought it to life and was just all around impressive. Later i did research for the book she was writing with Professors Elizabeth Warren and J. Westbrook. Dr. Sullivan wrote my recommendation for UT Law School and I'm forever grateful. She served as the faculty sponsor for ODK and took a keen interest in her students. (Later she served as the President of the University of Virginia!)

What's the best advice you didn't take?

Learn to meditate daily. I can see the value in it but I have not made time for it. I plan to change that this summer and read and meditate daily.

What abilities or personal qualities do you believe contribute most to success?

Flexibility, honesty, transparency, collaboration What advice do you have for recent DDGs? Relish your UT memories and find ways to stay connected to people and programs. Approach your next life stage with curiosity and know that you have options and can recover from poor choices. Pause to enjoy the bluebonnets and bees. Commit to love.

Find ways big or small to make your community better!

KIM MONDAY NEUROLOGIST DDG, 1988 What was your first job after graduation? What lesson did you learn on that job that you keep with you today?

Medicine for 8 years. Tenacity Why did you get into your current line of work? How did you get started?

Fell in love with the Brain What kinds of life/personal experience, paid or unpaid, would you encourage for anybody pursuing a career in this field? work with the disadvantaged What’s the best advice you didn’t take? the cream will rise to the top, don’t be afraid What abilities or personal qualities do you believe contribute most to success?

Humility, forgiveness, and tenacity What advice do you have for recent DDGs? Don’t doubt yourself, you will succeed even if you fail first

DAVID NATHER MANAGING EDITOR, AXIOS DDG, 1988 What was your first job after graduation? What lesson did you learn on that job that you keep with you today?

The Dallas Morning News. I learned never to take a job for granted (learned the hard way after I left that job), and to give everything you have to any job to be the best.

Why did you get into your current line of work? How did you get started?

I worked at Politico with the founders of Axios. They gave me the chance to be one of the first people on board and help them create something new.

Who or what was the biggest influence in your career?

The Washington Monthly, by teaching me how to write about problems and care about solutions; Congressional Quarterly, by teaching me how to write about substance; and Politico and Axios, by teaching me how to make it fun.

What kinds of life/personal experience, paid or unpaid, would you encourage for anybody pursuing a career in this field?

If you ever have a chance to work in the field you'd be covering, do it — very briefly, just long enough to see how it really works, and then get out.

Why did you decide to attend UT of Austin?

Honestly, because I already lived in Austin and it was right there. But it was the best choice and I'll always feel lucky to have the chance. It was one of the best experiences of my life.

Is there a specific instructor/professor that made a large impact on? What did they say or did to influence you?

John Trimble taught me how to write without wasting words. His influence stays with me to this day.

What's the best advice you didn't take?

Work for many years at a newspaper before you try to cover national politics.

What abilities or personal qualities do you believe contribute most to success?

Work hard, be humble, and always have a mission.

What advice do you have for recent DDGs? You'll have a transition to go through when you start your first job. It's humbling, but stick with it, work hard, keep your head down, stay confident, and good things will happen. It may take longer than you'd like, but never give up.

STEVEN ROSENBLUM ASSISTANT VICE CHANCELLOR, WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY DDG, 1989 What was your first job after graduation? What lesson did you learn on that job that you keep with you today?

I went directly to law school from undergrad, which is something I would now discourage others from doing. I think there is real value in working (at least for a bit) to see what might be of interest and to take a break from formal education.

Why did you get into your current line of work? How did you get started?

Alumni Interviews I worked on Capitol Hill as a legislative aide for Sen. Jay Rockefeller my last semester of law school and got the bug for politics.

After law school, I worked as an attorney for a political consulting firm that raised money for Democratic candidates across the country through the 92, 94 and 96 elections and then moved to St. Louis where I have been ever since. I worked in charitable planned giving at Washington University and the Saint Louis Zoo before returning to WashU as an administrator.

Who or what was the biggest influence in your career?

I have had several great mentors over the years and have purposely sought out the right folks to be in that role at each job I have had.

What kinds of life/personal experience, paid or unpaid, would you encourage for anybody pursuing a career in this field?

Work at a place you are passionate about to see if that passion will continue.

Why did you decide to attend UT of Austin?

I was given a full scholarship as was my identical twin brother. Our parents suggested we look into UT as because they were giving out scholarship for National Merit Scholars. We decided to attend UT rather late in May of our senior year after applying late. It turned out to be an incredibly good choice.

Is there a specific instructor/professor that made a large impact on? What did they say or did to influence you?

Michael Stoff was a great professor and was my first reader for my thesis paper in the History Honors Program. I got hooked on the great classes in the History Department my sophomore year and found a home there with tremendous faculty members and some really smart students.

What's the best advice you didn't take?

To attend history graduate school. It wasn't bad advice and I probably would have enjoyed life as an academic but the uncertainty of it at the time was too much and things have worked out well in the route I chose.

What abilities or personal qualities do you believe contribute most to success?

Try to do a little extra in everything you do and people will remember.

What advice do you have for recent DDGs? Your career path will likely take several twist and turns but that is hopefully a good thing. Be sure to enjoy what you do and you will surely find success.  

RICHARD REDDICK ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR EQUITY, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, AND OUTREACH, COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN DDG, 1995 What was your first job after graduation? What lesson did you learn on that job that you keep with you today?

I taught 4th grade at E.O. Smith Education Center in Houston's Fifth Ward community with Teach for America. I learned that it was a privilege to have the toughest job I've ever had right after finishing my degree at UT. Being responsible for the learning and socioemotional development of 18 10 year olds was both awesome and overwhelming at times--but it's possible if you break down the work and build relationships with each child and family.

Why did you get into your current line of work? How did you get started?

I was involved in student affairs work since my UT days, where I was an RA, orientation advisor, and peer advisor throughout

my years at UT. I would say I have been involved in education from even before I came to UT. After earning my degrees, each opportunity was a chance to build relationships with young people (and as a professor, sometimes not so young!) and to personally grow.

Who or what was the biggest influence in your career?

I am the product of exceptional mentoring throughout my education. I have had so many wonderful people come into my life-sometimes for years, sometimes shorter periods--but always with the goal to help me reach my own goals. I think about Glen Maloney, Mrs. Brenda Burt, Dr. Sharon Justice, Dr. John Ragle, Dr. Ricardo Romo at UT, and Drs. Dean Whitla, Charles V. Willie, and Bridget Terry Long at Harvard.

What abilities or personal qualities do you believe contribute most to success?

I am very good at finding people to help me reach my goals. Also, I am a constant learner. I rarely feel like I totally know what I'm doing and I think that makes me receptive to feedback and a desire to do better.

What kinds of life/personal experience, paid or unpaid, would you encourage for anybody pursuing a career in this field?

I'm biased, but working with young people as they reach for their goals--educationally, professionally, and personally--is something we should pay forward, as it was done for us.

EMILY SCHUNIOR FOUNDER & CEO, ARC SPEED STRATEGIES DDG, 1995 What was your first job after graduation? What lesson did you learn on that job that you keep with you today?

Andersen Consulting...like everyone else in the mid-90s! I learned so much from that experience. I credit that job with providing me my most important planning, problem-solving, and leadership skills. So many things I learned about providing real value and building lifelong relationships with customers.

Why did you get into your current line of work? How did you get started?

I love building and innovating. I built up the professional services practice for a boutique software firm and had so much fun, I decided to do it as an independent consultant over and over for growing tech firms.

Who or what was the biggest influence in your career?

The experience of building authentic relationships with everyone around me - bosses, peers, direct reports, customers everyone. The realization that this is not only possible but critical to my fulfillment and satisfaction has been a cornerstone of my professional life.

Why did you decide to attend UT of Austin?

It was impulsive, but ultimately an excellent decision.

Is there a specific instructor/professor that made a large impact on? What did they say or did to influence you?

My favorite professors were Dr. Mark Smith and Dr. Robert Abzug. It wasn’t necessarily anything they said but their expansive, creative view of academic learning and potential. They were smart, thoughtful, funny, and accessible which gave me a lot of confidence that it’s possible to be both intelligent and likeable! That intelligence and thoughtfulness are not mutually exclusive with joy and humor and authenticity.

What’s the best advice you didn’t take?

I have missed countless opportunities to take good advice. Countless.

Alumni Interviews What abilities or personal qualities do you believe contribute most to success?

I am a huge believer in playing to one’s strengths. Self-awareness of those strengths and a willingness to craft a life and career around those will contribute immensely to “success” by almost any definition. In other words, don’t obsess about what you don’t do well and spend an inordiate amount of time trying to shore up a “weakness.” For instance I am not good at nor interested in detailed financial reporting. I know what I need to do my job and partner with teammates who have a passion for this, letting me do what I do best - strategy and innovation.

What advice do you have for recent DDGs? I take this advice from the musical Hamilton. I expect most DDGs are “Hamiltons,” meaning they are “young, scrappy, and hungry.” But my advice is to try to balance that with your inner “Eliza” and remember to “look around! We are so lucky to be alive right now.” If you can balance your ambition and drive with gratitude and presence, it will make for a much richer life.

MIHNEA DUMITRESCU PHYSICIAN, PRECISION MEDICINE DDG, 1996

REGENERATIVE AND

FUNCTIONAL

Why did you get into your current line of work? How did you get started?

It was the hardest (achievable) challenge I could think of.

After finishing all my medical training, I came back to Austin and started my own practice. I made no money for two years, so we had to go through some challenges, but we slowly built the practice and never looked back.

What’s the best advice you didn’t take?

Not to go into Medicine.

What abilities or personal qualities do you believe contribute most to success?

Discipline and a good memory.

What kinds of life/personal experience, paid or unpaid, would you encourage for anybody pursuing a career in this field?

Work in a hospital and in a private practice. Make sure you understand how unglamorous medicine actually is. Have the ability to postpone gratification for a long period of time.

Why did you decide to attend UT of Austin?

I didn’t get into Harvard.

Is there a specific instructor/professor that made a large impact on? What did they say or did to influence you?

Professor Luis Mackey - philosophy. He taught me how to think.

Professor Ernie Kaulbach - English. He taught me how to bullshit sincerely.

My Math teachers in high-school in Romania. If I hadn’t had so much Math, I would be as stupid as the majority of the population these days.

What advice do you have for recent DDGs? Learn Math.

LISA BROWN COORDINATOR, UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS CHARLES A DANA CENTER DDG, 1997 What was your first job after graduation? What lesson did you learn on that job that you keep with you today?

8th Grade Math Teacher. Listen to students. They will tell or show you what they need.

Why did you get into your current line of work? How did you get started?

I wanted to have a larger impact in supporting in-service teachers. I was invited to trainings at Michigan State, where I learned from amazingly skilled professional development facilitators.

Who or what was the biggest influence in your career?

My mentors, who saw in me things that I could not see in myself.

What kinds of life/personal experience, paid or unpaid, would you encourage for anybody pursuing a career in this field?

Get to know people from other backgrounds and cultures. Get some training in intercultural competence. Stay curious. You must be willing to meet every student where they are.

What's the best advice you didn't take?

Don't go into teaching.

What abilities or personal qualities do you believe contribute most to success?

Flexibility, optimism, ok with making mistakes, compassion, relational.

What advice do you have for recent DDGs? Every failure is a learning opportunity. Don't be afraid to make mistakes.

MONICA PARLE WRITER DDG, 1998 What was your first job after graduation? What lesson did you learn on that job that you keep with you today?

I worked as an HR Manager doing statistics for a community college system. I learned that no matter how lucrative and stable a role was, I would never be happy if I didn't follow my heart, AND later I learned that having a good knowledge of finances would open lots of doors.

Why did you get into your current line of work? How did you get started?

I worked in literary and academic publishing for 7 years before starting volunteering for a literacy nonprofit for disadvantaged teenagers. I ended up working there for 10 years (working as CEO for the last 4 years).

Being around writers and creative people all the time was inspiring.

Who or what was the biggest influence in your career?

My first boss in publishing - Marina Tristan, Assistant Director of Arte PâˆšâˆŤblico Press. She was an amazing manager, a single mom, a feminist, and she always have great advice. Still my first port of call if I need workplace advice, 19 years on.

What kinds of life/personal experience, paid or unpaid, would you encourage for anybody pursuing a career in this field?

Alumni Interviews Working in your community, especially with people less privileged than you. There is so much richness in the world around us, and if we don't get to know our neighbors, we miss out on a lot.

Why did you decide to attend UT of Austin?

Its fantastic Latin American Studies degree. Those years at LILAS still among the most exciting and interesting in my life. If only I could do college all over again!

Is there a specific instructor/professor that made a large impact on? What did they say or did to influence you?

Dr Susan Kerr - she wasn't actually a professor of mine at all, though I dearly wish I had studied with her. I met her while working in the Liberal Arts Honors office. We wrote letters for years after I left UT, and I was staggered she took the time to maintain that connection. She was interested in a wide world of things, made her own cards out of photographs she had taken and had such a commitment to seeing those around her. Now that she's gone, I really wish I'd taken more time to know her better.

What's the best advice you didn't take?

Follow your heart. I keep learning this one again and again.

What abilities or personal qualities do you believe contribute most to success?

Dedication and doggedness, plus a little inspiration.

What advice do you have for recent DDGs? Take time. In all ways. Take time to figure out what you want to do. Take time with the people who interest you. Take time with the people you love. Take time to see things and follow ideas just because they interest you. You'll be so much the richer for having really engaged with the world around you.

BETH ONGUN ASSISTANT TREASURER, MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES DDG, 1999 What was your first job after graduation? What lesson did you learn on that job that you keep with you today?

Auditor at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Building relationships across an organization gives you the best chance to success. Get to know everyone from the janitor to the CFO, and it will serve you well.

Why did you get into your current line of work? How did you get started?

I had the opportunity to internally transfer into Treasury from accounting and financial reporting. I knew nothing about Treasury, but once I understood what it was, I loved it. Treasury owns the capital structure of an organization, banking and rating agency relationships and liquidity (all sources of cash). Treasury is a key part of any company's strategy and is a critical key to its overall success. Being on the front lines of any issues and any successes is really interesting, and your work has a direct impact on the overall value and results of the business.

Who or what was the biggest influence in your career?

There wasn't one thing. Overall, the fact that UT let me explore all my interests in Liberal Arts and Business fostered my desire to learn all aspects of a business, organization or a subject in general. This constant desire to learn combined with the willingness to work hard to master brand new things has helped me receive new opportunities (like moving into Treasury).

What abilities or personal qualities do you believe contribute most to success?

The ability to execute on goals no matter how difficult the task. In Treasury, you cannot falter as that could mean the difference between bankruptcy or success. The ability to work well under pressure and build strong relationships across an organization have contributed strongly to my success.

What kinds of life/personal experience, paid or unpaid, would you encourage for anybody pursuing a career in this field?

1) MBA is required 2) Often not something you start out in but something that you move into 3) Business training / background required as well

Is there a specific instructor/professor that made a large impact on? What did they say or did to influence you?

Dr. Carver and Dr. Abzug. Elaine Declerck was incredible and a huge reason I was so happy and successful at UT. All three were wonderful mentors and made me feel welcome, valued and that I had resources to help me when I needed it. This is invaluable in a place with 50K students.

What advice do you have for recent DDGs? Don't limit your scope to only liberal arts or what you are focused on right now. Your career will take you into fields you've never even heard of. Keep an open mind so that when that opportunity appears, you will grab it and ultimately find your passion.  

MICHAEL HOFFMAN SCIENTIST/ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, PRINCESS MARGARET CANCER CENTRE AND THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO DDG, 2003 What was your first job after graduation? What lesson did you learn on that job that you keep with you today?

After graduating from UT, I went on to postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge in England. While working towards a PhD, one has to develop the resilience to complete a multi-year project when setbacks are frequent. This resilience keeps me going today even when things don't always work the way I wanted.

Why did you get into your current line of work? How did you get started?

I started doing research as an undergrad in the lab of Karen Browning at UT. This experience taught me the fun of discovering new things about life and the universe. I later switched to entirely computational work but I still consider myself a biologist at the core. I'm happy that I still get to catch up with Dr. Browning every once in a while.

Who or what was the biggest influence in your career?

I'd say my biggest influence is my postdoctoral mentor Bill Noble at the University of Washington in Seattle. He ran his research lab in a extremely professional way that led to individual growth for all the lab members and I've tried to replicate it as much as possible as I started my own research group in Toronto. With what I hope are a few improvements.

What kinds of life/personal experience, paid or unpaid, would you encourage for anybody pursuing a career in this field?

Absolutely the most important thing is to spend a summer doing research full-time. Some people love it, others don't, and it's not always easy to figure that out until you've tried it. If you want to go to grad school afterwards, this is a good way to show evidence that you're serious about research, and it's what will get you the most effective letters of recommendation.

Is there a specific instructor/professor that made a large impact on? What did they say or did to influence you?

The biggest influences were Karen Browning and Andy Ellington, my undergraduate research advisors at UT. More on the Liberal Arts side, Erwin Cook, my Plan II world literature professor, taught me how to make my writing clear – and how much work it can be to do so! It's something I emphasize with my own students now.

Alumni Interviews What's the best advice you didn't take?

Sometimes you should do things before you think you're ready for them.

What abilities or personal qualities do you believe contribute most to success?

I think the ability to keep working towards your goals even when you'd maybe rather do something else is the most important element to success. You can make it easier by choosing a field where the work is something you inherently enjoy. But almost everyone is still going to need a bit of grit to make important advances.

What advice do you have for recent DDGs? If like me, you grew up in Texas, definitely try living somewhere else for a while! It's hard to describe how much you can learn about yourself and about others just by living in a different culture. You can always move back to Texas later. And you can definitely visit.

HANNAH BLOCH-WEHBA ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF LAW, DREXEL UNIVERSITY, KLINE SCHOOL OF LAW DDG, 2009 What was your first job after graduation? What lesson did you learn on that job that you keep with you today?

I was the very fortunate recipient of a grant from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) that allowed me to spend the year after graduation studying international relations in Germany. In Berlin, I worked at a bilingual foreign policy magazine published at a think tank. Our authors, and our readers, came from all different disciplines and backgrounds. To this day, every time I write something (and, as a law professor, I write a lot!), I consider how it will be perceived by an audience that might come to it with a perspective different from my own.

Why did you get into your current line of work? How did you get started?

I spent much of my senior year at UT writing an honors thesis on executive war powers under the supervision of law professor Sandy Levinson. I knew then that law school was a logical next step if I wanted to develop the skills necessary to constrain abuses of power, but I also found that I loved legal research and scholarship. When I started to practice law after I got my J.D., I continued to write and research in my dwindling free time. One publication led to another...

Who or what was the biggest influence in your career?

I'm lucky to have had a lot of great mentors, both while I was at UT and afterward. In different ways, all of them taught me that writing and research can be a powerful tool for advocacy and social change. The conviction that good scholarship can improve the world around us has been a guiding force for me.

What kinds of life/personal experience, paid or unpaid, would you encourage for anybody pursuing a career in this field?

Write, write, write! And if you're a person who tends to get stuck inside your own mind, take up a hobby that can occupy you while you're thinking‚ running, painting, music...

What's the best advice you didn't take?

"Don't be so hard on yourself."

What abilities or personal qualities do you believe contribute most to success?

Diligence; independence; a sense of humor.  

TRAVIS COSBAN ER DOCTOR AND LGBTQ CENTER MEDICAL DIRECTOR, EL PASO, TX DDG, 2009 PLAN II HONORS What was your first job after graduation? What lesson did you learn on that job that you keep with you today?

I went on to go to medical school. After graduating, I attended residency at The University of Chicago. I would say the greatest lesson I learned from my first job is the importance of knowing your own value. Never compromise what you want in your work place because I promise you will have more options available if you do not feel your first job is your best fit.

Why did you get into your current line of work? How did you get started?

I knew I wanted to do medicine through college. Despite being heavily involved in the arts (both liberal and visual). Medicine is a way to make a living. My free time is how I actually create my life. Those are connected but not codependent. Never have shame if you do not feel your job is your one and only passion. We can all have passion for many things and sometime the one that gives us a paycheck is not our greatest one. The idea that it needs to be is a lie.

Who or what was the biggest influence in your career?

Larry Carver who taught me honesty and integrity in all that he does. He was on of my greatest mentors when I work with students and I try to model myself after him. My second is Vance Gilmore of Camp John Marc.

What kinds of life/personal experience, paid or unpaid, would you encourage for anybody pursuing a career in this field?

If you want to be doctor, find a way to spend time with those affected by the conditions you aim to treat. My time at Camp John Marc (a camp for terminally and chronically ill children) was instrumental in developing my empathy.

Why did you decide to attend UT of Austin?

I was selected as a Dedman Scholar. The community created through this program is unparalleled.

Is there a specific instructor/professor that made a large impact on? What did they say or did to influence you?

Dr Domjan and her psychology of happiness. Carol Seeger for ASL. Both classes I didn’t need to graduate that counted for nothing but were the most worth my time.

What abilities or personal qualities do you believe contribute most to success?

Interpersonal skills and social IQ. Knowing who is your friend. Knowing who may not be. And knowing how to fit in to the mold just enough that people respect you and let you break it.

What advice do you have for recent DDGs? You will be fine. Do not get trapped in the idea of your work needing to be a passion. Find a good job. Feel wanted or needed there. Make sure that job afford you another free time to do all the small things that make you happy.

Alumni Interviews ARI SCHULMAN EDITOR, THE NEW ATLANTIS DDG 2009 What was your first job after graduation? What lesson did you learn on that job that you keep with you today?

Research assistant to New York Times columnist David Brooks.

Why did you get into your current line of work? How did you get started?

The motivating question that got me into the line of work I'm in now -- editing a magazine that takes a critical stance toward technocratic ideology -- was why those who aspire to reengineer humanity take such meager interest in what it means to be human. This question grew out of fascination with the human condition that arose out of studying literature at UT. The informal seminars I took in the Dean's Scholars program in the College of Natural Sciences also helped set me down the path I'm on now.

Who or what was the biggest influence in your career?

My two greatest mentors at UT were Coleman Hutchison and David Laude. My intellectual debt remains largely to Walker Percy, to whom I'm indebted to Prof. Hutchison for introducing me.

What kinds of life/personal experience, paid or unpaid, would you encourage for anybody pursuing a career in this field?

Read voraciously and write regularly. Don't major in journalism; learn a subject you care about and about which you have to say, then go out and write about it.

MONICA CHARTIER PROGRAM MANAGER, DELL DDG, 2011 What was your first job after graduation? What lesson did you learn on that job that you keep with you today?

Front Desk Manager, Liberal Arts Career Services, UT Austin. The value of organization & planning. When I built a plan and started projects well in advance, our operations ran smoothly.

Why did you get into your current line of work? How did you get started?

I developed an interest in technology while working on campus. I wanted to build tools that helped people help themselves. I got on this career path through identifying what I needed to reach my goal (education & relevant experience), learning how to articulate it well, and never losing sight of it.

Who or what was the biggest influence in your career?

My family. I had goals in mind before having a family, but I now have a strong vision & sense of purpose because of them.

What kinds of life/personal experience, paid or unpaid, would you encourage for anybody pursuing a career in this field?

Internships & interviewing people in the field about their experiences Is there a specific instructor/professor that made a large impact on? What did they say or did to influence you?

Many! Dr. Musick helped me with an opportunity that launched my career. He asked me to pay it forward to others when I can.

I have, and I won't stop.

What's the best advice you didn't take?

Grades aren't everything! Experience is a teacher like no other.

What abilities or personal qualities do you believe contribute most to success?

Having strategic vision, and stepping outside your comfort zone to drive your own initiatives What advice do you have for recent DDGs? Find your purpose and never lose sight of it.

NATALIE BUTLER CONSULTANT, BOSTON CONSULTING GROUP DDG, 2012 What was your first job after graduation? What lesson did you learn on that job that you keep with you today?

Associate at the Boston Consulting Group. I realized that the value of the Liberal Arts degree is really in pushing creative thinking.

Why did you get into your current line of work? How did you get started?

I was delaying going to Law School, which I never ended up doing! But I've loved the work overall. I went to grad school (MBA at Stanford GSB and MPA at Harvard Kennedy School) eventually and ended up back in the same work.

Who or what was the biggest influence in your career?

My experience at UT generally - I really think it made me who I am.

Why did you decide to attend UT of Austin?

I wanted an adventure! And Plan II was a great opportunity.

What's the best advice you didn't take?

Go to law school What abilities or personal qualities do you believe contribute most to success?

Creative thinking and working with people What advice do you have for recent DDGs? Having a plan is great, but also you have to follow opportunities and your heart.

ALYSSA DAVIS SENIOR CONSULTANT, DELOITTE DDG, 2013 What was your first job after graduation? What lesson did you learn on that job that you keep with you today?

After graduation, I moved to Washington, D.C. to work at the Economic Policy Institute as a Research Assistant. I did research on income inequality, wage stagnation, structural labor market issues, and the gender pay gap. I learned to never stop being curious or asking questions—we did some of our best work at EPI when we interrogated conventional wisdom and analyzed the data to reveal a hidden truth underneath.

Alumni Interviews Why did you get into your current line of work? How did you get started?

I am graduating this May with a Masters in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School, and I'll start as a consultant at Deloitte in D.C. this fall, working on public sector projects. In grad school, I became interested in improving public institutions and policy to be more efficient, equitable, and effective so we can more productively tackle our largest social problems.

Who or what was the biggest influence in your career?

In my opinion, our world's current level of inequality is a crisis, with reverberating human consequences. We need effective policy and governance to tackle it, which motivates me to stay in the public sector and do my small part to help.

Is there a specific instructor/professor that made a large impact on? What did they say or did to influence you?

I am thankful to several instructors in the sociology department who taught me to question the way things are, and to imagine how they could be different. And I am indebted to Mia Carter for instilling in me with a lifelong love of literature from around the world.

What abilities or personal qualities do you believe contribute most to success?

Attitude, elbow grease, and creativity. I think when you're first starting out in your career, it's important to have a good attitude and be game to do the less glamorous work. People will want to work with you if you're enthusiastic and curious. Then you prove yourself by diligently completing projects and using creativity to solve problems.

SARAH (LUSHER) MASON PHD CANDIDATE, NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY DDG, 2014 What was your first job after graduation? What lesson did you learn on that job that you keep with you today?

I worked as a writing consultant for Collin College's Writing Center while I applied to PhD programs for English. I learned that teaching others is an incredibly rewarding experience.

Why did you get into your current line of work? How did you get started?

I wanted to be qualified to teach at the university level, so I applied to PhD programs across the country. I chose to pursue my doctorate in English at Northwestern University because I was impressed with the close-knit, collaborative, and interdisciplinary nature of their program. As a PhD candidate, I get to teach undergraduates and carry out my own research and writing.

Who or what was the biggest influence in your career?

The biggest influence in my career is the deep love of learning that my mother helped foster in me.

What kinds of life/personal experience, paid or unpaid, would you encourage for anybody pursuing a career in this field?

Pursue another line of work first--for at least a little while--to be sure that graduate work and academia are the best route to your future career.

What's the best advice you didn't take?

Don't borrow trouble from the future.

What abilities or personal qualities do you believe contribute most to success?

Integrity, perseverance, and curiosity What advice do you have for recent DDGs? Find a career that lights you up and allows you to enjoy life outside your chosen career.

ANDREW WILSON ASSOCIATE, DAVIS POLK & WARDWELL LLP DDG 2014 What was your first job after graduation? What lesson did you learn on that job that you keep with you today?

I taught English in the Normandy region of France for a year. The experience taught me a number of important lessons, including the importance of a global education in the 21st century. As the world becomes smaller it is increasingly important that we seek to better understand other cultures and societies. Through cross-cultural exchange we become better leaders, professionals, and global citizens.

Why did you get into your current line of work? How did you get started?

I was teaching abroad in France during a tumultuous period with a number of attacks occurring in Paris. These incidents allowed me to explore comparative concepts such as free speech in the classroom. That experience piqued my curiosity in the law, as I witnessed how it forms the foundation of modern nations and can help shape societies. After starting law school, I developed an interested in corporate law and governance, which led me to my current line of work.

Who or what was the biggest influence in your career?

I consider my Plan II education as the foundation for my current career. The interdisciplinary studies the program emphasizes allowed me to explore varied interests and become a more engaged member of society. From world literature to theoretical physics, the Plan II curriculum sparked a lifelong curiosity in the world around me and helped guide me to my current career.

DDG Honorable Mentions Dean’s Distinguished Honorable Mentions 2019 Each of the students nominated to be a Dean’s Distinguished Graduate demonstrates great accomplishments in the areas of academics, leadership, and service.

These students were nominated and have received a certificate and recognition in the commencement program.

Michael Ayala American Studies (Special Honors) / Radio Television Film

Matthew Lively Government (College Honors) / History

Maddie Brunk Psychology (Special Honors; College Honors)

Natalie Miller Linguistics (Special Honors) / Music - Clarinet

Morgan Clark Anthropology (Special Honors; College Honors) / Linguistics / English

Ashleigh Pearce History (Special Honors)

James Collins Government / Environmental Science (Bachelor of Science) Ayana D’Aguilar Plan II Honors Program / Islamic Studies / Asian Cultures & Languages - Hindi Sarah Davidson Rhetoric & Writing (Special Honors) Stephanie Davidson-Mendez Middle Eastern Languages & Cultures (Special Honors) / Linguistics Christina De Ayala Human Dimensions of Organizations (Special Honors; College Honors) Anna Dolliver English (Special Honors; College Honors) / Asian Cultures and Languages - Chinese Rachel Evans Religious Studies (Special Honors) / Communication Science and Disorders - Audiology

Alia Pederson Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies / Neuroscience Karla Peredo International Relations and Global Studies (Special Honors) / Government Lauren Piot Human Dimensions of Organizations John Saxton Sociology / Biology Tarika Srinivasan Philosophy / Biochemistry Honors Ashlyn Stavinoha Religious Studies Sarah Steele German (Special Honors) Josué Teniente History (Special Honors; College Honors) / Sociology Mason Tyler-Nyman Economics (Special Honors) / Mathematics

Samantha Farmer Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies (Special Honors) / History

Seton Uhlhorn Asian Cultures & Languages - Hindi (Special Honors) / Plan II Honors Program

Natalie Fisher American Studies (Special Honors) / Radio Television Film

Hannah Wang French / Biomedical Engineering

Tatiana Guevara Latin American Studies / Government Kelly Hall Linguistics / Plan II Honors Program Lauryn Hanley Classical Languages - Classics (Special Honors) / History / Classical Studies - Ancient History Devon Hsiao Humanities (Special Honors) / Asian Cultures & Languages Korean

We want to hear from you!

2019

DDG ALUMNI ENDOWMENT The Dean’s Distinguished Graduate Endowment was established in 2017 through the thoughtful generosity of DDG Howard Nirken (BA ’83, JD ’87, M.P.Aff ‘97), and since its inception an additional 15 donors have also contributed. This year, thanks to this endowment, first-generation college student Angie Nunez Rodriguez was granted funds to complete her undergraduate research in sociology and anthropology.

With the support of additional Dean’s Distinguished Graduate Alumni, this endowment can continue to grow and support additional students to pursue experiential learning opportunities like internships and undergraduate research. Please consider making your donation at: http://giving.utexas.edu/DDG.

ARE YOU ON LINKEDIN? You can now add your DDG alumni affiliation to your LinkedIn profile by requesting to join the DDG Alumni Association group on LinkedIn.

HAVE YOU BEEN SHOWCASED IN AN ARTICLE OR HAVE NEWS TO SHARE?

DO YOU HAVE IDEAS FOR WAYS TO KEEP IN TOUCH? We are considering ways for DDG alumni to get involved in projects like student mentoring, scholarships, and events to bring our community together. If you are interested in helping with a project, please email Agnes Savich.

DO YOU FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK?

If so, we’d love to share that on our Facebook page and keep Request to be added to our DDG Alumni Facebook page or you in mind for future newsletter articles. Just email Agnes search DDG Alumni Association.

Savich.