SMU awards four-year merit scholarships to 12 DISD graduates

SMU awards four-year merit scholarships to 12 DISD graduates.

Dallas skyline with SMU in the foreground

Dallas skyline with SMU in the foregroundDALLAS (SMU) – SMU has awarded scholarships to 12 high school graduates through two programs reserved for Dallas Independent School District students.

Recipients of both the Mustang Scholarships and the Robert H. Dedman, Sr., North Dallas High School Scholarships earn full tuition for four years.

Mustangs Scholars are:

  • Jose De Labra, Bethel Kumsa, Danh Nguyen, Luxor Brothers and Sylvia Gonzalez—all graduating from the Science and Engineering Magnet at Townview
  • Liliana Garcia of Bryan Adams High School
  • Julia Ribas of Booker T. Washington HSPVA
  • Aimee Rodas of Judge Barefoot Sanders School of Law at Townview
  • Katherine Mejia of Thomas Jefferson High School

Dedman North Dallas High School Scholars are:

  • Jose Gonzalez
  • Clarisa Torres
  • Miguel Velasco

Both scholarship programs for DISD students are part of SMU’s civic commitment to provide opportunities for educational advancement to Dallas’ young, emerging leaders. Each scholarship program also represents SMU’s pledge to encourage educational achievement and reward educational excellence within the Dallas community.

“These programs have proven to be a valuable connection between SMU and DISD,” said SMU’s Rod Jackson, senior associate director of undergraduate admission and director of diversity initiatives. “Through these programs, we have welcomed a number of DISD’s most gifted students to SMU and have watched them graduate and give back to their hometown communities.”

Established four years ago, the Mustang Scholarship Program provides high-achieving students with merit-based scholarships. A potential Mustang Scholar must submit a formal SMU application, have graduated from a DISD high school, be a resident of Texas and be Pell Grant eligible. Finalists must also participate in a daylong panel interview process.

The Dedman North Dallas High School Scholarship Fund was established in honor of NDHS and SMU alumnus Robert H. Dedman, Sr., in 1998. Recipients of the Dedman NDHS Scholarships must be in the top 10 percent of their graduating class, have a grade point average of 90 or better, have two or more advanced placement courses in progress, participate in activities outside of the classroom and apply and be admitted to SMU. All finalists much complete an interview. The program provides full tuition scholarships for up to four North Dallas High School students.

For more information regarding SMU-DISD scholarship programs, contact Rod Jackson, senior associate director of undergraduate admission and director of diversity initiatives, at 214-768-3260 or rodrickj@smu.edu.

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Media Contact:

Christina Voss
SMU News & Communications
214-768-7641
cvoss@smu.edu