Category: Honors and Scholars

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First-Generation Initiative Mentorship Office of Engaged Learning Turner Scholars

Mustang Mentors Help Guide First-Years Through PREP Program

Arianna Saravia and Dasne Aguinaga meet in Fondren Library so often that it felt like the natural place to talk for their interview. On a quiet weekday afternoon, in their usual study spot, they shared how their experience in Mustang Mentors, paired with support from SMU’s Pre-Health Readiness and Enrichment Program (PREP), helped shape their first-year navigating the pre-health path.

PREP helps first-year students build academic confidence, explore clinical experiences, and understand the steps needed for Medical, Physician Assistant or Dental school. For both of them, this PREP mentorship quickly became the center of their support system.

Arianna, a sophomore double majoring in Biological Sciences and Health and Society, remembers how overwhelming her first semester felt. Turning that experience into something meaningful was why she applied to Mustang Mentors. “I wanted [my mentee] to feel at home and not isolated,” she said.

Dasne, a first-year Biological Sciences major on the pre-PA track, said the immediate support helped her settle in. “As a first-year you really do not know anything,” she said. “Seeing her at events made me more comfortable asking questions.”

Both students pointed to early PREP events as turning points. “It helped [students] feel comfortable and it showed everyone that mentors are there for them,” she said. Dasne said the moment stood out because it made the room feel less intimidating. She also said the journey-board workshop helped her understand her academic path. “It made me feel better about taking my own path,” she said.

Arianna is active across campus in Turner Scholars, MAPS (Minority Association of Pre-Health Students), and student senate. She said seeing mentees in different spaces has helped strengthen those connections and that visibility mattered during the moments she felt unsure. Dasne shared that when she struggled on a chemistry exam early in the semester, she said she almost kept it to herself; instead, she reached out to Arianna. “I always think about what she would do when I make decisions about classes or activities.”

Arianna said she knew the mentorship was working the first time when Dasne came to her after that difficult chemistry test. “Not everyone is willing to be vulnerable in pre-health,” she said. “That was when I knew she trusted me.”

Their professional goals differ, but both hope to stay in Dallas. Arianna plans to pursue pediatric psychiatry. Dasne hopes to attend PA school and work in dermatology or aesthetic medicine. They said talking about their goals reminded them how many routes exist in pre-health and helped build greater understanding of others’ unique career paths.

Arianna’s advice to new PREP students is simple: “Do not overthink it. You never know when you will need someone to talk to.” Dasne echoed her and said, “Some people think they can just look things up, but it is not the same as having someone you can rely on.”

The mentorship that began through Mustang Mentors and grew through PREP now feels like a natural part of their routine and a reminder that pre-health at SMU is easier when you do not try to navigate it alone.

If you are looking to strengthen the pre-health community, consider becoming a Mustang Mentor and sharing what you have learned along the way.

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Honors and Scholars Mentorship Office of Engaged Learning President’s Scholars Student Academic Engagement & Success University Honors Program

Building Connection: Inside SMU’s Mustang Mentors Program

Written by Jacqueline Sastre ’27 – Mustang Mentee Ambassador

The first year of college can feel like stepping into another world with new people, new routines and endless possibilities. For Valentina Barros Velin, a freshman from California majoring in International Studies, Mustang Mentors became a guiding light during that transition.

“I knew college was going to be a huge change,” Valentina said. “I wanted someone who could give me advice, wisdom and just be a friendly face on campus.”

That someone turned out to be Lelin Spriggs, a senior International Studies major who joined the program hoping to share her experience with new students. “I’ve always been like a big sister,” Lelin said. “When I heard about this program I thought it was the perfect way to give back and help others the way I wish someone had helped me.”

The two met for coffee chats, attended campus events together and even bonded over discovering they both worked for The Dialogue, SMU’s student publication. “We didn’t even realize it until we saw each other at a meeting,” Valentina said. “It made the mentorship feel even more natural.”

Beyond the shared laughter and conversations over coffee, the program gave Valentina a sense of direction. “Lelin helped me find clubs and organizations to join,” Valentina said. “She even made a spreadsheet after our first conversation to help me stay organized and manage my time.”

For Lelin, mentoring brought a renewed sense of purpose to her senior year. “It’s easy to get caught up in wanting to graduate and move on,” Lelin said. “But being a mentor reminds me of why I love being here. It’s about community and helping others grow.”

Both students agree Mustang Mentors stands out because it feels genuine. “A lot of programs talk about connection,” Lelin said. “But this one actually gives you the space to build it.”

Valentina said the experience has shown her what is possible. “Seeing how far Lelin has come reminds me that I can get there too.”

Their story captures what Mustang Mentors is all about, creating a space where guidance turns into friendship and where a little advice can go a long way in helping new students feel at home.

At SMU, the Mustang Mentors program connects first-year and transfer students with upperclassmen who can guide them through their college transition. The program pairs students based on shared interests, majors and goals, giving newcomers a chance to learn from those who have already navigated campus life. Discover how your students can build connections that last beyond the Hilltop. Visit the Mustang Mentors page for more information.

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Academic Skill Development First-Generation Initiative Student Academic Engagement & Success Turner Scholars

The First Generation Initiative hosts First-Gen Celebration Week: Rooted in Community

First-Gen celebration week includes several events November 9-13. Register on SMU360.

Join the First-Generation Initiative as we celebrate the strength, resilience, and connection of first-generation students, alumni, faculty and staff. This year’s theme — Rooted in Community — honors the deep roots that ground us and the growing branches that connect us. Through workshops, networking, storytelling, and celebration, we’ll uplift the shared experiences that make SMU’s first-gen community thrive.

We hope you can join us by attending one or more of the following events:

  • Planting Our Roots: Celebrating Community – Join us on Sunday, November 9 from 5-7 p.m. for food, music, and a fun activity planting succulents outside in the McElvaney Quad!
  • Growing our Roots: First-Gen Alumni Panel & Networking Event – Hear from SMU first-gen alumni who have built meaningful careers while staying rooted in their values, passions, and purpose on Monday, November 10 from 5-7 p.m. in Blanton 108/110/112.
  • Rooted in True Self: Identity Method Workshop – Come hear Chris Meyers share a unique and fresh perspective on topics of worldview, identity, and the power of belief on Tuesday, November 11 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center Chamber.
  • Turner Scholars x FGI Evolve Speaker Series – Co-hosted with Turner Scholars, hear from First-Gen alumni Cynthia Gudiel on Tuesday, November 11 from 5-7 p.m. in Moody Auditorium. Her belief that “higher education can be a path to social mobility” motivates her work and will undoubtedly shine through during her lecture.
  • Library Game Night: Branch Out & Grow Your Game (students only) – Spend a fun evening playing board games with student group, Board Together, and learn a new hobby on Tuesday, November 11 from 7-9 p.m. near the Starbucks in Fondren Library.
  • Celebrating Our Roots: First-Gen Fest – Come celebrate all that makes our First-Gen community strong on Wednesday, November 12 from 12-2 p.m. in Hughes-Trigg Student Center second floor! Enjoy a free t-shirt, food, and music.
  • Stay Rooted: FGA General Body Meeting (students only) – Join the First-Generation Association (FGA) student body meeting to learn more about the FGA student group on Thursday, November 13 from 5-6 p.m. in Hughes Trigg Student Center 226.

We’re looking forward to celebrating our First-Gen students!

First-Gen celebration week includes several events November 9-13. Register on SMU360.

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Honors and Scholars Student Academic Engagement & Success University Honors Program

Announcing UHP 2305 and 2306

As we prepare for Spring 2026 enrollment, the University Honors Program announces that all UHP first-year writing courses will now use the UHP prefix rather than the WRTR prefix. Beginning in Spring 2026, WRTR 2305 and WRTR 2306 will now be listed in my.smu as UHP 2305 and UHP 2306. Both courses will continue to fulfill the CC Academic Writing and Critical Reasoning Foundation requirements. Students who earned Honors credit for WRTR 2305 and WRTR 2306 will not lose their credits.

UHP 2305 asks students to consider what we know, how do we know, and poses fundamental questions about how we understand the worlds we inhabit. UHP 2306 examines the ways in which human cultures create, perpetuate, and enact notions of identity and otherness throughout history. Four distinguished UHP faculty – Dr. Joan Arbery, Dr. Jerry Barr, Dr. Madhavi Biswas, and Dr. Russ McConnell – teach the Honors writing courses.

Joan Arbery was born in Dallas, but grew up in Nashua, NH, for most of her childhood. After college at the University of Dallas, she spent her graduate years at the University of Notre Dame, with a year in Dublin on a graduate fellowship. After a brief stint in free-lance journalism here in town, she started teaching at SMU in 2009, and has taught in Honors since 2016. During that time, she has also worked with the University of Dallas and the Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture (now part of SMU). In addition to serving as the historian for SMU’s Phi Beta Kappa chapter, she looks forward to joining Faculty Senate this year. She loves teaching the Honors curriculum and Honors students, engaging with their intellectual curiosity and imagination.

Jerry Barr has taught university writing and literature courses since 2017. He has written peer-reviewed essays on the 18th-Century orientalist Sir William Jones. He received a grant to conduct research on Rabindranath Tagore at his university, Viswa Bharati, in Bengal, India. Jerry also led a colloquium of international graduate students for Harvard University’s Institute for World Literature. He also has a deep interest in magic realism and considers Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude one of the world’s greatest novels. 

Madhavi Biswas received her BA, MA, and MPhil in English from the University of Delhi. She received her PhD in Humanities from the University of Texas in Dallas. She has taught literature, film, critical thinking, and writing courses at the University of Texas at Dallas, Collin College, and the University of Delhi. Her current areas of interest are world literature, transnational cinema, anime, and adaptation studies. Her articles on contemporary Indian Cinema have been published in peer-reviewed journals and edited collections. At present, she teaches critical thinking and writing at SMU. 

Russ McConnell hails from the frigid northlands of Canada, where he received his BA in English from the University of Calgary, and his MA and PhD from the University of Western Ontario.  Some years ago, he was shipwrecked on the seacoast of Texas, and now he ekes out a living in the wild prairie by teaching liberal arts to curious passers-by.  He has published peer-reviewed essays on William Shakespeare, John Milton, comic books, and post-pandemic pedagogy, and has recently turned his hand to writing short fiction and become a member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association.  Dr. McConnell is delighted to be teaching in the SMU Honors Program, and always hopes that his students are having as much fun as he is.

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Academic Center for Excellence Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Academic Skill Development Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies First-Generation Initiative Honors and Scholars Office of General Education Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Academic Success Programs Student Success & Retention Tutoring University Advising Center University Advising Center University Foundations University Testing Center Writing Center

October is Disability Awareness Month!

Disability Awareness Month events. Image text duplicated in body text.

Disability Accommodations and Success Strategies (DASS) invites you to recognize and celebrate Disability Awareness Month at these on- and off-campus events.

Students for New Learning (SNL), SMU’s chartered organization for neurodivergent students, hosts 2 meetings this month. The first, on October 7, in Hughes Trigg Student Center, rooms 226 & 227, is a collaboration with SMU’s tabletop gaming club, Board Together. At the second meeting, October 28 at 5 p.m. in the A-LEC, SNL leaders and members will discuss how to choose the right courses and build the best spring schedule for you! RSVP for these events on SMU360.

In honor of World Mental Health Day on October 10, University Academic Engagement and Success (UAES) staff are invited to take a break, step outside, and enjoy a walk in nature. This event is a chance to recharge, connect with colleagues, and reflect on the importance of caring for our own well-being while supporting our students. Details will be shared with those who register through SMU360.

The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Presents Hopeville – Monday, October 14 at 5 p.m. in Frances Anne Moody Hall at SMU. Join IDA Dallas for the screening of a powerful documentary that explores the root causes of America’s literacy crisis and highlights evidence-based solutions grounded in the Science of Reading. Hopeville is a call to action for parents, educators, leaders, and community members to advocate for effective reading instruction. RSVP at Eventbrite.

On October 18, the Dallas Zoo is hosting the White Cane Day Walk, a “walk on the wild side” for people who are blind or visually impaired. Register to walk or support a walker.

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Academic Center for Excellence Academic Skill Development Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center First-Generation Initiative Rotunda Scholars Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Success & Retention Tutoring University Advising Center Writing Center

First-Generation Initiative featured in SMU News

graduate standing in front of mustang sign

Navigating college as a first-generation student takes determination, perseverance, and resilience. For Alexa Saucedo, that journey at SMU was filled with challenges, but also growth, connection, and success.

Through the support of the First-Generation Initiative and her own perseverance, Alexa adapted and learned how to navigate an unfamiliar world while creating new opportunities for herself. Her story shows the power of community and the impact of support and resources that are dedicated to first-gen success.

Read more about Alexa’s journey and how SMU supports trailblazers like her: https://www.smu.edu/news/latest/first-gen-student-initiative

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Honors and Scholars News Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning – Research Student Academic Engagement & Success

Student Reflection on the Taos Honors and Scholars Program

Trinity Gabreylski in Taos, New Mexico

This summer, the Taos Honors & Scholars program launched its inaugural year of an immersive academic adventure blending challenging courses, a close-knit cohort, and the breathtaking cultural landscape of northern New Mexico.

For sophomore music therapy major and Presidents Scholar Trinity Gabreylski, it began as a way to check off CC credits. But two summer sessions later, she left with a deeper sense of self, a new research passion, and friendships that feel like family.

“I picked courses that seemed interesting to me and The Cultural History of New Mexico Religious Literacy stood out,” she recalls. “I’ve always wanted to learn more about the Southwest and different religions from around the world.”

Classes didn’t stay in the classroom. Students explored the region’s rich history and living traditions, visiting Taos Pueblo, Chimayo, the St. Francis Cathedral, and other cultural landmarks. Between sessions, the cohort rolled up their sleeves in a cooking class to make tortillas and authentic New Mexican green chile with a celebrated local chef and journeyed to the ancient pueblos of Chaco Canyon. “I was impressed with the amount of field trips we went on because we had two weeks for each course. Also, meeting local people was so informative.”

One visit in particular to Al Rahma Mosque left a lasting mark. Trinity met a community member whose words resonated deeply: “Just because someone is a different religion than you doesn’t mean they necessarily have different views than you.”

Her time in Taos also sparked a fascination with traditional healing practices deeply rooted in Native and Hispanic cultures. “Curanderas and shamans are very popular there… This experience inspired my research project, The Therapy and Medicalization of Curandero and Shaman Practice: The Power of Traditional Healing.” Building on that project, she developed an independent research study, which ultimately earned her an Engaged Learning Fellowship, allowing her to further explore healing traditions and their role in modern medical contexts.

Beyond the academics, Trinity found the cohort experience transformative. “All of the students were very close. We studied together, explored together… and whenever I needed something, they were there for me. We’re still in touch!”

The program also helped her reconnect with her heritage. “It felt like a mix of home and another country at the same time… I was learning more about Mexican American culture while feeling closer to my own.”

Looking toward her goal of occupational therapy school, she sees a clear connection: “I’m a music therapy major, looking into occupational therapy school for the future. Learning in Taos got me started looking at metaphysical aspects of the therapeutic field because it’s part of the culture in New Mexico. Sometimes in medical settings, the metaphysical, spiritual information that people believe in isn’t recognized. Understanding the cultural setting helps make sure your patients are getting the proper care they need.”

Her advice to future Taos Honors & Scholars students: Be open to every class. The courses connect in meaningful ways, offering chances to collaborate across subjects, learn from peers, and gain support when needed.

The Taos Honors and Scholars Program is supported by University Honors Program, the Office of Engaged Learning, and generously funded by Richter Fellowship and Friends of Taos.

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Honors and Scholars National Fellowships National Fellowships University Honors Program

Six SMU undergraduates receive Fulbright awards

Six recent undergraduate alumni have received Fulbright U.S. Student awards for international study, research, and teaching in Bulgaria, Kosovo, Laos, Mexico, Peru, and Vietnam.

SMU’s Fulbright Finalists for the 2025–2026 cycle are:

Lillian Duma, Kosovo, English teaching assistant

Lillian Duma graduated in May 2024 with a B.A. in Political Science and a B.A. in Human Rights with minors in History and Spanish. In 2023, she received the Boren Scholarship for a semester of Albanian language training in Tirana, Albania. During her time on the Hilltop, Lillian served as an SMU Student Senator, Caswell Fellow, Orientation Leader, and Undergraduate Research Assistant. For her outstanding academic achievements, she was invited to join Phi Beta Kappa, the United States’ oldest and most prestigious academic honor society. Lillian looks forward to fostering academic community in Kosovo and immersing herself in the Balkans’ renowned café culture.

Shivani Kosuri, Bulgaria, English teaching assistant

Shivani Kosuri graduated in May 2025 with a B.A. in Advertising (Digital Media Specialization) and a B.A. in Psychology. Her research in these fields earned numerous accolades and awards, including a best conference paper prize from the American Academy of Advertising, the National Student Advertising Competition Best Presenter Award, Outstanding Digital Media Student, and the Face of Temerlin Award. Outside of the classroom, Shivani participated in Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Kappa Psi, Consult Your Community, Mock Trial, and Mustangs for Hope. Shivani said, “I chose Fulbright because it aligns with my belief that language, education, and storytelling are powerful tools for connection. As someone who grew up between cultures, I’ve seen firsthand how education can bridge divides. This program provides me with the opportunity to integrate creative expression, such as dance and improv, into English learning. I am excited to work in a classroom that empowers students to see language as a gateway to self-expression and cultural dialogue.”

Anika Krieger, Peru, English teaching assistant

Anika Krieger graduated in May 2025 with a B.A. in Creative Computing, a B.A. in Religious Studies, and a B.A. in Human Rights with Departmental Distinction. Inspired by her previous work with Minga Peru, an organization serving Indigenous people living in Peru’s Amazon River Basin, Anika seeks to reconnect with Peruvian students and further develop her teaching skills. Her dedication to research, leadership, and service is evident from her wide-ranging awards and honors including membership in Phi Beta Kappa and Mortar Board, election to the Hyer Society, service as an SMU Student Senator, and receipt of the Isaac Gustave Bromberg Award for Outstanding Work in the Humanities, the Caswell Fellowship, and more. Anika said, “As a teacher and policy-minded practitioner, I was drawn to Fulbright’s mission of cultural exchange through service. The program offers a rare opportunity to build meaningful relationships across borders, to teach in a deeply engaged and localized way, and to grow alongside the community I serve. Fulbright will allow me to deepen my understanding of educational equity in a global context while contributing to something larger than myself.”

Vivian Thai, Vietnam, English teaching assistant

Vivian Thai graduated in May 2025 with a B.S. in Biological Sciences and a B.S. in Health and Society with a minor in Human Rights. She quickly made her mark as both a dedicated student researcher and student leader. In 2024, Vivian was awarded the CDC’s John R. Lewis Undergraduate Public Health Scholarship to conduct research at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health during the summer before her senior year. She then received the University Honors Program’s Richter Independent Research Fellowship to interview women undergoing IVF treatment at Binh Dinh Provincial General Hospital in Quy Nhon, Vietnam in order to better understand social and cultural barriers to medical fertilization. As a further testament to her achievements, she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and chosen by her peers for the “M” Award. Vivian also served on SMU Student Senate, as a Student Ambassador, and as president of both the Minority Association of Pre-Health Students and SMU’s chapter of Circle K International. She said, “Growing up translating between English and Vietnamese for my parents, I’ve seen how language can open up opportunities. I applied for Fulbright because it is a meaningful way to give back, share American culture, and keep learning from others along the way.”

Anna Kelley Zielke, Laos, English teaching assistant

Anna Kelley Zielke graduated in May 2025 with a B.A. in Political Science and a B.F.A. in Dance Performance. From virtually her first moment on campus, she distinguished herself as a dedicated and creative researcher. As a second-year student, she carried out research supported by the Engaged Learning Fellowship on bridging political divides among young people, which resulted in the publication of a children’s book promoting the value of pluralism. Anna Kelley also interned at the George W. Bush Presidential Center as a member of the Strengthening Democracy and Veteran Affairs teams. In recognition of her many achievements, she earned the 2025 Outstanding Achievement in Dance award and joined both Phi Beta Kappa and the Hyer Society. Anna Kelley said, “Fulbright’s mission to form relationships across cultures that cultivate mutual understanding excites me as I have the opportunity to be part of a cohort working towards increasing international connectivity and peace.”

A sixth student who did not wish to be included in this post is a Finalist for the Binational Business Program award in Mexico.

The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. The primary source of funding for the Fulbright Program is an annual appropriation made by the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Participating governments, host institutions, corporations, and foundations in foreign countries and in the United States also provide direct and indirect support. Recipients of Fulbright grants are selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields. The Program operates in over 160 countries worldwide.

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SMU undergraduate students interested in pursuing international study, research, or travel should reach out to Dr. Brandon Gray Miller (bgmiller@smu.edu), assistant dean for Honors and Scholars.

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Honors and Scholars Student Academic Engagement & Success University Foundations University Honors Program

Three full-time SAES Faculty Members Honored at the HOPE Awards

Text: SAES Faculty Members Honored at the HOPE Awards Photos of Brian Fennig, Troy Forte, and Russell McConnell

Three full-time SAES faculty members received recognition at the Honoring Our Professor’s Excellence (HOPE) Banquet.  Dr. Brian Fennig (Teaching Professor, University Foundations), Troy Forte (Teaching Assistant Professor, University Foundations), and Dr. Russell McConnell (Teaching Associate Professor, University Honors Program) received nominations for the prestigious HOPE Award.  The HOPE Banquet, coordinated by the Office of Residence Life and Student Housing, allows for residential students to recognize faculty who go above and beyond in their role.

In addition to the HOPE nomination, Dr. Fennig received recognition as a Distinguished HOPE Professor – an honor reserved for faculty who have received student nominations for five years or more.

Congratulations to professors Fennig, Forte, and McConnell for this recognition of their teaching excellence.  We thank you for your contributions to the student experience, to your departments, and to SAES.

 

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Hilltop Scholars Honors and Scholars Student Academic Engagement & Success

Hilltop Scholars Program Senior Spotlight

Michael is wearing a blue and white striped collared shirt with the SMU pony on the chest.

Nearly four years ago, I, a simple fellow from Pennsylvania, arrived at SMU armed with no small amount of anxiety, self-doubt, and dubious writing skills. Though the transition was jarring, the Hilltop Scholars Program provided both an effective path to academic enrichment and an invaluable sense of community and belonging throughout that challenging first year and beyond. Indeed, I met my best friend during an HSP service event.  I learned to improve my writing through the tough but constructive criticism characteristic of my professor for both semesters, Dr. Krogh (who is also HSP’s director). She excelled at rewarding hard work while also spurring us to continue refining our writing. These argumentative and academic writing skills I learned in HSP classes have proven to be vital over the past three years. I remain deeply involved with the Hilltop Scholars Program as its Writing Mentor, guiding students to write papers on the same texts and themes and develop the same skills as I did. For this privilege I am grateful to Dr. Krogh, whose faith in my abilities convinced me to take on the mentorship role and boosted my confidence immeasurably.

Outside of HSP, I have pursued a major in Real Estate and minors in Latin and History. I am the treasurer of the 3D Printed Prosthetics club. Last semester, the Latin department awarded me the McLamore Scholarship, which is particularly gratifying after nearly a decade of studying the language. Now, I am preparing to graduate and go on to law school. Venturing alone 1,500 miles to Texas forced me far outside my comfort zone. It was a gamble that paid off.  I will miss SMU and Dallas, but I am eager to continue my education.