Five outstanding students sharing a passion for academics, pride in their heritage and a commitment to doing a world of good have been awarded 2021 Hispanic Alumni Scholarships.
Hispanic Alumni of SMU established the annual award in 2009 to provide financial assistance to upper-level or graduate Hispanic students excelling at the University. Since the scholarship’s inception, 42 students have received support as they continue to work toward their degrees. This year’s recipients are:
Teresa Acosta ’22 made SMU history as the inaugural First-Generation Senator elected to the 107th SMU Student Senate. Teresa is a junior majoring in biology and human rights with minors in Spanish and History in Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences. She holds a multitude of additional leadership roles in organizations across campus. Teresa serves as co-director of marketing and outreach for SMU Alternative Breaks, co-events director for the SMU Human Rights Council, Daniel House Director of House Advocacy for Upper Division Housing and president of the League of United Latin American Citizens at SMU. She is also vice president of the SMU Global Medical Brigades and of the Unity Coalition at SMU; rush chair for the Alpha Phi Omega Community Service Fraternity; co-socials chair for the Connect Program; Student Wellness Champion; and secretary of the Japanese Cultural Club.
Lucy Carreño-Roca ’22 is a first-year student in the Cox School of Business’ full-time MBA program with a concentration in finance and marketing. Lucy serves as vice president of Cox School’s Operations and Analytics Club and is a member of the Latino Business Club and the Women in Business and Finance Club. Prior to attending SMU, she was a global treasury implementation adviser and operations manager for Bank of America, where she discovered a passion for improving the financial lives of clients while taking advantage of leadership and team cultivation opportunities. In 2016, Lucy graduated magna cum laude from Bryn Mawr College as a double major in English and psychology.
Jose Martinez ’22 is majoring in film and media arts with a minor in graphic design in Meadows School of the Arts. Jose’s deep spirituality inspires his goal to make movies that “remind us we are part of something bigger than ourselves.” He aspires to help “set the path that leads future generations to the truth” by being a good friend and trusted neighbor.
Valeria Reynosa ’22 is a junior from El Paso, Texas, majoring in history and political science with a minor in law and legal reasoning. As an undergraduate research assistant for The Voices of SMU oral history project, Valeria strives to amplify the voices of underrepresented groups in the SMU community by documenting individuals’ experiences. Her academic interests weave through her roles as a History Ambassador, a history intern with the Bywaters Special Collections in Hamons Arts Library, an SMU Pre-Law Scholar and secretary of the SMU Historical Society. Her volunteerism off campus includes service as a court appointed special advocate for Dallas CASA. In her free time, Valeria enjoys hiking, running and listening to podcasts.
Antonio Orta Williamson ’22, a junior majoring in civil engineering in the Lyle School of Engineering, moved to Dallas from Mexico when he was 17. After graduating from high school, Antonio continued his education in community college, earning his associate’s degree while working and saving to attend SMU. He was recognized for his work with Tau Beta Pi engineering honor society during this year’s Honors Convocation. In his free time, he loves to hang out with his family and take his dogs, Lily and Luca, on long walks. He also plays soccer with his friends in a couple of different indoor and outdoor leagues. After graduating, he plans to pursue a career in land development in Dallas.