JSOM Grads Fund New Scholarships for Students

At the University of Texas at Dallas – Naveen Jindal School of Management, three JSOM grads have made it a priority to give back to the institution and education which helped fuel their success.

Among the many opportunities created through the philanthropic giving of Jindal alumni is the Gigi Edwards Bryant Champions Scholarship, established by Jindal MBA graduate Gigi Edwards Bryant (MBA ’02). The scholarship is available for either undergraduate or graduate students who have either been in foster care themselves or have made a positive impact on children in the system through advocacy or volunteer work.

According to Bryant, compassion and philanthropy go hand in hand. “Education can and will change the mindset and the dynamics, if not for the past, then certainly for the future,” Bryant commented. “It did it for me, and I was thrilled to find out that this was the first of its kind for UT Dallas.”

She further commented on the importance of philanthropy for all people, as it brings together those from different backgrounds, interests and communities in the work of giving back. “The key is concentrating on the efforts of your time, talents and treasures in order to do the most good,” she said.

Sandia Sheikh BS ’09, currently vice president for E Smith Realty Partners, is another example of alumni giving back. The Saadia Sheikh Scholarship/Fellowship for Entrepreneurship is the first endowed scholarship/fellowship for entrepreneurship, helping to support undergraduate or graduate students in the field. Another alumni, Judy Hendrick MS ’86, established the first endowed scholarship in finance, the Hazel Elise Rogers Scholarship/Fellowship for Finance, in honor of her mother.

“What could be more rewarding than to see that you can help someone gain an education who might not be able to do otherwise?” Sheikh commented on the importance of philanthropy. “And then that person can perpetuate that philosophy and help others.”

regions: Dallas

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