SCHOLARSHIP

Rosaura Lopez wasn’t sure when she would be able to attend college. The prospect seemed overwhelming.

“As a first-generation student, I was scared by college and its costs,” Lopez says.

Princess Duran also worried about the financial burden of higher education. Like Lopez, she would be the first in her family to attend college.

At the same time the two Texas natives were considering their futures, a new scholarship was being established at UTA.

Yardi Systems, a property management software leader for real estate clients worldwide, made a $320,000 gift to create the Yardi Scholars program to award scholarships to students with financial need who intend to major in business, with preference given to first-generation students. Scholars receive up to $10,000 per year for up to four consecutive years of study.

“Yardi believes in the life-changing impact of a college degree, especially for first-generation scholars, and we are thrilled to partner with UTA to help these students achieve their goals,” says Jay Shobe, senior vice president of Yardi Systems.

Duran and Lopez, the inaugural Yardi Scholars, are now successfully studying in the College of Business.

“I am thankful to Yardi Systems and feel blessed and honored to be the recipient of this prestigious scholarship,” Duran says. “It is helping me pursue my dream of majoring in international business and helping me stay focused on school.”

Lopez, who is majoring in finance, agreed that the scholarship is a life-changing opportunity.

“The Yardi scholarship is helping me achieve my goals by giving me the opportunity to get an exceptional education without having to worry about my financial situation as much,” Lopez says.

Both freshmen say receiving the scholarship has also motivated them to pay forward the donor’s kindness by helping others now and in the future.

“This act of generosity has inspired me to give back to the community,” Duran says.

Lopez echoes the sentiment.

“The scholarship is helping me grow and giving me the chance to serve my community and give back,” she says. “Maybe one day I will also be a donor, helping someone who wants to achieve their goals as much as I do.”