Driven by her passion to create a more equitable society, Cindy Ledat is nearing the end of a long journey to become the first in her family to earn a college degree. The 25-year-old Honors College senior is set to graduate in May 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies. With minors in leadership studies, diversity studies, social justice and welfare, and political science, she’s preparing herself for a career in social policy.
“Knowing that what I learn at UTA will help me become a better advocate for marginalized populations motivates me to do my best.”
“Education is very important in this field,” Ledat says. “Knowing that what I learn at UTA will help me become a better advocate for marginalized populations motivates me to do my best.”
Working full time while providing for her mother and sister slowed Ledat’s progress, but she never wavered. After attending community college for more than five years, she graduated summa cum laude from the Eastfield Campus of Dallas College in 2020.
Ledat chose UTA to continue her education because of its research prowess, proximity to home, and scholarship opportunities. In the Honors College, she’s built strong relationships with faculty and flourished academically.
Through the Honors College, Ledat received the Stuckler Family Endowed Scholarship. Established in 2014 by alumnus Danny Stuckler (’78 MBA; 74 BA, Business) and his wife Margit, the award benefits talented students who demonstrate financial need or have endured personal hardships. It’s their way of giving back to UTA and the Honors College for helping their son David (’04 BS, Interdisciplinary Studies).
“Cindy is exactly the type of student we had in mind when we created the endowment,” Danny says. “She shows resilience, tenacity, grit, and a strong promise for professional success.”
Despite her work and family obligations, Ledat maintains a 4.0 GPA, was one of five students to receive the Honors College Undergraduate Research Fellowship last summer, and will represent UTA in the Archer Fellowship Program in Washington, D.C., this spring.
She’s grateful for the UTA professors who have empowered her and for the Stuckler family’s generous support.
“It’s a huge act of kindness to create a fund to assist complete strangers,” Ledat says. “I want them to know how much I appreciate their generosity and how thankful I am for this resource that’s helping me fulfill my dreams.”
