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When the three children of legendary University of Dallas Professor of English John E. Alvis, BA ’66 MA ’69 PhD ’73, considered how to honor and perpetuate their father’s legacy at UD, they knew it would need to involve the Braniff Graduate School of Liberal Arts Institute of Philosophic Studies, to which Alvis had been devoted.

The son of Department Chair and Associate Professor of Philosophy Matthew Walz, Ph.D., MBA ’20, Damien Walz, BA ’22, grew up around UD and fell in love with its liberal arts curriculum. The decision to come to UD was a relatively straightforward one, but which major to pursue was not: Walz changed his mind approximately seven times before settling on politics.

Catherine Schwenk, BA ’22, intended to double major in psychology and philosophy. However, after taking Principles of American Politics in the fall of her freshman year, she knew that politics was what she really was meant to study.

Joseph Galasso, BS ’22, initially considered other science majors at UD but ultimately decided on biology; the program allowed him to pursue his interests beyond the classroom.

Thomas Thompson, BA ’22, had planned to go to the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, where one of the professors astounded him “with his piercing intellect and charismatic lecture.” However, this professor was a UD alumnus who persuaded Thompson to look more closely at UD.

First-generation college graduate Jeanine Dorrough, BA ’22, hadn’t even planned on going to college — then she received a postcard from UD in the mail and felt pulled to apply.

Entering into UD, Faith Starnes, BA ’22, planned to be a biology major, on a pre-physical therapy track. As a sophomore, she added a theology concentration, which opened her eyes to the beauty
of theology and made her realize her deep love for the discipline.

As a homeschooled student, Elizabeth Regnerus, BA ’22, chose to skip her last year of high school, starting her freshman year at UD instead, a decision for which she is eternally grateful.

“Today more than ever, medicine needs physicians who understand the duality of the person and can attend to both aspects of the human person,” said John Rolwes, BA ’21. “If one is only able to assist the physical needs, then the underlying, spiritual/mental causes will continue to prevent the patient from fully recovering. UD has helped me understand this relationship well, and the education I’ve received will help me be a physician who can attend to both.”

The first letter German Lopez, BA ’21, received from a college came from the University of Dallas his junior year of high school. He hadn’t heard of the school before and didn’t give the letter much thought until he mentioned it to his friend and confirmation sponsor, Jonathan, who was a year older and in the midst of the college search process. Jonathan told Lopez that UD was his No. 1 school! After hearing this, Lopez gave the small school in Irving a little more attention.