University of Dallas Alumni

06/12/2026

As history professor Susan Hanssen, PhD, explains, a confrontation between British soldiers and Boston colonists in 1770 helped pave the way to the American Revolution — and, in its aftermath, exemplify the American ideal of impartial justice.

Explore more stories and reflections at https://hubs.ly/Q04l6ZLs0.

06/12/2026

In the latest installment of the Summer of UD Wisdom, Dante scholar Anthony Nussmeier, PhD, considers the Comedy’s image of God as the supreme gatherer of the scattered.

06/12/2026

What does it mean to be an American?

As our nation approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, the University of Dallas invites all to explore the people, ideas, symbols and events that shaped the American experiment in liberty.

We begin with one of the most recognizable images in American history: Benjamin Franklin's Join, or Die flag. Associate Professor of History Mark Petersen, PhD, explains how a call for colonial unity in 1754 became a symbol that would later inspire a revolution.

Follow along as we journey through America's founding story, one day at a time, leading up to Independence Day.

Explore the full America 250 series at https://hubs.ly/Q04l8Zyk0.

06/10/2026

A mother elephant, her trunk reaching out to her child. Light emerging from a mountain before sunrise. These are the memories that shape the art of twin brothers Jack Hein, MFA ’26, and Jason Thing, MFA ’26 — twin brothers who were born five minutes apart in Myanmar and who graduated together from the University of Dallas ceramics program this May.

Read their full story https://hubs.ly/Q04kBmJZ0

One shaped by light and porcelain, the other by memory and clay.

06/09/2026

“UD was amazing. I learned how to think — and I formed friendships that stayed with me.”

In a recent EWTN conversation, Sr. Mary Gabriel reflected on her University of Dallas education — from the depth of the classics to the lifelong friendships formed along the way.

Her words capture what generations of alumni know well: a UD education forms the mind, strengthens faith and builds friendships that endure long after graduation.

We are grateful for alumni like Sr. Mary Gabriel, whose witness reminds us of the lasting gift of a UD education.

06/05/2026

We’re excited to introduce the Summer of UD Wisdom, featuring short reflections by faculty members on subjects touching the Core Curriculum. To start the series, Professor of English Theresa Kenney, PhD, considers Jane Austen’s focus on the seemingly little choices of everyday life in light of St. Thérèse of Lisieux.

06/04/2026

University of Dallas alumna Natalie Dodson, BA ’20, serves as senior advisor and counselor to the Secretary at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is bringing a voice of conviction to the national and international conversation on motherhood, family and the dignity of life.

Dodson recently spoke about the social significance of motherhood and the importance of recognizing the gift of life at every stage.

“Motherhood illustrates an enduring truth: The strength and fortitude of a nation does not arise from its institutions or policies, but in its recognition and devotion to life.” Dodson said.

Her witness reflects the kind of thoughtful, principled leadership UDallas hopes to form: graduates who bring faith, reason and courage into the public square.

06/04/2026

From welding factories to the classroom, Phillip Shore, MFA, has spent a lifetime making art and teaching others to do the same.

After 22 years as a professor and former Art Department chair at the University of Dallas, Professor Shore is retiring and heading back to his property in Michigan, where he plans to tend his vegetable garden and return to his studio every single day.

"Art is not the easiest way to make a living. But boy, is it rewarding. There is something to be said about coming up with an idea, working through how to realize and generate it and then seeing it all tied together. It is a beautiful experience," Shore said.

His advice to students? "Always work hard and with a basic work ethic. Do the best you can. Try to follow the path that enriches you."

Thank you, Professor Shore, for 22 years of creativity, mentorship and dedication to UDallas and its students.

Read his full story: https://hubs.ly/Q04k7Hcr0

06/03/2026

Fr. Bob Rooney, BA ’88, was ordained to the Catholic priesthood on May 23, 2026, by Archbishop Shawn McKnight, BA ’90, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Topeka, Kansas.
For the University of Dallas alumni gathered there, the day was more than a celebration of one man’s vocation. It was a powerful reminder of how UDallas forms friendships that endure across decades — friendships rooted in faith, learning and a shared pursuit of truth.
Fr. Bob, who built a successful legal career before answering the call to the priesthood, recently shared his story in the diocesan feature, “In God’s Time: Deacon Robert Rooney Follows a Vocation That Never Let Go. (https://hubs.ly/Q04jXhmH0)”
His brothers, Fr. John Rooney, BA ’82, and Fr. Don Rooney, BA ’84, concelebrated the Mass, with his brother Joe and Joe’s family also in attendance, making the occasion especially meaningful for the Rooney family and the UDallas community.
Please join the UDallas community in prayers of thanksgiving for Fr. Bob Rooney and for the many ways God continues to call UDallas alumni to lives of faithful service.

06/03/2026

The Lakeside Browning Club awarded Kate Sullivan, BA '26, the 2026 Ella Caruthers Porter Scholarship, given to outstanding women studying literature or fine arts as undergraduates in the Dallas area.

Kate joins a proud line of UDallas alumni who have received this honor, and she will go on to pursue a master's degree in English at Auburn University, where she has been awarded a full scholarship and teaching assistantship.

Well done, Kate!