Three junior undergraduate COB students were nominated by faculty members for the award. Each candidate was required to submit a letter of recommendation from a faculty member, a personal essay detailing the candidate's aspirations and ability to apply their academic experience to their chosen career and a 1,000-word essay on the contributions of William G. McGowan to today's business world in general and to the telecommunications field in particular.
An award selection committee, comprised of COB faculty, selected Ball based upon her academic performance, demonstration of leadership and entrepreneurial talents, involvement in the community and her essay on McGowan's impact on the business world.
Ball is a member of the University's developing Rotaract Club as well as actively involved in the Prison Entrepreneurship Program. In addition to working as a junior graphic designer for the University of Dallas, Ball is also involved in the University's Praxis program, a formal, apprenticeship-style program that combines education with internships and leadership coaching. Through her Praxis internship, Ball is working as a marketing coordinator for a Dallas-area company.
"I am blessed and honored to be selected as the recipient of the William G. McGowan Scholar Award," said Ball, "McGowan's resourcefulness and tenacity in surmounting obstacles and achieving his dream is an inspiration for me as student poised to enter the globally-connected, highly competitive modern business world."
According to Dr. Nancy Schreiber, Associate Dean of the College of Business and chair of the award selection committee, "This is the second year that the University of Dallas has been invited to participate in the William G. McGowan Scholar Award program. We are thrilled that our students can be part of this scholarship program and are pleased to be among the small group of colleges and universities nationwide who were selected by the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund to participate in the McGowan Scholars program."
Named in honor of William G. McGowan, a pioneer in the telecommunications industry as well as founder and longtime chairman of MCI Communications Corp, the McGowan Scholar Award was established to assist the country's top business students by providing scholarships. The William G. McGowan Charitable Fund was established in 1992 by William G. McGowan and continues to support the development of the gifts and talents of today's youth.
The McGowan Scholars program is based on the experience of William G. McGowan during his college days. Though admitted to Harvard Business School to study for an MBA degree, he did not have sufficient funds to complete his studies. However, he won Harvard's Baker Scholars award that provided the funds necessary for him to earn his degree and launch a successful business career.
The McGowan Scholars program recognizes the academic achievements and excellence of students pursuing a major offered by an accredited business school. It is designed to encourage leadership ability, interpersonal skills, and a significant involvement in academic, campus and community activities. It also recognizes excellence of character, a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurial potential.
"Mr. McGowan's impact reaches far beyond his accomplishments in the business world. Through the McGowan Scholars program, he has helped more than 350 students like Rachel Ball complete their education. William McGowan's legacy lives on through the many future business leaders whose lives have been changed by his kindness," stated Schreiber.
