Biographies
Name: Matt Polze
Honors Classes Taught: Business and Public Law (BA 2301)
How long have you been at UT Dallas: Since Fall 2006
Favorite thing about being an Honors Professor: The students! The students in the Honors program are wonderful. They make teaching the honors classes a privilege and a joy.
Favorite way to spend your free time: Spending time with my kids, watching Texas Football or exercising
Favorite book: The Race - The Uncensored Story of How America Beat Russia to the Moon
Favorite movie: National Lampoon's Vacation (my dog is named Russ after Russ Griswold in the movie)
Favorite quote: Do what you love, and you will never work a day in your life!!!
What advice would you give students considering joining the MHP: JOIN!!!! It is something that will help round out your college experience, and it will help you stand out when applying for jobs or graduate programs. Plus, you will have some fun along the way - and that is never a bad thing!!
Name: Randy Black
Graduation Year: 2006
Current Employer: I have my own financial planning practice at Spectrum Financial Group.
How has graduating with honors affected your career: It has allowed me to instill confidence in my clients. I am 24 and look younger than that. When meeting with prospective clients for the first time, I have to gain their trust and confidence. There are several ways I do this, but alluding to the honors I graduated with is one of the most effective.
Favorite MHP memory: The relationships I developed when starting the SIFE group.
Favorite way to spend your free time: Being active with my fiancee - golf, softball, tennis
Favorite book: Right now I am reading 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and doing a Bible study on the book of Genesis. Both are life changing.
Favorite movie: Shawshank Redemption
Favorite quote: "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill
What advice would you give students considering joining the MHP: Nothing but good things can come from MHP. You have the opportunity to set yourself apart from other students whom you will be competing against for jobs. In addition, you will be surrounding yourself with folks that will challenge you and bring out your best. Lastly, you will have the opportunity to network with MHP alum and gain from their knowledge, experience, and connections.
Name: Kuila Shaw
Expected Graduation Year: Spring 2010
Honors Classes taken: Marketing, MIS, Business Communications, Business Finance
Favorite thing about being a member of MHP: I really enjoy the small class size. You are able to interact with the professors and engage in meaningful conversations during lectures.
Favorite MHP activity: I have been to several MHP activities but my most favorite was new member orientation. I received a whole lot of information about the program and the officers. We played games that helped me learn more about the MHP members.
Favorite way to spend your free time: My favorite way to spend my free time is practice kickboxing. It relieves stress and helps me get focused on things that really matter.
Favorite book: My favorite book is the Bible. Somehow whenever I'm stuck or confused about something and need direction, the Bible puts me back on track. It helps me appreciate life and not take things for granted.
Favorite movie: I absolutely love Home Alone and Home Alone: Lost in New York because I love the Christmas season. Comedies are definitely on my list. White Chicks and all of the Tyler Perry movies are my favorite comedies.
Favorite quote: "Troubles are often the tools by which God fashions us for better things."- Henry Ward Beecherand "It is your attitude not your aptitude that will determine your altitude in life." - Zig Ziglar
What advice would you give students considering joining the MHP: MHP is definitely the type of program that will equip you to be a better student and person. It provides unique challenges and support that helps build your character and mind. The #1 point of advice I would give to students considering joining MHP is knowing that you're able to achieve anything you set your mind to. If you want the best of the best, the MHP is the program you should choose.
