Austin, TX — February 12, 2026— The Alan Stalcup Scholarship proudly announces Samantha Smith, a Cornell University dual-degree student in Economics and Real Estate, as its newest scholarship recipient. Recognized for academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to community impact, Smith embodies the scholarship’s mission to support the next generation of leaders in real estate and business.
Smith is currently completing her fourth year pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and her first year in a Master’s program in Real Estate at Cornell University, where she maintains a 3.8 GPA while carrying an intensive 19.5-credit workload. As a low-income student balancing employment and academics while supporting a family facing significant medical expenses, the Alan Stalcup Scholarship provides financial relief and expanded educational opportunity.
“This scholarship allows me to focus more fully on my education and professional development,” said Smith. “It reduces the need to balance excessive work hours with school and gives me the opportunity to invest more time in leadership, learning, and preparing for a career where I can make a lasting impact on communities.”
At Cornell, Smith serves as President of the Multicultural Community-Fueled Activity Board, organizing large-scale campus events. She is also Vice President of Marketing for the Association of Cornell Women in Real Estate and an active member of the Cornell Real Estate Council, Cornell Hotel Society, and Student Programming Council.
Off campus, Smith contributes to her hometown community as Director of Marketing for the nonprofit Will Find Hope, which supports low-income and foster families through outreach programs and anti-stigma initiatives in local schools.
Her professional experience includes an internship in Development and Acquisitions at Dominium in Dallas, Texas, where she worked on underwriting affordable housing projects through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. This experience strengthened her commitment to commercial real estate development focused on community impact.
After graduation, Smith plans to pursue a career in commercial real estate development and acquisitions, combining her background in economics and real estate to help shape thriving communities across the United States.
The Alan Stalcup Scholarship recognizes exceptional students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and dedication to improving communities. Samantha Smith’s accomplishments and vision exemplify the scholarship’s values and long-term mission.
About the Alan Stalcup Scholarship
The Alan Stalcup Scholarship assists motivated students pursuing careers while alleviating financial burdens and empowering future industry leaders dedicated to community impact.
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