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<!doctype html> <html> <head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <title>The Sumners Foundation Legacy</title> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"> <link rel="author" href="/humans.txt"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/icon?family=Material+Icons"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="/css/styles.v-2.5.css"> <style> @media screen and (min-width:1024px) { .c-hero__links.c-hero__links--full li:nth-child(3n - 1) { padding-left: 4rem; } } </style> </head> <body id="body" class="footer-xl-margin"> <header id="hdr-main"> <div class="l-hdr-wrapper"> <h1 id="masthead"> <a href="/"> <img src="/img/logos/sumners-foundation.v1.svg" width="192" height="90" alt="Sumners Foundation" /> <img class="with-sticky-nav" src="/img/logos/sumners-foundation-white.v1.svg" width="126" height="37" alt="Sumners Foundation" /> </a> </h1> <nav id="nav-main" role="navigation"> <a href="/grants/">Grants</a> <a href="/scholarships/">Scholarships</a> <a href="/legacy/">Legacy</a> <a href="/leadership/">Leadership</a> <a href="/gifting/">Gifting</a> <a href="/grants/faq/">FAQ</a> <a href="/contact/">Contact</a> </nav> <div class="c-hdr-nav__social"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sumnersfoundation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="/img/icons/fb.v1.png" width="30" height="30" alt="Like us on facebook" /></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thesumnersfoundation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="/img/icons/insta.v1.png" width="30" height="30" alt="Follow us on Instagram" /></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8773202/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="/img/icons/linkedin.v1.png" width="30" height="30" alt="Follow us on LinkedIn" /></a> </div> </div> <button id="btn-nav-trigger"> <span></span> <span></span> <span></span> </button> </header> <main id="content-wrapper" role="main"> <div class="c-hero c-hero-center c-hero__legacy"> <div class="c-hero__content"> <h2 class="c-hero__hdr">Learn more about Congressman Sumners’ life, career, and beliefs.</h2> <p class="c-hero__subhdr">Congressman Hatton W. Sumners was a key figure in the unfolding drama of American democracy during the first half of the 20th century.</p> <ul class="c-hero__links c-hero__links--full"> <li><a class="c-home-hero__cta" data-route-trigger href="/legacy/library/">Library +</a></li> <li><a class="c-home-hero__cta" data-route-trigger href="/legacy/photos/">Photo Album +</a></li> <li><a class="c-home-hero__cta" data-route-trigger href="/legacy/hatton-w-sumners/">Hatton W. Sumners Bio +</a></li> <li><a class="c-home-hero__cta" data-route-trigger href="/legacy/sumners-opportunities/">Sumners Opportunities +</a></li> <li><a class="c-home-hero__cta" data-route-trigger href="/legacy/alumni/">Alumni Showcase +</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <section data-route="/legacy/library/" class="l-section"> <div class="l-section__content l-section__content-full l-section__content-full-text-left l-section__content-noborder-right l-section__content-medpad"> <div class="c-section__content" style="padding-right: 4.35rem;"> <h2 class="c-section__tag">Library</h2> <h2 class="c-section__hdr">The Sumners Library is your opportunity to learn more about Congressman Sumners’ life, career, and beliefs.</h2> <p>For more information on the life and career of Hatton W. Sumners, you are invited to download the following documents.</p> <p><a href="https://sistaticv2.blob.core.windows.net/hatton-sumners/video/Legacy.mp4" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Video of Congressman Sumners Life</strong></a>,Highlights of Congressman Sumners’ life</p><p><a href="https://sistaticv2.blob.core.windows.net/hatton-sumners/SMU Statement Regarding the Sumners Foundation 2-5-2021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Statement on Offensive Comments by Congressman Sumners</strong></a>,From the Board of Trustees</p><p><a href="http://hattonsumners.org/library/day_in_july.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>A Day in July – Hatton W. Sumners and the Court Reorganization Plan of 1937 – The Best Lawyer in Congress (Chapter 1)</strong></a>,the University of Texas at Arlington, August 1973. This chapter of a master's thesis by Mary Catherine Monroe covers Congressman Sumners' early years and the development of his reputation as the best lawyer in Congress.</p><p><a href="http://www.hattonsumners.org/library/public_service.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Hatton W. Sumners – His Life and Public Service</strong></a>,an extended biographical sketch by Judge Elmore Whitehurst, a close confidant of Congressman Sumners.</p><p><a href="http://www.hattonsumners.org/library/congressional_record.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The Congressional Record</strong></a>,U.S. House of Representatives, July 13, 1937. This is a reprint of Congressman Sumners' speech on the floor of the House of Representatives in opposition to President Roosevelt's plan to "pack" the U.S. Supreme Court.</p><p><a href="http://www.hattonsumners.org/library/leaders_in_revolt.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Capitol Leaders in Revolt</strong></a>,<em>The Evening Star</em>, Washington, D.C., Tuesday, May 17, 1938. By Ray Tucker, this story was one of a series on congressional leaders' opposition to many New Deal initiatives.</p><a href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-expand">Expand +</a><div class="c-section__readmore"><p><a href="http://www.hattonsumners.org/library/gentleman.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The Gentleman Who Does Not Yield</strong></a>,<em>The Saturday Evening Post</em>, May 10, 1941. By Raymond Moley and Celeste Jedel, this story reviews Congressman Sumners' career and the role of Congress in the political affairs of the nation.</p><p><a href="http://www.hattonsumners.org/library/extension_of_remarks.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>U.S. House of Representatives, March 11, 1946. This is a reprint of Congressman Sumners' announcement that he would not be seeking reelection and his reasons for that decision.</strong></a>,The Congressional Record – Extension of Remarks</p><p><a href="https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/fsu04" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Hatton W. Sumners short biography</strong></a>,<em>Mary Catherine Monroe</em></p><p><a href="http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=S001072" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Congressional bibliography of Hatton W. Sumners.</strong></a>,</p><p><a href="https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/jzc01" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Texas Historical Record of the Court Packing Plan.</strong></a>,</p><p><a href="https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=7752258" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Information on Sumners gravesite.</strong></a>,</p><p><a href="https://www.worldcat.org/title/private-citizen-and-his-democracy/oclc/1749598" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The Private Citizen and His Democracy</strong></a>,Hatton W. Sumners, 1959.</p><p><a href="https://www.worldcat.org/title/wisdom-of-hatton-w-sumners-and-the-sumners-foundation-scholarships/oclc/13806851" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The Wisdom of Hatton W. Sumners and the Sumners Foundation Scholarships</strong></a>,1981.</p></div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="l-section l-section__bg l-section__nombl" style="margin-top:-16rem;"> <div class="l-section__content l-section__content-img-right"> <img src="/img/legacy/sections/1.v1.png" width="595" height="718" alt="Sumners Foundation" /> </div> </section> <section data-route="/legacy/library/" class="l-section"> <div class="l-section__content l-section__content-liftBorderRight l-section__content-full l-section__content-nopad-lg l-section__content-full-text-left"> <div class="c-section__content"> <h2 class="c-section__tag">Video</h2> <h2 class="c-section__hdr"></h2> <img id="js-video-legacy-trigger" src="/img/legacy/video-poster.v1.jpg" style="cursor:pointer;" /> <video id="js-video-legacy" poster="/img/legacy/video-poster.v1.jpg" class="hidden" controls preload style="max-width:100%;outline:0;"> <source src="https://sistaticv2.blob.core.windows.net/hatton-sumners/sumners-legacy.webm" type="video/webm" /> <source src="https://sistaticv2.blob.core.windows.net/hatton-sumners/sumners-legacy.mp4" type="video/mp4" /> </video> </div> </div> </section> <section class="l-section__img-bleed"> <div class="l-section__content l-section__content-abs l-section__content-nopad" style="height: 20%;"></div> <img src="/img/legacy/sections/2.v2.png" /> </section> <section data-route="/legacy/photos/" class="l-section"> <div class="l-section__content l-section__content-full l-section__content-smpad"> <div class="c-section__content"> <h2 class="c-section__tag">Photo Album</h2> <div class="c-legacy-gallery__wrapper"> <div class="c-legacy-gallery__photos"><button class="c-legacy-gallery__btn-arrow c-legacy-gallery__btn-arrow-prev"><img src="/img/icons/arrow-left.v1.svg" width="21" height="40" alt="Previous" /></button><button class="c-legacy-gallery__btn-arrow c-legacy-gallery__btn-arrow-next"><img src="/img/icons/arrow-right.v1.svg" width="21" height="40" alt="Next" /></button><div class="c-legacy-gallery__photo is-selected"><img src="https://sistaticv2.blob.core.windows.net/hatton-sumners/img/legacy/gallery/Hatton-Sumners---Our-Bachelor-Quarters-Photo---DHS---AO-copy-418174211.jpg" width="630" height="430" alt="Hatton Sumners wasn't much of a housekeeper. It may be the reason he was a lifelong bachelor." /></div><div class="c-legacy-gallery__photo "><img src="https://sistaticv2.blob.core.windows.net/hatton-sumners/img/legacy/gallery/Hatton-Sumners---Gambling-Equip-Burning-Photo-1---DHS---AO-c-42417555.jpg" width="630" height="430" alt="County Attorney Sumners took on organized crime and gambling in Dallas. Pictured here, he is publicly lighting gambling equipment on fire." /></div><div class="c-legacy-gallery__photo "><img src="https://sistaticv2.blob.core.windows.net/hatton-sumners/img/legacy/gallery/Hatton-Sumners-Photo-Portrait-4---DHS---AO-copy-424175158.jpg" width="630" height="430" alt="Truth<br />When I would know and know I know<br />I trust not man the way to show,<br />I go me then to silent hill<br />To seek the truth, to learn its will,<br />Humble spirit, obedient will,<br />Seeking the truth on silent hill<br />Is taught of things beyond the ken<br />Of book-wise teachers of other men.<br />Poem by Hatton Sumners, 1936" /></div><div class="c-legacy-gallery__photo "><img src="https://sistaticv2.blob.core.windows.net/hatton-sumners/img/legacy/gallery/Hatton-Sumners-Photo-Portrait-at-Desk---DHS---AO-copy-424175525.BMP" width="630" height="430" alt="Congressman Sumners at his desk in the House of Representatives." /></div><div class="c-legacy-gallery__photo "><img src="https://sistaticv2.blob.core.windows.net/hatton-sumners/img/legacy/gallery/Hatton-Sumners-Young-Portrait-Photo---DHS---AO-copy-424175217.jpg" width="630" height="430" alt="A young Hatton Sumners." /></div><div class="c-legacy-gallery__photo "><img src="https://sistaticv2.blob.core.windows.net/hatton-sumners/img/legacy/gallery/HWS-portrait-resized-424175246.jpg" width="630" height="430" alt="“Not too often can we remind ourselves that, regardless of what else may be done, nothing effective can be accomplished, unless there be removed from the Federal Government its overload of governmental responsibility, so that it can properly attend to the Federal business delegated to it by the Federal Constitution, and shift that power back to the States – closer to the people – thereby reestablishing the States as sovereign agencies of Democratic Government within their respective territories, and reestablishing the private citizens in conscious governmental responsibility.” – Hatton Sumners,1959" /></div><div class="c-legacy-gallery__photo "><img src="https://sistaticv2.blob.core.windows.net/hatton-sumners/img/legacy/gallery/Sumners---Lingbergh-Pic-418175530.JPG" width="630" height="430" alt="Pictured here with Charles Lindbergh, Congressman Sumners was one of the local leaders that welcomed Lindbergh to Dallas." /></div><div class="c-legacy-gallery__photo "><img src="https://sistaticv2.blob.core.windows.net/hatton-sumners/img/legacy/gallery/Sumners-1937-41817560.jpg" width="630" height="430" alt="Congressman Sumners with friends, 1937." /></div><div class="c-legacy-gallery__photo "><img src="https://sistaticv2.blob.core.windows.net/hatton-sumners/img/legacy/gallery/20-424175716.jpg" width="630" height="430" alt="After 34 years in Congress, Congressman Sumners packed up and moved back to Texas." /></div><div class="c-legacy-gallery__photo "><img src="https://sistaticv2.blob.core.windows.net/hatton-sumners/img/legacy/gallery/Artboard-10-424175431.jpg" width="630" height="430" alt="A 1912 campaign poster for Hatton Sumners’ first congressional run." /></div><div class="c-legacy-gallery__photo "><img src="https://sistaticv2.blob.core.windows.net/hatton-sumners/img/legacy/gallery/gallery-img-418103923.jpg" width="630" height="430" alt="Hatton Sumners never went to law school but instead “read“ the law as he worked in this office to prepare for the state bar exam." /></div></div><div class="c-legacy-gallery__nav"><button data-id="0" class="c-legacy-gallyer__nav-btn is-selected"></button><button data-id="1" class="c-legacy-gallyer__nav-btn "></button><button data-id="2" class="c-legacy-gallyer__nav-btn "></button><button data-id="3" class="c-legacy-gallyer__nav-btn "></button><button data-id="4" class="c-legacy-gallyer__nav-btn "></button><button data-id="5" class="c-legacy-gallyer__nav-btn "></button><button data-id="6" class="c-legacy-gallyer__nav-btn "></button><button data-id="7" class="c-legacy-gallyer__nav-btn "></button><button data-id="8" class="c-legacy-gallyer__nav-btn "></button><button data-id="9" class="c-legacy-gallyer__nav-btn "></button><button data-id="10" class="c-legacy-gallyer__nav-btn "></button></div><div class="c-legacy-gallery__caption">Hatton Sumners wasn't much of a housekeeper. It may be the reason he was a lifelong bachelor.</div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section data-route="/legacy/hatton-w-sumners/" class="l-section"> <div class="l-section__content l-section__content-full l-section__content-full-text-right"> <div class="c-section__content"> <h2 class="c-section__tag --right">Biography</h2><h2 class="c-section__hdr">Biography of Congressman Hatton W. Sumners</h2><p>Congressman Hatton W. Sumners was a key figure in the unfolding drama of American democracy during the first half of the 20th century, a period that encompassed two world wars and produced startling changes in many phases of this nation's life. The role of Congressman Sumners was not that of a spectator. He served as a decision maker and as a policy formulator throughout his 34 years of congressional service, which spanned the first administration of President Woodrow Wilson to the end of World War II.</p> <p>Born near Fayetteville, Lincoln County, Tennessee, on May 30, 1875, Sumners was raised as a farm boy in an era in which hard work and responsibilities came at an early age. As a young man, Sumners moved with his family to Texas. There, despite little formal education, he "read law" in the office of the Dallas City Attorney and was admitted to the State Bar of Texas. Throughout his life, he would continue to educate himself by wide reading, deep thought, and acute observation.</p> <p>At the age of 24, Sumners was elected prosecuting attorney of Dallas County, at a time when, as he said, "Dallas was just emerging from the Wild West days." In this position, he served two nonconsecutive terms in spite of the determined opposition of organized gambling interests, apparent election frauds, and threats to his life.</p> <a href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-expand">Expand +</a> <div class="c-section__readmore"> <p>In 1912 he was elected congressman-at-large from Texas, one of two candidates elected from more than 20. Two years later, after the state was redistricted, he was elected representative from the Fifth District of Texas. Reelected every two years, he served continuously until his voluntary retirement in 1947.</p> <p>Hatton W. Sumners was an extraordinary public servant. Respected and admired by those who knew him, he was universally recognized as a man of great moral courage, possessed of a sincere and deep spiritual conviction. As chairman of the House Judiciary Committee (1931-1947), Sumners acquired a justly deserved reputation as the greatest constitutional lawyer in Congress. It was common knowledge that by 1937, he was in line for the next vacancy on the United States Supreme Court.</p> <p>It was around this same time that cases challenging the Social Security Act and the Wagner Act were pending before the court. In 1935 the Schechter decision nullified the NRA codes, and in 1936 the court ruled against the AAA processing taxes. To ensure holdings validating the acts pending before the court and other New Deal legislation, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proposed the reorganization of the Supreme Court, including the appointment of as many as six new justices.</p> <p>Sumners immediately notified the president of his opposition to the proposal as a flagrant violation of the checks and balances and separation of powers principles of the United States Constitution. He declared that he would fight against the proposal to the finish, knowing that his public opposition to the measure ended his chances of becoming a member of the high court. His untiring efforts and leadership were successful, and the plan was defeated, although at a great cost to his personal career.</p> <p>Following his retirement from Congress in 1947, Sumners continued to work for the public good. He set forth his lifelong belief in the maintenance of the balance of power and responsibilities between the federal government and the states in his book “The Private Citizen and His Democracy,” published in 1959. He believed in vigorous participation by individual citizens in their government, and he recognized that a strong and independent judiciary and legal system are necessary to the survival of the American system of constitutional government.</p> <p>In 1949 he established the Hatton W. Sumners Foundation for the study and teaching of the science of self-government, and thereafter willed to the Foundation the property that produces the income that enables the Foundation to carry on its work.</p> <p>He died in Dallas on April 19, 1962.</p> <a href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-collapse">Collapse -</a> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section class="l-section l-section__bg l-section__nombl" style="margin-top:-24rem;"> <div class="l-section__content" style="z-index: auto;"> <img src="/img/legacy/sections/3.v1.png" style="transform:translateX(-100px); z-index: -1" width="703" height="927" alt="Sumners Foundation" /> </div> </section> <section data-route="/legacy/sumners-opportunities/" class="l-section"> <div class="l-section__content l-section__content-full l-section__content-noborder-right l-section__content-medpad"> <div class="c-section__content"> <h2 class="c-section__tag">Sumners Opportunities</h2> <h2 class="c-section__hdr"></h2> <img id="js-video-opp-trigger" src="/img/legacy/opp-poster.v1.jpg" style="cursor:pointer;" /> <div id="js-video-opp-wrapper"></div> </div> </div> </section> <section data-route="/legacy/alumni/" class="l-section"> <div class="l-section__content l-section__content-right l-section__content-noLeftBorder l-section__content-swapTopBorder l-section__content-full l-section__content-smpad"> <div class="c-section__content"> <h2 class="c-section__tag">Alumni Showcase</h2> <h2 class="c-section__hdr c-section__hdr-center">His Legacy - The Sumners Scholars</h2> <div class="l-scholars__outer"> <div class="l-scholars__inner"><div class="c-scholar__item "> <div class="c-scholar__img"> <img src="https://sistaticv2.blob.core.windows.net/hatton-sumners/img/scholars/Maurice-Barr-930191122.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Maurice Barr" /> </div> <div class="c-scholar__bio"><p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">When I first learned about the Hatton Sumner Scholarship through the center for academic excellence , I had never heard of it before. I had never applied for a scholarship. So I filled out the application, and wrote a paper about me and my ambitions. </p></div> <a style="display:inline-block;font-size:.9rem;transform:translateY(-12px);" href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-expand replace">Expand +</a><div class="c-section__readmore c-scholar__bio"><p>When it came time for the interview and luncheon, I was nervous at first. Different setting of events than I was used to. But I buttoned my suit up, made sure there wasn't anything in my teeth, and checked my breath! Then I was off, started shaking hands and introducing myself to board members. They all had interesting stories, and backgrounds. I made it through my interview, and was chosen to receive a scholarship. It was a great day. After we became scholars, we began going to Hatton Sumners events about policy and how it’s created. I started seeing what it takes to create policies and get them pushed through and was able to hear a lot of great speakers, that have been in different parts of government that did their part to make a difference. I learned what it takes to make a difference. During this time with the Hatton Sumner organization I learned more about how things really work on Capitol Hill and government than my previous thirty nine years on this planet. I appreciate the opportunity and knowledge they extended to me. I plan to carry it and pass it along to the next interested likeminded individuals. Thank you for opening my eyes. </p><a style="display:inline-block;font-size:.9rem;transform:translateY(-12px);" href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-collapse replace">Collapse -</a></div> <h3 class="c-scholar__name">Maurice Barr</h3> <p class="c-scholar__role">Cloud Engineer<br />Mitel Inc.</p> <p class="c-scholar__edu">Huston-Tillotson, 2020</p> </div><div class="c-scholar__item is-selected"> <div class="c-scholar__img"> <img src="https://sistaticv2.blob.core.windows.net/hatton-sumners/img/scholars/Fred-Biery-417182835.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="The Honorable Judge Fred Biery" /> </div> <div class="c-scholar__bio"><p>It was 49 years ago that we had our Sumners interview, and five of us were fortunate enough to begin our first year as Scholars in August 1970. Living, dining, and studying together...</p></div> <a style="display:inline-block;font-size:.9rem;transform:translateY(-12px);" href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-expand replace">Expand +</a><div class="c-section__readmore c-scholar__bio"><p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">It was 49 years ago that we had our Sumners interview, and five of us were fortunate enough to begin our first year as Scholars in August 1970. Living, dining, and studying together in Lawyers' Inn was a great experience that created friendships which are maintained to this day. It also provided courage and support to survive Professors Harding, Steele, Larsen, McKnight, Flitty, Dean Galvin, and others. Jean Jury had no law degree but effectively ran the place and was, in my perception at least, unofficial dorm mom. Three years of room, board, tuition, books, and a travel stipend totaled about $17,000. If not for the Sumners Foundation, I would not have been able to afford the opportunities that SMU and the relationships forged provided. Thank you, Congressman Sumners!</p><a style="display:inline-block;font-size:.9rem;transform:translateY(-12px);" href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-collapse replace">Collapse -</a></div> <h3 class="c-scholar__name">The Honorable Judge Fred Biery</h3> <p class="c-scholar__role">U.S. District Judge</p> <p class="c-scholar__edu">Southern Methodist University, 1973</p> </div><div class="c-scholar__item "> <div class="c-scholar__img"> <img src="https://sistaticv2.blob.core.windows.net/hatton-sumners/img/scholars/UT-Arlington-President-Jennifer-Cowley_photo-525192058.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Jennifer Cowley" /> </div> <div class="c-scholar__bio"><p>I serve as the President of the University of Texas at Arlington. In my role I lead one on the state’s largest and most impactful research universities. My career was inspired by a passion for public service. </p></div> <a style="display:inline-block;font-size:.9rem;transform:translateY(-12px);" href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-expand replace">Expand +</a><div class="c-section__readmore c-scholar__bio"><p>I dreamed that I could make the lives of others better. My career included public service in local governments, as well as in higher education. The Sumners Scholar program allowed me to pursue a Master’s in Public Administration, providing me with critical skills to prepare me for a career in public service. During my time as a Hatton Sumners Foundation Scholar I was able to become more deeply engaged in understanding public policy issues, to meet key leaders in public service, and helped to put me on the path to leadership. Without the support of the Sumners Scholar program I do not know that I would be where I am today.  </p><a style="display:inline-block;font-size:.9rem;transform:translateY(-12px);" href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-collapse replace">Collapse -</a></div> <h3 class="c-scholar__name">Jennifer Cowley</h3> <p class="c-scholar__role">President<br />University of Texas at Arlington</p> <p class="c-scholar__edu">University of North Texas, 1997</p> </div><div class="c-scholar__item "> <div class="c-scholar__img"> <img src="https://sistaticv2.blob.core.windows.net/hatton-sumners/img/scholars/test-52893459.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Laura Cross" /> </div> <div class="c-scholar__bio"><p>Laura's involvement with the Foundation began as a member of the first class of Sumners Scholars graduating from Oklahoma City University School of Law in 1988...</p></div> <a style="display:inline-block;font-size:.9rem;transform:translateY(-12px);" href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-expand replace">Expand +</a><div class="c-section__readmore c-scholar__bio"><p>Laura's involvement with the Foundation began as a member of the first class of Sumners Scholars graduating from Oklahoma City University School of Law in 1988.  She was elected to the Foundation's Board of Trustees on January 1, 1997, and was a dedicated Trustee who contributed greatly to all aspects of the Foundation's activities and to the accomplishment of its purpose.</p> <p>Laura's participation on the Foundation's vision committee was instrumental in moving the Foundation forward in accordance with its fundamental mission as established by Congressman Sumners.  Her work on the Foundation's strategic planning process has continued to impact Trustees and beneficiaries of the Foundation's broad ranging programs.</p> <p>She was a highly respected attorney, a nurse, a leader deeply involved in healthcare and ethics issues, an author, and a volunteer in numerous nonprofit endeavors and causes.  She epitomized the spirit of Hatton W. Sumners.</p><a style="display:inline-block;font-size:.9rem;transform:translateY(-12px);" href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-collapse replace">Collapse -</a></div> <h3 class="c-scholar__name">Laura Cross</h3> <p class="c-scholar__edu">Oklahoma City University School of Law, 1988</p> </div><div class="c-scholar__item "> <div class="c-scholar__img"> <img src="https://sistaticv2.blob.core.windows.net/hatton-sumners/img/scholars/Lee-Ann-417185949.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="The Honorable Judge Lee Ann Dauphinot" /> </div> <div class="c-scholar__bio"><p>I practiced law as a solo practitioner for ten years, practicing primarily criminal law. I am board certified in criminal trial and criminal appellate law. I am also a member of the State Bar College...</p></div> <a style="display:inline-block;font-size:.9rem;transform:translateY(-12px);" href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-expand replace">Expand +</a><div class="c-section__readmore c-scholar__bio"><p>I practiced law as a solo practitioner for ten years, practicing primarily criminal law. I am board certified in criminal trial and criminal appellate law. I am also a member of the State Bar College. I was elected to the trial bench and served for six years as judge of a criminal district court in Tarrant County. I was the first woman elected to a felony bench in Tarrant County. In 1994 Terrie Livingston and I ran for and were the first women elected to the Second Court of Appeals. I was required to take senior status January 1, 2016. The Hatton Sumners foundation made it possible for me to attend law school. I was married and had three children in private school. We could not afford my law school tuition and expenses without a scholarship or grant to cover the costs. At that time, 1975, women were not encouraged to attend law school, but the trustees who interviewed me apparently were willing to risk trusting me with one of the five scholarships, even though stereotypical view of women in law school was that they were dilettantes. The Hatton Sumners foundation encourages public service, and the foundation's commitment to public service was in concert with my own beliefs and the values honored by my family.</p><a style="display:inline-block;font-size:.9rem;transform:translateY(-12px);" href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-collapse replace">Collapse -</a></div> <h3 class="c-scholar__name">The Honorable Judge Lee Ann Dauphinot</h3> <p class="c-scholar__edu">Southern Methodist University, 1978</p> </div><div class="c-scholar__item "> <div class="c-scholar__img"> <img src="https://sistaticv2.blob.core.windows.net/hatton-sumners/img/scholars/Dara-41718529.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Dara Derryberry" /> </div> <div class="c-scholar__bio"><p>Dara was a Sumners Scholar at the Oklahoma City University School of Law, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude, ranked first in her class.</p></div> <a style="display:inline-block;font-size:.9rem;transform:translateY(-12px);" href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-expand replace">Expand +</a><div class="c-section__readmore c-scholar__bio"><p>Dara was a Sumners Scholar at the Oklahoma City University School of Law, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude, ranked first in her class. While in law school, Dara served as Editor in Chief of the OCU Law Review and was a member of the Benton Moot Court Team. Before law school, Dara attended Vanderbilt University and the University of Oklahoma, where she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Economics and minor in French.</p> <p>Dara is admitted to the bars in Arizona and Oklahoma. Her career has been in both the public and private sectors. From a Clerkship for the Honorable Robert H. Henry with the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, Dara joined Crowe & Dunlevy as an Associate in the Litigation and Employment Divisions. She then served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office, where she advanced to Chief Assistant Attorney General, and later Senior Deputy Attorney General; prior to her final position with the Attorney General, she was Vice President of Government and Public Affairs for Cox Communications in Oklahoma.</p> <p>Dara and her husband Ed Evans live in Scottsdale, Arizona and have five children, Tristan and Ava Prentice, and Thomas, George, and Henry Evans. Dara is involved in her community as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for Maricopa County, Arizona, and as a volunteer with her therapy dog Molly.</p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">She was inspired to become a lawyer so that she could positively impact the lives of others.  She says, "The Hatton Sumners Scholarship created the opportunity to pursue this dream in my home state, and encouraged building my career around the value I place on public service and civic engagement.  The scholarship planted the seed that grew into a career that has woven between the public and private sectors."</p><a style="display:inline-block;font-size:.9rem;transform:translateY(-12px);" href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-collapse replace">Collapse -</a></div> <h3 class="c-scholar__name">Dara Derryberry</h3> <p class="c-scholar__role">Senior Deputy Attorney General<br />State of Oklahoma</p> <p class="c-scholar__edu">Oklahoma City University School of Law, 1995</p> <div class="c-scholar__linkedIn"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dara-m-derryberry-739939a5/" target="_blank" rel="noopenr"><img src="/img/logos/linked-in.v1.svg" width="18" height="18" alt="View LinkedIn Profile" /></a></div> </div><div class="c-scholar__item "> <div class="c-scholar__img"> <img src="https://sistaticv2.blob.core.windows.net/hatton-sumners/img/scholars/David-Drumm-51815594.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="David Drumm" /> </div> <div class="c-scholar__bio"><p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">My memories of my Sumners Scholar interviews at SMU Law School in the spring of 1977 are extremely vivid. I did not own a suit to interview in, so my mom took me to a factory outlet location to find a suit I could afford. I chose SMU colors, red and blue. </p></div> <a style="display:inline-block;font-size:.9rem;transform:translateY(-12px);" href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-expand replace">Expand +</a><div class="c-section__readmore c-scholar__bio"><p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">That year, the trustees split into two panels for the initial interviews, and we all sat in the lecture hall and listened while Jimmie Thompson called out the names of those to advance to the final round of interviews. The final round of interviews was then held with the full panel of trustees. I was extremely surprised to be selected, because I had a pretty good idea that my beliefs in the areas of religion and politics did not line up with the beliefs of the majority of the trustees. I resolved to just be myself and be honest, and that, apparently, was the way to go. I vividly remember many of the questions in the interview and I attempted to keep a friendly and playful and calm demeanor.</p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">I thank the panel of trustees very much for selecting me to be a Sumners Scholar for it truly changed my life. I would not have gone to SMU Law otherwise and would not have met my wife who was actually housed as an undergraduate in the room at Lawyers Inn which served as Hatton Sumners’ personal residence after he gave the school the money to build Lawyers Inn. My SMU law education and the connections I’ve made there are what enabled a long and fruitful career as a practicing transactional lawyer in Dallas and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.</p><a style="display:inline-block;font-size:.9rem;transform:translateY(-12px);" href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-collapse replace">Collapse -</a></div> <h3 class="c-scholar__name">David Drumm</h3> <p class="c-scholar__role">Partner<br />Carrington, Coleman, Sloman and Blumenthal</p> <p class="c-scholar__edu">J.D.</p> </div><div class="c-scholar__item "> <div class="c-scholar__img"> <img src="https://sistaticv2.blob.core.windows.net/hatton-sumners/img/scholars/joe-41610197.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Joe Foran" /> </div> <div class="c-scholar__bio"><p>I currently serve as the founder, chairman, and CEO of Matador Resources Company, the 30th-largest independent exploration and production company in the United States...</p></div> <a style="display:inline-block;font-size:.9rem;transform:translateY(-12px);" href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-expand replace">Expand +</a><div class="c-section__readmore c-scholar__bio"><p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">I currently serve as the founder, chairman, and CEO of Matador Resources Company, the 30th-largest independent exploration and production company in the United States. Matador is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol MTDR, and its focus is the unconventional reservoirs of the Delaware Basin. Matador has been often recognized as one of the exploration leaders in the Northern Delaware Basin in New Mexico for the development of these reservoirs.</p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">Attending SMU as a Sumners Scholar was one of the most profound activities that I have been a part of. The association and friendships formed with trustees and fellow Scholars are some of the most satisfying scholastic, personal, and professional relationships that I have ever experienced. I know I would not be where I am today without the doors opened for me as a result of my fortuitous selection as a Sumners Scholar back in spring 1974. Hardly a day goes by without thinking how grateful I am to the trustees who selected me and to the professors who educated me. I also have appreciated their encouragement to give back to other young people like myself seeking to find their place in the community.</p><a style="display:inline-block;font-size:.9rem;transform:translateY(-12px);" href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-collapse replace">Collapse -</a></div> <h3 class="c-scholar__name">Joe Foran</h3> <p class="c-scholar__role">Founder, Chairman, and CEO<br />Matador Resources Company</p> <p class="c-scholar__edu">Southern Methodist University, 1977</p> <div class="c-scholar__linkedIn"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-foran-35b5667/" target="_blank" rel="noopenr"><img src="/img/logos/linked-in.v1.svg" width="18" height="18" alt="View LinkedIn Profile" /></a></div> </div><div class="c-scholar__item "> <div class="c-scholar__img"> <img src="https://sistaticv2.blob.core.windows.net/hatton-sumners/img/scholars/Gieseke0-5314207.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Lauren Gieseke" /> </div> <div class="c-scholar__bio"><p>Since graduating in 2015, I've been teaching English as a foreign language in Eastern Europe. I spent two years in Bulgaria as a Fulbright English Teacher Assistant. </p></div> <a style="display:inline-block;font-size:.9rem;transform:translateY(-12px);" href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-expand replace">Expand +</a><div class="c-section__readmore c-scholar__bio"><p>Since graduating in 2015, I've been teaching English as a foreign language in Eastern Europe. I spent two years in Bulgaria as a Fulbright English Teacher Assistant. Most recently, I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Macedonia. I currently work as a freelance English teacher and spend most of my time in the Balkans.  The Sumners Scholars program was a key factor in where I am today. Thanks to the scholarship, I was able to study abroad in Serbia and in Kosovo. This program was a highlight of my undergraduate experience, and it wouldn't have been possible without the foundation. I was also fortunate to receive a scholarship for the TFAS program in Washington, DC. This was a second pivotal experience of my undergraduate years. The Sumners Foundation gave me the financial support to develop my academic and professional interests while at Southwestern, as well as opportunities to grow my network beyond the university.</p><a style="display:inline-block;font-size:.9rem;transform:translateY(-12px);" href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-collapse replace">Collapse -</a></div> <h3 class="c-scholar__name">Lauren Gieseke</h3> <p class="c-scholar__role">Program Officer<br />American Councils for International Education</p> <p class="c-scholar__edu">Southwestern University, 2015</p> </div><div class="c-scholar__item "> <div class="c-scholar__img"> <img src="https://sistaticv2.blob.core.windows.net/hatton-sumners/img/scholars/Nathan-417183541.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Nathan Hecht" /> </div> <div class="c-scholar__bio"><p>Having served on the bench since the 1980’s, I’ve been responsible for overseeing changes in rules governing procedure in civil cases and the operations of the courts...</p></div> <a style="display:inline-block;font-size:.9rem;transform:translateY(-12px);" href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-expand replace">Expand +</a><div class="c-section__readmore c-scholar__bio"><p>Having served on the bench since the 1980’s, I’ve been responsible for overseeing changes in rules governing procedure in civil cases and the operations of the courts and the profession. In the past decade, I’ve also shared the responsibility for improving access to justice by providing basic civil legal services to the very poor, and through reforming bail practices and the imposition and collection of fines and fees in Class C misdemeanors. My father was a farmer and could not afford the cost of a legal education, so the Hatton W. Sumners Scholarship made it possible for me to go to law school. It was inspiring to learn of Congressman Sumners’ many contributions to the judiciary.</p><a style="display:inline-block;font-size:.9rem;transform:translateY(-12px);" href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-collapse replace">Collapse -</a></div> <h3 class="c-scholar__name">Nathan Hecht</h3> <p class="c-scholar__role">Chief Justice<br />Supreme Court of Texas</p> <p class="c-scholar__edu">Southern Methodist University, 1974</p> </div><div class="c-scholar__item "> <div class="c-scholar__img"> <img src="https://sistaticv2.blob.core.windows.net/hatton-sumners/img/scholars/Jurgens-417184847.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Hunter Jurgens" /> </div> <div class="c-scholar__bio"><p>Hunter Jurgens graduated with honors from Southwestern University in Spring 2017 with a degree in international studies and political science. While in school, the Hatton Sumners...</p></div> <a style="display:inline-block;font-size:.9rem;transform:translateY(-12px);" href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-expand replace">Expand +</a><div class="c-section__readmore c-scholar__bio"><p>Hunter Jurgens graduated with honors from Southwestern University in Spring 2017 with a degree in international studies and political science. While in school, the Hatton Sumners scholarship provided unique opportunities to develop and nurture his interest in domestic politics, as well as meet professionals who were passionate about local politics. After graduating, Hunter moved to Austin, Texas, and accepted a research associate position with the Texas Senate Research Center. In the Senate, Hunter specializes in health care and human services policy. Due to his experiences in the legislature, as well as the formative opportunities provided by the Hatton Sumners program, Hunter intends on pursuing a joint Juris Doctor/Master of Public Policy degree.</p><a style="display:inline-block;font-size:.9rem;transform:translateY(-12px);" href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-collapse replace">Collapse -</a></div> <h3 class="c-scholar__name">Hunter Jurgens</h3> <p class="c-scholar__role">Research Associate<br />Texas Senate Research Center</p> <p class="c-scholar__edu">Southwestern University, 2017</p> <div class="c-scholar__linkedIn"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunter-jurgens-79bb378b/" target="_blank" rel="noopenr"><img src="/img/logos/linked-in.v1.svg" width="18" height="18" alt="View LinkedIn Profile" /></a></div> </div><div class="c-scholar__item "> <div class="c-scholar__img"> <img src="https://sistaticv2.blob.core.windows.net/hatton-sumners/img/scholars/Brant-Martin-51614635.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Brant Martin" /> </div> <div class="c-scholar__bio"><p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">As a name partner at Wick, Phillips, Gould & Martin, LLP, Brant has had a career that has spanned almost everything, from arguing (and winning) a case in front of the US Supreme Court, to arguing multiple jury trials across the country, and even helping in some transactions along the way.</p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"> </p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in"> </p></div> <a style="display:inline-block;font-size:.9rem;transform:translateY(-12px);" href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-expand replace">Expand +</a><div class="c-section__readmore c-scholar__bio"><p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">As a name partner at Wick, Phillips, Gould & Martin, LLP, Brant has had a career that has spanned almost everything, from arguing (and winning) a case in front of the US Supreme Court, to arguing multiple jury trials across the country, and even helping in some transactions along the way.</p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">Brant credits much of his success to the investment that the Sumners Foundation made in him at SMU Law School. “The Scholarship allowed me to focus entirely on my legal education, and to keep my focus in later years on what is important about the legal system and its fundamental role in American society.”  </p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">Brant’s focus led to the honor of him being named the Valedictorian of the Class of 1997, and the Editor-in-Chief of the SMU Law Review. After law school, he clerked for U.S. District Judge Richard A. Schell of the Eastern District of Texas, practiced international law at Baker & McKenzie, and since 2006, he has helped build a first-generation law firm that now numbers over 80 attorneys across every business practice area. </p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">Brant returns each year to both SMU Law School and OCU Law School to teach incoming 1L’s the correct study habits to allow them to succeed, and to serve as a proud trustee to carry on the Foundation’s legacy. “At the end of the day, supporting the Foundation and its mission are a critical part of the way I spend my time. Our society today is fragmented, argumentative and, all too often, uncivil. Through our scholarships and our grants, the Foundation attempts through every action it takes, and every grant, to remedy past injustices and provide a safe space for civil debate and discourse and to strengthen our democracy, and to oppose those who try to undermine it.”</p><a style="display:inline-block;font-size:.9rem;transform:translateY(-12px);" href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-collapse replace">Collapse -</a></div> <h3 class="c-scholar__name">Brant Martin</h3> <p class="c-scholar__role">Partner<br />Wick Phillips</p> <p class="c-scholar__edu">J.D. SMU Dedman School of Law</p> </div><div class="c-scholar__item "> <div class="c-scholar__img"> <img src="https://sistaticv2.blob.core.windows.net/hatton-sumners/img/scholars/Mark-McDaniel-5918420.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Mark L. McDaniel" /> </div> <div class="c-scholar__bio"><p>My career in local government management now spans almost 40 years, eight Texas cities, and public management consulting - with an emphasis in finance, organizational development, performance improvement, planning, operations management, and economic development.</p></div> <a style="display:inline-block;font-size:.9rem;transform:translateY(-12px);" href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-expand replace">Expand +</a><div class="c-section__readmore c-scholar__bio"><p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">My career in local government management now spans almost 40 years, eight Texas cities, and public management consulting - with an emphasis in finance, organizational development, performance improvement, planning, operations management, and economic development.</p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">In 2024, after semi-retirement into consulting, I joined the City of Fort Worth executive management team as Deputy City Manager.  This has been a remarkable and rewarding experience coming out of retirement to serve the 12th largest and fastest growing large city in America with an annual budget of $3.6B and 8K employees, and something that was never on my rader after retirement.  But, after doing some consulting with the City for over a year, I was invited to join the team full time.  </p> <p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">Before joining the Fort Worth team, I served as city manager for Kerrville, Texas. Prior to moving to the Texas Hill Country, I served as assistant city manager for the City of Dallas.  Previously, I served as city manager for the City of Tyler, assistant city manager for Corpus Christi, city manager for Woodway, assistant city manager for Lake Jackson and budget officer for Denton.</p> <p>Seeking to be a leader in my profession, I have served as President for the Texas City Management Association and Vice President for the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), representing the central United States. Currently, I serve as chair of the University of North Texas Public Administration Advisory Board.<br /> <br /> I came from modest beginnings, growing up as one of six children.  My parents worked hard to help pay for my undergraduate degree from the University of North Texas, but I worked several jobs to make ends meet during that time and became the first to graduate from college on either side of my family.<br /> <br /> After earning a bachelor’s degree in political science with a philosophy minor, I was on my own.  This is when I was encouraged to seek a graduate degree and was first introduced to local government, learning for the first time what city management was all about.  I set out to find a way to pursue a master’s in public administration degree from the University of North Texas – not knowing how or if I would be able to find a way to pay for it.<br /> <br /> The major reason I have had the opportunity to make a positive impact on several communities and the lives of many Texas residents is because of the generosity of the Hatton W. Sumners Foundation – which paid for most of my graduate education and launched my local government career.  The Foundation’s support has been the game changer for me and so many others who would have otherwise had limited their potential.  My story is about the American Dream which is still alive and well for those who work hard, are strong in your faith, and reach for the stars.  Indeed, I am evidence that anything is possible.<br />  </p><a style="display:inline-block;font-size:.9rem;transform:translateY(-12px);" href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-collapse replace">Collapse -</a></div> <h3 class="c-scholar__name">Mark L. McDaniel</h3> <p class="c-scholar__role">Deputy City Manager<br />Fort Worth, Texas</p> <p class="c-scholar__edu">University of North Texas</p> </div><div class="c-scholar__item "> <div class="c-scholar__img"> <img src="https://sistaticv2.blob.core.windows.net/hatton-sumners/img/scholars/Charles-Moore-417131842.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Charles L. Moore" /> </div> <div class="c-scholar__bio"><p>Receiving the Sumners Scholarship at SMU Law for the Class of 1975 has been a major lifetime blessing for me. During law school, the scholarship enabled me to focus on my studies...</p></div> <a style="display:inline-block;font-size:.9rem;transform:translateY(-12px);" href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-expand replace">Expand +</a><div class="c-section__readmore c-scholar__bio"><p style="margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in">Receiving the Sumners Scholarship at SMU Law for the Class of 1975 has been a major lifetime blessing for me. During law school, the scholarship enabled me to focus on my studies, to receive a Resolution of the Faculty for the highest-grade average ever attained in the history of the law school, and to be named the Phi Delta Phi International Winner, Graduate of the Year. In the area of professional engagement, the education enabled me to practice as a corporate attorney for 41 years on significant corporate transactions, M&A matters and financings, and to be named the 2005 New Mexico Business Lawyer of the Year. The scholarship inspired me to be involved in a number of civic and church activities, the most important of which were 20 years as a trustee on the Sumners Foundation board and currently as the chancellor (legal counsel for the bishop) of the New Mexico Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.</p><a style="display:inline-block;font-size:.9rem;transform:translateY(-12px);" href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-collapse replace">Collapse -</a></div> <h3 class="c-scholar__name">Charles L. Moore</h3> <p class="c-scholar__role">Retired Chancellor<br />New Mexico Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church</p> <p class="c-scholar__edu">Southern Methodist University, 1975</p> </div><div class="c-scholar__item "> <div class="c-scholar__img"> <img src="https://sistaticv2.blob.core.windows.net/hatton-sumners/img/scholars/Madeleine-Nerio-107143351.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Madeleine Nerio" /> </div> <div class="c-scholar__bio"><p>The Sumners scholarship meant validation for all the community efforts and political organization in my neighborhood. It also meant financial independence so that I could put more focus on my studies and gain internships that helped me achieve life and workforce skills that are necessary for my success.</p></div> <h3 class="c-scholar__name">Madeleine Nerio</h3> <p class="c-scholar__role">CEO<br />Mad Media LLC</p> <p class="c-scholar__edu">University of Dallas, 2020</p> </div><div class="c-scholar__item "> <div class="c-scholar__img"> <img src="https://sistaticv2.blob.core.windows.net/hatton-sumners/img/scholars/Rose0-53181256.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Audrey Rose" /> </div> <div class="c-scholar__bio"><p>The Sumners Foundation and those I met through the various programs and conferences inspired me to follow a career where I wanted to positively impact the lives of others.</p></div> <a style="display:inline-block;font-size:.9rem;transform:translateY(-12px);" href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-expand replace">Expand +</a><div class="c-section__readmore c-scholar__bio"><p>The Sumners Foundation and those I met through the various programs and conferences inspired me to follow a career where I wanted to positively impact the lives of others.  When I graduated from college, I was not sure what form my career path would take.   As a two-time Fulbright Scholar and and four year cultural ambassador to Spain, I found my career -- teaching.  Every day, I am excited to share with my students the qualities of good citizenry -- responsibility, respect, tolerance, advocacy, civic pride, environmental and community stewardship and empathy -- and watch those qualities take root and start to grow.    Being a good citizen is universal and I am proud I get to play a part.</p><a style="display:inline-block;font-size:.9rem;transform:translateY(-12px);" href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-collapse replace">Collapse -</a></div> <h3 class="c-scholar__name">Audrey Rose</h3> <p class="c-scholar__role">Teacher and Fulbright Scholar to Spain 2019-2021</p> <p class="c-scholar__edu">Austin College, 2018</p> </div><div class="c-scholar__item "> <div class="c-scholar__img"> <img src="https://sistaticv2.blob.core.windows.net/hatton-sumners/img/scholars/Sasser-417183913.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Hiram Sasser" /> </div> <div class="c-scholar__bio"><p>Hiram is a 2002 graduate of Oklahoma City University. He currently serves as the general counsel for First Liberty Institute, the largest organization in America dedicated to defending the...</p></div> <a style="display:inline-block;font-size:.9rem;transform:translateY(-12px);" href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-expand replace">Expand +</a><div class="c-section__readmore c-scholar__bio"><p>Hiram is a 2002 graduate of Oklahoma City University. He currently serves as the general counsel for First Liberty Institute, the largest organization in America dedicated to defending the religious liberty of all Americans. Some of his clients include a Native American sweat lodge, the Falun Gong, Catholic schools, synagogues, the National Association of Evangelicals, and clients of just about every Protestant denomination. He regularly comments on religious liberty issues in the media, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, Fox News, ABC, NBC, and CBS. He currently serves as an adjunct professor at Oklahoma City University School of Law and the University of Texas at Austin School of Law. “The Hatton W. Sumners Scholarship was much more than a financial aid package; it was like joining a family,” said Hiram Sasser. “The scholarship allowed me to graduate without any debt and focus on a career in public service. I have endeavored to carry on the Scholar ‘family tradition’ of giving back to our scholarship community with my time and effort to pass along the blessing of the program to a new generation.”</p><a style="display:inline-block;font-size:.9rem;transform:translateY(-12px);" href="javascript:;" class="c-section__cta c-section__cta-collapse replace">Collapse -</a></div> <h3 class="c-scholar__name">Hiram Sasser</h3> <p class="c-scholar__role">General Counsel<br />First Liberty Institute</p> <p class="c-scholar__edu">Oklahoma City University School of Law, 2002</p> <div class="c-scholar__linkedIn"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/hiram-sasser-508a597/" target="_blank" rel="noopenr"><img src="/img/logos/linked-in.v1.svg" width="18" height="18" alt="View LinkedIn Profile" /></a></div> </div></div><div class="l-scholars__nav"><div class="l-scholars__nav-buttons"><button data-scholar-id="16" class=""></button><button data-scholar-id="3" class="is-selected"></button><button data-scholar-id="18" class=""></button><button data-scholar-id="9" class=""></button><button data-scholar-id="8" class=""></button><button data-scholar-id="7" class=""></button><button data-scholar-id="20" class=""></button><button data-scholar-id="1" class=""></button><button data-scholar-id="10" class=""></button><button data-scholar-id="4" class=""></button><button data-scholar-id="6" class=""></button><button data-scholar-id="19" class=""></button><button data-scholar-id="12" class=""></button><button data-scholar-id="2" class=""></button><button data-scholar-id="17" class=""></button><button data-scholar-id="11" class=""></button><button data-scholar-id="5" class=""></button></div></div><button class="l-scholars__btn-arrow l-scholars__btn-arrow-prev"><img src="/img/icons/arrow-left.v1.svg" width="21" height="40" alt="Previous" /></button><button class="l-scholars__btn-arrow l-scholars__btn-arrow-next"><img src="/img/icons/arrow-right.v1.svg" width="21" height="40" alt="Next" /></button> </div> </div> </div> </section> </main> <footer> <div class="l-footer__wrapper"> <div class="l-footer__row"> <div class="l-footer__col"> <ul class="l-footer__info"> <li>2201 W. 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