History of the Scholarship
Stelos Alliance Board Member Nathan McDaniel received an internship at the Austin Capitol his senior year of college at Texas State. The capitol internships are few and far between and very reputable. However, there is a financial hardship associated with the internship since there is little to no compensation for time and travel. As such, Nathan McDaniel and Co-Chair Vanessa Cortez Tanner decided to launch The Capitol Cats Internship Fund and award the first internships in 2023.
The Capitol Cats internship program seeks to promote opportunities for Texas State University students to intern at the Texas Capitol during a legislative session.
Working hand-in-hand with alumni, our goal is to provide students with a meaningful policy-focused experience that will enhance their college and professional career.
Students will gain knowledge and insight into the inner workings of the Texas legislative process all the while receiving financial assistance through this program.
Must have secured an internship for the 88th Legislative Session
Student must demonstrate a high quality of character and leadership skills
Beginning with this cycle, the Grusendorf Award will be enhanced thanks to a gift from sociology alumna and former Grusendorf Award recipient Kenzie Nasser (’22), whose contribution reflects her commitment to honoring academic excellence and investing in future sociology students.
Recognizing the top undergraduate students in each of the six majors within the McCoy College of Business, this award celebrates academic excellence, leadership, and achievement. Six students are selected annually to receive a $500 award.
Beginning in 2026, Clinton B. Morris will fund a $4,000 annual scholarship for the next five years recognizing an outstanding senior in the Texas State Construction Science & Management Program. The award honors a graduating senior with strong potential in the construction industry.