A University of Dallas Senior Session

Rooted in Faith, Ready for the Future

There is something special about photographing graduates at the University of Dallas. This was my second senior session on campus this year, and once again I was reminded why I enjoy returning to this beautiful Catholic university.

Founded in 1956, the University of Dallas is known for its rigorous liberal arts education, faithful Catholic identity, and well-maintained 744-acre campus in Irving. Its iconic Braniff Memorial Tower stands at the heart of campus, surrounded by architecture designed to complement the natural Texas landscape.

This graduate certainly embodied that spirit.

He earned his degree in Chemistry, but his accomplishments didn’t stop in the laboratory. While still a student, he authored a children’s book, The ABCs of Chemistry, making science approachable and fun for young readers. It’s always inspiring to meet graduates who use their gifts not only to excel in their field but to share their knowledge with others.

What struck me most during our morning on campus, however, wasn’t his academic success—it was the people.

The campus was remarkably quiet. Summer mornings have a way of slowing everything down, yet nearly every person who walked by recognized him. It quickly became clear that this wasn’t simply a student graduating. He was someone who had invested in the people around him, and they had done the same for him.

His family’s roots at the University of Dallas run deep. Multiple members of his family are alumni, and over the years they have become well known and genuinely loved within the university community. Watching those relationships unfold throughout the session was a beautiful reminder that college is about much more than earning a degree. It is about forming lifelong friendships, growing in virtue, and becoming part of a community that feels like home.