Jake from State Farm® was at The University of Texas at Dallas, in flat form only, and he did not have a lot to say. Fortunately representatives from the company’s regional headquarters at CityLine in Richardson were also at the campus dinner event, where they met about 50 UT Dallas students whose college lives have been impacted in some fashion by the company’s financial support.

Almost a dozen State Farm officials enthusiastically met with students to discuss everything from how to prepare for a job interview to best de-stress strategies in the workplace.

“State Farm plays an important role on our campus for our students. They quietly underwrite individual students and programs that help them prepare for life after college,” said Dr. Dawn Owens, associate dean for undergraduate programs at the Naveen Jindal School of Management. Owens introduced the State Farm panel featured during the dinner.

She listed the myriad ways State Farm works in the background as a vital corporate partner: Its endowments fund 20 or more Jindal School scholarships a year; its financial support helps the Undergraduate Success Scholars program, providing first generation students resources to navigate the challenges they face while attaining a college degree.

“Since 2014, State Farm has been an important University partner in our efforts to increase access to higher education,” said Dr. Kyle Edgington (PhD ’13), vice president for development and alumni relations. “But beyond the philanthropic support, events like these provide opportunities for our students to network with and learn from State Farm employees.”

Attending the gathering was Shadab Aamir, who received the State Farm Information Technology and Systems Scholarship as an undergraduate student. He now is pursuing a master’s degree in information technology and management at the Jindal School.

“The State Farm Scholarship allowed me to further my education, enabling me to pursue a graduate degree,” Aamir said. As an upperclassman, he also served as a freshman mentor.

“College can be difficult,” he said, “and I’ve experienced it firsthand. This is why I signed up to help [as a freshman mentor] — so that I can make an impact on the next graduating class.”

During the event, Aamir asked how panelists dealt with frustrations. Answers from the State Farm representatives — Princella McNair, the moderator and a corporate responsibility analyst; Alan Stock, a technology manager; Lyn Torunski, a claims team manager; and Amanda Morgan, a horizontal product owner — ran the gamut from taking a nap to setting clear boundaries with fellow workers.

Also in attendance was Afrida Islam, a former information technology and systems major who received a State Farm Risk Management and Insurance Scholarship.

“The scholarship helped me pay for school and get an education, learn skills and make an impact on my community,” Islam said. “Getting good grades and a degree from UT Dallas, I believe, is my way out of poverty.”

After dinner, she took the advice of State Farm representatives to heart. She introduced herself, shook hands and connected with corporate representatives on LinkedIn.

“At State Farm, we believe in equipping students for future opportunities and helping them realize their dreams,” said Kate Beadle, a corporate responsibility analyst at State Farm. “Our employees delighted in offering career insights to University of Texas at Dallas students in attendance. Their futures are bright.”

“Through the scholarship and program support provided by State Farm, students have greater access to education opportunities at The University of Texas at Dallas,” she said.