The Deanna Mack (J.D. ’08) Endowed Scholarship was created to honor the life and legacy of Deanna Renee Mack, a University of Houston Law Center (UHLC) graduate and a devoted Black Law Students Association member, who lost her life due to a rare heart defect just before taking the bar in July 2008. The Black Law Students Association (BLSA) is the local chapter of the National Black Law Students Association. BLSA fosters and encourages the success of Black law students in law school and the legal community. Seeking to utilize the talents and resources of its members, BLSA promotes and encourages professional competence, community service and meaningful change in the local community.

Throughout her tenure on earth, Deanna led a life full of love and compassion. She remained active in church, excelled academically and volunteered regularly in the community and at school. Deanna attended the University of Texas at Austin on a full academic scholarship and graduated in 2005 with a B.S. in journalism.

While attending the University of Austin, Deanna pledged Delta Sigma Theta which is comprised of members devoted to community service, social, and philanthropic projects.

She subsequently moved to Houston to attend UHLC. While studying law, Deanna was able to balance many things, including working as an assistant legal editor at the Jones McClure Publishing Co., leadership roles in BLSA, serving as Notes and Comments Editor at the Houston Business and Tax Law Journal and community service activities.

This endowment in Deanna’s name serves to honor her legacy of excellence in academics, service and extracurricular activities.