Dustin McNeely grew up in Rockwall, Texas, and was a student at Hendrix College where he majored in accounting. Dustin was also on the football team at Hendrix, playing both wide receiver and safety. More importantly, Dustin was joyful, caring, and funny. He was always making someone laugh or diving into the newest conspiracy theory. Dustin has impacted teammates, fellow students, and total strangers more than he could ever have known. This scholarship has been created to carry on the positive impact that Dustin McNeely had on everyone that he came across.
What his friends had to say:
Chad McGonigal
“Dustin was one of my best friends at Hendrix. We played football together, had many classes together, and lived right next to each other in sophomore housing. He had a way of always making you feel like you were the most important person in the room to him. He was so joyful, and even when we were stressed out about homework or finals, we were always laughing about something. I always learned about a new conspiracy theory when we were together, and I loved our late night caf runs.”
Leyton Oppel
“All of my best memories of Hendrix involve Dustin. In every moment shared with our group of friends, he seemed to be the glue that held us all together and that still holds true today in his legacy.
We remember Dustin for his boundless love for others, always willing to lend a helping hand and brighten anyone's day with his genuine care and understanding. Dustin's unique outlook on the world was a beacon of positivity, inspiring us to see the beauty in every situation and cherish the moments we shared together. He will forever be treasured in our hearts as a shining example of how one individual's kindness can leave an indelible mark on the world. May his legacy of love and empathy continue to inspire us to embrace life with open arms and to cherish the friendships we hold close to our hearts.”
Cory McGonigal
“Dustin McNeely had the most infectious spirit of anyone that I’ve ever known. No matter how your day was going, if there was even a minor interaction with Dustin during it, you were better off for it. Whether it was in class, on the football field, or around campus, you were going to leave Dustin’s presence with a smile and a laugh. I know he’s smiling and laughing and doing that goofy overhead wave now watching over us. This scholarship is a small way to carry on Dustin’s memory, but he needs no help from us; his love and care for others will forever be etched into the memories of those whose lives he touched.”
Gage Oppel
“There’s a special bond created with the people you go to school and play college sports with. There’s no mom or dad to go home to after practice or class, there’s just your teammates and friends; they become your family and are the most present part of your growth between starting and finishing school.
I count myself lucky to have had that with Dustin. He had an ability to read a room or situation and lighten the stress or offer encouragement and that’s what I remember best about Dustin. A joke during a study session or practice, a game on a long bus ride or encouragement before a test or during a game.
I’m better for having known Dustin and through his memory and in his honor we hope to make others better for having known him too.”
Kayleigh Williams
“Some of one’s best memories in college are created with the friends they make. Dustin was one of those friends for me. Our friend group did everything together, whether it was studying, eating late night at the caf, or playing Fortnite. My favorite memory of Dustin was when he ate a raisin for me in our Buddhist Contemplation class because he knew I hated them. This is just the smallest example of how Dustin always loved the people around him. He is known for his wide smile, and the ability to make anyone around him smile the same way with the smallest interaction.
Dustin pushed everyone around him to be better, to think deeply, and to treat people the best way we can. My hope everyday is that I am making him proud and living life this way.”