Alumna Gives Back to "Extended Family"
A Gift in Her Will Helps Future Generations of Students

Vianei Lopez Braun ’85 and her husband Jason Braun included Kinkaid in their wills in honor of the top-notch education she received.

When Vianei Lopez Braun ’85 and her husband Jason Braun decided to update their wills, Kinkaid was on their minds. The couple met with Vianei's classmate and estate-planning expert MaeLissa Brauer Lipman ’85. "When we talked about the organizations and causes that mean the most to us, Kinkaid was at the top of the list," Vianei shares.

A Kinkaidian from the second grade through graduation, Vianei credits the School with giving her a uniquely well-rounded education. She recalls an eye-opening trip to China during Interim Term in 1982, an experience that awakened a lifelong love of travel. "I also remember quaking in my loafers in Ms. Cooney's class (the first and last time I arrived without my homework done), laughing at Mr. Germann's jokes, and marveling at Madame O'Donnell's command of French."

While at Kinkaid, Vianei stayed busy with debate, field hockey, theater, and dance. Only later did she realize how lucky she had been to participate in so many activities, enjoy the School's world-class facilities, and be surrounded by its exceptional faculty, staff, and student body.

Thanks to the top-notch academic preparation she received at Kinkaid, Vianei was honored as a Presidential Scholar and enjoyed a smooth path through college and beyond. She graduated from Princeton University in 1988 as the youngest female graduate in Princeton history and received her law degree from the University of Texas at the age of 22. Now a partner with Buck Keenan LLP, Vianei has been recognized as a Texas Monthly "Super Lawyer" in labor and employment law every year since 2003.

Vianei's husband Jason has likewise been honored by Texas Monthly as a "Rising Star" in commercial litigation and practices law with Ajamie LLP. Originally from California, Jason has enthusiastically joined the Kinkaid community and is often seen at alumni events. He supports Vianei's new role as a member of the Kinkaid Alumni Association board and has even offered to be a Field Day volunteer.

Vianei and Jason have no children of their own, and they consider Kinkaid to be part of their extended family. Vianei says, "Including Kinkaid in our estate plan is our way of contributing to future generations and helping to ensure that this extraordinary School continues to thrive."