Melinda Mason graduated on May 9, 2014 from Texas A&M University, College Station, with a Masters of Engineering degree.  Mason, the valedictorian of the Class of 2008 at Bonham High School, was a 2012 graduate of SMU, receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering. 

At SMU, Mason played the French horn in the marching band for four years, was a member of the 2008-2009 rowing team, and danced and sang in "Sing Song" musicals in 2010, 2011, and 2012.  She also worked part time for the construction management department at Dallas Area Rapid Transit. 

Earlier this month, Mason started working for a structural design firm in Houston as an entry-level structural engineer.