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CANCELED: Saturday’s Presentation Park Cities’ Park Cities Car Show
By Jeanne Prejean Leave a Comment
Preservation Park Cities has had a rough time dealing with Mother Nature. Its originally scheduled Park Cities Car Show was to take place Saturday, April 20, at Burleson Park. But thanks to a very late cold front accompanied by rain, organizers opted to postponed it to Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
But weather guessers are predicting today’s wet, threatening weather is going to continue throughout the weekend with 67% chance of thunderstorms Saturday.
Due to the precarious weather conditions, Car Show Chair Jason Morski, Car Show Founding Co-Chairs Polly and Dan McKeithen and Preservation Park Cities President Amy Beale just made the tough call to cancel this Saturday’s show and to hold the event in the Fall.
Because the event is free, there are no refunds … just disappointed car lovers.
TWU Dallas Campus Celebrated President Monica Christopher’s Installation With New And Old Friends
By Jeanne Prejean Leave a Comment
Texas Woman’s University Dallas Campus was brimming with activity on the morning of Wednesday, March 27. As three women stood talking on the second floor of the T. Boone Pickens Institute of Health Sciences-Dallas Center, it was the lull before the long-awaited official installation of the Dallas campus’ first president. From all appearances, the trio were students talking about the plan of the day. However, as it turned out, two of them were Texas Woman’s University (TWU) Pioneer Ambassadors Savannah Walker and Kirsten Mallari. The one in the white blouse and maroon skirt was not a student at all. It was the campus’ future president — Monica Christopher.
Before the room filled with TWU leadership and board members, a man in maroon and white attire was seen rushing downstairs. It was TWU Chancellor Carine Feyten‘s husband, Chad Wick, who was not going to be able to stay for the installation. He was headed to St. Louis, Missouri, for the NCAA women’s basketball game pitting TWU against Ferris State in the Final Four.
Just as he disappeared, Carine joined Monica and the crowd including Monica’s husband Brent Christopher, Mary Brinegar, Lottye Brodsky-Lyle, Julie Diaz, Susan Scullin, Marnie and Kern Wildenthal and TWU’s Jason Tomlinson, Paula Clutter, Kim Miloch, Robert Hyde, Kris Kaskel-Ruiz and Noralyn Pickens. When it came time for Carine and Lucy Billingsley to pose for a photo, the difference in height might have been a problem. But Lucy didn’t hesitate. She slipped off her shoes and hopped up on a small table and the photos were snapped.
Right on schedule, the group adjourned to the third floor for a luncheon, where the enthusiasm of the new president and TWU’s first-ever run at a national title for NCAA women’s basketball provided a wealth of conversation for guests like Stacie McDavid, Ann Stuart, Bobby Lyle, Hong Bass, Christopher Durovich, Bob Mong and Peter Miller.
In addition to Carine recalling how TWU Dream Big fundraising cabinet member Lucy had been the one who suggested that Carine meet Monica, plus comments by Regen Horchow, Monica’s husband, Children’s Medical Center Foundation President Brent Christopher provided some insight about the new president:
- “Now whenever I introduce myself to someone and they give me kind of a blank look, I say, ‘I’m Monica Christopher’s husband.’ Instant recognition.
- “She loves fashion. She love a good French macaroon.”
- “Number one of the list and this is in the spirit of the pioneers being in the Final Four for Division 2 tonight — sports. So, sports are actually a big thing to Monica. You might not know that, at first blush. I didn’t know that before we got married, but I have learned it quickly…. When we got married, she asked, ‘What do you listen to in the mornings when you’re getting ready?’ And so I usually just listen to KERA and get caught up on the news and what’s happened overnight. Monica said, absolutely not! ‘We’re only going to be listening to The Ticket in the morning.'”
- “The other thing you might not know is about her love of animals. And I mean all animals, not just cute little animals. The Christmas song about ‘All I Want For Christmas is a Hippopotamus’? That’s not just a Christmas song to her. There is nothing that would excite her more than to walk out the back door on Christmas morning and look into the pool and see a giant hippopotamus there right in the middle of it.”
- “But there are important qualities that I really wanted to talk about that I think are uniquely special about Monica. She is an inquisitive learner. She is a patient listener. she is fiercely loyal. She’s not a pushover. She is dependable.”
- “Now I will warn you she is a little competitive. I failed to appreciate that prior to our marriage. She told me that her family loves to play croquet and you know croquet sounds like the most refined game in the world with lovely clothes on the lawn and gently tapping a ball back and forth. She is ruthless. My ball went flying all over the place because she was constantly knocking me out of the way.”
- “The final thing I would call out is her innate optimism. You know, we talk about people being glass half full or half empty. Monica is the epitome of the glass half full. She sees the possibilities. She recognizes where the hope is. She feels the sense of joy and believes that something good is always possible if you work at it hard enough. And I thought at first that maybe it was just for show, or you know, part of her shtick. But as I have come to know her, it’s an extraordinary asset for people who are closest about her, whether it’s family or friends or colleagues alike. And I know that she is going to enjoy continuing to work with each of you. And you’re going to enjoy that quality with her.”
Monica thanked everyone for their support of her new role and of the TWU mission in Dallas and then went from table to table talking with guests during the meal. Here’s a report from the field about the installation ceremony:
Following the luncheon, guests adjourned to the Dallas campus auditorium, where they joined installation ceremony guests for a robust program that paid tribute to the historic moment of an inaugural TWU Dallas president via remarks from TWU partners and Dallas community leaders, staff and faculty presentations, and a keynote from President Christopher herself. Chancellor Feyten opened by talking about the “magnitude of the collective experience of TWU’s more than 100,000 living alumni,” their contributions, and the importance of investing in a “new trajectory” for the Dallas campus as a means of furthering TWU’s impact.
Dr. Feyten then introduced TWU alumna and longtime friend-of-Monica Lottye Brodsky-Lyle, Ph.D., who shared quotes from one of President Christopher’s heroes, Mister Rogers, as well as a humorous anecdote about a 1960s-era TWU professor who brought a six-pack to class to serve as footrest for the petite Brodsky-Lyle, after noticing her feet didn’t reach the floor while seated.
“It showed [in true TWU fashion] that he noticed and cared,” said Brodsky-Lyle. “I’ve never seen Monica with a six-pack, but I wouldn’t put it past her to bring a six-pack to a meeting for a short-legged participant, or stay late with you in order to get to know you better. When it happens, you’ll know she is truly a member of Texas Woman’s University, using her caring skills to help you.”
In keeping with the program’s unofficial “TWU Dallas then, now, tomorrow” theme, Chancellor Emerita Ann Stuart, Ph.D., offered recollections and insights regarding TWU’s 70-year presence in Dallas, which began in the mid-1950s with programs at Parkland and Presbyterian hospitals. A brief slideshow of images from the TWU archives, set to “It’s a Beautiful Day In the Neighborhood” as a double nod to both Mister Rogers and TWU’s contributions as a good neighbor in the community, preceded her remarks.
Dallas Campus Assistant Director of Admissions Robert Benavides shared an equally amusing TikTok-inspired video welcoming President Christopher, thus kicking off the “TWU Dallas of today” portion of the program. A short but compelling video presentations from each of TWU Dallas academic departments followed, teed up by TWU College of Business Dean Dr. Rama Yelkur, Stroke Center Dallas Director Dr. Jyutika Mehta, Dallas Campus Occupational Therapy Associate Director Dr. Asha Vas, TWU School of Physical Therapy Director Dr. Alyssa Fiss, TWU College of Nursing Interim Assistant Dean Dr. Kristine Morris and Interim Undergraduate program Director Aleatha Rossler.
The possibility and promise of TWU Dallas was manifested in remarks from Dallas Regional Chamber President/CEO Dale Petroskey, who talked about the need for innovation in healthcare workforce development, to which TWU is a major contributor, as well as his long friendship with President Christopher, recalling his delight when she told him that TWU would be her next career stop.
UT Southwestern Medical Center President Dr. Daniel Podolsky thanked Chancellor Feyten for “the opportunity to participate in this milestone event with TWU, our longstanding partner in Dallas.” He commended Chancellor Feyten for her “masterful navigation of the challenges of leading a public university in Texas” as well as her advocacy in Austin for TWU priorities. Dr. Podolsky also acknowledged his lengthy friendship with President Christopher, saying “We [at UT Southwestern] have come to know that she is passionate about healthcare and medical research, and that she will bring her meticulous attention to detail to bear in this new position. All of these qualities will serve TWU’s future remarkably well.”
University of North Texas-Dallas President Bob Mong introduced President Christopher before she took the stage to deliver her keynote address, reminiscing with fondness about their days as colleagues on the job with “The Dallas Morning News” and the former Belo Corp. During President Christopher’s keynote, she highlighted TWU Dallas accomplishments and emphasized how impressed she was with the TWU experience, concluding with a call-to-action for TWU supporters: “Now is our time,” she said. “Momentum is on our side. It’s time to activate the pioneering TWU spirit to build the future of what TWU Dallas can be. As you can see today, we’re not doing it alone. We have a whole city rooting for us – and counting on us. Let us be confident and bold in our vision.” The audience gave her a standing ovation.
The ceremony concluded with a special surprise presentation to President Christopher that included a mayoral proclamation read by Dallas City Councilmember Jaynie Schultz, a gift of a shadow-box framed stethoscope from the TWU Student Government Association, and an “undefeated in football since 1901” football helmet, a long-running inside joke amongst TWU staff regarding the university’s non-existent football team, from athletic director Dianne Baker (The humorous gift was also a nod to President Christopher’s well-known love of college football, particularly The Ohio State University.).
Finally, Nancy Barry, Christopher’s first supervisor, sent a heartfelt video message and a copy of her book “When Reality Hits: What Employers Want Recent Graduates To Know,” which includes a mention of President Christopher and further highlights her impact and contributions.
In February, Monica Christopher took the helm as the inaugural president at TWU Dallas, renowned for its exceptional academic programs and groundbreaking research initiatives in nursing, allied health professions, and health care administration. Christopher’s appointment marks a significant milestone during a period of dynamic growth for Texas Woman’s University, the largest woman-focused university system in the nation, which achieved university system status in 2021, broke ground on a new health sciences center last fall, and is entering the homestretch of Dream Big, the university’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign. Set to culminate with the university’s 125th anniversary in 2026, Dream Big aims to raise $125 million to support the university’s continued pursuit of excellence and innovation. Find out more at the university’s website.
For more looks of the celebrants and TWU leadership, check out MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.
MySweetCharity Photo Gallery Alert: Texas Woman’s University Dallas Campus President Installation
By Jeanne Prejean Leave a Comment
As Texas Woman’s University was surging in the NCAA Women’s Basketball finals, it was also making news in its Dallas Campus leadership. On Wednesday, March 27, TWU Chancellor Carine Feyten led the celebration of the TWU basketball team, Women’s History Month and the installation of Monica Christopher as the first TWU Dallas Campus president with activities and an oversized cake.
It was a heady day for Monica, who was surrounded by highrollers like Lucy Billingsley, former TWU Chancellor Ann Stuart, Mary Brinegar, Lottye and Bobby Lyle, Regen Horchow, Hong and James Bass, Julie Diaz, Christopher Durovich, Peter Miller, TWU’s Regent Board Chair Stacie McDavid and Member Robert Hyde and TWU leadership Kris Kaskel-Ruiz, Noralyn Pickens, Paula Clutter and Kim Miloch.
Thanks to a private luncheon preceding the installation ceremony, Monica’s husband Brent Christopher shared insider information about the lady of the hour — like, in addition to being one of Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day pioneers, she is also a major sports fan and a knock-it-out-of-the-park croquet aficionado.
As the post on the day of activities is completed, check out the looks of the events and people at MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.
The Senior Source’s New Officers And Board Of Director Members For 2024-2025 Are Announced
By Jeanne Prejean Leave a Comment
In between its recent Spirit of Generations Luncheon and the upcoming Jub Jam XIII on Friday, May 31, The Senior Source has put in place its board’s new slate of officers and members for 2024-2025.
Joining Board Chair Den Bishop are Past-Chair Rebecca Wynne, Chair-Elect Sejal Desai, Treasurer Michael Corder, Corporate Secretary Shannon Woods, Planning Chair Todd Nordeen and members-at-large Pam Busbee, Kim Campbell and Kimberly Yamanouchi.
In assuming his new role, Den said, “The Senior Source is unique in its passion and programs to make life better for older adults in the Dallas community. I am humbled and thrilled to contribute my time, energy and resources as the board chair for The Senior Source.”
The new collection of board members includes Walter Clarke, Susan Farris, Suzan Fenner, Steve Folsom, Ann Frances Jury, Rev. Randall Lucas, Jesse Regelado, Jim Riley, Robin Robinson and Renita Smith.
According to The Senior Source President/CEO Stacey Malcolmson, “Our new officers and board members come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, but all are committed to expanding our reach and elevating the needs of seniors. The agency is grateful for all our board members who will continue to guide us through out strategic plan to define the next dimension in aging.”
* Photo provided by The Senior Source
Dallas Cowboys’ Micah Parsons Talks Perseverance, Teamwork At After-School All-Stars’ 7th Annual Rising Stars Luncheon
By Glenn Hunter Leave a Comment
The After-School All-Stars North Texas non-profit invariably seems to draw a healthy crowd to its yearly Rising Stars Luncheon. This year’s 7th annual edition of the luncheon on Wednesday, March 27, kept up the tradition — and then some.
The 2024 event at Brook Hollow Golf Club lured around 250 to enjoy the club’s famous pecan-crusted chicken and a keynote Q&A with Micah Parsons, the Dallas Cowboys’ star linebacker. The attendance was up some from last year’s luncheon, which featured former Dallas Maverick Dirk Nowitzki.
How come? “The board is really engaged this year,” offered Chloe Leal, who’s with the nonprofit’s development team. Also bolstering the turnout this year, she added, was 2024 Champion Award winner Mary Silverman, the non-profit’s popular advisory board vice chair.
At the pre-lunch reception, where photo-ops with Micah could be had, Cindy and Chuck Gummer and Gina Betts (she was last year’s Champion Award winner) with her son Jack were among the guests who turned out to support ASAS. The organization, which provides comprehensive, cost-free after-school programs that keep children safe and help them succeed, will serve 800 local middle schoolers this year.
Chuck said he didn’t have his photo taken with Micah, because “I didn’t want to break the camera.”
The luncheon, chaired by Kristin Hallam, kicked off with a welcome by ASAS Executive Director Justin Hensley. In no time he was presenting the Champion Award to Mary, who Justin said had been a tireless worker on behalf of After-School All-Stars ever since joining the group’s board in 2016.
Mary helped the organization survive a tornado, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a leadership change at the top, Justin said. “She rolled up her sleeves, she cleared calendars, she got to work.”
Accepting the award, Mary graciously deflected attention from herself and thanked the ASAS board and staff. “I was proud to be side by side with you,” she said. “You and your staff really care about the kids, and the kids know it. And from that comes all success, self-esteem, goals, career aspirations, friendships. I’m really happy to go along for the ride.”
After a video was played explaining ASAS, guests heard from student speaker Sarahi Florence. Sarahi said she and her friends have come to appreciate After-School All-Stars, even though she wasn’t initially excited about attending the program when her mother signed her up. Now, though, “we felt like it was a safe space where we could just be ourselves,” she said.
With that, it was time for the featured Q&A between WFAA Main Sports Anchor Joe Trahan and Micah, who was selected by the Cowboys in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft. He quickly proved the wisdom of the pick by being named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year following the ’21 season.
Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- Micah recalled growing up as a standout athlete in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a small city where “everybody knew everybody.” But playing varsity football in high school during his freshman year, he wanted to be a running back rather than a linebacker or defensive end. When his coaches initially resisted the idea, Micah said he thought, “I don’t know if I want to play this anymore, if they won’t let me do what I want to do.” His hard-working mother, however, had a different view. ” ‘No,’ Micah remembers her telling him, ‘you started it, you’ve got to finish it.’ She was always like that. She never let me quit anything.” Micah continued on the team and, within mere months, received a scholarship offer from Penn State — at the age of 15. “It’s testimony to, like, you never know what’s really meant for you,” Micah said, crediting his mother for advising him to persevere.
- Joe said he’s been doing TV sports in Dallas for 21 years, but obviously has never been able to report on the Cowboys winning an NFL championship. “I just want to feel it, I want to see it, because I know it’s going to be the most incredible thing ever, right?” he said. Then he turned to Micah and asked, “With that said, what do you think it’s going to take to get over that playoff hump — for you guys to play your best when those games matter most?” “Just taking care of your body — we need everyone to dial in,” Micah replied. “One thing about team sports is, it can’t just be all about ‘me.’ There’s something about team sports when you have to work together. Whether it’s business, or it’s life, or a project, when you have to work together and you get that outcome that you want, it becomes a forever bond with the people around you. There’s a brotherhood. So I would just say, everyone dial in — no individuals, no I’s — and you can deal with it.”
* Photo credit: Melissa Macatee
2024 Sold-Out Junior Symphony Ball With 2,700+ Guests Results In Record-Breaking $497,000 Check
By Jeanne Prejean Leave a Comment
While North Texas high schoolers are getting ready for final exams and graduations, some of them have literally closed the books on the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League's (DSOL) 2024 Junior Symphony Ball (JSB) with a check presentation. Held Monday at the Meyerson, the event had DSOL President … Read More...
Turtle Creek Association’s Azalea Luncheon Featured Fashions, Flowers And Food At Crow Library
By Jeanne Prejean Leave a Comment
Right on cue the azaleas were busting in beauty at Kathy and Harlan Crow's estate on Tuesday, March 26. The grounds were a glorious sight and rightly so for the Turtle Creek Association's Azalea Luncheon. The event kicked off with champagne being served in The Harlan Crow Library's reception … Read More...
Grovel Alert: Day At The Races Is Nearing The Finish Line With A Patron Party Tuesday Night For Early Entrants
It's not too late, but then again maybe it is. According to very well placed sources, Turtle Creek Park Conservancy's Day at the Races presented by Truist on Saturday, May 4, is within a whisker of being sold out. It's so much more fun than sitting at home in your jammies or cargo shorts with your … Read More...
JUST IN: Kappas Are “Keyed” Up to Celebrate Tablescapes’ 30th Anniversary With Herrera’s Wes Gordon
By Jeanne Prejean Leave a Comment
Area weather guessers were betting that North Texas would be ground zero for getting slammed with the usual nasty elements (i.e., hail, wind, lightning, loads of rain, etc.) by 4 p.m. Thursday. But they didn't know that the Kappa Kappa Gamma Dallas Alumnae had an "in" with Mother Nature. That … Read More...
Take Back Day Is Nearing To Part Ways With Expired And Unwanted Medications
By Jeanne Prejean Leave a Comment
With a bit of a chill in the area this weekend, why not use the time to clean out your closet... or, rather your medicine cabinet? Take a deep breath and admit that there are pills and medicines that you didn't use or just put aside for a later need. Not good. Either the use-date is way gone or … Read More...
JUST IN: Texas Women’s Foundation Taps Non-Profit Veteran Karen Hughes White As President and CEO
By Glenn Hunter Leave a Comment
The Texas Women's Foundation (TXWF) has appointed non-profit veteran Karen Hughes White as its new president and chief executive officer. The Dallas-based foundation, which advances economic security and leadership for Texas women and girls, said White has a 20-year record focusing on the needs of … Read More...