When about 50 people gathered at the Park City Club on Tuesday, November 13, to find out who would receive the 17th Annual Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award benefiting Texas Woman’s University, the turnout of past recipients of the award was impressive indeed. Among them were Norm Bagwell, who corralled the honor in 2018; Dr. Stephen Mansfield (2017); Ralph Hawkins (2015); and Marnie and Kern Wildenthal (2006).
Their presence underscored the importance of the award, which was established in 2002 and is presented annually by Bank of Texas, TWU and the Texas Women’s University Foundation. It recognizes the life work of TWU alumna and healthcare provider Virginia Chandler Dykes, who attended the announcement and whose career represents a lifetime committed to helping others.
After guests including Bob White, Alan Utter, Donna German, Michelle Vopni, Susan Hawkins, Nancy Painter Paup and Ted Paul, Kathy and Nat Parker and Mary L.A. and Bob Stanton enjoyed drinks and catching up, Carine M. Feyten, Ph.D., TWU’s chancellor and president, took the lectern to begin the short formal announcement program. She recited the growing university’s most recent accomplishments — “If you like to see bulldozers and cranes, have I got a show for you in Denton!” she joked — before giving way to Ralph, who’s chairing the 17th annual award luncheon.
Ralph then revealed the 2019 honoree … drumroll, please … Dale Petroskey. Ralph described Dale as one who grew up with eight siblings in a 1,500-square-foot house, “so collaboration and working with others came naturally.” With that Dale, who’s president and CEO of the Dallas Regional Chamber, took the lectern, thanked everyone, and noted that he and Carine had arrived in North Texas in the same week several years ago. He also gave a shout-out to his wife, Ann Petroskey: “She took this unpolished rock and made it somewhat acceptable.”
Dale, whose career also includes service as an assistant White House press secretary to President Ronald Reagan and president of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, will be presented with the leadership award at the luncheon on Wednesday, February 27, at the Belo Mansion and Pavilion in Dallas.
Besides honoring individuals in the community, the Virginia Chandler Dykes luncheon also provides scholarships for five TWU graduate students. This year’s luncheon will honor grad students Janice Kishi Chow of the College of Health Sciences, Annie Bedgood of the College of Nursing, Patricia Flint of the College of Professional Education, Paramita Basu of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Meghan Labiak of the College of Business.
* Photo credit: Lisa Stewart