My Sweet Charity
An Ongoing Conversation For the Good Of Dallas
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In addition to the presentation of Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award to Abby and Todd Williams and Virginia Chandler Dykes Scholarships to Gladys Elena Roa Albert, Alondra Ammon, Kelsie Barta, Jennifer Conner and Ruth George on Thursday, March 21, at Dallas Arts District Mansion for the Dallas Leadership Luncheon, TWU Chancellor Carine Feyton reported on new developments that had taken place in recent months. Here’s a report from the field:
Another successful Dallas Leadership Luncheon is in the books for Texas Woman’s University, which hosted the 2024 edition of the long-running fundraiser on Thursday, March 21, at the Arts District Mansion.
As always, the luncheon’s spotlight was the presentation of the Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award, which recognizes exceptional leaders who have made significant contributions via their commitment to furthering education and the quality of life in the Dallas community. This year’s award honorees are philanthropists and public education advocates Abigail “Abby” Williams, founder and CEO of United to Learn, a Dallas-based education non-profit organization; and her husband Todd Williams, founding chairman and CEO of The Commit Partnership, the nation’s largest education collective impact organization.
TWU’s Interim Vice President for University Advancement and Alumni Engagement Lisa Rampy welcomed guests that included a half dozen representatives from the office of elected officials, TWU Foundation board members, and members of the university’s Board of Regents. Notable business and community leaders included Ken Hersh, Lucy Billingsley (last year’s honoree), Lynn McBee, Dr. Kern Wildenthal (2006 honoree), Mary Brinegar (2014 honoree), Neena Newberry, Sara Madsen Miller, Caren Kline, Susan and Stephen Butts, among others.
The program that followed included recognition of the current crop of Virginia Chandler Dykes scholarship recipients Jennifer Conner/College of Arts and Science, Ruth George/College of Business, Alondra Ammon/College of Health Sciences, Kelsie Barta/College of Nursing, and Gladys Elena Roa Albert/College of Professional Education; remarks from Carcon Industries and Construction CEO Arcilia Acosta, who in addition to serving on the luncheon event committee also chairs the advisory council for TWU’s Jane Nelson Institute (and is herself a past Virginia Chandler Dykes Award recipient); a commemorative video remembering Virginia Chandler Dykes and recognition of her family in attendance Chuck Chandler (son), Debra Bingham (daughter-in-law) and close friend, Patricia Crocker. Event Committee Chair was Ralph Hawkins, former chairman of the board for HKS Architects.
TWU Chancellor and President Carine M. Feyten, Ph.D. shared noteworthy TWU updates, such as the university’s recent launch of the Dream Big $125 million anniversary fundraising campaign, the recent appointment of Monica Christopher as the inaugural president of TWU Dallas, and the TWU Pioneers’ historic advancement to the Final Four for women’s basketball.
The program’s highlight was an intriguing conversation with Abby and Todd Williams led by Early Matters Dallas Board Chair (and longtime friend of the couple) Regen Horchow, who asked thought-provoking questions about the couple’s views on education and earlier transformative life experiences and influential life figures, concluding with an audience quiz covering Abby and Todd trivia.
Before the conversation got underway, Abby noted the “amazing energy” palpable in the room, an energy no doubt connected to the power of education as “something that no one can take away from you.” She added that the presenting sponsor, Luther King Capital Management, “heavily endowed my scholarship at SMU. Mrs. King made sure I was ready for New York.”
Abby also said that education was “the ticket for both of us” to a better life. Abby and Todd discussed the fact that even though they were raised in homes with modest means, education “opened doors that I had no idea were even there,” as Todd described. He added, “I grew up on the border of Dallas and Mesquite and attended Austin College. My family’s contribution was $90 a year. Great quality education transformed my trajectory.”
Both stressed the importance of advocating for all kids in Dallas. “There are tremendous opportunities for young people if we just invest in their success,” said Todd.
Since the TWU alumna and Board of Regent member Virginia Chandler Dykes created the luncheon in 2002, the event has generated more than $1.3 million to benefit TWU graduate students. This year’s affair was sponsored by many generous donors:
Filed Under: Awards, Conversation, lecture, panel discussion, Education, Events, Fund raiser, FYI, In-person, Luncheon, Presentation, Scholarship, Women
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