On Wednesday, May 14, Texas Woman’s University Dallas hosted a dedication ceremony celebrating the expansion and new name of its renowned Stroke Center—now officially the Mike A. Myers Stroke Center, in recognition of a $2 million gift from Dallas businessman and philanthropist Mike A. Myers.

Located at the TWU T. Boone Pickens Institute of Health Sciences – Dallas Center, the Mike A. Myers Stroke Center provides life-changing, no-cost outpatient care for individuals recovering from strokes, brain injuries, and other neurological conditions, while also serving as a clinical training ground for future healthcare professionals. The recent expansion includes a new swallowing clinic, bilingual staffing to improve access for Spanish-speaking patients, and technology upgrades to enhance clinical research and student instruction.

The evening featured remarks from TWU leaders, including Stroke Center Director Jyutika Mehta, Ph.D., who spoke about the impact of the center’s mission. “At the Stroke Center, we’re changing brains and changing lives,” Mehta said. “Our program is about small victories, large victories, and the setbacks that become comebacks.”

The ceremony also highlighted patient and caregiver testimonials. Among them were a stroke survivor who regained his speech, a young man who recovered his ability to drive following a traumatic brain injury, and a former student who shared how the center’s interdisciplinary care model benefits both patients and future healthcare professionals.

Mr. Myers closed the program by reflecting on the center’s impact. “I am thrilled to be able to support this amazing center which provides critical assistance to families in our Dallas community who are dealing with stroke and brain injury-related challenges who otherwise might not be able to afford proper treatment,” Myers said. “It is my hope and desire that through these expanded services, even more lives will be transformed and positively impacted by this important and worthy program.”

Monica Christopher, president of the TWU Dallas campus, added, “We are grateful for this important gift from Mr. Myers, who sees the benefit of a center focused on helping patients get intensive rehabilitation support, while also training our students to work as an interdisciplinary team in addressing a patient’s health needs.” 

The celebration also served as an important reminder that May is Stroke Awareness Month. The Stroke Center team encourages the public to learn the warning signs of stroke and remember the *FAST method. For more information about the Mike A. Myers Stroke Center or to apply for care, visit twu.edu/stroke-center-dallas. 

MORE ABOUT STROKE AWARENESS: 

Symptoms of stroke include numbness, confusion, trouble walking or seeing, dizziness, and severe headache. Since these symptoms can be caused by many conditions, use the *FAST test to help you react quickly:

F (Face): Is any part of the face drooping? Can the person having symptoms smile? Does the smile appear uneven?

A (Arms): Can the person lift their arms? Does one arm drift downward?

S (Speech): Is the person’s speech slurred or nonsensical?

T (Time): Remember that time is critical. If stroke is suspected, call 9-1-1 immediately. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT MIKE A. MYERS STROKE CENTER:

To learn more about Stroke Center clinical trials or treatment programs, visit twu.edu/stroke-center-dallas or call/email 214-689-6592 or strokecenter@twu.edu. To find out more about eligibility for treatment, visit https://twu.edu/stroke-center-dallas/how-to-apply-for-treatment/. To make a donation to the Stroke Center, visit giving.twu.edu.      

About TWU: Texas Woman’s University is the nation’s largest woman-focused university system with campuses in Denton, Dallas and Houston. Founded in 1901, TWU has built a reputation on contributions in nursing, healthcare, education, the arts and sciences, and business. TWU’s inclusive culture prioritizes experiential learning, leadership, service, discovery and health and wellbeing, and national media have recognized the university as a top college for student-parents, veterans and social mobility. In 2023, TWU publicly launched Dream Big, a $125 million fundraising effort to support programming, equipment, scholarships and faculty. To learn more about the campaign or the university, visit dreambig.twu.edu or twu.edu, or connect with TWU on Facebook @TexasWomansUniversity, Instagram @txwomans, Twitter @txwomans, and LinkedIn @texaswomansuniversity. 

About TWU Dallas: Texas Woman’s first established a presence in Dallas in 1954, when the nursing program was launched at Parkland Hospital. Today, the T. Boone Pickens Institute of Health Sciences – Dallas Center is a 190,000-square-foot facility that sits in the heart of the Southwestern Medical District. Since then, Texas Woman’s has become a notable contributor to the healthcare workforce, graduating an average of 2,000 nursing and allied health professionals each year.

The Dallas campus also is home to the renowned Stroke Center, which provides more than 5,000 hours of clinical, neuro-rehabilitation services annually at no cost to members of the community. In addition to an MBA and graduate level Healthcare Administration programs, the Dallas campus offers upper-level undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs in nursing, occupational therapy and physical therapy.

Due to an unforeseen personal health matter, Busta Rhymes will no longer perform at this year’s Tacos & Tequila Festival DFW, but fans can still expect a full-volume throwback experience—now headlined by the one and only Lil Jon, joining a powerhouse lineup that includes Timbaland, Pretty Ricky, Soulja Boy, and more.

From the Grammy-winning mastermind behind “Turn Down for What” to the iconic producer responsible for era-defining hits from Missy Elliott to Justin Timberlake, this new double-headliner dynamic brings unmatched energy and nostalgia to Panther Island Pavilion on Saturday, May 17.

Presented by Tapatío™ Frozen Meals, Tapatío® Hot Sauce, and Social House Entertainment, this 21+ party is all about epic throwback beats, bold street eats, handcrafted cocktails, and nonstop fun. The festival transforms Fort Worth into a full-day celebration where music lovers, taco fanatics, and good-time chasers unite.

THE COMPLETE ARTIST LINEUP

• Lil Jon – Global hitmaker and hype king behind chart-toppers like “Yeah!”, “Snap Yo Fingers,” and “Turn Down for What.”
• Timbaland – Legendary producer and hitmaker behind the sound of a generation, with iconic tracks like “The Way I Are,” “Give It to Me,” and “Promiscuous,” plus career-defining work with Missy Elliott, Justin Timberlake, and Aaliyah.
• Pretty Ricky – Guinness World Record holder and lyrical machine, famous for “Overnight Celebrity” and “Slow Jamz.”
• Soulja Boy – Viral pioneer and internet-breaking star who brought us “Crank That (Soulja Boy),” “Kiss Me Thru the Phone,” and an era of ringtone anthems.
• Trina – The Diamond Princess of hip-hop, bringing unapologetic attitude and bangers like “Pull Over,” “B R Right,” and “Look Back at Me.”
• Trick Daddy – Miami rap icon serving raw Southern anthems like “Let’s Go,” “I’m a Thug,” and “Take It to Da House.”
• Mike Jones – Houston staple known for “Still Tippin’” and “Back Then.”
• Frankie J – Smooth R&B vocalist with hits like “Obsession” and “Don’t Wanna Try.”
• Petey Pablo – North Carolina anthem-maker with “Freek-a-Leek” and “Raise Up.”
• DJ Ashton Martin – Festival favorite spinning all the nostalgic jams you forgot you loved.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

In addition to an all-star throwback lineup, Tacos & Tequila Festival offers an unforgettable day packed with flavor, fun, and festivities, including:

• The Area’s Best Tacos and Street Eats — DFW’s top vendors serving up mouthwatering tacos and more.
• Handcrafted Margaritas — Refreshing, flavor-packed margaritas to keep the party going
• Tequila Shot Bars — Jell-O shots, fruity flavors, and top-shelf tequila — this is your one-stop shop for liquid courage.
• Lucha Libre Wrestling — High-flying, action-packed matches throughout the day.
• Chihuahua Beauty Pageant — DFW’s cutest competition; registration available here.
• Salsa & Queso Competition — Cast your vote for your favorite taco truck!
• Art Installations and Instagrammable Photo Ops — Perfect backdrops to capture the festival vibes.

WHEN

Saturday, May 17

2:00 PM

WHERE

Panther Island Pavilion

395 Purcey Street

Fort Worth, TX 76102 

TICKETS

This 21+ only party is your permission slip to relive your favorite throwback jams, taste every taco in sight, and sip margaritas under the Texas sun with your favorite people. Grab tickets and get all the details at www.tacosandtequilaDFW.com.

• General Admission - $69-$99
• VIP - $169-$209
• Friends 4-Pack Limited Time - $207
• Private Tables and Suites prices vary

SPONSORS

Tapatío™ Frozen Meals, Tapatío® Hot Sauce, Social House Entertainment, Tixr, Cayman Jack, White Claw Hard Seltzer, Majic 94.5, 97.9 The Beat, Rodeo TX, Cerveza Modelo, Corona, and Cerveza Pacifico Clara

CONNECT WITH TACOS & TEQUILA FESTIVAL

• Instagram: @tacosandtequiladfw
• Facebook: Tacos and Tequila Festival : Dallas Fort Worth
• TikTok: @tacosandtequilafestival

ABOUT SOCIAL HOUSE ENTERTAINMENT

Social House Entertainment is a full-scale event production company based in Kansas City, known for transforming non-traditional outdoor venues into unforgettable festival and live event experiences. Since launching in 2021, they’ve welcomed over 250,000 fans to their signature Tacos & Tequila Festival across cities like Dallas, San Antonio, Kansas City, Milwaukee, and Winnipeg. With a portfolio spanning large-scale music festivals, food and drink events, and immersive community gatherings, Social House is passionate about elevating live events across North America. Their mission: to craft top-tier events with unforgettable energy, build community through shared experiences, and turn good times into lasting memories.

The ultimate Cinco de Mayo celebration is going down all weekend long at Blue Goose Cantina! From Saturday, May 3 through Monday, May 5, join the party at any of the seven Blue Goose locations across DFW – Frisco, Plano, Highland Village, McKinney, Grapevine, Fort Worth, and Grand Prairie – for a vibrant, three-day fiesta packed with margaritas, music, and all things Mexican!

Weekend Drink Specials (Saturday–Monday):

• Cowboy Margaritas – $9 on Saturday & Sunday, only $5 on Monday (Cinco de Mayo!)
• Top Shelf Margaritas – $9 all weekend long
• Mexican Candy Shots – $3 all weekend
• All-Day Happy Hour on Monday, May 5

Entertainment & Festivities:

• Live Mariachi Bands at Every Location
• Highland Village: 5PM–7PM
• Grand Prairie: 4PM–8PM
• Frisco: 5:30PM–6:30PM / 7:30PM–8:30PM
• McKinney: 6PM–8PM
• Fort Worth: 2PM–4PM / 6PM–8PM
• Plano: 5PM–7PM
• Grapevine: 5PM–6PM / 7:30PM–8:30PM
• Piñata Smashing at All Locations – Times to be announced! Crack open a fiesta of candy, gum, and surprise gift cards.
• Branded Blue Goose Sunglasses – Free for guests while supplies last.
• Ice Cream Treats Available for Purchase – Because nothing says fiesta like a scoop of sweetness!

Food to Fuel the Fun

Indulge in fan favorites like fajitas, enchiladas, tacos, top shelf queso, fresh-made tortillas, and more. Whether you're craving something spicy, cheesy, or sweet, Blue Goose has your Cinco cravings covered.

Make this Cinco de Mayo one to remember – the fiesta lasts all weekend, but the big day is Monday, May 5! Viva la fiesta, only at Blue Goose Cantina!

Established in 1984, Blue Goose Cantina brings together fantastic made-from-scratch Mexican food, legendary cocktails, top-notch service, a fun atmosphere, and a kick-ass attitude. A division of Peterson Management Group, a family-owned and operated restaurant management company, Blue Goose currently has seven North Texas locations in Frisco, Plano, Highland Village, McKinney, Grapevine, Fort Worth and now in Grand Prairie. For more information, including menu and locations, visit BlueGooseCantina.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and promotions. #bluegoosecantina

Texas Woman’s University (TWU) will host the 2025 Texas Wildflower Day on April 24-25, bringing together experts, educators, and nature enthusiasts to explore the theme "Time to Restore Pollinator Habitats." Taking place at the Ann Stuart Science Complex (ASSC) and the Butterfly Gardens on the TWU Denton Campus, the annual event will feature a keynote address by Douglas Tallamy, PhD, a renowned professor of entomology and wildlife biology at the University of Delaware and a leading advocate for native landscaping and conservation. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is requested.

Wildflower Day highlights the importance of restoring natural habitats for pollinators like butterflies and bees, which are essential to maintaining biodiversity. Tallamy’s work emphasizes the role of suburban and urban landscapes in conservation, and his presentation will focus on sustainable gardening practices that support wildlife.

Event Highlights

In addition to Tallamy’s keynote address, the two-day event will feature a variety of expert-led presentations, workshops, and interactive activities, including:

• Photography Workshop with Sean Fitzgerald, award-winning nature photographer
• "Time to Restore" presentation by David Gwin, Texas state coordinator for Time to Restore
• How to Make a Pollinator Garden by Sheli Petersen, TWU professor of visual arts
• "iNaturalist and Biodiversity" by Rachel Richter, urban wildlife biologist for Texas Parks and Wildlife
• "Homegrown National Park" by Krista de Cooke, strategic partnership and science lead for Homegrown National Park
• Workshop: Get Your Garden on the HNP Map by Tom Kirwan, Trinity Forks chapter of the Native Plant Society

Additional activities include guided tours of TWU’s butterfly gardens, a social and networking session, and a special watercolor workshop in the garden led by Petersen and Jennie Wojtaszek.

Event Schedule

Thursday, April 24
4:30-5:45 p.m. – Photography Workshop with Sean Fitzgerald (Butterfly Garden)
6-6:30 p.m. – Butterfly Garden Visit
7:10-8 p.m. – Keynote Presentation by Douglas Tallamy, PhD
8-8:30 p.m. – Book Signing: Nature's Best Hope by Douglas Tallamy

Friday, April 25
7:30-8:30 a.m. – Breakfast & Networking (ASSC Lobby)
10:20-11 a.m. – How to Make a Pollinator Garden Presentation by Sheli Petersen
1:30-3 p.m. – Guided Tour of TWU Gardens
3-4:30 p.m. – Watercolor Workshop with Petersen & Wojtaszek

For a full schedule and event details and to RSVP for sessions, visit https://twu.edu/butterfly-garden/texas-wildflower-day/. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is requested.

New TWU Bilingual Book Inspires Young Gardeners to Help Pollinators

With spring in bloom in North Texas, TWU announces a new bilingual children's book, How to Make a Pollinator Garden (Cómo Hacer un Jardín Polinizador), written by Dr. Camelia Maier, TWU professor and molecular biologist. The book provides step-by-step instructions for creating pollinator-friendly gardens and is designed for children ages 6-12.

Coordinated by Sheli Peterson and illustrated by TWU graphic design students Chelsea Flores and Kathryn Kelly, the book is available in hardcover at twu.edu/butterfly-garden/news/twus-biology-visual-arts-produce-how-to-make-a-pollinator-garden for $21.39 plus shipping. All proceeds benefit the Dr. Bettye Myers Butterfly Garden at TWU, supporting ongoing conservation efforts.

Butterfly and pollinator gardens are crucial for many reasons, primarily because pollinators play a vital role in food production by pollinating crops. In essence, they help provide food. Unfortunately, pollinator populations are declining due to habitat fragmentation, pesticide use, and climate change. Every garden created helps expand and enhance their habitat. In urban areas, pollinator habitats are often fragmented by concrete, buildings, streets, and highways. These gardens not only support food production but also add beauty and bring vibrant greenery, flowers, butterflies, and bees to our surroundings.

Alongside the book, readers are encouraged to visit TWU’s two butterfly gardens—the Dr. Bettye Myers Butterfly Garden and the Carroll Abbott Memorial Wildflower Sanctuary. Both gardens feature native plants designed to attract and sustain pollinators, particularly monarch butterflies and native bees, and serve as living laboratories for sustainable gardening and habitat restoration. The Dr. Bettye Myers Butterfly Garden is recognized as an official Monarch Watch waystation, providing essential resources such as milkweeds and nectar plants that support monarchs throughout their migration cycle, as well as a certified Wildlife Habitat.

Located at TWU’s Denton campus, the gardens are open for group tours and educational classes, offering young nature enthusiasts and families a chance to learn hands-on about creating pollinator habitats.

About TWU

Texas Woman’s University is the nation’s largest woman-focused university system with campuses in Denton, Dallas, and Houston. Founded in 1901, TWU has built a reputation on contributions in nursing, healthcare, education, the arts and sciences, and business. TWU’s inclusive culture prioritizes experiential learning, leadership, service, discovery, and health and well-being, and national media have recognized the university as a top college for student-parents, veterans, and social mobility. In 2023, TWU publicly launched Dream Big, a fundraising effort that has raised more than $160 million to date to support programming, equipment, scholarships, and faculty. To learn more about the campaign or the university, visit dreambig.twu.eduor twu.edu, or connect with TWU on Facebook @TexasWomansUniversity, Instagram @txwomans, Twitter @txwomans, and LinkedIn @texaswomansuniversity.

The ultimate fusion of hip-hop, tacos, and tequila just got even hotter! The 4th annual Tacos and Tequila Festival at Panther Island Pavilion on May 17 is turning up the heat with four legendary new additions to its already stacked lineup: Pretty Ricky, Soulja Boy, Mike Jones, and Petey Pablo!

These hip-hop heavyweights will join an already mind-blowing roster featuring Busta Rhymes, Timbaland, Trina, Trick Daddy, Frankie J, Mims, and DJ Ashton Martin. Fans of 90s and 2000s hip-hop are in for an unforgettable, nostalgia-packed party filled with classic hits, hand-crafted margaritas, and the best tacos North Texas has to offer.

Meet the Newest Additions to the Lineup:

• Pretty Ricky – This Miami-based R&B/hip-hop group dominated the 2000s with hits like “Grind On Me” and “On The Hotline.” Their 2007 album Late Night Special debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, solidifying their place in hip-hop history.
• Soulja Boy – The mastermind behind “Crank That (Soulja Boy),” which took over the charts and dance floors worldwide in 2007. A true internet pioneer, Soulja Boy changed the game with his viral approach to music.
• Mike Jones – WHO? Mike Jones! The Houston rap legend made waves with “Still Tippin’” and “Back Then” in the mid-2000s, bringing Southern rap to the mainstream with his unforgettable hooks and self-promotion.
• Petey Pablo – The North Carolina native and “Freek-a-Leek” hitmaker turned up the energy in the early 2000s, with his GRAMMY-nominated debut album Diary of a Sinner: 1st Entry proving his staying power.

The party just got even wilder! These hip-hop icons are linking up with an already fire lineup, making this the ultimate throwback bash you don’t want to miss!

• Busta Rhymes – Grammy-nominated rapper and former member of Leaders of the New School. Gained fame with A Tribe Called Quest’s “Scenario” before launching a successful solo career with hits like Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check and Break Ya Neck.
• Timbaland – Grammy-winning producer and artist known for shaping modern hip-hop and R&B. He made his mark with Aaliyah’s One in a Million and has produced hits for Missy Elliott, Jay-Z, and Justin Timberlake.
• Trina – “The Baddest” female rapper, who broke out with Trick Daddy’s Nann Nigga and later delivered gold-certified hits like Here We Go with Kelly Rowland. Recognized as one of hip-hop’s most consistent female artists.
• Trick Daddy – Miami rap legend behind I’m a Thug, Nann Nigga, and Shut Up. Achieved platinum success with Thugs Are Us and seven consecutive Top 10 R&B/Hip-Hop albums.
• Frankie J – Mexican-American singer and former Kumbia Kings member. Transitioned to a successful solo career with Obsession (No Es Amor) and a Grammy-nominated Latin pop album.
• Mims – Best known for This Is Why I’m Hot, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 2006. He built his career independently before signing with a major label and launching Music Is My Savior.
• DJ Ashton Martin – High-energy DJ known for genre-blending mixes and electrifying live performances.

Beyond the beats, the festival serves up a feast for the senses with:

• The area’s best tacos and other tasty treats
• Handcrafted margaritas
• Tequila Shot Bars
• Lucha Libre wrestling
• Exotic car showcase (Bring your cool car and register HERE.)
• Chihuahua beauty pageant (Register your chihuahua HERE.)
• Salsa & Queso Competition
• Art installations & photo ops

North Texas’ top food trucks and restaurants, including Flores Home Cooking, Salmark BBQ, BRT Smoked Tex Mex, Los Brothers, K-Che Tacos, Doss Tastebudz, Holy Frijole, MexiBoujee Tacos, Taqueria El Michoacano, The Cookie Crave, Frezko Taco Spot, Arvizu’s Taqueria, Alley Trap Fin & Wings, Nana Dot's Southern Sweets and La Bandida Street Food, will be serving up mouth-watering delectables from tacos and elote to barbecue and traditional festival eats to keep the party fueled.

Get Your Tickets Before They’re Gone!

• $69 General Admission - limited time offer
• $99 General Admission for 2
• $149 VIP - limited time offer
• VIP Party Deck Pass available - pricing varies

This 21+ event is your excuse to leave the kids at home, grab your crew, and turn up the nostalgia. Tickets available at: www.tacosandtequilaDFW.com

Follow the Fiesta

• Instagram: @tacosandtequiladfw
• Facebook: Tacos and Tequila Festival : Dallas Fort Worth
• TikTok: @tacosandtequilafestival

Sponsors

Special thanks to our sponsors: Social House Entertainment, Tixr, Cayman Jack, White Claw Hard Seltzer, Majic 94.5 and 97.9 The Beat.

About Tacos and Tequila Festival

The Tacos and Tequila Festival is a multi-city celebration of hip-hop, incredible food, and craft tequila. Having captivated audiences in San Antonio, Dallas/Fort Worth, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Sioux Falls, and Winnipeg, this high-energy event continues to bring fans back to the golden era of hip-hop with legendary performances and an unbeatable festival atmosphere.

About Social House Entertainment

Social House Entertainment is a full-scale event production company born out of Kansas City. We specialize in producing large scale music festivals in unique outdoor venues, specialized community events, food, and beer festivals and many other types of events of all sizes. We are passionate about elevating live event experiences all around North America.