On Wednesday, March 27th, Texas Woman’s University marked a significant milestone as Monica Christopher was formally installed as the inaugural president of the Dallas campus, culminating as a poignant addition to Women’s History Month. The ceremony, held at the TWU T. Boone Pickens Institute of Health Sciences — Dallas Center, located in the Southwestern Medical District, was accompanied by a vibrant celebration and reception attended by esteemed dignitaries.

Celebrating the enduring stability rooted in Texas Woman's 120-year legacy in Texas including 70 years in Dallas, the event spotlighted the institution's commitment to innovation and inclusivity. Chancellor Carine Feyten delivered a keynote address, underscoring the importance of diverse voices in shaping TWU's future.

Other speakers included Dr. Ann Stuart, TWU chancellor emerita, who shared anecdotes of TWU's history and her instrumental role in establishing the Dallas campus during her tenure as the inaugural chancellor. Dale A. Petroskey, president and CEO of the Dallas Regional Chamber, expressed enthusiasm for Christopher's leadership at TWU Dallas and emphasized the pivotal role of innovation in healthcare workforce development.

Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky, president of UT Southwestern Medical Center, highlighted TWU Dallas's impactful presence in the Medical District and its collaborative efforts with UT Southwestern in advancing healthcare research. Lottye Brodsky-Lyle, Ph. D., a TWU alumna and friend of Christopher’s, lauded the university's supportive environment, where both faculty and leadership prioritize listening and valuing individuals. Bob Mong, president of the University of North Texas at Dallas, conveyed excitement about Christopher's new role. Meanwhile, academic departments showcased their achievements, and staff presented engaging videos.

Special surprises included a proclamation from Dallas City Council Member Jaynie Schultz, officially designating March 27, 2024, as "Texas Woman's University Day” from Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson. The TWU Student Government Association presented Christopher with a stethoscope in a beautifully framed shadow box, symbolizing the breadth of healthcare programs at the Dallas campus. Dianne Baker, who lettered in five sports at Texas Woman's and later became the winningest head coach of the Pioneers’ softball team, humorously gifted Christopher a TWU "undefeated" football helmet, playfully nodding to the absence of a football team at the 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 Christopher and further highlights her impact and contributions.

In February, Christopher assumed leadership 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.

In 2021, the Texas Legislature granted university system status to Texas Woman’s, which boasts campuses in Denton, Dallas, and Houston. Currently, efforts are underway to appoint an inaugural president for the Houston campus.

Furthermore, last September marked the launch of Dream Big, Texas Woman’s 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.

Christopher, a veteran fundraiser and community affairs strategist whose previous posts include executive and senior leadership roles at Communities Foundation of Texas and The Dallas Morning News/WFAA, is charged with growing campus engagement and raising the visibility of TWU Dallas, particularly with respect to increased enrollment and expanded partnerships with health care, business and community organizations.

"Today marks an exciting milestone for Texas Woman’s University in Dallas with the installation of Monica. Her profound grasp of our educational and research objectives, coupled with her exceptional ability to engage with corporate and nonprofit sectors, positions her as a catalyst for fostering community involvement and shaping a strategic vision for our Dallas campus," Feyten said. "With Monica at the helm, I am confident that our Dallas campus will emerge as a pivotal hub, propelling Dallas into a premier destination for top-tier higher education opportunities."

Following the March 22 celebration, Christopher said, "I am deeply honored and filled with excitement to assume the role of the inaugural president of the Dallas campus at Texas Woman’s University." She adds, “The university holds a rich legacy in Dallas, and I am eager to collaborate with our exceptional faculty, staff, and students to expand the campus, uphold its tradition of excellence, and spotlight the exceptional degree programs it offers."

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.

About Monica Christopher

Christopher is the inaugural Dallas Campus president. A seasoned fundraiser and community relations professional, she has served in key positions in both areas for the last 25 years, forging numerous successful private-public sector partnerships and amassing extensive experience in cultivating and stewarding major donors, grant making, program management, and public speaking. During her 15-year tenure at Dallas-based Communities Foundation of Texas, she rose to the level of senior vice president and chief giving and community impact officer, leading several teams in fundraising efforts that set new benchmarks in gifts and funds created. While at The Dallas Morning News/WFAA, she also held several positions over nearly 10 years in community relations aimed at building community engagement, raising brand awareness and coordinating charity events. Additional leadership roles for Christopher include involvement in the Dallas Regional Chamber, Dallas Summit, Junior League of Dallas, Cotton Bowl Athletic Association, and the Women’s Auxiliary at Children’s Medical Center, among other organizations.

Get ready to celebrate! Dallas Pride, the non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening, supporting and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community returns to Fair Park June 1-2, 2024, with an expanded festival and a spectacular parade with the theme of “Unity in the Community.”

“This year’s events are a celebration of the work that is done year-round to uplift the LGBTQ+ community,” said Sherrell Cross, executive director of Dallas Pride. “This year, we expanded our celebration to include even more people who have found the love, support and information we are able to offer as a non-profit whose mission is to lift others. It’s time to party.”

New for this year: By popular demand, the festival at Dallas Pride in Fair Park is now a two-day event, Saturday and Sunday, June 1-2, 2024. Bring the whole family to Fair Park for these all-ages events, which make for a weekend of fun honoring the LGBTQ+ community, its allies, sponsors and supporters. 

The Dallas Pride Music Festival on Saturday will feature a variety of musical and dance performances on multiple indoor and outdoor stages. More than 200 vendors will have booths to see and shop at the festival. Family Pride Zone, an area designed for families, will feature several bounce houses, face painting, entertainment for the kids and the Pride Train ride in the Automobile Building at Fair Park. The festival also includes Teen Pride, which fosters a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ youth ages 13 to 19 and their friends to enjoy live entertainment from artists and DJs, and other age-appropriate activities. Local animal rescue groups will also be on-site for guests to meet a possible new furry family member. 

The Dallas Pride Music Festival is Saturday, June 1, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $10; admission for children 12 and under is complimentary. Tickets go on sale in April at dallaspride.org. Watch Dallas Pride’s social media for daily updates on ticket sales and other event news. Vendor registration is open now, with more details available at dallaspride.org.

Then, on Sunday, Dallas Pride kicks off at 10 a.m. with a pre-parade festival and activities. Vendors will have refreshments, DJs will spin, and attendees can engage in Teen Pride and the Family Pride Zone, in addition to enjoying shopping and other fun. 

The Dallas Pride Parade winds its way through Fair Park on Sunday, June 2, starting at 2 p.m. Free to attend, the parade is a rainbow feast for the eyes, with outrageous costumes, inventive floats, bands, groups and more marching in support of the LGBTQ+ community in a mile-long event featuring more than 150 parade entries. 

Admission for Dallas Pride’s festival and parade on Sunday is free. Paid parking is available at Fair Park, or attendees may take the DART Green Line directly to Fair Park. Parade entry registration is open now (please note that the order of parade line-up is based on the order of completed applications and payments received).

Individuals, companies and organizations that would like to participate in a festival at Dallas Pride on June 1-2 or the Dallas Pride Parade on June 2 can find vendor, sponsor and parade participant registration links at dallaspride.org/registration/.

About Dallas Pride

The mission of Dallas Pride is to strengthen, support and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. By prioritizing inclusiveness, Dallas Pride fosters a feeling of belonging for everyone from youth to seniors by creating events, initiatives and programs that foster connections between members of the community, its allies and its supporters.

Follow @DallasPride on Facebook, @DallasPrideOfficial on Instagram, @DallasPrideOrg on Twitter, or via the organization’s website, www.DallasPride.org, for all the tea.

Get ready to tee off for a day of philanthropy and fun at the 3rd Annual Life Changer Celebrity Golf Classic, benefiting Single Parent Advocate in alliance with The Scott Murray Scholarship Foundation. This highly anticipated nonprofit fundraiser promises a day of excitement and camaraderie on the green, all for noble causes.

Title:  3rd Annual Life Changer Celebrity Golf Classic

Date:  Tuesday, April 09, 2024

Time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Location: The Clubs of Prestonwood – The Hills Clubhouse, 6600 Columbine Way, Plano, TX 75093

About the Course:

Designed by legendary golf course architect Dave Bennett, The Clubs of Prestonwood – The Hills Clubhouse offers an unparalleled 18-hole championship experience. Nestled in a private setting with a neighborhood ambiance, the course features rolling hills, tranquil waterscapes, and lush foliage that create a truly unforgettable backdrop for golf enthusiasts.

Distinguished Guests:

Join us as we welcome esteemed honorary chairs, Dallas Cowboys legend and Hall of Fame honoree Bob Lilly, alongside his wife Ann. Returning as celebrity emcee is an Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist Scott Murray. Rub elbows with sports icons including Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Doug Donley, Cowboys safety Kenny “The Shark” Gant, Dallas Cowboys running back Timmy Newsome, as well as iconic actor Burton Gilliam, NFL wide receiver Mark Clayton, and cornerback Chris McAlister.

Exciting Prizes:

Play your best game for a chance to win fantastic prizes generously provided by Huffines Automotive Dealerships, celebrating their 100th year anniversary! Prizes include a car/SUV, an exciting trip, and a $500 shopping spree for golf gear. 

Supporting a Worthy Cause:

All proceeds from this event will benefit Single Parent Advocate, a nonprofit committed to providing resources, assistance, and empowerment to single parents and their children in Texas. A portion of the proceeds will also go towards educational scholarships through the Scott Murray Scholarship Foundation, supporting single parents and their children pursuing higher education. For more information on Single Parent Advocate, visit www.singleparentadvocate.org or to learn more about The Scott Murray Scholarship Foundation visit www.scottmurrayscholarshipfoundation.com. 

Why It Matters:

With 1 in 4 children in the U.S. growing up in single-parent households, the work of Single Parent Advocate is more crucial than ever. By supporting this event, you're helping to break the cycle of poverty and empower single parents and their children to thrive.

How You Can Participate:

Whether you're a golfer looking for a challenge, a company seeking sponsorship opportunities, or an individual wanting to volunteer, there are various ways to get involved. Visit www.singleparentadvocate.org/events to play, sponsor, or volunteer, and explore the different ticket packages available.

Join Us:

Don't miss your chance to make a difference while enjoying a day of golf and giving back. Mark your calendars for April 9th and join us at The Clubs of Prestonwood – The Hills Clubhouse for the 3rd Annual Life Changer Celebrity Golf Classic.

Dance

If you have ever seen “Riverdance,” you know that the rhythmic magic of Irish step dancing is enchanting to watch and to tap your toe right along with. At the North Texas Irish Festival, Celtic music comes alive in the steps of dancers of all ages, including those from The McLane School of Irish Dance, Maguire Academy of Irish Dance, Inishfree School of Irish Dance-Dallas, McTeggart Irish Dancers of North Texas and the Shandon-O’Regan Irish Dance Academy, who will delight audiences. Irish step dancers perform on a dedicated dance stage and also with musical performers throughout the festival.

Chef Stage and Whiskey Tastings

Chefs doing their own modern take on traditional Celtic fare, or using traditional ingredients in new ways, delight audiences who love to learn and sample the fare on the chef stage. And don’t miss special mixology demonstrations on Friday night! Whiskey tastings are also available through a special ticketed event located inside the North Texas Irish Festival.

Kids

Urchin Street at the North Texas Irish Festival is a special place where kids can find child-friendly entertainment, education, play and fun, including crafts, music, dance, storytelling, magic and mystery. Storytellers -- or “Shanachie” – will tell traditional Irish stories in the way that the Irish learned of their history for hundreds of years. 

Pets

The North Texas Irish Festival is pet-friendly! From dogs to rabbits, cats and even a squirrel or two, guests bring leashed pets to the festival to enjoy indoor and outdoor festivities. Need a new best pal? Animal rescue groups at the North Texas Irish Festival are happy to introduce you to animals to see if you might have a new “fur-ever” friend.

Hours, Admission and Location

Gates open on Friday evening, March 1, at 6 p.m.  Hours are 6 to 11 p.m. on Friday, March 1; 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 2; and 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 3.

Admission is FREE on Friday from 6 to 7 p.m.; $15 after 7 p.m. A one-day ticket is $25 on Saturday or Sunday at the gate, while a weekend pass is $45. Discount tickets are available at area Tom Thumb and Albertsons stores for $20 for a one-day ticket starting February 1. Children under 6 are FREE when accompanied by an adult family member. Seniors over 65 or current military members (with valid military ID) receive $5 off all gate prices. Pets are allowed in on a short leash. Leprechauns (in full ceremonial dress and carrying pot of gold) are FREE.

Tickets are available online now, at Tom Thumb and Albertsons stores (starting February 1), and at the gates on the days of the event. 

Parking is available in and around Fair Park, or guests can take the DART (take the Green Line!) to the front entrance of Fair Park and the North Texas Irish Festival. Detailed directions and parking tips are available at ntif.org. Interesting in volunteering at the festival? Please visit ntif.org for more information. 

Social

Connect with the North Texas Irish Festival at:

• Facebook: @NTIFSCMA
• Twitter: @NTIF_scma
• Instagram: @NTIF_SCMA 

Sponsors

In addition to the hundreds of volunteers who support the festival by volunteering their time, other local civic and corporate partners make this festival possible. The North Texas Irish Festival is presented by the Southwest Celtic Music Association. Additionally, the festival is sponsored by Guinness, Tom Thumb, Albertsons, NBC 5, Audacy, Visit Dallas and the Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District.

About the Southwest Celtic Music Association Inc.

The Southwest Celtic Music Association Inc. (SCMA), a 501(c)(3), is the producing organization for the North Texas Irish Festival. Approximately 600 volunteers will help in organization, promotion and execution of this year's festival. The first such festival was held on March 5, 1983, at the legendary Nick Farrelly’s Lounge on Oak Lawn and was billed as the First Texas Céilí. This event was so popular that it has continued every year since on the first weekend in March as the North Texas Irish Festival. Shortly after the first festival, the all-volunteer Southwest Celtic Music Association Inc. was formed to promote the study, performance and preservation of traditional Celtic music, dance and culture. In 1984, the event was moved to Fair Park and its name changed to the North Texas Irish Festival. The Southwest Celtic Music Association Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit cultural corporation headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and serves a five-state regional area. The organization maintains a web site at www.scmatx.org.

The life of the Mardi will be at all five Shucks locations, which include food and drink deals, prizes, and live bands!

Aw Shucks and Big Shucks Oyster Bar will be celebrating Mardi Gras as big as New Orleans on Fat Tuesday, February 13, at its five locations in Dallas, Richardson, Lewisville, and Frisco. Shucks will offer free beads for the early birds, as well as food and drink specials (all day) and will be jamming with live bands at all locations from 5:30 pm - to 9:00 pm. Bands include The Members Only Band, The Big Daddy Band, Treble Hook, Mars Hill, and The Decades Trio. In the evening, there will be fun prizes given away at each location including Aw Shucks gift cards and Shucks Mardi Gras t-shirts. Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Shucks specials include:

• $5.00 house margaritas
• $3.00 draft beer
• $8.00 Sandia Swirl and Rojo Ritas
• $5.00 shrimp cocktail mugs
• Crawfish platter specials by the pound, with corn, and potatoes

Since 1983, Aw Shucks and Big Shucks Oyster Bar have been the best places in North Texas to enjoy raw oysters, shrimp, catfish, crab legs, po'boy boy sandwiches, a nice cold beer, and tasty crawfish when in season. With its seafood shack atmosphere, guests are guaranteed to have a great time. For more information on Aw Shucks and Big Shucks, visit awshucksdallas.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and promotions. #shucksdallas

ABOUT PETERSON MANAGEMENT GROUP

Peterson Management Group is a family-owned and operated restaurant management company with 12 restaurants located across North Texas. Founded by Bob Peterson and Scott Holyfield, two guys with larger-than-life personalities, it all started in 1983 with eclectic seafood shack restaurants, Aw Shucks and Big Shucks Oyster Bar. They are the best places in North Texas to get raw oysters, shrimp, catfish, crab legs, po'boy boy sandwiches, a nice cold beer, and some tasty crawfish when in season. In addition to Aw Shucks and Big Shucks, Peterson Management Group opened Blue Goose Cantina in 1984, where fantastic made-from-scratch Mexican food, legendary cocktails, top-notch service, a fun atmosphere and a kick-ass attitude come together. The restaurant chain has repeatedly been voted the best in North Texas for its winning combination of food, fun, and signature margaritas. Today, Nick Peterson, son of Bob, leads the family business, serving as its CEO. For more information, visit PetersonManagementGroup.net.