On April 8, Texas Woman’s University (TWU) held a reception at Catherine and Sam Susser’s Preston Hollow home to introduce 100 Dallas community and business leaders to the university. TWU faculty, representatives and supporters also attended.

TWU Dallas President Monica Christopher thanked everyone for coming and recognized the 35 generous donors of the Dallas President’s Leadership Council (DPLC) and the nine founding members—all of whom are women. “If you remember two things tonight, TWU’s unique mission and commitment to student access and its excellence in our current health science programs. Our Occupational Therapy program is ranked #1 in Texas,* and our Physical Therapy program is ranked #2 in the state.” The TWU Dallas campus is located in the heart of the Southwestern Medical District and contributes to the workforce of North Texas. (*U.S. News & World Report)

TWU Chancellor Carine Feyten discussed how her predecessor, Dr. Ann Stuart, first promoted the idea of TWU being its own university system and the need for Dallas to stand on its own. TWU is now the seventh public university system. Feyten told how she met and hired Christopher as the inaugural president. “President Christopher is helping TWU open doors in Dallas to businesses, community organizations and supporters.”  

Catherine Susser, host, TWU Campaign Cabinet and DPLC Founding Member, said, “Two passions of mine drew me to TWU’s mission: education and healthcare.” I’ve been impressed to learn about the important health research that is taking place at TWU, especially at its Mike A. Myers Stroke Center.”

TWU Nursing undergraduate student Michael Preciado told about being a research intern at UT Southwestern and giving a presentation on his research at the American Heart Association’s Stroke Conference in February 2025—all because of his learning experiences at TWU. “I want to be a part of the TWU history.”

TWU Physical therapy doctoral student Avery Ellis-Byerly said that she selected TWU’s program because of its reputation, 100% pass rate and 100% employment rate. “I’m so grateful I said yes to TWU.” She will receive her doctorate in May 2025.

For more information about TWU and giving, visit https://twu.edu/advancement/.

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 $125 million comprehensive fundraising effort to support innovative programs, capital projects, student scholarships, and faculty endowments. To learn more about the campaign or the university, visitdreambig.twu.edu ortwu.edu, or connect with TWU onFacebook@TexasWomansUniversity,Instagram@txwomans,Twitter@txwomans, andLinkedIn@texaswomansuniversity.

Grant Halliburton Foundation hosted its 16th annual Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon on March 25 at the Omni Dallas Hotel. Nearly 600 guests gathered in support of the Foundation’s mission, helping to raise $300,000 for youth mental health and suicide prevention programs across North Texas.

The morning began with a vibrant welcome reception featuring music by DJ Lucy Wrubel, a celebratory champagne wall, and a variety of engaging activations. Guests connected over coffee, shared messages of encouragement on the “Post Your Hope” wall, and spent time with service dogs in training, Eric and Elvis, courtesy of Patriot Paws. Attendees also browsed an array of exciting raffle packages that included vacations, luxury shopping experiences, unique sports events, and more.

The 2025 luncheon began with a performance of A Million Dreams by Syncopation, the a cappella choir from Plano West Senior High School—alma mater of Grant Halliburton, the Foundation’s namesake.

Guests were welcomed by Jenny Anchondo, host and producer of CW33’s Inside DFW, followed by an opening invocation from Father Paul Klitze, rector of Episcopal Church of the Ascension. Guests enjoyed lunch while connecting with friends and supporters.

Luncheon chairs Chris and Brent Bolding expressed their heartfelt thanks to the Grant Halliburton Foundation staff, committee members and volunteers, as well as luncheon vice chairs Amy and Michael Roseman, and founding luncheon chair Barb Farmer.

Amy Halliburton McCloskey, co-founder of the Foundation, then presented her mother, Vanita Halliburton, co-founder and chairman emeritus of the Foundation, with the 2025 Beacon Award. In an emotional tribute, Amy spoke about her brother Grant, whose death in 2005 led to the founding of the organization, and the lasting legacy her mother built to support youth mental health. “My mom knew she wanted to do something in his memory to save other families from the tragedy of suicide and help them get the resources they so desperately need. She, my dad, Alan, and I co-founded Grant Halliburton Foundation in 2006 and set out to do just that—to help as many young people and their families as possible to find help, hope and peace of mind.”

A tribute video honored Vanita’s leadership in raising awareness and changing the conversation around mental health in North Texas. With her father, Alan Halliburton, by her side, McCloskey took the stage to present her with the 2025 Beacon Award—now renamed the Vanita Halliburton Beacon Award in her honor. Vanita received a standing ovation from the audience in recognition of her legacy and impact.

Vanita shared about Grant:

• “As a teen, he once spent his entire savings ($65) on groceries for a friend’s single mom battling cancer and having financial troubles.
• Another time, he jumped off the school bus to gather a boy’s crutch that some pranksters had thrown out the window. Then he ran between houses to hop back on that bus.”
• She used that analogy about jumping off the bus to help others who need help—students, teachers, parents, staff, mothers, fathers.
• “Sometimes, you have to jump off the bus to come alongside those who need help, information, and resources.”

The Foundation’s mission video played next, followed by remarks from Kevin Hall, president of Grant Halliburton Foundation. He reflected on the theme “We Are Grant Halliburton Foundation” and reminded the audience that hope is at the heart of all the Foundation does. “I love that video. We are not just an office or a staff. We are a movement—a collective force of educators, parents, students, volunteers and advocates who believe that mental health should never be an afterthought.” He added, “Vanita, your vision has shaped not only this organization, but also the lives of countless people who will feel your impact every single day. Because of you, WE are Grant Halliburton Foundation.”

The final video shared the Boldings’ story and their journey following the loss of their daughter, Eleanor. “We’re pretty sure that every person in this room knows someone struggling with depression, anxiety, or even suicidal thoughts. Please take a moment to remind them that they are not alone. There is help. There is hope,” Brent said. They asked for people to generously donate to stop the loss of lives.

Eric Nadel, Texas Rangers Radio Broadcaster, introduced a video that shared Drew Robinson’s story. In 2020, Robinson, then a Major League Baseball player, miraculously survived a suicide attempt, resulting in a new-found purpose of helping others and destigmatizing mental health. After playing 12 seasons of professional baseball, he retired following the 2021 season to pursue a full-time role as a mental health advocate, the first of its kind in MLB. Leveraging his tagline, Strength Isn’t Always Physical®, Robinson is dedicated to sharing his journey and showcasing vulnerability to prevent suicide and promote mental health care.

Nadel served as the moderator. Following are some takeaways from their conversation:

Thoughts and Depression:

• Robinson: “Your mind is your servant, not your master. Use our minds to serve us, not tear us down. We control our minds (meditation helps).”
• Nadel: “Choose the thoughts that are meaningful to you. Having gone through the black hole myself, it’s like your brain cells have gone out of control.”
• Robinson: “I was feeling so off, so I got tested, and it was normal. I was the last person I was thinking about. I took care of things, and I was thinking of my family. People don’t fake being depressed. They fake being okay.”

Robinson’s Service Dog:

Robinson: “Ellie (his eight-year-old service dog) is a major antidepressant.”

Mental Health Advocate:

After Robinson’s suicide attempt, he pitched with one good eye for the San Francisco Giants. His situation opened a lot of doors with his teammates to have discussions of mental health and depression. The Giants saw that and offered him an opportunity to be an advocate off the field. He remarked that it’s been “a very fulfilling role.”

Gratitude:

Robinson: “I’m grateful I survived. I am using this horrible decision to help others.”

Nadel: “Be grateful for the little things. Talk about it (depression, anxiety) and get it off your chest.”

Nadel asked, “Why do you think you survived?” Robinson replied, “Because I’m supposed to help people.”

Robinson’s trifecta to maintaining his mental health:

Regular exercise, therapy and journaling.

About Grant Halliburton Foundation: Grant Halliburton Foundation was established in 2006 in memory of a Dallas teen who battled depression and bipolar disorder for several years before his suicide death at the age of 19. The Foundation that bears his name works to help families and young people recognize the signs of mental illness through a variety of avenues including education, conferences, collaboration and encouragement. Since 2006, the Foundation has provided mental health education, training and support to more than 350,000 students, educators, parents and professionals. The Foundation also offers Here For Texas, which includes HereForTexas.com and the Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line. These free community tools aim to offer easy access for North Texans seeking mental health and addiction information and resources. Learn more about the Foundation at GrantHalliburton.org.

Texas Woman’s University (TWU) hosted another successful Dallas Leadership Luncheon on March 6 at The Arts District Mansion, where the university recognized Nicole Small as the 2025 Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award recipient. A signature fundraiser for TWU, the event supports scholarships for graduate students while celebrating leaders who have made a significant impact on education and the quality of life in the Dallas community. The presenting event sponsor was Luther King Capital Management.

The highlight of the luncheon was a moderated conversation with Small, who is the CEO of LH Capital, Inc. and Lyda Hill Philanthropies, and education philanthropist Abby Williams, who with her husband Todd Williams received the 2024 TWU Leadership Award. The event also featured the announcement of $77,000 in scholarship awards presented to the 32 graduate students selected for the 2025 class of Virginia Chandler Dykes Scholars. Six of those were recognized: Abi Rainey (College of Arts and Sciences), Bradaisea Ridge-Law (Merrilee Alexander Kick College of Business and Entrepreneurship), Dr. Savitha Sundar (College of Health Sciences/Occupational Therapy), Jenny Reynolds (College of Health Sciences), Kiara Whitney (Houston J. and Florence A. Doswell College of Nursing), and Christiana Parra (College of Professional Education).

Luncheon speakers were the program emcee, Lisa Rampy, Vice President of University Advancement and Alumni Engagement; Shannon Mantaro, Executive Director of the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership, the luncheon sponsor; Ralph Hawkins, event chair and a past Leadership Award recipient; and TWU Chancellor and President Dr. Carine M. Feyten.

The TWU Dallas Leadership Award is named in honor of the late Virginia Chandler Dykes, a TWU alumna and TWU Board of Regents member who was a noted healthcare leader and champion for education. Dykes’ sons Dr. Ron Chandler and Chuck Chandler attended, as was Virginia’s longtime friend, Patricia Crocker.

Since 2002, the event has raised $2.42 million for graduate student scholarships.  Returning as the event’s presenting sponsor was Luther King Capital Management.

Additional thanks to these sponsors:

Luncheon Sponsor: Texas Woman’s University's Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership

VIP Reception Sponsor: Billingsley Company

Pioneer Platinum Sponsor: Lyda Hill Philanthropies

Pioneer Investors: Sue S. Bancroft, Carol & Don Glendenning & Leigh Glendenning Roberts

Pioneer Premier Partners: Children’s Health, Haynes Boone, The Hersh Foundation, The Hirsch Family Foundation, Nicole and Justin Small/Justin and Nicole Small Fund, Valeo Partners 

Learn more about the Dallas Leadership Luncheon at twu.edu/DallasLeadership.

Dwell with Dignity, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming lives through design, celebrated the grand reveal of its largest project to date: a library transformation at Dallas ISD’s Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy (BOMLA). The Eula Harris-Williams Library Media Center, which has been transformed into a vibrant hub for learning and growth, reflects the vision of more than 400 students who shared their ideas for the transformation.

“This library is a testament to what thoughtful design can achieve and the heart of what our work is about,” said Teresa Charnock, executive director of Dwell with Dignity. “It’s been an incredible honor to help bring the vision of the BOMLA community to life. Their creativity and insight have shaped a space that will serve as a foundation for learning, connection and growth for years to come.”

Members of the BOMLA community, including students, educators and local leaders, gathered to celebrate the library’s transformation. The event included remarks from Nakia Douglas, founding principal of BOMLA, and Chris Blackburn of Texas Counter Fitters, lead sponsor, as well as performances by the BOMLA band and a tour of the transformed spaces.

Renovated spaces include:

• Library: A welcoming environment with updated seating for reading, studying and group collaboration.
• Campus Community Hub: A space where students can access uniforms, school supplies, toiletries and food, underwritten by United Way of Metropolitan Dallas.
• Podcast Room: A creative studio for students to record and share their stories.
• Student Success Center: A private space for college and career counseling, helping first-generation college-bound students prepare for the future.
• Historical and Art Center: A showcase of Oak Cliff’s rich history through photography and student artwork.
• STEM Learning Space: Featuring stones, gems and minerals donated by Texas Counter Fitters, this hands-on area introduces students to geology and STEM learning.

“This library is more than a transformation – it’s a testament to the potential within our students and the power of their voices,” said Nakia Douglas, founding principal of BOMLA. “It’s a space where their ideas come to life, and they can find the tools, inspiration and support to pursue their dreams with confidence.”

The transformation of the BOMLA library was a collaborative effort between Dwell with Dignity, BOMLA and key sponsors including Texas Counter Fitters, lead sponsor, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and the State Fair of Texas. Their generous contributions and commitment to the BOMLA community helped turn the vision for this library into a reality.

ABOUT DWELL WITH DIGNITY:
Founded in 2009, Dwell with Dignity is a Dallas-based nonprofit with a mission to transform lives through design. By providing and installing interiors for family homes and community spaces for individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness, the transformations inspire people to lead their best lives and thrive in a safe, functional and beautiful environment. Dwell with Dignity has completed more than 250 home design projects and 50 community spaces, and in 2024 the organization served more than 3,000 people through their home and community projects. The nonprofit is backed by the support of over 100 designers, 1,100 dedicated volunteers and 150 sponsors and donors. Learn more at www.dwellwithdignity.org.

ADDITIONAL QUOTES:

Chris Blackburn, Founder and Owner, Texas Counter Fitters:
“The young men of Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy are incredibly impressive. They are dedicated to their studies and shine outside the classroom as well, demonstrating talents in music, photography and art. We understand the power of having a beautiful space to inspire these young minds. That’s why we wanted to partner with Dwell with Dignity to transform the library AND create a brand new podcast room for the boys to tell their stories.”

Jessica Vitela, Manager, Community Relations and Events, State Fair of Texas:
“At the State Fair of Texas, our mission extends far beyond 24 days. We are deeply committed to strengthening our community through education, growth and opportunity. Supporting projects like this library reflects our dedication to creating spaces where students can learn, dream and prepare for a brighter future.”

Ashley Douglas, Vice President, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas / Southern Dallas Thrives / PepsiCo:
“United Way Metropolitan’s Southern Dallas Thrives initiative is excited to expand our campus-based Community Hub resources and services to Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy. Designed to holistically support sector scholars through targeted academic engagement and resources that help families thrive, we are thrilled to increase this network of support on the campus. Through this collaborative approach alongside community partners, we are committed to ensuring that our students remain positioned to continue to thrive.

“This transformation of the library space will provide new motivation, inspiration and opportunities for all of our stakeholders. Not to mention, it will create new resources for increasing levels of success for the BOMLA community. The possibilities are endless. Thanks go out to Dwell with Dignity and the United Way for empowering the future of BOMLA.”

Mr. D. Legington, M.Ed./CI, Visual Arts Educator, The Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy:

“This transformation of the library space will provide new motivation, inspiration and opportunities for all of our stakeholders. Not to mention, it will create new resources for increasing levels of success for the BOMLA community. The possibilities are endless. Thanks go out to, Dwell with Dignity and the United Way for empowering the future of BOMLA.”

Mr. Lawrence Stokes Jr., Library Media Specialist, The Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy:
“This transformation of the library would put new life into the heartbeat of this school.  The library is the focus point of all small gatherings in the school. Its use goes far beyond our students, faculty and staff, but for our community and other visitors. "This 2025 Transformation gives us a heighten sense of pride and joy as the central hub of higher learning through reading, art, music, and technology. Thank you, Dwell with Dignity and United Way."

SPARK! Dallas has announced plans for its 10^th anniversary in 2025 with SPARKtacular, a spectacular fundraising event on May 1, 2025 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at a private Dallas residence. This unique and immersive evening experience is designed exclusively for adults (21 and older) with elements of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics), delicious food, expertly crafted cocktails and live music. Event Co-Chairs are Nell and Shelby Bush & Carol and Sam Dalton. Honorary Chair is Sarah Losinger.

Nell Bush said, “SPARK! Dallas needs your support to help provide STEAM education to more students. Its mission is to ignite sparks of creativity and curiosity inherent in all children through its unique environment, combined with exciting programming that inspires minds, builds confidence and shapes the future of all children.”

Carol Dalton added, “SPARKtacular is a first ever event that you won't want to miss! We invite you to join us for an evening of fun with elements of surprise at every turn, while supporting an impactful nonprofit organization.”

Meg Bittner, SPARK! Dallas executive director, said, “We need your help to provide STEAM education to students and educators in historically underrepresented communities. To date, we have had 16,000 students attend field trips in 2024, and 60% of those come from 40 Title 1 schools. For many, it is often their first field trip to a hands-on-creative environment, so SPARKtacular will help us reach more of them.” 

Sponsorships, which range from $500 to $50,000, are available. Tickets will be for sale closer to the date, if available. More information can be found at https://sparkdallas.org/sparktacular/.

About SPARK! Dallas:

A nonprofit founded in 2010, SPARK! Dallas provides children from second grade to high school with a fully immersive creative environment with hands-on learning that develops their self-definition as creative individuals. Through an endless roster of workshops and pop-up activities, students exercise their creativity and learn from creative experts, innovators, and artists. The organization’s vision is to help students acquire creative skills to excel in school and compete in the workforce. SPARK! also hosts interactive camps, field trips and birthday parties. SPARK! is located in the historic South Side of Lamar building at 1409 Botham Jean Blvd, Ste 004, Dallas, Texas 75215. For more information, visit https://sparkdallas.org/ or call 214.421.7727.