Education is one of the greatest investments. Virginia Chandler Dykes — recognized for her work in occupational therapy and her leadership on the Dallas philanthropy circuit — certainly lives by example, proving that a commitment to education is essential to improving the community at large.
Dykes earned her graduate degree in occupational therapy at Texas Women's University and was the director of occupational and recreational therapy department at Baylor Medical Center for 25 years. In 2002, Dykes and her late husband, Ronald, established the Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award to honor those who exemplify this kind of leadership.
At TWU's 11th Annual Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award Luncheon at Belo Mansion, Patricia and Curtis W. Meadows were honored for their dedication to improving the city by supporting the arts, education and many nonprofit organizations.
Dykes reminded guests — including Kari Kloewer, Lois Finkelman, Sharon and Mike McCullough, Caroline Rose Hunt, Bob Brackbill, James Goss, and Jade and John Falldine — that since 2001, TWU's enrollment has increased by a record-breaking 85 percent.
After Bob White, executive vice president of Bank of Texas, talked about TWU and all of its accomplishments, attendees lunched on a decadent meal of herb-dusted filet beef and milk chocolate mousse.
After a lovely meal, Dr. Ann Stuart, chancellor and president of TWU, talked about the kind of man Roland Dyke was. "[He] was wise, honest, helped others and recognized his love for Virginia," she said.
Last year's honoree Myrna Schlegel then introduced the 2013 leadership award recipients, Patricia and Curtis Meadows.
Patricia thanked everyone in attendance and said, "Anyone of you could have received this award." Curtis made the room swoon with personal stories and his humbling words, "If by recognizing us today, we can get one person to do good, then we can happily accept this award."
Before the closing remarks, the 2013 Scholarship Awards were given to four individuals — Steven Gerardi, Elodie Singer, Jill Bellomy and Lisa L. Ferguson — who continue to follow in Virginia Dykes' golden footsteps through their research, education and passion to improve the world.
