Ann Richards School Benefit Held in Washington, D.C.

Supporters of The Ann Richards School for Young Women, including me, traveled to Washington, D.C. last weekend to attend the opening performance of “Ann” at the Kennedy Center. Actress Holland Taylor’s one-woman performance was complex, engaging, and, at times, downright hilarious. Ms. Taylor, who wrote and performed the play, spent three years on the project, interviewing those who knew Ann Richards and developing the character. Audience members were impressed by how well Ms. Taylor captured the essence of this Texas legend.

As a member of the Ann Richards School Board and one of the hosts for the event, I attended the reception to benefit the Ann Richards School, Cecile Richards, Claire Korioth, and Senator Mary Landrieu shared their memories of their mother, friend and colleague. Ms. Taylor contributes to the school, and will ensure that it benefits from the play over the long term. What a wonderful and generous way to honor Ann Richards and the school!

Thanks to Holland Taylor, and to all of the Ann Richards School Foundation staff who worked so hard to make this event a success. Our students and staff appreciate you!

UT Friends and Alumnae Celebrate Diversity and Leadership Awards

Gregory J. Vincent, VP for Diversity and Community Engagement and William Powers, President

Many thanks to UT President Bill Powers and Dr. Gregory J. Vincent, vice president for diversity and community engagement, who recently recognized three organizations and five individuals for their work in education and public service at the Fifth Annual Community Leadership Awards Ceremony at the Carver Museum and Cultural Center. The event was co-sponsored by the Office of the President and the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement at the University of Texas.

The three organizations that were recognized were The Austin Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Incorporated, Town Lake Links Incorporated and the National Forum for Black Public Administrators – Central Texas Chapter with Community Partnership Awards.

I was honored to be one of five individual recipients of the Community Leadership Award for 2011. The other award recipients were Albert Hawkins, retired executive commissioner of Texas Health and Human Services, Michael McDonald, assistant city manager for public safety services, city manager Marc Ott, and Michael Lofton, who received the Dr. June Brewer Legacy Award. As my own way of recognizing Michael Lofton for his contributions to the community, I promised to let him win at foosball the next time I visit The Harvest Foundation! Thanks!