These two extraordinarily creative individuals shared highlights of their careers and how their lives were graced with a lifetime of achievements.
The Stephens College Alumnae Club of Dallas Annual Texas Fundraising Luncheon featured two Dallas icons, Jan Strimple and Tom Addis, who shared a thoroughly entertaining and insightful retrospective of highlights of their careers as the keynote speakers at this year’s event at the Dallas Country Club.
The club’s main hall held a special treat – costumes and gowns, from avant-guard to elegant, showcasing a few of Jan’s fashionable productions, were exhibited on mannequins, which we would later learn were created in Jan’s form.
Guests arrived and enjoyed bidding in the silent auction while catching up with friends and families, some sharing a two-generation or more history as Stephens College alums.
The room was beautifully set with luncheon tables swathed in fuschia silks and luscious floral arrangements of hydrangea and roses, all by Garden Gate Florist.
Spotted in the crowd were Elizabeth Anderson, April Bosworth, Linda Ivy, Carolyn Keeble, Suzanne Palmlund, Rosemary Redmond, Donna Arp Weitzman and many more.
Emcee Scott Murray welcomed the crowd and as the lights dimmed, introduced the Stephens College video, which his Murray Media had produced, to a round of applause. He said Stephens is the second oldest women’s college in the country, having been founded almost 200 years ago.
Monica P. McMurry, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Design, gave a brief history and introduced Jan and Tom, who were seated on stage flanked by two huge video screens and the stories and slideshow began. Tom shared reflections about his mother’s time at Stephens, saying interior design was her passion and she flourished at the college.
His own career began early on as a young boy playing little Patrick in a stage production of MAME in Dallas, then Burt Reynolds’ little brother in the White Lightning movie, then touring with Sandy Duncan as part of a Disney Studios production. Tom is a graduate of Southern Methodist University and is now celebrating his 24th year designing and producing Dallas’ premier children’s gala, The Crystal Charity Ball. He has also received accolades for his work on national events such as the reopening Celebration of the National Library of Congress and the State Dinner hosted by the Secretary of State and international events, such as Young President’s Organization University events in Budapest, Hungary, Rome, Italy and Cape Town, South Africa. His work has been featured in publications ranging from PaperCity Magazine to Town & Country. He said how thankful he was that he and Jan first met at DIFFA and started their design collaboration, bringing the vision of the events they share to life.
Jan began her presentation with photos of herself with her mother, both quite fashionable even at Jan’s young age and now, Jan is an internationally renowned couture fashion model and a premier event and fashion show producer in Dallas and Fort Worth. She shared behind-the-scenes slides of her shows which have rocked the runways from New York's Fashion Week to Dallas/Fort Worth's most high profile fashion luncheons and award shows. Known for her creative theatrical productions, she equally relishes opportunities to showcase collections of emerging designers in a straightforward but edgy style. She credits her recognized sense of style to her years working closely with Yves Saint Laurent and Bob Mackie. She has been recognized worldwide for her unique career.
Both Jan and Tom received the Stephens College Alumnae Club’s Lifetime Achievement Awards presented by luncheon chair Jeanette Korab and Susan Schmidt, president of the Alumnae Club of Dallas.
The invocation was presented by Susan Ingram, followed by a delicious luncheon and a spirited live auction, including a pair of customized bespoke smoking slippers from Hadleigh’s, a trip to Broadleaf Farm, a Mazatlan Retreat and a Ladies Day Out.
“Both Jan and Tom inspire others as they have shared their unique stories and paths to success,” Susan said. “Our mission is to promote the interests of Stephens College and to maintain among the graduates and former students a spirit of fellowship and service through educational and social programs. Learn. Grow. Lead.”
For more information visit the Club’s website at http://www.stephenstexasalums.com.
Dallas Alumnae Club
The Stephens College Alumnae Club of Dallas was founded in 1935 by Mrs. Opal Love. Since then, the club has had approximately 63 presidents, all carrying the tradition held in the “Stephens 10 Ideals” of service, support, respect, responsibility, courage, creativity, belief, intelligence, independence and leadership through the years. Club goals are to broaden fundraising to include all of the wonderful Texas alums and to create a social media presence so Texas alums can connect, interact and become more active with supporting one another and their college. The Alumnae Club is a sisterhood that shares the amazing experience of attending Stephens College.
College Vision Statement: Inspired by its tradition as an undergraduate women’s college, Stephens College engages lifelong learners in an educational experience characterized by intellectual rigor, creative expression, and professional practice, supported by accomplished faculty, talented staff, and engaged alumnae/alumni. Graduates of Stephens College are educated in the liberal arts, informed by diverse perspectives, and committed to lives of leadership, integrity and service. https://www.stephens.edu
Photos by Dana Driensky.