Entering the 2023-24 academic year, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas faced a challenge: adapting its classrooms and clinics to the needs of a service dog on campus every day while also considering the needs and comfort of everyone else. Cora Owens of Valley Mills, Fozzie’s owner, graduates May 25 with a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene.

Graduation Day at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas is May 25, and participating in all the pomp and circumstance with the 27 graduates of the dental hygiene program is one who has been with the class since the beginning.

Fozzie, a 5-year-old goldendoodle and full-time service dog, will accompany owner Cora Owens as she receives her bachelor’s degree. Yet it’s Fozzie who provided professors with a valuable education on maintaining a learning environment for students while also creating a safe situation for the dog.

Infection control is crucial, said Leigh Ann Nurick, clinical associate professor and interim program director, and Brandy Cowen, clinical assistant professor and clinic coordinator.

Although Standard Precautions and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention dental infection control guidelines are followed to reduce particles and germs in the air, some still exist and could be harmful to Fozzie, who, unlike the students, doesn’t wear personal protective equipment (PPE).

“We had to gain a layout of the clinic and workspaces to understand where the best place was for Fozzie to sit during clinical procedures to be close enough to detect a medical concern but also far enough to reduce his exposure to aerosols,” Cowen said.

The solution: Fozzie lies on a disposable pad thrown away after each clinic session. When aerosols are present, faculty determine whether he should be covered in a disposable sheet to protect him from particles landing on his fur, which could carry germs home and re-expose Owens when she’s not wearing PPE and potentially expose others.

In addition, Owens’ workspace is situated in a low-traffic area to provide the large dog with more room.

“Sitting in the small simulation lab in the basement is tight because he is so big,” she said. “But that’s been the only trouble.”

 Owens, diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 14, partnered with Fozzie after a series of health scares when her blood sugar dropped in her sleep and her glucose monitor’s alert didn’t wake her. Fozzie accompanied her to high school and later McLennan Community College, where she earned an associate degree.

 Texas A&M College of Dentistry was the only dental hygiene program Owens applied to, and she was welcomed immediately. Owens didn’t bring Fozzie to the first interview in 2023, but Nurick met him a few days later and began planning.

 “Everyone, faculty and students, loved him from the get-go,” Owens said. “They were accepting. They asked a lot of questions because they wanted to understand.”

 Faculty, students, staff and patients are advised not to pet Fozzie while he’s working to avoid distracting him. Giving him treats is discouraged because those are rewards for good work.

Patients who are uncomfortable with dogs are assigned to other student dental hygienists, but only a few chose that option; even some who were fearful at first grew to like Fozzie, Owens said.

Owens and Fozzie return to Valley Mills soon. She’s seeking a full-time job in the Waco area and anticipates interest after she receives her board scores and is licensed on June 30 in Austin.

For now, Fozzie hears every lecture and attends all the exams, labs and clinic sessions, while maintaining a professional demeanor – except for a snore-filled nap or two following lunches. That’s why Nurick gave Fozzie her College of Dentistry alumni pin at last month’s pinning and awards ceremony.

 “He deserved it,” she said. “I can’t think of anyone I would rather share my alumni pin.”

Recognizing past leadership, launching a new response fund, and dancing the night away to the big-band sounds of the Jordan Kahn Orchestra 

Since 1950, Jewish Family Service (JFS) of Greater Dallas has served as an open door to all in need – impacting hundreds of thousands in its mission to provide whole-person care and promote self-sufficiency and well-being. Nearly 600 supporters and community leaders gathered to celebrate this important milestone at the Hilton Anatole Hotel on May 8.

The JFS Diamond Anniversary Gala not only provided a look back at the people and programs that have supported the physical, emotional, nutritional, and financial well-being of hundreds of thousands of lives, but it also celebrated what is to come in the next 75 years, including the highly anticipated 2026 opening of JFS’s new 100,000 square-foot home, The Karla and Larry Steinberg building.

Sam L. Susser, Susser Bank chairman and CEO, kicked off the program welcoming the crowd. He was followed by Rabbi Howard Wolk, who provided a moving blessing. Co-Chairs Julie and Michael Zimmermann then took the stage on behalf of the co-chairs to thank sponsors and share testimonials about the impact JFS has had in the community since its founding.

“This year, we proudly celebrate 75 years of impact, growth and service from JFS, which has been a cornerstone of compassion and support – a philanthropic institution open to all in need, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or ability to pay,” said Julie Zimmermann.

Board Chair Julie Gothard recognized Co-Chairs Ann and Michael Ochstein, Karla and Larry Steinberg, and Julie and Michael Zimmermann as well as Honorary Co-Chairs Sharon and Eric Goldberg, Ynette and Jim Hogue, Susie and Joel Litman, Stanley Rabin, Jackie and Steve Waldman, and Donald Zale for their hard work and ongoing commitment to JFS. (Co-Chairs Lori and Mike Cohen were unable to attend.)

She continued by recognizing the JFS Capital Campaign leadership team, who served as the event’s honorary chairs, before turning attention to the screens for a video tribute.

Video highlights included:

-        Rena and Bud Silverberg, who first became involved in 1967 and represent the only couple who have both served as JFS board chairs. “JFS has always been about opening doors, and it still is 75 years later. Welcoming a stranger isn’t just a value, it’s a responsibility.”

-        Dallas City Councilwoman Cara Mendelsohn shared that she was adopted through JFS and years later served as a board member and board chair, 2012-14 – a full circle moment in her life. “Sometimes the outcomes of services are not a one-year outcome. If you can stabilize somebody, you can’t even measure the impact they make in the community years from now.”

-        Stan Rabin, board chair 1987-89,shared that one of the most important things about JFS has been its ability to evolve. “Dallas would not be what it is without JFS.”

-        Les Weisbrod, board chair 1983-94, shared that JFS isn’t just meeting needs. “It’s redefining what it is to serve a community.”

JFS President and CEO Cathy Barker wrapped up the evening’s remarks by reflecting on the agency’s three-year Meeting the Moment Capital Campaign, which started out with a $21 million goal to build the nonprofit’s new home. “But once we realized we needed a larger campus and gathered some real costs, that amount rose to $40 million – a goal that is now in reach!” She asked JFS staff, old and new, as well as all board leadership and members to stand, recognizing them for helping to propel the agency forward.

“Our new space is more than a building; it’s a promise to the families we serve today and those we will serve for years to come,” said Cathy Barker. “As a community, it’s important that we step up so we can innovate, respond, and be here for future generations.”

Barker highlighted challenges that the nonprofit has tackled over the years including “securing housing for family violence victims; refugee resettlement; assisting evacuees of Hurricane Katrina; coordinating adoptions; supporting those at risk of losing their homes during the global pandemic; feeding thousands; and responding to the ‘Silver Tsunami,’ the record-breaking number of older adults finding they outlived their savings, need a caregiver, or experienced declining health.”

“In honor of the anniversary, JFS is launching a new Response Fund to provide support for emergency and short-term needs to those facing a crisis or a hardship, whether a car repair, training for a better job, assistance with bills or home repairs to mental health support,” said Barker.

Gala guests included Dallas Holocaust Museum CEO Mary Pat Higgins, Dallas City Councilwoman Cara Mendelsohn, Susser Bank Chairman and CEO Sam L. Susser (title sponsor); JFS former CEO Michael Fleisher (he served in this position for 23 years), and philanthropic leaders Candy and Ike Brown, Gail Hartstein, Leslie and David Katz, and Ann and Nate Levine.

Attendees enjoyed the evening’s entertainment by the Jordan Kahn Orchestra, dancing, food stations, an open bar, silent auction, and a luxury raffle. 

JFS is currently building a foundation for the next 75 years, which will culminate with an expansive food pantry, career and financial services, family violence intervention, and behavioral and medical services. JFS is one of the few nonprofits that provides comprehensive health services under one roof.

Sponsors of the JFS Diamond Anniversary Gala were Title Sponsor Susser Bank and event sponsors American Airlines, Central Market, Miller Weisbrod Olesky, Sewell, Texas Jewish Post, Wise Resource Development, and Ethel Silvergold Zale.

# # #

Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas (JFS) is a nonprofit organization providing comprehensive health services that address physical, emotional, nutritional, and financial well-being. Its mission is to provide effective and accessible whole-person care that promotes lifelong self-sufficiency and well-being for the Greater Dallas community. JFS Dallas offers programs to the community such as primary medical care, individual age-appropriate counseling and group support, career and financial coaching, a food pantry, support for older adults, and a Clubhouse for adults with mental illness. Since 1950, JFS has served anyone, regardless of age, race, religion, or ability to pay. The agency, celebrating its 75^th anniversary in 2025, impacted over 26,000 lives last year. Jfsdallas.org

Two generations received recognition at Bachman Lake Together’s annual Community Action Network (CAN) graduation ceremony, which celebrated the achievements of parent leaders and preschool graduates in Dallas’ Bachman Lake neighborhood. 

Nineteen Bachman Lake-area parents completed the nine-month CAN program, which empowers parents by helping them build leadership skills, learn to advocate for their children’s education and access resources that support family well-being. Seventeen additional parents were honored for completing advanced levels of the program, which provides mentorship, training in early learning advocacy and volunteer leadership roles.

The ceremony, held at the Bachman Recreation Center, marked the culmination of Bachman Lake Together’s CAN parent leadership program.

Bachman Lake Together Executive Director Olga Martinez Hickman, Ph.D., welcomed the audience of families, partners and supporters, saying, “Today we celebrate a milestone not just for our parent leaders and their children, but for our entire community. Our CAN graduates have stepped into their roles as advocates, leaders and champions for early learning—and their commitment inspires us all to create a supportive environment where our children can grow and thrive.”

During the ceremony, AnaLorena Carrasco, Executive Director of AVANCE North Texas, which is a longtime partner of Bachman Lake Together, shared how AVANCE’s partnership with Bachman Lake Together and its role in delivering high-quality early education supports families holistically – ensuring parents and children learn side by side. 

Israel Rivera, Dallas ISD Parent Advocacy and Support Services Executive Director, delivered a keynote address, highlighting the importance of parent engagement in children's education. Graduate and past Bachman Lake Together board member Denisse Gutierrez her experiences as a parent in the program and her belief in the power of parents to lead change in Bachman Lake. 

The ceremony concluded with a joyful performance by the preschool-age AVANCE graduates and their parents, who danced to “El baile del sapito (The Little Frog Dance),” symbolizing the energy and unity of the families and community.

Bachman Lake Together extends heartfelt thanks to its partners, volunteers, and supporters for their continued dedication to empowering families. The organization remains committed to helping families build strong foundations—through early learning, parent leadership and family well-being—so their children are fully prepared to succeed in school and in life.

On Wednesday, May 14, Texas Woman’s University Dallas hosted a dedication ceremony celebrating the expansion and new name of its renowned Stroke Center—now officially the Mike A. Myers Stroke Center, in recognition of a $2 million gift from Dallas businessman and philanthropist Mike A. Myers.

Located at the TWU T. Boone Pickens Institute of Health Sciences – Dallas Center, the Mike A. Myers Stroke Center provides life-changing, no-cost outpatient care for individuals recovering from strokes, brain injuries, and other neurological conditions, while also serving as a clinical training ground for future healthcare professionals. The recent expansion includes a new swallowing clinic, bilingual staffing to improve access for Spanish-speaking patients, and technology upgrades to enhance clinical research and student instruction.

The evening featured remarks from TWU leaders, including Stroke Center Director Jyutika Mehta, Ph.D., who spoke about the impact of the center’s mission. “At the Stroke Center, we’re changing brains and changing lives,” Mehta said. “Our program is about small victories, large victories, and the setbacks that become comebacks.”

The ceremony also highlighted patient and caregiver testimonials. Among them were a stroke survivor who regained his speech, a young man who recovered his ability to drive following a traumatic brain injury, and a former student who shared how the center’s interdisciplinary care model benefits both patients and future healthcare professionals.

Mr. Myers closed the program by reflecting on the center’s impact. “I am thrilled to be able to support this amazing center which provides critical assistance to families in our Dallas community who are dealing with stroke and brain injury-related challenges who otherwise might not be able to afford proper treatment,” Myers said. “It is my hope and desire that through these expanded services, even more lives will be transformed and positively impacted by this important and worthy program.”

Monica Christopher, president of the TWU Dallas campus, added, “We are grateful for this important gift from Mr. Myers, who sees the benefit of a center focused on helping patients get intensive rehabilitation support, while also training our students to work as an interdisciplinary team in addressing a patient’s health needs.” 

The celebration also served as an important reminder that May is Stroke Awareness Month. The Stroke Center team encourages the public to learn the warning signs of stroke and remember the *FAST method. For more information about the Mike A. Myers Stroke Center or to apply for care, visit twu.edu/stroke-center-dallas. 

MORE ABOUT STROKE AWARENESS: 

Symptoms of stroke include numbness, confusion, trouble walking or seeing, dizziness, and severe headache. Since these symptoms can be caused by many conditions, use the *FAST test to help you react quickly:

F (Face): Is any part of the face drooping? Can the person having symptoms smile? Does the smile appear uneven?

A (Arms): Can the person lift their arms? Does one arm drift downward?

S (Speech): Is the person’s speech slurred or nonsensical?

T (Time): Remember that time is critical. If stroke is suspected, call 9-1-1 immediately. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT MIKE A. MYERS STROKE CENTER:

To learn more about Stroke Center clinical trials or treatment programs, visit twu.edu/stroke-center-dallas or call/email 214-689-6592 or strokecenter@twu.edu. To find out more about eligibility for treatment, visit https://twu.edu/stroke-center-dallas/how-to-apply-for-treatment/. To make a donation to the Stroke Center, visit giving.twu.edu.      

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 wellbeing, 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 fundraising effort to support programming, equipment, scholarships and faculty. To learn more about the campaign or the university, visit dreambig.twu.edu or twu.edu, or connect with TWU on Facebook @TexasWomansUniversity, Instagram @txwomans, Twitter @txwomans, and LinkedIn @texaswomansuniversity. 

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.