Wade College is strengthening its position as a career-focused college in Dallas, preparing students for in-demand careers in business, technology and design through accelerated degree programs and industry-aligned instruction.

For more than 60 years, Wade College has equipped students with the skills, experience and professional insight needed to transition quickly from the classroom to the workforce. By integrating business knowledge, technical skills and creative thinking, the college delivers a well-rounded education aligned with the needs of today’s employers.

“At Wade College, education is about preparing students for real careers,” said Harry Davros, President and CEO of Wade College. “Our programs combine business insight, technical expertise and creative thinking so graduates are ready to contribute from day one.”

A Career-Focused Approach to Higher Education

As demand grows for career-ready graduates, Wade College’s accelerated degree programs allow students to gain relevant experience and enter the workforce faster than traditional academic paths. The college’s curriculum is designed in alignment with current industry standards, ensuring students graduate with practical, applicable skills.

Students benefit from small class sizes, individualized instruction and academic support that foster personalized learning and professional development.

Cross-Disciplinary Education for a Changing Workforce

As industries increasingly overlap, Wade College emphasizes a cross-disciplinary approach that blends business, technology and design. This model ensures that students graduate with versatile skill sets that can adapt to a wide range of career paths.

Information Technology

Wade College’s Information Technology program is designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Students gain both foundational and advanced technical skills, with a strong emphasis on real-world application. Areas of study include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud administration and data analytics, alongside web application development and systems management.

The program prioritizes hands-on learning through projects that simulate real industry scenarios, enabling students to build technical portfolios and problem-solving skills. Graduates are prepared for roles such as IT specialists, cybersecurity analysts, data analysts and web developers, with the adaptability to evolve alongside emerging technologies.

Marketing and Management

The Marketing and Management program provides a comprehensive foundation in modern business strategy, preparing students for leadership roles across industries. Reflecting the evolution of today’s business environment, the curriculum blends traditional business principles with digital innovation and data-driven decision-making.

Students develop expertise in branding, digital marketing, e-commerce strategy, consumer behavior and product development, while also gaining insight into global business operations and organizational leadership. The program emphasizes practical application through case studies, collaborative projects and strategic planning exercises, equipping graduates to succeed in corporate environments, entrepreneurial ventures and rapidly growing digital markets.

Interior Design

Wade College’s Interior Design program focuses on creating functional, human-centered spaces that enhance how people live, work and interact. Students learn to balance creativity with technical precision, developing skills in space planning, materials selection and environmental design.

Training includes industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, Revit and SketchUp, as well as a strong emphasis on sustainability and wellness in design. Through studio-based learning and project development, students build professional portfolios that demonstrate their ability to translate concepts into real-world environments. Graduates are prepared for careers in residential and commercial design, space planning and design consulting.

Fashion Design and Product Development

The Fashion Design and Product Development program combines creative innovation with technical expertise and business insight. Students learn the full lifecycle of product creation, from concept development and design to sourcing, production and market positioning.

Coursework includes garment construction, textiles, pattern making and digital design tools, alongside product development strategies for both hard goods and soft goods. The program emphasizes portfolio development and real-world application, preparing students for careers in fashion design, product development, merchandising and related industries where creativity and business acumen intersect

Industry-Experienced Faculty and Hands-On Learning

Wade College faculty bring real-world industry experience into the classroom, ensuring that instruction reflects current professional practices. Through project-based learning and hands-on instruction, students gain practical experience that prepares them for real-world challenges.

“Our goal is to ensure students graduate with real, hands-on project experience, supported by a multidisciplinary education that prepares them to navigate and succeed in the complexities of the real world from day one,” said Laura Chapuis, Wade College’s VP of Academics.

Positioned in the Dallas Business and Technology Economy

Located in Dallas, one of the nation’s leading centers for business, technology and design, Wade College provides students with access to industry connections, internship opportunities and a dynamic professional environment. These connections support students in building networks and gaining experience before graduation.

With a legacy of more than six decades, Wade College continues to evolve alongside industry trends while maintaining its commitment to career-focused education, individualized instruction and student success.

About Wade College

Wade College is a career-focused college in Dallas specializing in business, technology, and design education. For more than 60 years, the institution has offered accelerated degree programs, small class sizes, and industry-aligned curriculum designed to prepare students for professional careers.

Wade College offers degrees in Information Technology, Marketing and Management, Interior Design, and Fashion Design and Product Development. The college emphasizes hands-on instruction, portfolio development, and individualized mentorship that help graduates transition quickly into the workforce.

The Breakthrough T1D Dallas community gathered on Saturday, April 11, at the OMNI Dallas Hotel to celebrate a milestone evening at the 30th Anniversary Gala, “A Night of Hope,” presented by The Dave and Stacey Johnson Family. The inspiring event brought together more than 600 families, researchers, and supporters united in the mission to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to treat, prevent, and ultimately cure type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Throughout the evening, 33 Breakthrough T1D’s Youth Ambassadors – children living with type 1 diabetes and their siblings – greeted guests and energized the room as they helped drive donations. Their enthusiasm not only supported the night’s fundraising success, but also served as a reminder of the lives directly impacted by every dollar raised.

The evening opened with heartfelt remarks from emcees Karen Borta of CBS 11 and Isaiah Stanback, former Dallas Cowboys player and NFL Network Good Morning Football and CBS 11 sports analyst, both of whom shared their personal connections to T1D as parents. Guests paused for a special tribute honoring the late Josh Pack, a dedicated champion of the organization whose legacy continues to inspire generosity and impact.

This year’s gala chairs – the Johnson family (Stacey and Dave Johnson and their family Chelsea and Blake McMullen, Kendall and Michael Kelly, and Rylie Johnson) – helped lead a meaningful celebration that highlighted both the 30-year history of the Dallas Gala and a deeply personal milestone: daughter Chelsea’s 30th “diaversary,” marking three decades of living with T1D.

“Type 1 diabetes affects not only those of us who live with the disease, but also the families who walk beside us each day,” said Chelsea McMullen. “While technology has transformed how I manage T1D, I still dream of a day without it – a future where my children don’t have to face this disease.”

David Natinsky, president-elect of the Breakthrough T1D Greater Dallas Board introduced Amy Camp, territory executive director, and Melissa Pinkerton, Dallas chapter director, who recognized key supporters and their hope to keep the momentum going and one day see a world without type 1.

“Thirty-one million dollars has been raised in 30 years to fund research, clinical trials, and education,” said Camp. “And families like the Johnsons have been right alongside us every step of the way – driving progress, raising millions, and giving hope to so many.”

The program also honored Dr. Perrin White, a nationally recognized leader in pediatric endocrinology whose decades of work have helped transform care for children living with T1D.

“Thanks to the efforts of Breakthrough T1D, I not only hope for a cure – I know it will come,” said Dr. White. “At UT Southwestern, we care for 2,500 children living with T1D, and we’re seeing real progress. I’m proud to be part of advancements like teplizumab, the first disease-modifying therapy shown to delay the onset of type 1 diabetes in those at risk. While we work toward a cure, we celebrate each breakthrough that improves lives today and gives families hope for the future.”

A highlight of the evening was the Fund A Cure presentation, featuring the Swartwout family and their daughter Harper, who participated in an early clinical trial for the groundbreaking teplizumab therapy.

“At such a young age, Harper represents the impact each of us can have in the fight to find a cure,” shared her family, emphasizing the importance of screening and clinical trials in advancing research.

“Teplizumab therapy is the most meaningful discovery since the 1922 discovery of insulin!” exclaimed Harper Swartwout. Her final message captured the spirit of the night: “Let’s make type 1, type none.”

The evening featured a lively auction, generous sponsorship support, and heartfelt moments that underscored the urgency and promise of continued research, with its success driven in part by auction chair Lindsey Verity, whose leadership helped create an engaging and impactful fundraising experience.

Lexie Peterson, community relations & corporate giving coordinator at American Airlines, also known in the diabetes community as “The Divabetic” – a prominent T1D advocate, content creator, and influencer – kicked off the live auction experience, with the airline contributing more than 1 million AAdvantage® miles to enhance packages and drive fundraising momentum. She encouraged the crowd to “let good take flight!”

As the program concluded and guests took to the dance floor to the music of Manhattan, the message of the evening remained clear: with continued commitment and generosity, a future without type 1 diabetes is within reach.

In addition to the Johnson family, major sponsors included Source North America, Cantina La Rosa, JF Petroleum, Stature Aviation, Forbes HOUSE Dallas, Southwest Airlines, and FBD Partnerships LP.

About Breakthrough T1D:
Founded in 1970 as the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (JDF) and renamed the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) in 2001, the organization rebranded in 2024 as Breakthrough T1D to reflect a bold commitment to improving the lives of both children and adults living with type 1 diabetes. As the leading global organization driving T1D research, advocacy and community engagement, Breakthrough T1D accelerates progress toward cures and better treatments while making everyday life easier for everyone affected. The North Texas and Oklahoma Territory comprises the Dallas, Fort Worth and Oklahoma Chapters that host major fundraising events across the region, including the annual luncheon in Dallas, galas in Dallas, Fort Worth, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City as well as local walks in The Colony, Durant, Tulsa, Fort Worth, and Oklahoma City. Visit breakthrought1d.org/GreaterDallasTX, email greaterdallastx@BreakthroughT1D.org, or call 214-373-9808.

**Photos by Celeste Cass / George Fiala**

Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer hosted an Appreciation Party at the home of Anne and Bill Seanor to celebrate the Host Committee, sponsors, and donors helping make the organization’s 45th Anniversary Gala possible. Guests enjoyed an elegant evening of food and beverages while gathering in support of WOKC’s mission to bring comfort, hope, and significant funding for research to children with cancer and their families.

During the evening, Cindy Brinker Simmons, founder of Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer/Gala Co-Chair, and Gala Co-Chair Karee Sampson shared remarks about the impact of the organization’s work over the past 45 years and the importance of the upcoming gala on Saturday, April 25, at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas. They thanked supporters for helping advance WOKC’s mission from providing Buddy Bags and the Warrior Family Program to funding innovative pediatric cancer research.

The Appreciation Party offered a meaningful opportunity to recognize those whose generosity is helping fuel a milestone year for WOKC and build momentum for a memorable gala evening centered on the theme, “Cancer Does NOT Define ME!”

Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer (WOKC) is partnering with the V Foundation for Cancer Research, which is matching $2 million of WOKC gala proceeds to co-fund a total of $4 million in game-changing pediatric cancer research. Additional funds raised from the gala will support WOKC’s year-round programs, including its signature Buddy Bags and Warrior Family Program, which bring comfort and hope to children with cancer and their families, many of whom are living under the poverty line. 

About WOKC

Founded in 1980, Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer offers comfort and hope to kids with cancer through support programs serving the entire family and funds innovative research leading to new discoveries and treatments in the fight against pediatric cancer. For more information on WOKC, follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or visit WOKC.org.

To learn more about WOKC’s 45th Anniversary Gala to sponsor a table or buy individual tickets, visit wokc.org/gala.

Dwell with Dignity’s The STUDIO (formerly Thrift Studio), presented by Amazon, raised $145,000 at its VIP Premiere Party on April 9, drawing more than 300 guests from Dallas’ design, business and philanthropic communities for the kickoff of the organization’s highly anticipated month-long pop-up. Now in its 15th year, The STUDIO is open to the public through May 9 at 1833 E. Levee St. in the Dallas Design District.

The energy at the Premiere Party reflected what The STUDIO has become over 15 years: one of Dallas’ most celebrated spring events at the intersection of design, community and purpose. Every dollar raised goes directly to Dwell with Dignity’s mission of transforming homes and lives for families after experiencing homelessness and poverty.

“The STUDIO exists because a well-designed home is not a luxury—it’s a lifeline,” said Teresa Charnock, Executive Director of Dwell with Dignity. “Research confirms that thoughtfully designed spaces measurably reduce stress, support emotional recovery and restore dignity. For families rebuilding after experiencing homelessness and poverty, that changes everything. When you shop The STUDIO, you are part of that transformation.”

Amazon returns as Presenting Sponsor of The STUDIO, deepening a partnership that has helped generate more than $1.5 million in merchandise sales and supported life-changing home transformations for 72 Dallas families.

"At Amazon, we invest in organizations that create lasting solutions for families in our community," said Vickie Yakunin, Amazon’s head of community engagement in Texas. "Through our continued partnership with Dwell with Dignity and The STUDIO, we're supporting their work to create thoughtfully designed spaces that foster stability and long-term opportunity for families across Dallas."

The STUDIO features seven of Dallas’ most sought-after interior designers, each with a distinct aesthetic. Each designer has transformed their space into a fully styled room vignette filled with donated and curated furniture, art, accessories and housewares—all at deeply discounted prices.

The 2026 designer lineup includes:

• Ashleigh Graber Design
• Graham + Co Interiors | Sarah Graham
• Living Luxury Lab by MxD Interiors
• Roco and Xander by Amara Home Designs
• Studio 11 Design
• Studio Thomas James
• Yates Desygn

The 2026 event is chaired by Jean Liu, Jean Liu Design, with Art Chair Kendall Bardin.

THE STUDIO IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Tuesday–Saturday | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Through May 9, 2026

1833 E. Levee St., Dallas, TX 75207

Free admission

Insider tip: Visit on Tuesdays. The STUDIO team spends every Monday refreshing and restocking the space—meaning Tuesday shoppers get a completely renewed experience every week.

100 percent of sales benefit Dwell with Dignity’s mission.

ABOUT THE STUDIO

The STUDIO (formerly Thrift Studio) is Dwell with Dignity’s flagship fundraising event. Now in its 15^th year, the month-long pop-up features designer-created vignettes showcasing donated home furnishings, décor and artwork available for purchase at significant discounts. The STUDIO supports Dwell with Dignity’s mission to create fully furnished homes and community spaces for families across Dallas.

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 285 home design projects and 55 community spaces, and in 2025 the organization served more than 3,000 people through its home and community projects. The nonprofit is backed by the support of over 100 designers, 1,100 dedicated volunteers and 150 sponsors and donors.

PHOTOS: BRET REDMAN 

Spring in Dallas calls for time outside, and Marriott Dallas Uptown is introducing a new way to gather in the heart of the neighborhood. 

Y’all Plaza, a new 4,000-square-foot outdoor space located just off the Katy Trail, officially celebrates its grand opening today, Thursday, April 16, bringing a fresh, open-air setting designed for everything from events and celebrations to more casual moments spent enjoying Uptown. 

The space was thoughtfully designed to feel flexible and inviting, offering an alternative to traditional indoor venues. It can easily shift from corporate gatherings and brand activations to wellness programming and social events, all while maintaining a relaxed, approachable atmosphere. 

Y’all Plaza also serves as a new gathering point for the community. The pet-friendly space is intended to feel like an extension of the neighborhood, creating opportunities for connection, whether through planned programming or everyday use. 

With a lineup of community events expected throughout the year, the plaza adds a new layer to Uptown’s evolving mix of experiences and offers a space that feels both dynamic and accessible. 

For more information about Y’all Plaza, upcoming programming, or booking inquiries, please visit Event & Meeting Spaces | Marriott Dallas Uptown.