More than 500 guests attended Texas Woman’s University’s 24th annual Dallas Leadership Luncheon on February 17 at the Hilton Anatole, where Dallas journalism icon Lee Cullum was presented with the Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award. The honor recognizes a civic leader whose work reflects “an enduring commitment to education and service.”
The event raised a record $330,000 — more than double the amount raised last year — for graduate student scholarships.
Cullum, widely known as the former host of CEO, KERA’s long-running interview series with prominent business leaders, has built a distinguished journalism career that has included commentary for PBS News Hour and NPR’s All Things Considered, as well as service as editor of the editorial page of the Dallas Times Herald. She currently contributes to The Dallas Morning News and Patron Magazine, and writes a Substack column titled La Vie en Orange. Cullum was selected for what Chancellor Carine Feyten described as her “thoughtful storytelling and reporting that reflects a range of perspectives” and strengthens the community.
In her welcome remarks prior to introducing Cullum, Feyten underscored TWU’s growing impact.
“When people hear the name Texas Woman’s University, they sometimes assume they already know our story,” Feyten said. “They think we are a small institution…or a university with a proud history, but a limited future. Nothing could be further from the truth.”
Calling TWU “bold, modern and deeply relevant,” Feyten cited continued athletic success, expansion of the Doswell School of Aeronautical Sciences, the opening of the $107 million Health Sciences Center, and the success of the Dream Big fundraising campaign. She noted that TWU’s mission to expand opportunities for women has never been more urgent.
The luncheon also recognized the 2026 Virginia Chandler Dykes Scholars — LaTonya Seldon, Valeria Millinga, Faith A. Tissot, Bitali Islam, LaToya Huntley and Marissa C. Gomez — who represent the university’s five colleges and are completing graduate studies in occupational therapy, nutrition, nursing, molecular biology, special education and human resources. Seldon spoke on behalf of the group.
“TWU has been a pillar for me — a place to build both skills and community,” she said.
A highlight of the program was a conversation between Cullum and her granddaughter, Lili Clark, a senior associate at Lyda Hill Philanthropies. Cullum shared intriguing anecdotes from her journalism career, including encounters with global leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Margaret Thatcher.
During the exchange, Cullum offered wisdom and insight drawn from decades in public life. “Do one thing at a time,” she advised. “Be calm after the change.” And, in advice that felt especially fitting for an event focused on supporting students: “Don’t just think of the answer. Become the answer.”
She also spoke about the university’s impact, noting that TWU “gives opportunities to women who might not otherwise have them — and gives our community the trained and educated women that we need.”
Near the close of the program, Cullum invoked the words of Rev. Jesse Jackson, who had passed away earlier that day: “Keep hope alive.” When asked what gives her hope now, she pointed to the scholars in attendance and to her granddaughter beside her.
“Young people like you,” she said. “Anyone has the ability to forge on, no matter what.”
Another highlight of the luncheon was the surprise announcement of the Lee Cullum Endowed Scholarship. Guests contributed $35,000 during the event, and the fund reached its $50,000 endowment level within 24 hours.
The luncheon was chaired by Lindsay Billingsley, Lucy Burns and Sumner Billingsley, with Lucy Billingsley serving as Honorary Chair and Ralph Hawkins as Honorary Chair Emeritus. Major sponsors included the Jane Bosart Foundation, the Billingsley/Burns Family, Luther King Capital Management, the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership at Texas Woman’s University, Lyda Hill Philanthropies and Sue S. Bancroft.
To learn more about the luncheon or to support the Lee Cullum Endowed Scholarship, visit https://twu.edu/advancement
**PHOTO CREDIT: Texas Woman's University**