Four Scholarship Awards to be presented at 13^th Annual TWU Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award Luncheon Honoring Ralph Hawkins for his commitments to business, philanthropy, arts and education

Lenin Grajo, Ed.M., OTR,is a student pursuing a Ph.D. in TWU’s College of Health Sciences (OT).  He plans to write articles and books about Occupational Therapy theories and assessments and hopes to collaborate both nationally and internationally.    He will receive one of four prestigious scholarships given by Texas Woman’s University at the 13^th Annual Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award Luncheon, presented by Bank of Texas, Texas Woman’s University, and the Texas Woman’s University Foundation, Feb. 19, at noon, at The Belo Mansion and Pavilion.  His scholarship is sponsored by Edgemere Dallas – Dallas/SQLC Charitable Foundation.

Grajo, an occupational therapist and doctoral student at Texas Woman’s University with a 4.0 GPA, is an assistant professor in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at Saint Louis University.  He plans to complete his Ph.D. in occupational therapy this spring.  His dissertation will focus on developing and establishing the measurement properties of an assessment tool that measures children’s reading engagement called the Inventory of Reading Occupations.  This assessment tool is part of an occupational therapy intervention practice model that hopes to support children with reading difficulties.

Grajo was born, raised and college-educated in Manila, Philippines, and moved to the United States in 2009 to pursue his graduate education. He received his Bachelors of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of the Philippines – Manila. After moving to the U.S., he received, on a full scholarship, his Master of Education in Human Development and Psychology with an emphasis in Children’s Literacy from Harvard University Graduate School of Education. 

“I have had many influences throughout my life that have inspired me to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy,” Grajo noted. “I have always loved exploring the world through reading.  I have a sister with learning differences, who is now in high school in the Philippines.  She has struggled with her education throughout her life.   At 18, I began to support her when our father died.  My sister was two years old at that time.   She has influenced and fired my passion for helping children with learning differences, especially children with reading challenges.  To leave my family, friends, and a promising career in the Philippines was not an easy decision.  Being in the U.S. these last five years has been an incredible learning and growth experience for me as a young educator and scholar.” 

Grajo is currently an assistant professor in the Dept. of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at Saint Louis University.  As part of his teaching, he is collaborating and teaching with the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of the Philippines, where he was an instructor prior to moving to the U.S.

Grajo has numerous referenced publications as well as professional presentations.  He was recognized by the Student Government Association at Saint Louis University with the Doisy College of Health Sciences Faculty Excellence Award in 2013.  His professional affiliations include World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT), International Dyslexia Association, American Occupational Therapy Association, Learning Disabilities Association of America, and the Harvard Club of Saint Louis.

“I am inspired by the occupational therapy profession.  My goal is to contribute to OT and its body of knowledge.  I plan to develop further my practice model and share it with national and international audiences so more children will be helped who struggle with learning and reading differences,” said Grajo.  “I have always wanted to teach and consider it my gift.  I pursued my Ph.D. in OT not only to become a promising scholar, but to be a well-prepared and inspiring educator to future generations.”

In addition to his sister, Grajo has an aunt in the Philippines who has supported him every step of the way.  He notes that he speaks to his family almost every day via Skype.  His aunt and sister sometimes worry that he works too much but know that he is passionate about what he does.

The four graduate students from each of the four TWU colleges who will be honored at the luncheon as recipients of scholarship funds include: Lenin Grajo, Ed.M., OTR, College of Health Sciences (Occupational Therapy), sponsored by Edgemere Dallas – Dallas/SQLC Charitable Foundation; Heidi Gilroy, MSN, RN, APHN-BC, College of Nursing, sponsored by Luther King Capital Management; Lena Jackson-Lynch, Ed.M., MHR, College of Professional Education (COPE), sponsored by Geraldine “Tincy” Miller, and Tawny LeBouef Tullia, MA (English),College of Arts and Sciences, sponsored by Sis Carr.

“I am grateful to Virginia Chandler Dykes, the School of OT, and the College of Health Sciences for selecting me for this award,” added Grajo.  “It is a sign of trust and a vote of confidence for what I do and for what I believe I can do.  It inspires me to do more!”

TWU’s 13th Annual Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award Luncheon, Feb. 19 at the Belo Mansion and Pavilion, will honor Ralph Hawkins as the 2015 recipient of the Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award.  Tickets are $175 for silver patron; $250 for gold patron.  For more information, call 940-898-3872, visit www.twu.edu/vcd or email SVenable@mail.twu.edu.

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Texas Woman’s University is a public university that occupies a notable position in higher education as the nation’s largest university primarily for women with an enrollment of 15,075. Its campuses in Denton, Dallas, and Houston are joined by an e-learning campus offering innovative online degree programs in business, education, and general studies. TWU serves the citizens of Texas in many important ways, including:  graduating more new healthcare professionals than any other university in Texas; easing the teacher shortage by placing highly qualified professionals in the classroom; offering a liberal arts-based curriculum that prepares students for success in a global society; and conducting research that impacts the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity, osteoporosis, stroke and diabetes.  For more information, visit www.twu.edu /vcd or call (940) TWU-2000.

Four Scholarship Awards to be presented at 13^th Annual TWU Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award Luncheon Honoring Ralph Hawkins for his commitment to business, philanthropy, and education

Tawny LeBouef Tullia, a Flower Mound resident and graduate student pursuing a doctorate in rhetoric at TWU’s College of Arts and Sciences, will receive one of four prestigious scholarships given by Texas Woman’s University at the 13^th Annual Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award Luncheon.  The luncheon, presented by Bank of Texas, Texas Woman’s University, and the Texas Woman’s University Foundation, will be Feb. 19, at noon, at The Belo Mansion and Pavilion.  Tullia’s scholarship is sponsored by Sis Carr.

In addition to her Ph.D., Tullia would also like to earn her master’s in women’s studies and hopes to find a position in higher education that will allow her to teach, research, and participate in social justice initiatives serving a local community.  Presently she is in the dissertation phase of her doctoral degree and is teaching literature and gender studies courses. A native of Louisiana, Tullia would like to return to New Orleans one day. 

“I grew up in southern Louisiana. The landscape inspired me to create art beginning at a young age. The people and culture inspire me to study the humanities through language, in written and in other forms,” said Tullia. “I will return there one day.”

Tullia knew she was destined to teach when she moved to Texas in 2003.  She took a job working in an administrative capacity for a pre-school and was asked to substitute. 

“I knew then that a classroom was where I belong,” added Tullia.  “I now get to live that dream and interact with and learn from my students in classrooms at TWU.  I love every minute of it.”

Presently she is working closely with the graduate school and her fellow graduate students to create a strong Graduate Student Council at Texas Woman’s University.

“I have benefited greatly from learning across disciplines,” added Tullia, “and that is one of the reasons we decided to create a Graduate Student Council at TWU.  We want to offer graduate students at TWU more opportunities to learn across disciplines and to meet students from other programs.  We are hoping to create more of these opportunities that may generate more professional development, more conversations about teaching pedagogy across disciplines, and more inter-disciplinary opportunities for collaborative research, just to name a few.”

For her undergraduate studies, Tullia received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, specializing in photography and digitally produced art.  A single mom of a now 16-year-old son, she knew she wasn’t finished with her education after her graduation.

“I found that opportunity in 2009 when I applied for the master’s program at TWU,” she added, “and received my master’s in English in 2011.  Through the mentoring of very supportive professors, I then decided that a Ph.D. was something I could actually complete.  Dr. Hugh Burns, one of my mentors, told me that I would bloom where I was planted, and I feel like, maybe, I am!”

Tullia is passionate about her work, both in and out of the classroom.

“I feel like that passion can go a long way to creating a nurturing environment for learning,” she explained.  “Outside of the classroom, as in my service work, I feel that passion is contagious.”

Currently she serves as graduate assistant to the dean of the graduate school, and she has held several other positions as assistant and teaching assistant in numerous areas. In addition to being a chartering member of the newly formed Graduate Student Council, she has served on various committees throughout her time at TWU and held several leadership roles.  She is also the recipient of the Allsup-Lane Scholarship, the Dean Bishop Excellence in Teaching Award and has received the Edith and Edgar Deen Literary Scholarship twice, among others.  She is the recipient of the “Best Essay Award” two years in a row from the Beta Epsilon Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta.

Tullia will tell you that when she first began her graduate education, she felt like she didn’t belong.

“Receiving this scholarship helps me to be able to show others that non-traditionally aged students can make a big impact on our academic communities,” she added.  “My advice to anyone entering this program would be to stay strong and don’t turn around and give up on that first day of class.  You do belong here, and you will have the support of many wonderful and caring mentors.  As a single mom, I’ve had quite a balancing act to manage.  My best advice to others is if you feel like you can barely keep your head above water, just keep swimming. It is worth it.”

The four graduate students from each of the four TWU colleges who will be honored at the luncheon as recipients of scholarship funds include: Lenin Grajo, Ed.M., OTR, College of Health Sciences (Occupational Therapy), sponsored by Edgemere Dallas – Dallas/SQLC Charitable Foundation; Heidi Gilroy, MSN, RN, APHN-BC, College of Nursing, sponsored by Luther King Capital Management; Lena Jackson-Lynch, Ed.M, MHR, College of Professional Education (COPE), sponsored by Geraldine “Tincy” Miller, and Tawny LeBouef Tullia, MA (English),College of Arts and Sciences, sponsored by Sis Carr.

TWU’s 13th Annual Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award Luncheon, Feb. 19 at the Belo Mansion and Pavilion, will honor Ralph Hawkins as the 2015 recipient of the Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award.  Tickets are $175 for silver patron; $250 for gold patron.  For more information, call 940-898-3872, visit www.twu.edu/vcd, or email SVenable@mail.twu.edu.

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Texas Woman’s University is a public university that occupies a notable position in higher education as the nation’s largest university primarily for women with an enrollment of 15,075. Its campuses in Denton, Dallas and Houston are joined by an e-learning campus offering innovative online degree programs in business, education and general studies. TWU serves the citizens of Texas in many important ways, including:  graduating more new healthcare professionals than any other university in Texas; easing the teacher shortage by placing highly qualified professionals in the classroom; offering a liberal arts-based curriculum that prepares students for success in a global society; and conducting research that impacts the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity, osteoporosis, stroke and diabetes.  For more information, visit www.twu.edu http://www.twu.edu/> or call (940) TWU-2000.

Ralph Hawkins (of Preston Hollow), chairman of the board of HKS, Inc., and 2015 chair of the Dallas Regional Chamber, has been named the recipient of the 13th Annual Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award, presented by Bank of Texas and Texas Woman’s University and the Texas Woman’s University Foundation. The announcement was made at the Dallas Arboretum on September 23. Texas Woman’s University’s new Chancellor and President Dr. Carine M. Feyten will present the award at the Virginia Chandler Dykes luncheon event Feb. 19, 2015, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Belo Mansion and Pavilion, 2101 Ross Ave., Dallas, Texas, 75201.

“As the new chancellor and president of TWU, it is an honor to be a part of this 13^th annual luncheon event, presenting the prestigious Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award to one of Dallas’ most outstanding leaders and businessmen,” said TWU Chancellor and President Dr. Carine M. Feyten. “Ralph Hawkins’ impact can be seen through his work and in his love of education and ongoing mentoring of students in his profession. We look forward to his leadership as the 2015 chair of the Dallas Regional Chamber, where we know his passion to make a difference will continue to improve the quality of life for others."

Established in 2002, the Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award is given annually to Dallas leaders with a lifelong commitment to improving the quality of life in the community and to furthering the importance of education. The award recognizes the life work of Virginia Chandler Dykes as an outstanding health care provider, whose professional and civic achievements represent a lifetime committed to helping others.  Past award recipients are Mary Brinegar, 2014; Patricia and Curtis Meadows, 2013; Myrna D. Schlegel and Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, 2012; Joel Allison, 2011; Kathleen Mason, 2010; Caroline Rose Hunt, 2009; T. Boone Pickens, 2008; Lindalyn Adams, 2007; Dr. and Mrs. Kern Wildenthal, 2006; Gretchen Minyard Williams and J.L. “Sonny” Williams, 2005; Geraldine “Tincy” Miller, 2004; and Susan and Charles Cooper, 2003. 

"I am honored to be chosen as the recipient of the Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award and flattered to be in the company of the recipients who represent the caring commitment and leadership she exemplifies," said Ralph Hawkins, chairman, HKS, Inc. "Virginia Dykes has had a big impact as a dynamic healthcare provider and community leader. I had the honor of working with her in 1984 on a major building addition at Baylor University Medical Center. That makes this award even more meaningful to me as a healthcare architect."

Prior to becoming chairman of the board of HKS, Inc., Ralph Hawkins served as its CEO for 12 years, overseeing the planning and design of more than $1 billion worth of projects throughout the world totaling 40 million square feet. In the Dallas area alone, HKS' designs include Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas Hamon Tower, AT&T Stadium for the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Woman's University T. Boone Pickens Institute of Health Sciences-Dallas Center, as well as expansion of both DFW Airport's Terminal D and the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center. He has been named Best Executive for a Professional Service Firm by the National American Business Awards; CEO of the Year (large firm category) by the Professional Services Management Journal; and one of the "Top 25 Best Bosses" by a Fortune magazine survey.

Hawkins shares his passion for education not only in healthcare design but also by serving as a mentor to students in the architectural profession.  Ralph is a founding Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Architects and continues to participate. As a founding member, he served on the first certification examination committee to uphold adopted standards of "legally defensible and professionally sound." Ralph organized and produced the first AIA traveling presentation on significant healthcare architecture - educating, training and promoting architects in the health specialty. He also helped develop the organization's certification process, championing it as a key speaker at the national AIA convention.

Hawkins served as an adjunct professor at his alma mater, The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), where he taught graduate-level healthcare design. As a result of his contributions, the Board of Regents appointed him to the Visiting Council for the School of Architecture, and the president of UTA requested he serve on the Student Employee Consortium. He received the university's highest honor, the Distinguished Alumni Award. At his other alma mater, Rice University, he is a member of the School of Architecture William Ward Watkin Council.

Hawkins has been active in: AIA College of Fellows; William Ward Watkin Society at Rice University; AIA Academy for Health; Design Futures Council; Council of Fellows of American College of Healthcare Architects; United Way; AIA Large Firm Round Table; Construction Industry Round Table; University of Texas at Arlington Development Board Chair; University of Texas Chancellor's Executive Committee; and The Arts Community Alliance of Dallas. As the 2015 incoming chair of the Dallas Regional Chamber, he will continue his commitment to the ongoing improvement of the quality of life in the city of Dallas.

The Virginia Chandler Dykes Award namesake, Virginia Chandler Dykes, is known internationally for her work in occupational therapy. Locally, she is known for her leadership in many cultural and charitable organizations. In 2005 she was appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to serve on the Texas Woman’s University Board of Regents, where she served until 2011.

Mrs. Dykes completed the graduate occupational therapy program at TWU in 1954 after earning her bachelor of arts in art and psychology from Southern Methodist University. She was the director of the Occupational and Recreational Therapy Department at Baylor University Medical Center for 25 years. In 2002, she established The Virginia Chandler Dykes endowed scholarship fund at TWU for occupational therapy students.  Net luncheon proceeds provide additional scholarships for each of TWU’s four colleges: College of Health Sciences (Occupational Therapy), Nursing, Professional Education (COPE), and Arts and Sciences. Mrs. Dykes and her late husband Roland also helped to establish the Fanny B. Vanderkooi Endowed Lectureship for the School of Occupational Therapy at TWU, which has grown to be one of the premier continuing education offerings in Texas. She is also well known for her leadership in organizations such as The Dallas Opera, the Dallas Arboretum’s Women’s Council and the Fort Worth Opera.

The 2014 Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award Luncheon Advisory Committee members are: Joel Allison, Norm Bagwell, Barbara Bradfield, April Box Chamberlain, John Falldine, Ebby Halliday, Sharon McCullough, Bill Patterson, and Dee Collins Torbert.

“In addition to honoring outstanding individuals in the community, the Virginia Chandler Dykes luncheon provides scholarships for four outstanding graduate students, while continuing to grow the Virginia Chandler Dykes Endowment and helping the Dallas community better understand the value of TWU graduates to Dallas’ professional workforce,” added Dr. Feyten.

The following graduate students from all four colleges will be honored at the luncheon as recipients of scholarship funds: Lenin Grajo, Ed.M., OTR, College of Health Sciences (Occupational Therapy), sponsored by Edgemere – Dallas/SQLC Charitable Foundation;  Heidi Gilroy, MSN, RN, APHN-BC, College of Nursing, sponsored by Luther King Capital Management; Lena Jackson-Lynch, Ed.M, MHR, College of Professional Education (COPE), sponsored by Geraldine “Tincy” Miller; and Tawny LeBouef Tullia, MA (English), College of Arts and Sciences, sponsored by Sis Carr.  

Tickets for the February 19 luncheon are $175 for silver patron; $250 for gold patron.  For more information, call 940-898-3872, visit www.twu.edu/vcd, or email SVenable@mail.twu.edu.

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Texas Woman’s University is a public university that occupies a notable position in higher education as the nation’s largest university primarily for women with an enrollment of 15,075. Its campuses in Denton, Dallas and Houston are joined by an e-learning campus offering innovative online degree programs in business, education and general studies. TWU serves the citizens of Texas in many important ways, including:  graduating more new healthcare professionals than any other university in Texas; easing the teacher shortage by placing highly qualified professionals in the classroom; offering a liberal arts-based curriculum that prepares students for success in a global society; and conducting research that impacts the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity, osteoporosis, stroke and diabetes.  For more information, visit www.twu.edu http://www.twu.edu/> or call (940) TWU-2000.