School of Interdisciplinary Studies

IS News: Partners Dinner Builds Community

In late February, almost 300 people attended The University of Texas at Dallas School of Interdisciplinary Studies Eighth Biennial Partners Recognition Dinner at the Westin Galleria.

AT&T’s presentation of $220,000 to the UT Dallas Academic Bridge Program and College Readiness Initiative highlighted the event. The company’s generosity represents the largest gift in the programs’ histories.

The School of Interdisciplinary Studies hosts its Partners Dinner every other year to honor outstanding members of its faculty, staff, student and alumni communities. Legislative and corporate supporters are also recognized.

“Every other year, we pause as a community of those who value education to reflect on achievements of the past and renew our commitment to excellence,” said George Fair, dean of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies. “This year held special promise as we joined in the celebration of UT Dallas' first forty years and honored members of the Interdisciplinary Studies family who have gone on to greatness, as well as those who have contributed to our students’ success.”

Honorees at the dinner included:

• Legislative Partner: State Representative Barbara Mallory Caraway
• Outstanding Alumna: Tracie (Fenwick) Fraley, Principal, Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Dallas Independent School District (‘86)
• Outstanding Alumnus: James Lackey, MD, St. Raphael Family Focus Medical Clinic (‘96)
• Outstanding Faculty/Staff Member: Ann Shoffstall, Certification Officer, Teacher Development Center

Honorees also included recipients of the Outstanding Interdisciplinary Studies Students award, given to those who exemplify academic excellence by achieving a 4.0 GPA for at least two semesters:

• Rosemary Barbour, Senior, American Studies
• Sharon Hudspeth, Senior, Interdisciplinary Studies
• Brenda Le, Junior, Interdisciplinary Studies
• Fatema Mamdani, Senior, Interdisciplinary Studies
• Melissa McFadden, Junior, Interdisciplinary Studies
• Kathleen Morrow, Freshman, Interdisciplinary Studies
• Gerald Walker, Senior, Interdisciplinary Studies
• Amanda Yatchak, Junior, Interdisciplinary Studies

The School also honored Academic Bridge Program alumni who now teach in Texas schools:

• Ashley Anderson, Aldine ISD
• Brian Beck-Smith, Dallas ISD
• Kathy Nguyen-Cipriano, Advantage Academy, Rowlett
• Denise Gonzalez, Richardson ISD
• Carl Hale, Plano ISD
• Kamesha Jacques, Dallas ISD
• Molly Jones, Dallas ISD
• Shanna Jones, Dallas ISD
• Nkechi Orabuchi, Denton ISD
• Jesus Serrato, Dallas ISD
• Lizette Valdez, Richardson ISD

“I want to say thank you to all who attended our Eighth Partners Dinner,” said Fair. “We look forward to seeing everyone at the next Partners Dinner in 2012.”