TWU Announces winners of 2012 Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award

The award will be presented at the Virginia Chandler Dykes luncheon event February 16.

DALLAS — Myrna D. Schlegel and Kimberly Schlegel Whitman have been named the recipients of the 10th 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 a private reception in the home of Jan Miller and Jeff Rich on October 19. Texas Woman’s University Chancellor and President Dr. Ann Stuart will present the award at the Virginia Chandler Dykes luncheon event Feb. 16, 2012, at the Belo Mansion.

Dr. Ann Stuart (Chancellor and President), Mayor Mike Rawlings, Myrna D. Schlegel; Kimberly Schlegel Whitman; Norm Bagwell (Chairman and CEO, Bank of Texas, presenting sponsor of the TWU VCD luncheon in Feb.), Virginia Chandler Dykes, Jan Miller (TWU VCD announcement reception host)

“Texas Woman’s University is so pleased to honor two such dynamic individuals, businesswomen and community leaders,” said TWU Chancellor and President Dr. Ann Stuart. “This outstanding duo is known for their numerous leadership roles and ongoing support of nonprofit organizations and charitable causes, ensuring their continued excellence for years to come.”

Established in 2002, the Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award is given annually to Dallas leaders with a life-long 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, who’s professional and civic achievements represent a lifetime committed to helping others. Past award recipients are Joel Allision, 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.

Myrna D. Schlegel and her daughter Kimberly Schlegel Whitman are a dynamic Dallas mother/daughter duo whose work within the community and beyond does not go unnoticed. From serving in community leadership roles to supporting charitable and nonprofit organizations with their time and resources, to furthering education, they live by the family philosophy, “'To whom much has been given, much will be required.”

“Kimberly and I are truly humbled and honored to be the recipients of the Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award on this special 10th anniversary,” said Myrna D. Schlegel. “It’s so very special to share this honor with Kimberly and to be associated with TWU, whose faculty works each day ensuring that our future health care professionals are not only receiving a top education but also learning the importance of research, teaching, and leadership.”

A registered nurse, Myrna is a graduate of specialized health administration programs at SMU and the University of Texas. She is also a published columnist, addressing topics of concern for the elderly. Kimberly Schlegel Whitman is a noted author, community leader and lifestyle entrepreneur who was recently named Editor-at-Large for Southern Living, the nation’s sixth-largest monthly consumer magazine. Kimberly represents Southern Living as a lifestyle expert on national and local television.

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.

Source: TWU