State Rep. Helen Giddings, ‘Don’ Williams to be Honored
At Fourth U.T. Dallas Partners Recognition Dinner

Feb. 25 Event Also Aims to Raise Funds for Scholarships

RICHARDSON, Texas (Jan. 29, 2002) – State Rep. Helen Giddings and Trammell Crow Company executive J. MacDonald “Don” Williams will be recognized for their contributions to The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) at the university’s fourth Partners Recognition Dinner on Feb. 25.

The event, to be held at the Westin Galleria Hotel in Dallas, will raise funds for need-based scholarships for students in UTD’s School of General Studies.

“Both Rep. Giddings and Don Williams are long-time, ardent supporters of innovative educational efforts at UTD and throughout the Dallas community,” said Dr. George W. Fair, dean of the School of General Studies. “This dinner will provide an opportunity for us to thank them for their outstanding contributions and to help needy, deserving students at the same time.”

Rep. Giddings is a leader in the Dallas delegation in the Texas Legislature. In that capacity, she has helped secure funding for a number of important UTD programs, including the Academic Bridge Program, which helps promising students from South Dallas high schools transition to college life at UTD.

Williams is the chairman of Trammell Crow Company and founder of the Foundation for Community Empowerment. The foundation has helped fund a variety of UTD educational efforts in Dallas, including a program that brings chess into elementary schools, SAT preparation for high school students and teacher professional development programs.

Also scheduled to be honored that evening are Dr. Fred Fifer, professor emeritus of science education at UTD, and students in the School of General Studies who have achieved a 4.0 grade point average.

Alumni and friends of UTD, educators and members of the general public are invited to attend the dinner. Contributors of $75 or more will receive two dinner tickets. Table sponsorships, which come with six dinner tickets, are available beginning at $500.

For additional information or to make a dinner reservation, please contact Dean Fair at 972-883-2354 by Feb. 15.