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Fall 2008—Representative Patrick Speaks

The fall chapter meeting was held at the Metroplex Center in Mesquite and was attended by about 60 members and guests. Dr. Dan Jones, newly appointed President of A&M-Commerce, was introduced and spoke briefly to those attending. Dr. Jones, a Kappan himself for sometime, acknowledged the work of Phi Delta Kappa and its impact on education for many years.

The featured speaker, Dr. Diane Patrick, is Representative for the Arlington area in the Texas State Legislature. Representative Patrick is a long-time educator and has served 11 years as a school board member in Arlington, has been a teacher, administrator, and college professor in the past at UT-Arlington and also was an elected member of the State Board of Education. Dr. Patrick discussed the inner-workings of the state legislature, and also focused on the work that the legislature would be taking up in the new session beginning in January 2009. Although the election had not yet been held in November, Representative Patrick was running unopposed and was successful in her bid for re-election in November. She has served on the House Public Education Committee and the Higher Education Committee.

Spring 2008

Phi Delta Kappa's 2008 annual banquet was held in the spring at Luigi's restaurant in Rockwall on May 8. Dr. President McFarland and his wife Nancy were featured guests for the event; Dr. McFarland gave the featured presentation for the evening and discussed the progress made over the recent past at the University. Dr. Patricia Williams, from Sam Houston State University, installed our new officers as our district representative on the PDK International Board. Mr. Mark Patton was installed as President. (The complete list is on the chapter officer roster, found elsewhere on the website.)

Mark Patton, incoming president for the chapter presented recognitions for Teachers of the Year from Royse City ISD, Rockwall ISD, and Commerce ISD that were part of our ceremonies for that evening.

Dr. Keith McFarland received the PDK Ideals Award for his contributions to education in leadership, research, and service. Dr. Kenneth English was presented the 2008 Distinguished Leadership Award and Mr. Harvey Hohenberger, Executive Director of Region 8 ESC was presented the 2008 Distinguished Service Award.

Dr. Caroline Vornberg, our outgoing chapter president, was presented the PDK Service Key for her work for the chapter and her leadership these past two years. Also Dr. Sherion Jackson, past chapter president for two years, was presented the Service Key in absentia. Sherion is now in Virginia, but had a significant impact on our chapter’s programs.

Dr. Joyce Miller announced the chapter’s scholarship awards made to Shelley Garrett of Rockwall ISD (graduate) and Patrice Woodson (undergraduate). Shelley Garrett has graduated with her EdD and Ms. Woodson is now in her senior year.

Chapter’s 50^th Anniversary

          PDK’s Chapter 101 honored nominees for teacher of the year as part of the celebration of the Chapter’s 50th anniversary. On November 9th a reception was held for Nominees of Wal-Mart’s teacher of the year program from schools in the A&M-Commerce service area. Frank Winstead, a national speaker and author on teachers who make a difference for their students, gave an outstanding presentation for this stellar occasion. Mr. Winstead was a teacher and principal of the year in Mississippi early in his career. Now retired, he provides speaking and professional development presentations to various educational groups such as Phi Delta Kappa and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Music for the reception was provided by the flute quartet from the Department of Music of the University while the buffet was continuing during the reception. The event was held at the Metroplex Center in Mesquite.

          The Chapter was founded on July 19, 1957 after Dr. H. M. Lafferty worked for many years to be allowed to establish the chapter. One hundred one petitioners were the original signers of the charter for the chapter, more than any new chapter had, at least to 1957. More history about the chapter can be found on the website.

Phi Delta Kappa Chapter at A&M-Commerce cosponsored, with the College of Education and Human Services, the appearance of Dr. Rod Paige, former secretary of education for President Bush’s first term. Dr. Paige spoke on his experience as Secretary of Education and some of the issues that the nation faces in education including No Child Left Behind, vouchers and Reading First programs. About 140 students and faculty, a standing room only crowd, attended the presentation on April 11^th at the Metroplex Center. We are indebted to the assistance of Dr. Mike Moses, Meadows Professor of Educational Leadership at A&M-Commerce, to arrange Dr. Paige’s appearance for the evening. He also spoke to the Superintendent’s cohort class later.

Dr. Lynn Turner & Dr. Alonzo Sosa, retired professors and long time PDK supporters, at Spring Banquet.

Dean Dr.Frank Ashley with Dr. Frank Lutz and Susan Lutz. Dr. Lutz received the Phi Delta Kappa service key for his many years of work & research in education.

Dr. David Brown presents Dr. Bruce Wood, Kaufman ISD Superintendent, with Distinguished Leadership award given by chapter.

Dr. Jim Vornberg (right) presents Dr. Frank Lutz with PDK Service key. Dr. Lutz is Professor Emeritus in Educational Administration.

Dr. Jim Vornberg (right) presents Geraldine "Tincy" Miller, Chairman of Texas State Board of Education with the PDK Service key for her years of policy leadership in education at the State level.

Dr. Debra Nelson (left) , assistant superintendent at Frisco ISD, received the PDK Distinguished Service Award from the Chapter. Dr. Bruce Wood and his wife Susie. Dr. Wood received the PDK Distinguished Leadership Award for 2006.

Dr. Casey Brown, Chapter President 2005-06, presents Dr. Sandee Crowther, our district representative and banquet speaker, with token of chapter's appreciation.

Last Updated on Thursday, May 28, 2009