President Fox and VP Davis pictured with hosts at Dallas 2022 event
From left to right: Former Trustee and hostess Peggy Carr ’67, President Pamela R. Fox, hostess Randi Halsell ’65, and Vice President of University Advancement Chuck Davis in Dallas, Texas.

MBU Leadership Tours Texas, Highlights Success

President Pamela R. Fox and Vice President of University Advancement Chuck Davis kicked off the spring with a trip to Texas.

Paying a visit to the university’s alumni networks in Houston and Dallas, MBU leadership shared updates on Mary Baldwin’s success and visions for empowering the university’s future. The Texas tour aimed to garner collective participation and support for MBU Empowers, Mary Baldwin’s comprehensive campaign that directly supports students through scholarships, academics, and programming.

Together, Fox and Davis attended a Dallas luncheon, hosted by former Trustee Peggy Carr ’67 and Randi Halsell ’65. The sizable gathering of local alumni and donors provided an opportunity to celebrate Mary Baldwin’s continued growth. Presentations by Fox and Davis reviewed the status of the university’s philanthropic and strategic goals.

In her remarks, Fox offered snapshots of the institution’s unique and long-lasting impact, including the launch of the doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program at the Murphy Deming College for Health Sciences, updates on enrollment and the university’s budget, the latest from student organizations, and plans to grow MBU Online.

The Dallas luncheon also honored the multi-generational legacy of Mary Baldwin alumnae and sisters, Margaret Hunt Hill ’37 and Caroline Rose Hunt ’43.

“Both women were instrumental in building the institution as we know it today,” Davis explained. “The Dallas event was intended to honor both of these outstanding women and Dallas civic community leaders.”

As the founder of the university’s Presidential Advisory Council and former member of the Board of Trustees, Caroline Rose Hunt was an integral supporter of Mary Baldwin in Dallas. For many years, events held at Hunt’s Texas properties brought alumni and Mary Baldwin leaders together to discuss the state of the institution. This year’s luncheon carried that tradition forward.

Washburne '94 and President Fox in Dallas.
President Pamela Fox (right) pictured in Dallas with Heather Hill Washburne ’94, former member of MBU’s Board of Trustees, granddaughter of Margaret Hunt Hill ’37, and grandniece of Caroline Rose Hill ’43.

One of many notable guests in Dallas was Paula Stephens Lambert ’65, whose pivotal $12.5 million legacy gift propelled the MBU Empowers Campaign when it was announced last fall. At the luncheon, Lambert shared how meaningful it was to see the impact of her giving last spring when she met with Shayla Spruill ’20, who studied in Japan with support from the Paula Stephens Lambert Travel and Study Abroad Fund. Lambert’s scholarship provides sizable grants for students to explore new cultures through meaningful international experiences.

Paula Stephens Lambert '65 at the Dallas event 2022.
University supporter and entrepreneur Paula Stephens Lambert ’65 seated among fellow alumni at the Dallas event in March.

The Houston campaign reception was hosted by Lynn DesPrez ’70 and included a presentation by Davis. Speaking to Mary Baldwin’s donor support in 2021 and early 2022, Davis shared the results of MBU’s recent, goal-shattering Day of Giving on March 17. This year’s unprecedented support from donors brought the university closer to its $50 million Empowers Campaign goal.

In Houston, there was enthusiastic interest in the university’s current events and programs, as well as its plans for the future. Davis noted that his updates on academic offerings at the Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences, particularly the new doctoral program in nursing, generated buzz and positive reactions among guests.

Cynthia Wier ‘68 and her husband, Tom, were in attendance at the Houston event, joining a core group of committed Mary Baldwin alumni and friends. The Wiers are longtime supporters of the institution and have developed personal connections to its students, like Astrid Salarda ‘14, who was also present.

The Wiers, Salarda '14, and DesPrez '70 in Houston 2022

From left to right: Tom Wier, Astrid Salarda ’14, Cynthia Wier ’68, and Lynn DesPrez ‘70 at the Houston reception in March.
Mary Baldwin pride was palpable in Houston and Dallas. Through the participation of generous donors, engaged alumni, and university friends, both March campaign events distinctly showcased the longstanding value of a Mary Baldwin education. In honoring the multigenerational efforts of esteemed alumni and institutional supporters, Fox and Davis outlined MBU’s unique, evolving identity and its extraordinary legacy of prioritizing student experiences that launch potential.

For more information about how you can support Mary Baldwin and her students through the Empowers Campaign, click here.