Untold stories highlight contributions

By Sharon Adams

The Dallas Historical Society announced the 45th Annual Dallas History Makers Awards for Excellence awards recipients this week. The awards luncheon is on Thursday, Nov. 19, at the Fairmont Hotel. 

Karl Chiao, DHS executive director, along with Mary Suhm, board chair, announced the recipients. 

The awards were established on behalf of the Trustees of the Dallas Historical Society in 1981. The first Awards program was so well received it was decided to continue the idea of recognizing community service with an annual awards ceremony sponsored by the Society. 

Outstanding individuals and organizations are selected for this honor from nominations solicited from the Dallas community. The recipients are chosen for their contribution to the quality of life in Dallas in multiple categories, including Arts Leadership, Creative Arts, Education, Health/Science, History, Humanities, Philanthropy, Volunteer Community Leadership and Jubilee History Maker. Recipients must be residents of Dallas County and willing to accept their awards in person. Awards are not voted posthumously.

At the luncheon, guests mix and mingle prior to a three-course luncheon, watch inspiring videos honoring the award recipients sharing their often-untold stories and highlighting their contributions to Dallas, and enjoy the awards presentations. The event is topped off with the traditional A.C. Greene Champagne Toast.

This year’s recipients are:

Arts Leadership — Jennifer Altabef

Honored for her dedication to the Dallas arts community. She exhibits commitment to our community through her involvement with Dallas Theater Center, KERA, Dallas Zoo, Meadows School of the Arts, TACA, AT&T Performing Arts Center, UTSW President’s Advisory Board to name a few.

Creative Arts — Irma Hall

Honored for her 50 year commitment to the theatrical arts. She is a co-founder of the Dallas Minority Repertoire Theater and has performed on stages across Dallas and the nation and appeared in more than 40 films and numerous television programs. She is a member of the National Association of Negro Women, Actors’ Equity Association and the Screen Actors Guild. 

 Education — Dr. Joan Hill

 Honored for her dedication to education and steadfast belief in the potential of every child. A champion of innovative and inclusive learning, she advocated for students and independent school education throughout her distinguished career. Head of School at Lamplighter School for 15 years, she left a legacy through a permanent fund that supports educators’ engagement with Dallas’s cultural institutions.

 Health/Science Individual Dr. Robert Gunby

Honored for a distinguished career spanning more than 55 years in women’s health, Dr. Gunby has continually advanced the field while maintaining the high standard of excellence for every patient. His expertise in managing complex and high-risk cases has earned him many well-deserved honors.

Health/Science Organization — Mike A. Myers Stroke Center

Honored for its commitment to improving the lives of stroke and traumatic brain injury patients through pro bono speech therapy services. The Mike A Meyers Stroke Center continues to expand access to intensive rehabilitative care while conducting state-of-the art research benefiting both current and future patients.

History — ChildCareGroup Dallas

Honored for their vital service strengthening families, supporting neighborhoods and helping to build a more resilient Dallas through early childhood education and family support. As the oldest and largest provider of comprehensive early childhood services in North Texas ChildCareGroup has made a lasting impact on generation of children and families.

 Humanities — Judge Sam Lindsay

Honored for an illustrious career in public service. Judge Lindsay made history in 1998 as the first African American United States District Judge for the Northern District of Texas, following a distinguished career that included serving as the first African American Dallas City Attorney.

 Philanthropy — Genesis Women’s Shelter 

Honored for providing safety, shelter and support to women and children from abusive households for four decades. Genesis offers life-saving services including counselling, occupational therapy, legal services and childcare at no cost.

 Volunteer Community Leadership — Linda and John McFarland

Honored for their longtime contributions to the Dallas Community through their volunteer service and leadership in areas of education, health and wellness, humanities, history and volunteerism. 

 Jubilee History Maker — Kay Bailey Hutchison

  Honored for her decades of public service and leadership she broke barriers as the first woman elected to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate. Throughout her distinguished career, she championed Texas interests, strengthened support for military and space programs and later served as U.S. Ambassador to NATO.

Visit dallashistory.org/programs/special-events.