News

TWU Theatre presents live, drive-in drama with ‘CarPark Sonnets’

The Texas Woman’s University Theatre Program will open its fall season with an innovative and experimental take on the classics. “CarPark Sonnets: A Live, Drive-in Performance of Shakespearean Sonnets and Monologues,” invites patrons to experience live theatre from the safety and comfort of their own vehicle.

Mission to create change drives Fiama Villagrana-Ocasio's passion

If student activism had a name, it would be Fiama Villagrana-Ocasio. Fiama came to Texas Woman’s University last year with an initial goal to become a bilingual audiologist. That quickly changed.

“I found that by being able to create change systematically, I could make an impact on a broader scale instead of on an individual level,” she said, explaining why she is now majoring in political science with Spanish/philosophy minors and plans to go to law school. “Being a voice for many people in my community pushed me to learn more about different challenges others may face that are different than mine.”

Alumna and U.S. District Judge Alia Moses ('83) attributes early career success to Jim Alexander's mentorship

Since she was appointed as the first female federal judge in the Western District of Texas nearly 18 years ago, U.S. District Judge Alia Moses has presided over roughly 1,000 criminal and civil cases a year. Moses recalls a mentor of her own at TWU, whose guidance and advice helped her chart her legal career.

That mentor was one of her government professors, Jim Alexander, PhD, who not only advised her on career decisions but actually helped secure a spot for her to take the law school entrance exam. He also created a barrister’s club at TWU, which brought in law school recruiters to visit with prospective students. She remains in contact with Alexander to this day.

“It’s amazing how God puts these mentors in your life. I wonder if they realize what kind of impact they are having on you when they are your mentors,” Moses said.

Public service a common denominator in congresswoman’s career

If there is a gene for leadership and public service, it can be found in Sylvia Garcia’s DNA. The Texas Woman’s University social work graduate (BA '72) and current U.S. congresswoman representing Houston’s 29th District is no stranger to being in leadership posts and helping disadvantaged people. 

As a first-term congresswoman, Garcia in 2020 became the first Hispanic – and one of three women – to ever be selected as an impeachment manager in a presidential impeachment trial.

Grad student’s plays win big on national, international stage

Texas Woman’s University graduate student Lindsay Hayward is generating a lot of buzz in the theatre community. Already an accomplished performer with more than 80 productions under her belt, Hayward can now add “award-winning playwright” to her extensive list of talents and achievements, which includes singing, dancing and stage combat.