October 2023

University, city have deep bond

Dear Friends,

As we welcomed October with cooler weather and the turning colors of fall, we brought our Texas Woman’s and Denton area communities together in a long-standing celebration. Fall also marks the kickoff to many public events, including highly anticipated lectures and conferences featuring speakers who not only inspire us but also embody the university’s commitment to developing grit and leadership in our students. Sprinkled among the hustle and bustle of the semester, our university remains in the spotlight, receiving prestigious national recognition.

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Halloween fair is boon for kids, students, community

The 2023 version of our Boo at the U fall fair was another rousing success, bringing together an estimated 3,000-plus people to enjoy an evening of family-friendly activities in a safe, festive environment. This annual Halloween-themed event, which has taken place for more than 20 years, offers families a terrific venue to bring their children trick-or-treating on the Denton campus grounds. The event included a haunted maze, pumpkin decorating, a costume contest, dancing, and an assortment of food and craft stations. The event is always free, but attendees are encouraged to bring canned food to benefit the TWU food pantry, which serves students and the local community. This year’s donation effort netted more than 1,100 canned goods.

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NASA’s first woman mission commander featured speaker

Another public event held on the Denton campus and livestreamed is the annual Nancy P. and Thaddeus E. Paup Lecture, which is made possible through the generosity of Nancy and Thaddeus Paup, longtime friends and supporters of the university. This fall’s lecture featured Col. Eileen Collins, who is the first female to pilot a U.S. spacecraft with the Discovery shuttle flight in 1995, and the first female commander on the 1999 Columbia shuttle flight. Collins, known for her coolness under pressure, shared her experiences as a pilot, astronaut and mission commander that were the basis for her 2021 memoir, Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars: The Story of the First American Woman to Command a Space Mission. I am thrilled this lecture series brings in pioneering women who inspire us all.

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Texas Woman’s grounds recognized among country’s best

I was elated — but not surprised — to learn recently that the Professional Grounds Management Society® recognized Texas Woman’s as one of 17 U.S. institutions for excellence in its landscape management. The society has a global reach that includes the United States, Canada and several overseas locations, and this year marked the seventh time since 2007 that our landscaping team has been so honored. I am most appreciative that our grounds crew is committed to our mission and excellence.

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Texas Woman’s student-athletes on a roll

Our student-athletes continue to amaze us with their talents in the classroom and through their competitive play. You may have seen in this newsletter and elsewhere how Texas Woman’s student-athletes have extended their streak of consecutive semesters with a collective 3.0 GPA or higher to 82, and they are doing this while demonstrating extraordinary prowess on the court, the pitch or on the mat. The volleyball team in October registered its 10th sweep of the season; Soccer was seeded third — its highest ranking ever — in the NCAA regional tournament; and the basketball and wrestling teams were ranked second in their respective preseason polls. It is often said that athletics is the front porch to a university, and I am most pleased to give our community a glimpse of some of our greatest ambassadors. I encourage you to attend an athletic competition to cheer on our Pioneers.

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Lastly, I was thrilled that the Wall Street Journal ranked Texas Woman’s #7 in the nation for student experience, which is a measure of the value students place on their collegiate experience. It is another indicator of what an outstanding university Texas Woman’s is.

I leave you with a picture of Chad and me in front of Texas Woman’s iconic administrative tower awash in maroon, may it continue to be a beacon for our community.

As always, email me with your comments or questions. I am delighted that you have spent a few minutes with me today.

Warm Regards,

 

 

 

 

 

Follow Carine M. Feyten, Ph.D.

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Page last updated 4:29 PM, December 5, 2023