My Arlington dream started at UTA

My fondest memories of Arlington began at UTA where my life as an individual and a journalist took on purpose and direction, thanks to the excellent faculty and my experience as editor of its campus newspaper, The Shorthorn.

Because the paper was printed at the Arlington Citizen-Journal I met its editor, Charles Hawkes, and that connection led to his hiring me for that award-winning paper’s newsroom where I later met and married a fellow journalist, the love of my life.

Like a proud parent, as a resident and reporter writing about Arlington, I have watched it grow and prosper. And reveled in its every success.

When I came to UTA my plan was to transfer to U.T. Austin but after one semester I knew I wasn’t leaving UTA or Arlington.

I was in love.

If asked to cite the key to Arlington’s success I would say its leadership, starting with the man who was mayor when I arrived, the late, great Tom Vandergriff. Vandergriff worked to gain four-year status for UTA, and it was our leadership who brought the Texas Rangers, Dallas Cowboys, Six Flags, and General Motors here –to name just a few.

It has been an honor and privilege to live and work here and be part of Arlington’s amazing dream that keeps coming true