The University of Texas at Arlington’s (UTA) College of Nursing and Health Innovation hosted its 16th Annual Dream Makers Scholarship Luncheon today in the Bluebonnet Ballroom of the campus’ university center. The DFW Hospital Council (DFWHC) served as a Table Host of the event, with its President/CEO W. Stephen Love providing the program’s official introduction.

Since 2002, the Dream Makers Luncheon has recognized donors whose gifts support the dreams of some of the nation’s most promising students. Donors are honored during the event with testimonials provided by UTA students.

Gilma Avalos, an anchor and reporter on KTVT CBS 11, served as the Master of Ceremonies. Additional presenters included Dean Anne Bavier of the UTA College of Nursing; UTA President Dr. Vistasp Karbharl and Congressman Joe Barton.

Student testimonials were provided by Elesha Roberts, James Lloyd and Abigail Dunkin. Dunkin, a UTA kinesiology student, detailed her struggle with CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) which confined her to a wheelchair in 2013. Since then, she has earned a spot on the U.S. Women’s wheelchair basketball team, winning a gold medal in 2015.

Gold Donors over the past year included Children’s Health, Methodist Health System and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. Bronze Donors included Lillie Biggins, 2016 DFWHC chair and president of Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth. Additional sponsors included Medical City Arlington and Texas Health Arlington Memorial.

W. Stephen Love

Gilma Avalos

Abigail Dunkin