By Deb Silverthorn
Virginia Chandler Dykes
Leadership is one of the greatest gifts one can offer, and many graduate students at Texas Woman’s University have thrived thanks to Virginia Chandler Dykes—not only her leadership but also her mentorship and philanthropy. Her vision has resulted in over $700,000 in scholarships for TWU graduate students.
“Get a good education, and no one can take that away from you,” Virginia fondly remembers her grandmother saying. As a TWU alumna from the graduate occupational therapy program and a former director of the Occupational and Recreational Therapy Department at Baylor University Medical Center, Virginia has always been inspired by those words. At 89, she remains dedicated to helping students realize their dreams.
Virginia and her late husband, Roland, initiated the Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Luncheon, which recognizes scholarship recipients and honors a leadership award. They also contributed to establishing TWU’s Fanny B. Vanderkooi Endowed Lectureship for the School of Occupational Therapy, paving the way for the Virginia Chandler Dykes endowed scholarship.
“The scholarship fund was so successful that a friend prompted us to do something to honor clinicians and community leaders who are fostering greater awareness and assisting more students,” Virginia stated.
In addition to her educational endeavors, Virginia has shared her time and resources with various organizations, including the Dallas Opera, the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum, and the Fort Worth Opera.
As a mother of three sons and a grandmother to twins, Virginia cherishes her family and delights in spending time with them.
Setting an example by prioritizing education, Virginia believes that “enabling young people to meet their dreams has always brought me joy. Undoubtedly, education is one of the most significant investments we can make in our nation’s people and its future.”
Photo Credit: Kristina Bowman
Max Glauben
“My name, Glauben, means ‘believe,’ and it is indeed belief that has propelled me,” reflects Max Glauben, who at 91 has shared his extraordinary story thousands of times worldwide.
Max, who tragically lost his entire family during the Holocaust, survived and has made it his mission to ensure that people remember his story and that “never again” becomes a reality, not merely a phrase.
Every week, Max speaks at the Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education & Tolerance, where he is a co-founder and lifetime board member. He travels to schools, synagogues, churches, and various organizations and has participated as a chaperone on the March of the Living Tour to Poland and Israel 14 times, lending a personal narrative to one of history’s darkest chapters.
Born in Warsaw, Poland, Max was just 13 when he was sent by boxcar to Majdanek, followed by Budzyn, Mielec, Wieliczka, and Flossenburg. He was liberated during a death march to Dachau. Upon arriving in the United States, he was alone, having lost his parents, Faiga and Isaac, and his brother, Heniek, among the 6 million Jews and 5 million non-Jews who perished.
Max’s light will shine eternally, as he is one of 19 individuals featured in the Dimensions in Testimony initiative of the Shoah Foundation. After answering over 1,500 questions, a 3D hologram of Max is being created to interact with visitors at the Dallas Holocaust Museum and educational institutions globally. “We’ve crafted ‘conversations’ I’ll have with the children and grandchildren of the youngest individuals I meet now,” he explained.
Max established the Max Glauben Holocaust Educational Foundation, which supports the Dallas Holocaust Museum, the Dallas Hebrew Free Loan Association, and the March of the Living through his speaking fees, the proceeds from the documentary, Plagues of the Soul: The Story of Holocaust Survivor Max Glauben, and private donations (email moniekg@aol.com).
“People need to hear and acknowledge that it happened—and that it must never happen again,” emphasized the always cheerful and lively senior. Married for 66 years to his beloved Frieda, Max is the father of three, grandfather of seven, and great-grandfather of two. “Life is fulfilling when you stay busy, act kindly, and do good—it’s all about what’s natural to me.”
Photo Credit: Deb Silverthorn
Sarah Yarrin
A proud Texan, Sarah Yarrin’s 92-year-old smile is as vast as the state itself, and her warmth surpasses any thermometer’s reading.
The widow of Marvin Yarrin, they were married for nearly 50 years and built the Yarrin Group together. Sarah earned her real estate license, and the loving couple sold businesses and properties. After pausing her education to raise her family, Sarah completed her degree in early childhood education at Texas Woman’s University, eventually co-owning Wee Care, a downtown Dallas daycare.
As a mother of three daughters, ten grandchildren and spouses, and 21 great-grandchildren, Sarah keeps a monthly log of all birthdays and anniversaries. Known as “Bubbie” to her younger relatives, she used to lead the PTA and Brownie Troop and now enjoys visiting her youngest grandchildren at preschool, which keeps her youthful.
Sarah has dedicated 33 years to welcoming patients at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, where she has witnessed generations return for checkups. “I adore the children and love watching them grow,” said Sarah, who volunteers at the clinic every Thursday morning.
A former violinist, Sarah’s passion for music continues as a member of the Temple Emanu-El choir for 34 years. In addition to participating in Sisterhood and often providing English readings of Torah and prayers, she has served as the Music Committee chair.
Her other half is dear friend Jack Repp, who, alongside Dan Lewin, wrote Dreams & Jealousy; The Story of Holocaust Survivor Jack Repp. Sarah supports Jack as a dedicated publicist.
When not making children feel secure or maintaining Jack’s schedule, Sarah stays active by walking and practicing Pilates three times a week—uncompromisingly.
“I can never learn, exercise, or sing enough—it’s all about being with people I respect and enjoying our time together,” reflected Sarah, who was featured in the May 5 performance of Annelies: A Musical Adaptation of the Diary of Anne Frank at her synagogue. “I’m proud of my age. My glass is always half full, and I keep moving forward.”
Photo Credit: Texas Scottish Rite Hospital
Don & Marilyn Walsh
Marilyn and Don Walsh are rarely still, but when they are, it’s together—perhaps at sea or on travels around the world. At 82 and 83 years old, the pair is always on the move.
Originally hailing from Michigan and California, respectively, the couple has called the Metroplex home since 1973. They have created a beautiful blended family with eight children, 13 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
For them, retirement signifies putting new wheels on their vehicles as they have no intention of stopping their endeavors anytime soon. Don, a former commercial airline pilot, now works as a customer support driver for Sewell Lexus, while Marilyn serves as the Victims’ Assistance Program Director at the Counseling Place in Richardson. Their synchronized life centers around family and community.
The Counseling Place provides vital services for crime victims in Richardson and nearby areas, offering professional counseling, education on the criminal justice system and victim rights, assistance with crime victim compensation applications, and access to social service agencies.
“I’m a people person and a problem-solver, inspired to help others after assisting a friend escape a challenging situation,” Marilyn shared. After raising her family, she returned to school at UT Dallas. “Although some days are sad, the work feels rewarding, and our staff feels like family.”
Don, always dreaming of being a pilot since childhood, served in the Air Force and flew in the Milwaukee Air Reserve and New York Air National Guard. Today, he enjoys putting miles on the road, delivering and retrieving client vehicles across Texas and surrounding states.
“Meeting new people every time I’m out gives me purpose, a reason to rise each morning,” Don expressed. “It’s all about staying busy, giving to others, and being thankful for those around us, including the One above.”
Photo Credit: Marilyn and Don Walsh
