Dr. Larry Darlage

Dr. Larry Darlage, president of Tarrant County College Northeast Campus, Saturday received night the the highest honor the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Chamber of Commerce (www.heb.org)  bestows.

The award, named the Clyde Mooney Award and given for “exceptional leadership and service in the community,” was announced at the chamber’s annual awards banquet. This year’s event, themed “Night of a Thousand Stars,” was held at the Hilton Fort Worth.

Also honored was Stan Paschal, HEB Chamber Community Spirit Award; Duane Wieland, Gertrude Tarpley Memorial Spirit Award; Jay Stephens, member of the year; Linda Huggins, ambassador of the year, Micah Lane, director of the year; and Linda Caram, officer of the year. Outstanding business awards went to Minuteman Press, Delgado Orthodontics and Oncor.

David Medina is serving as this year’s chamber chairman, and Jamie Tongate chaired the black-tie optional awards dinner. Garry Hamilton volunteered as the evening’s auctioneer.

Tarrant County College

I took advantage of last week’s open house at Tarrant County College’s fantastic new downtown Fort Worth campus (www.tccd.edu), and I’m glad. It’s an A+ addition as the fifth in TCC’s network of campuses.

The new Trinity River Campus, located at 300 Trinity Campus Circle, is light, bright and beautiful. What was once Radio Shack’s headquarters is now an urban oasis that surely will inspire lots of people to further their education. The decision to snap up Radio Shack’s digs was such a brilliant decision, I wish I could take credit for it.

The first official fall semester begins Aug. 24, and the campus looks ready for lots of learning by lots of people. Besides all of the students who will be able to access it via mass transportation, how convenient for downtown office workers to enroll in a class or two for fun or out of necessity. And don’t forget how many of those new urban dwellers might want to pick up an extra credit or two.

The location is outstanding, but the building itself is beautiful–Radio Shack’s loss is Tarrant County’s gain. Most classrooms have window views, and the library is filled with new books just waiting to have their spines cracked.

Ironically, one of the classroom views is of the jail. What a reminder that taxpayers’ dollars are so much better invested in education than punishment.