A tireless civic volunteer and leader, Annette Strauss embodies the selfless values of public service that move a community toward its goals and improve its quality of life. She served six years as a Dallas City Council member and four years as the city's first woman mayor (1987-92). Her contributions also extend to higher education as well. After earning a B.A. degree with Phi Beta Kappa honors from the University of Texas, she received a Master's degree from Columbia University. She currently chairs the board of directors for SMU's John Goodwin Tower Center for Political Studies and is a member of the Development Board of the University of Texas at Dallas. She also has been a supporter of the arts and social causes both locally and nationally - her influence has been felt from the Dallas Symphony Orchestra to the Texas chapter of the National Museum for Women in Arts to the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Other organizations that have benefited from her efforts include the National Jewish Hospital, Children's Medical Center, and the Women's Center of Dallas. Since 1987 she has been recognized with the John F. Kennedy Commitment to Excellence Award, the Dallas Press Club Headliners Award, the Women Helping Women Award, Citizen of the Year, and other accolades for her many contributions. For her leadership in the community and her dedication to improving the quality of life for all its members, Southern Methodist University is honored to confer upon Annette Strauss the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.