THE DOCTOR IS in! One of Houston’s most engaged civic leaders, Jacquie Baly, has a new title after earning her Doctorate in Education and Organizational Change & Leadership from USC. And some of the city’s heavy hitters turned up for a swanky reception at Tony’s to congratulate her. “Education and community leadership go hand in hand,” said Dr. Baly. “This honor fuels my continued mission to create meaningful change.”

And they weren’t alone in their admiration. Both the City of Houston and the State of Texas declared the day of the to-do “Dr. Jacquie Baly Day,” complete with official proclamations.

Baly’s doctoral research focused on improving retention and graduation rates for African American college students through mentorship, financial resources, and cultural support.

The doc’s accomplishments in and out of the classroom are impressive, many in the crowd noted. Chair of the Harris County Women’s Commission and a UH prof, Baly has helped secure millions in funding for Texas universities and well as nonprofits such as the American Cancer Society and the YMCA.

Spotted in the crowd: Rosemary Schatzman, Terri Wang, Yvonne Cormier, Julie Baker Finck, Alice Mao Brams, Dexter McCoy, Lesley Briones, Justice Kevin Jewell, Susanna Dokupil, Tonya McLaughlin, Donae Contessa Chramosta, Beth Wolff, Bruce Padilla, Patti Murphy, Beth Muecke, Cheryl Byington, Kim Padgett and Frank Billingsly.

Pitsami Norm, Terri Wang and Thanh Svahn

Mary Sage and Beth Wolff

Kevin Jewell

Terri Wang, James Craig and Rosemary Schatzman

Yvonne Cormier

Alex De Aguiar Reuter, Ann Ayre and Daniel Iron