Most Likely to Succeed in ’75

We’re making predictions. Here are some of the men and women who have started things moving in a big way in various fields -politics, law, medicine, communications, etc.- and we expect they’ll keep it up in 1975.

There is a lot of excellent work going on in these many fields, but this group has distinguished itself, adding a new dimension to Dallas life and giving strong reasons for optimism in otherwise gloomy times.

They are hot property. Keep an eye on them in 1975.

… in Cultural Politics: Harry Parker.

Parker, as director of Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, has decreed that snobbishness is out, openness is in. In cultural circles, where insecurity has often resulted in more attention to status than to excellence, Parker’s self-confidence, considerable talent, and informal style have transformed a stodgy museum into a vigorous institution. At 35, his diplomatic skills enable him to weave through business circles and women’s committees with same finesse. Now that he’s settled in, 1975 is the year he’ll start building the DMFA into his kind of art museum.

… in Architecture: Hal Box and UT-Arlington.

Since Box, 43, took over the architecture department at the University of Texas at Arlington in 1971, it has grown from 300 to 800 students, and expanded its curricula from technical level to a full six-year program of professional study taught by an international faculty. The UTA architecture school could overtake longtime top dog in architectural academe, UT-Austin, in 1975 if Box continues to get the kind of support he’s thus far enjoyed from the university’s administration. Box is an award-winning architect himself, a former partner in the Dallas firm of Pratt, Box, Henderson and Partners.

… in Retailing: Northgate Plaza.

This funky new group of shops in Irving is getting increasing traffic -with good reason -from Dallas proper. General Manager Bill Clark has presided over the tasteful face-lifting of an old center and the buying public has responded. Northgate should make “in” status during this year.

… in Journalism: Bob Dudney.

Though the Dallas Press Club, in its wisdom, did not see fit to honor the Times Herald’s Dudney for his courthouse-shaking investigation into alleged bail bond irregularities, he is clearly the man to watch in Dallas journalism. Dudney, 23, followed the bail bond series (which many feel was instrumental in the ouster of County Judge Lew Sterrett last fall) with a probing investigation of irregularities in the city pension fund, a project that is still underway.

… in Haute Cuisine: Ron Monneson.

Monneson’s Oz on LBJ Freeway, while it still has a few kinks to be ironed out, is the most exciting and imaginative dining happening in Dallas in years. When Mon-neson, 44, gets those rough spots smoothed over, Oz could well topple the Pyramid Room’s perennial preeminence in fancy food and drink.

… in Democratic Party Politics: Buzz Crutcher.

Crutcher, the man who handled Lloyd Bentsen’s senatorial campaign here in 1970, will be moving politically in 1975. He is CCA mayoral hopeful John Schoellkopf’s top campaign strategist and confidant and he is expected to move and shake behind the scenes in Bentsen’s expected presidential bid in 1976.

… in Religion (Tie): Father Donald Zimmerman and Rabbi Jack Bemporad.

Father Zimmerman, 27, assistant pastor of Christ the King is an energetic activist who combines a traditionalist approach to theology with strong advocacy on public issues. His sermons on the Old Testament are models of scholarship. Rabbi Bemporad, 41, is seen by some as the new Levi Olan. A gifted teacher and scholar, he is the energy behind a superb adult education program at Temple Em-manu-El.

… in Theater: Ken Latimer and Paul Baker.

It’s a tie here, but all the action is in the Dallas Theater Center. Actor-director Latimer really hit his stride this past season with his stunning portrayal of Jack Ruby in the Center’s Jack Ruby, All-American Boy and even better things can be expected this year. Baker, 56, the Center’s managing director, brought new cultural breath to Dallas with his ambitious productions, Jack Ruby and Preston Jones’ Bradleyville Trilogy. Similar undertakings this year will keep Dallas moving toward a top spot in national theater.

… in Advertising: Sharon Baca.

Her youthful (she’s only 28) advertising agency, Doz-ierBacaGilhooly & Hall, has made a big hit with its public relations and advertising design expertise. Fresh, original and unique in its presentation of an advertiser’s message, this newcomer to the competitive Dallas advertising scene is likely to make an even bigger splash in 1975.

… in Real Real Estate: Trammell Crow.

For America’s leading real estate entrepreneur, 1975 is the year of the Big Bet. Recession has hit him hard: Crow, 60, has assumed millions worth of personal liability in attempt to shore up partners in his far-flung empire. If he can generate enough cash to cover his indebtedness, this year may be the culmination of a lifetime’s work, making him one of the world’s richest men and the world’s greatest landowner. Crow’s personal characteristics-charm, modesty, generosity, and total loyalty to business associates -have made him one of Dallas’ most admired men.

… in Law: Pat Higginbotham.

His star is blazing. One of the leading trial attorneys and partners in the prestigious downtown firm of Coke & Coke, he undertook a special prosecutor’s job in October for Judge Robert Hill in the controversial Jake Jacobson case. His colleagues around town are betting that Higginbotham, 36, will be top choice for the federal judiciary when Judge Sarah T. Hughes retires. While we’re on the subject, special mention should be made, too, of Judge Hill, for his courage in refusing to rubber stamp the Justice Department’s “deal” with Jacob-son. Despite the snide insinuations of CBS’ Daniel Schorr, Hill stands as a model of the federal judiciary at its best.

… in Sports: Billy Martin.

Last year few were fool enough to believe Texas Ranger Manager Martin’s boast that he would turn the worst team in the major leagues into a pennant contender. In 1975, few should be fool enough not to believe him. If martin, 46, can get his mitts on one more solid pitcher and if his young hitters continue belting the ball around Arlington Stadium, the Rangers just might replace the Cowboys as the local sports darlings.

… in Republican Politics: Steve Bartlett.

At 27, Bartlett is everybody’s choice to assume a leadership role in Dallas County GOP in 75. Did well enough in real estate during land boom to branch into broadcasting, establishing Texas Meridian Corp. in 1974. Revived Republican Men’s Club, brought back GOP regulars turned off by lack of activity. Capable, dedicated and politically savvy. Generally regarded as outstanding fund-raiser. His tough-minded approach is considered an asset to a party organization beset with petty factionalism. Strongest bet to forge Republican Party into the powerhouse of Dallas County politics.

… in Banking: Ted Strauss.

It’s Been a decade since anybody tried breaking into downtown banking, but this year Ted Strauss is jumping in with both feet and $5 million. Strauss, 49, throws his ante into a game dominated by Republic and First National, a financial duo which already claims about 80 per cent of the downtown deposits. Strauss’ United National Bank will open sometime this spring in the old Kirby Building, Main and Akard.

… in Academia: Bryce Jordan.

Jordan, 50, president of the University of Texas at Dallas, is imaginative, enthusiastic and hard-working. As former interim president of UT-Austin, has become adept at bureaucratic juggling and UT System politics. Recruitment of top faculty, including Nobel Laureate Polykarp Kusch, shows commitment to university’s role. Scored extra points by picking up Southwestern Legal Foundation when SMU issued its ouster ultimatum. A close associate of Erik Jonsson, is expected to become more active in community affairs in 1975.

… in Music: Nicola Rescigno.

Rescigno, formerly artistic director and principal conductor of the Dallas Civic Opera, recently was appointed general conductor of the company, succeeding the late Larry Kelly. Since then, Rescigno has maintained Kelly’s high standards, and more of the same is expected in 1975.

… in Radio: Tony Garrett.

Dallas radio will be far better this year because of public radio station KERA-FM, and its program director, Tony Garrett. Garrett brought a variety of commercial broadcasting experience to the station and the programming reflects it. Garrett, 37, co-hosts the free-wheeling weekday “Morning Magazine” program and he has been instrumental in developing other programs which range from German to jazz.

… in Non-Establishment Politics: Adlene Harrison.

There is substantial talk Ms. Harrison, the CCA’s most industrious, controversial and imaginative council member, may not be renominated by the powerful political group because of her uncompromising stands on the sign ordinance and utility rate increases. If this turns out to be the case, most political observers agree that Ms. Harrison has grabbed enough headlines and respect among voters to beat any candidate the CCA might pick to challenge her in conservative North Dallas.