Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, [email protected]

CANYON, Texas — One of Amarillo’s most highly regarded organizers will lead a two-part events-planning course through West Texas A&M University’s Extended Studies program.

Beth Duke, executive director of Center City of Amarillo, will lead “Building Successful Events: The Nuts and Bolts of Event Planning” from 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 21 and 28 in the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center, 720 S. Tyler St.

Cost is $99. To register, visit bit.ly/WTEventPlan.

“Beth is a valuable asset and resource in our community,” said Andrea Porter, director of WT’s Extended Studies program. “She has such a vast knowledge of logistical planning, especially for large events, and we are fortunate that she is willing to teach this skill to anyone who plans events for nonprofit organizations, a company or even at home.”

Duke said all successful events share commonalities, and the workshop will cover basics like planning, budgeting and organization, as well as more specific hurdles, like city permits and Covid-related challenges.

“I get lots of calls throughout the year asking for advice or resources for special events,” Duke said. “This is an opportunity for anyone who is planning an event — large or small — to learn with others.

“People who would benefit include staff or volunteers from nonprofit organizations, employees who plan events for their businesses, and anyone who wants to learn more about planning private or public events,” she said.

Duke joined Center City after retiring as city editor from the Amarillo Globe-News. A Baylor University graduate and Amarillo native, her experience in community events stems from years of volunteer service on the boards of the High Plains Food Bank, the Amarillo Junior League, the Amarillo College Foundation and the Amarillo Area Foundation. At Center City, she has coordinated events ranging from the Polk Street Block Party to the grand opening of The Barfield Hotel.

In 2019, Beth was named Amarillo Woman of the Year by the Amarillo Globe-News and received the Founders’ Award from the Texas Historical Commission for Heritage Community Building. She is the co-author of the college textbook “A Woman’s Place: Management.”

For information, call 806-651-2037.

Meeting regional needs is a key component of the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic, $125 million One West comprehensive fundraising campaign. To date, the five-year campaign — which publicly launched Sept. 23 — has raised about $85 million.

About West Texas A&M University

WT is located in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of about 10,000 and offers 59 undergraduate degree programs, 39 master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men’s and women’s athletics programs.