Ricky Miller, Entertainment Editor
| June 26, 2024
Donald Sutherland, the seasoned actor who died on June 20 at the age of 88, was an idol that I always enjoyed watching. He was a tremendous performer who always brought something unique to all of his roles. He had a likable onscreen presence. I found it shocking that “Ordinary People,” which starred Sutherland as Calvin Jarrett and was directed by Robert Redford, beat out “Raging Bull,” starring Robert De Niro and directed by Martin Scorsese, at the Academy Awards In 1967, Sutherland joined the...
Former American football player and actor Orenthal James “O.J.” Simpson, also known as “The Juice,” died April 10 after a roughly yearlong battle with prostate cancer. At the behest of his family, he was cremated at the Palm Mortuary on April 17 in Las Vegas, the city where he had been living. Simpson lived for many of his 76 years without controversy and built a solid reputation as a football star. It looked as though he would have an easy-going life during his later years, but hopes of a promising...
Joe Lieberman, one of the biggest major independent politicians, died March 27 at age 82 from injuries sustained from a fall in his Bronx home. Lieberman served as U.S. senator from Connecticut for six terms spanning 1989-2013. He was also a nominee for vice president when he ran alongside Al Gore in the 2000 presidential election. Lieberman was a supporter of the creation of the Department of Homeland Security. He also supported a strong relationship with Israel, free trade economics...
The Richland family mourns the loss of Phil Key, an esteemed figure in Thunderduck Athletics for over five decades. Key, a former student-athlete and standout basketball player, left an enduring legacy that transcended the court.
His infectious smile and unwavering positivity brightened the campus, touching the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. Key’s passion extended to officiating games...
Former U.S. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson died on Dec. 31, leaving many mourning her loss as both a prominent Texas political figure and a woman of many achievements.
Eddie Bernice Johnson at a local campaign event in 2019. (Photo/Associated Press)
Johnson passed away at 89 after a back wound from surgery in September became infected. According to published reports, the family...
Ricky Miller, Entertainment Editor
| December 2, 2023
“Friends” (1994-2004) – Matthew Perry’s Chandler Bing was essential as comic relief of the ensemble. His character admitted his faults and talked about being a buffoon.
I liked his character, but an out-of-work actor and friends could never live like that in New York City. A- “Almost Heroes” (1998) – This is a satire on explorers of the day in the early 1800s. Explorers portrayed by Perry and the late Chris...
When most people hear the word hero, they think of superpowers and colorful costumes, but when it comes to real life, heroes take on a wholly different form. Bill Neal was a hero in every sense of the word, going above and beyond his job as Dallas College Richland Campus coach and professor, becoming a mentor, a safe place and even family for some.
Ricky Miller, Entertainment Editor
| August 4, 2023
The death of Paul Reubens, aka Pee-wee Herman, shocked many in the entertainment world when it was announced July 31. According to various published reports, Reubens waged a private battle with cancer for years.
Pee-wee Herman made me laugh. Everything about Reuben’s iconic child-like character made me smile. Tim Burton’s celebrated movie, “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” made me chuckle and laugh like a little kid. Pee-wee embarked on a wild U.S. adventure to recover his beloved stolen bicycle in that one, even stopping in San Antonio to check out a clue that it was hidden in the Alamo.
Former Dallas College faculty member June Cheatham, 77, passed away after a prolonged illness in Dallas on Feb. 9.
Cheatham was born on Sept. 9, 1944. She received her Bachelor of Science in 1974 and master’s degree in 1978, both in political science from the University of Texas at Arlington. She led a life devoted to her educational pursuits which continued throughout the years she worked at Dallas College.
“She was a professor of government at El Centro then at Brookhaven, then she came to Richland to teach. It was during her time at Richland that she became the associate dean, School of Humanities and of Fine and Performing Arts. I worked with her directly. I was her supervisor for five years” said Dr. Sherry Dean of when she worked as executive dean to the same department.
"She always kinda looked at us as her children. That’s what she would say ‘you all are like my kids’," said Corey Davis, Dallas College welcome assistant. "She helped to the core. If it wasn’t for her, I don't think I would be working in the Office of Student Life."
Juanita Rogers-Keim, known on campus as Louise, died at the age of 59 on February 9 in a house fire in Kilgore, Texas. At press time, plans for a memorial service were being finalized and there will be a card at the front desk of the Office of Student Life for those who wish to sign it.
Prolific rock singer and actor, Marvin Lee Aday, professionally known as Meat Loaf, passed away Jan. 20 due to COVID-19 at 74. The Dallas native’s death came as a shock to many, bringing condolences from Mitt Romney, Cher, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Boy George and others.
His six-decade career produced smash song hits “Paradise by the Dashboard Light,” “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” and “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That).” He also appeared in movies, including the midnight audience cult favorite “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
One evening on the spring semester in 1997, Jennifer Owen, current live events manager of Dallas College, found herself in quite of a pickle. She was reorganizing her newly acquired office when she decided to move around some things left by the previous employee.
“And of the things that were in my office was a large drafting file cabinet,” said Owen. “So I decided that for me to be successful, the file cabinet had to go.” Richland Campus, then Richland College, was pretty deserted at that time since professors were taking their break before summer sessions started.
