Welcoming Stéphanie and Jean-Guillaume de Tocqueville to North Texas in Honor of a Legacy of Civic Engagement
(L to R) Steven and Christy Williams, Stéphanie and Jean-Guillaume de Tocqueville, Jennifer Sampson
As United Way of Metropolitan Dallas celebrates our Centennial anniversary throughout 2025, we were honored to host a truly meaningful visit this spring from Stéphanie and Jean-Guillaume de Tocqueville in Dallas. Jean-Guillaume is a direct descendant of Alexis de Tocqueville and, along with his wife, Stéphanie, serves as co-founder and president of the Tocqueville Foundation in France. Together, they carry forward Alexis de Tocqueville’s enduring legacy of civic engagement—a spirit of civic responsibility that continues to inspire United Way’s mission and the work of our Tocqueville Society in North Texas.
(L to R) Jennifer Sampson, Terri and Meili West
This reflection on the Tocquevilles’ visit is especially poignant as we prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July—a moment to honor the ideals of liberty, democracy and civic unity that inspired Alexis de Tocqueville’s landmark journey through America nearly two centuries ago. And as our nation looks ahead to 2026, when we will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the timing feels all the more meaningful. That milestone—known as the Semiquincentennial—will also serve as a focus for next year’s Tocqueville Conversations in Normandy, where global thought leaders will gather to reflect on democracy’s past, present and future.
The Tocquevilles’ visit to Dallas was more than a tribute to the past—it was a powerful affirmation of a shared future rooted in community leadership, strategic philanthropy and civic responsibility. This special moment also marked a reunion following United Way of Metropolitan Dallas’ Tocqueville Society trip to France in spring 2024, held in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the organization. During the four-day journey through Paris and its countryside, the Tocquevilles graciously hosted 45 Tocqueville Society members, guiding them through the historical and philosophical landmarks that continue to shape civic life today.
Stéphanie de Tocqueville
Mark and Debbie McComas, Christy Williams, Jessica Shepherd, Jot de Vogue, Edward Sampson, Susan Hutcheson, Jennifer Sampson, Dan Patterson, Mary McDermott Cook
(L to R) Christy Williams, Neena Newberry, Shawna Wilson, Michael Turner and Don Glendenning
Christy Williams and Jessica Shepherd
The experience began at the George Marshall Center, where we reflected on the enduring power of post-war alliances and shared purpose. We were welcomed at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence, toured the French Senate, and visited iconic sites such as the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. Each stop served as a poignant reminder of the value of civic duty, cross-cultural connection, and collective progress. Far more than a celebration, the trip deepened our understanding of the principles that anchor our mission at United Way: liberty, equality and the power of engaged communities. Welcoming the Tocquevilles to Dallas offered us the chance to return the hospitality and honor their legacy—it was a meaningful and historic chapter in our Centennial celebration, one we will remember for decades to come.
The Tocquevilles’ visit to Dallas was more than a tribute to the past—it was a powerful affirmation of a shared future rooted in community leadership, strategic philanthropy and civic responsibility. This special moment also marked a reunion following United Way of Metropolitan Dallas’ Tocqueville Society trip to France in spring 2024, held in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the organization. During the four-day journey through Paris and its countryside, the Tocquevilles graciously hosted 45 Tocqueville Society members, guiding them through the historical and philosophical landmarks that continue to shape civic life today.
Trey and Erin Nealy Cox
(L to R) Stacey Dore, Cecily Gooch, Erin Nealy Cox, Carrie Kirby, Jennifer Sampson, Deb Gibbins
Mary McDermott Cook and Don Glendenning
(L to R) Jan and Mike Sharry, Gail McDonald and Jeffrey Murphy
(L to R) Raymond Faus, Kristy Faus, Tom Frei, Shawna Wilson, Mike Galvan
Kristy Faus and Neena Newberry
Kevin and Carol March
Gretchen Minyard Williams and Liz Minyard
Kristina and John Hallam
(L to R) Don Glendenning, Mary McDermott Cook, Ambassador Denise Bauer, Stephanie de Tocqueville, Ambassador Bernard Emie
About the Tocqueville Name and Legacy
At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, the Ruth Sharp Altshuler Tocqueville Society celebrates an extraordinary circle of leaders who are passionate about creating lasting change in North Texas. Named in honor of the beloved Dallas philanthropist Ruth Sharp Altshuler, this exclusive group is made up of visionary civic and business changemakers whose generosity fuels progress across our community by supporting United Way programs and investments.
The Tocqueville legacy stretches far beyond Dallas. In 2012, Stéphanie and Jean-Guillaume de Tocqueville founded the Tocqueville Foundation in Normandy, France—the philosopher Alexis de Tocqueville’s hometown—to carry forward his legacy of civic engagement. Their mission was an ambitious one: to strengthen civil society and spark community action, just as Alexis envisioned during his travels across early America.
Jean-Guillaume, a distinguished attorney and former partner at Jones Day in Paris, and Stéphanie, chair of the Association for the Alexis de Tocqueville Prize, continue to champion these values on a global scale. Their commitment to service and philanthropy is a powerful reflection of their family’s enduring spirit—and a perfect match for the mission of the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas Tocqueville Society, founded in 1986.
This April, Jean-Guillaume and Stéphanie de Tocqueville joined our community and leaders in the Live United movement for a series of events that spotlighted philanthropic leadership at the highest level.
Bench & Bar Boo-Ray
(L to R) Jean-Guillaume de Tocqueville, Stéphanie de Tocqueville, Hilda Galvan, Jennifer Sampson, Sandra Phillips, Erin Nealy Cox, Cecily Gooch, Trey Cox
General Counsel Host Committee and Sponsors
Jean-Guillaume and Stéphanie de Tocqueville
Playing at the table
The visit began at the 3rd Annual Bench & Bar Boo-Ray Tournament held at Old Parkland. Designed to honor the legacy of the historic Parkland Hospital, this prestigious office campus is rich with fine art, rare artifacts and the spirit of entrepreneurship. It stands as a tribute to history, a reflection of American ideals and a celebration of what’s possible when a community unites. Jean-Guillaume and Stéphanie de Tocqueville shared a meaningful moment honoring their family legacy with a visit to the striking statue of Alexis de Tocqueville, prominently featured on the campus. The statue is located near the Tocqueville Steps, where quotes from Alexis de Tocqueville are displayed.
“Looking back century by century to remotest Antiquity, I see nothing that resembles what I see before me.”
Upon their return to France, Stéphanie shared that the Tocqueville Foundation board members were delighted and fascinated by the photos—particularly by the statue’s depiction of Alexis de Tocqueville as a frontier-style pioneer, complete with a rifle, which they found to be a charmingly American interpretation of his legacy. As a former partner at Jones Day, Jean-Guillaume especially appreciated this unique event, which brought together leaders from the North Texas legal community for an evening of fellowship, spirited card play and a shared commitment to community impact through the Tocqueville Society.
Reconnecting with Paris Travelers and Meeting New Faces
Throughout their visit, the Tocquevilles were welcomed with warm hospitality from local leaders and friends of United Way. Special thanks to Mary McDermott Cook and Carol and Don Glendenning, who each hosted private gatherings in their honor. (Pictured: Moments from the event hosted by Mary McDermott Cook.)
Carol and Don Glendenning warmly hosted the Tocquevilles for an intimate dinner in their home, joined by Paris travelers, close friends and longtime United Way of Metropolitan Dallas Tocqueville supporters. They received a true taste of Texas hospitality infused with French influence. Guests enjoyed thoughtful menu items, including fried green tomatoes with French endive, smoked Texas short rib and French wines. Adding to the festive atmosphere, an orchestra entertained guests with classic French music, as well as a light-hearted, specially commissioned piece based on music from Les Misérables, with lyrics playfully rewritten for the occasion. It was a memorable night of fellowship, conversation, Texan-isms and a shared commitment to building a stronger North Texas.
Civic Dialogue at the Bush Center
The Tocquevilles were honored to participate in several events at the George W. Bush Presidential Center, including recording an episode of The Strategerist Podcast. They joined Strategerist host Andrew Kaufmann and the director of Global Policy at the Bush Institute, Chris Walsh, to discuss their passion for defending, preserving and promoting democracy, their ongoing transatlantic partnership with United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, and what makes the Tocqueville family optimistic for the future.
(L to R) Haviv Ilan, Ronit Ilan, Jean-Guillaume de Tocqueville, Stéphanie de Tocqueville, Jennifer Sampson, Kevin March, Carol March, Jennifer Sampson, Ed Sampson
During their visit, they attended the Forum on Leadership Gala, where Dr. Robert M. Gates received the George W. Bush Medal for Distinguished Leadership, participated in a day full of panels featuring changemakers from Dallas and beyond, and took part in a thought-provoking community conversation with Dallas native, author and former NFL player Emmanuel Acho.
(L to R) Jean-Guillaume de Tocqueville, Jennifer Sampson, Stéphanie de Tocqueville
Ken Hersh and Emmanuel Acho
The Tocquevilles’ commitment to advancing civic dialogue continues on both sides of the Atlantic. This spring, they also hosted the annual Tocqueville Conversations in Normandy, France—a global forum that brought together thought leaders, academics and civic changemakers to explore the future of democracy and civil society. This event, organized by the Tocqueville Foundation, reflected the same values that united our communities during their visit: open dialogue, civic responsibility and the power of engaged citizens to drive meaningful change.
A Transatlantic Celebration of Philanthropy
(L to R) Carol and Don Glendenning, Kristy Faus
The visit to Dallas also served as a reunion with many of the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas supporters the Tocquevilles had previously hosted in Paris, reinforcing the global nature of our shared mission. The Tocqueville Society Luncheon, sponsored by HN Capital, was held at the historic Mansion on Turtle Creek, an iconic Dallas landmark also celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The Mansion was the visionary creation of Caroline Rose Hunt, a renowned Dallas entrepreneur and philanthropist who transformed the former Sheppard W. King estate into a world-class hotel in 1980—launching the prestigious Rosewood Hotels & Resorts brand. Hunt’s legacy extends far beyond hospitality: as a young graduate, she went door to door raising funds for the Dallas Community Chest and went on to become a co-founder of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. Her service spanned more than five decades, including roles as co-chair of the Tocqueville Society and honorary chair of the Unite Forever Campaign. In 2003, she received United Way of Metropolitan Dallas’ highest honor, the J. Erik Jonsson Award. The luncheon setting was a meaningful tribute to her lasting contributions and to the continued philanthropic leadership of her family, who remain active supporters of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas in her honor.
At the Tocqueville Society Luncheon, Jean-Guillaume took part in a fireside chat with Sonal Shah, CEO of The Texas Tribune, and he remarked to the crowd that Dallas was where he first learned about philanthropy. He was so impressed by the depth and impact of United Way’s work in North Texas that he described it as truly “Tocquevellian”—a powerful reflection of the civic spirit and community-driven values that have long defined his family’s legacy.
(L to R) Jennifer Sampson, Stéphanie de Tocqueville, Christy and Steven Williams, Jean-Guillaume de Tocqueville
(L to R) Michelle Thomas, Jean-Guillaume de Tocqueville, Margot Perot, Stéphanie de Tocqueville, Major Thomas
Jean-Guillaume de Tocqueville, Stéphanie de Tocqueville, Carol Glendenning
Tocqueville Paris Travelers
Sonal Shah and Jean-Guillaume de Tocqueville
The lunch also served as a special announcement for a transformative $5 million gift to United Way of Metropolitan Dallas from longtime supporters Carol and Kevin March. The historic multi-million-dollar investment will directly support United Way’s most critical initiatives—driving measurable, generational progress in education, income and health as we launch into our second century of community impact in North Texas. Read highlights of the luncheon here.
Kevin and Carol March
Carol March
United for Impact: A Centennial Celebration of Global Civic Leadership
Stéphanie de Tocqueville and Jean-Guillaume de Tocqueville
Stéphanie de Tocqueville and Jean-Guillaume de Tocqueville
Stéphanie de Tocqueville and Jean-Guillaume de Tocqueville
The Tocquevilles’ time in Dallas served as a powerful reminder of the enduring value of civic engagement and collective impact. During their visit, they explored several landmarks that make Dallas truly unique—including the remarkable Crow Library. The tour offered a glimpse into one of America’s most extensive private historical collections as well as the opportunity to lay eyes on documents penned by Alexis de Tocqueville himself. We are deeply grateful to the Crow family for sharing this exceptional cultural experience.
Thank you to everyone who made their trip a memorable one, including Mary McDermott Cook, Don and Carol Glendenning, Erin Nealy Cox and Trey Cox, Kathy Crow, Steven and Christy Williams, Ken Hersh and Regen Horchow, Ronit and Haviv Ilan, Vipin Nambier, Carol and Kevin March, Terri West and so many others who showcased American hospitality at its finest.
(L to R) Jennifer Sampson, Steven Williams, Curt Farmer, Antonio Carrillo, Jim Burke
As we honor 100 years of service and look ahead to the future, this special visit stands as a shining example of what’s possible when community leaders—on both sides of the Atlantic—come together to build a more equitable world for all.
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