Forum at Park Lane Residents Scotty Gray, Karl Kuby Sr. Honored

Scotty Gray had an idea – a way he could help both his retirement community neighbors and SMU students adjusting to life in a new country.

“I contacted SMU’s International Students and Scholar Services and told them, ‘We have more than 100 retired people here, just eight minutes from campus,” Gray recalled. “I thought maybe some of your international students would enjoy having an American friend to talk to.’”  

That phone call spawned the Buddy Program and recent recognition for Gray.

State Rep. Morgan Meyer, R-University Park, visited The Forum at Park Lane in 2024 to celebrate Gray and another resident, Karl Kuby Sr., for their contributions to Dallas.

The Buddy Program helps ESL (English as a Second Language) and international students improve conversational skills while building friendships with Americans.

Gray said 33 students were involved with the senior living community.

“It’s good for the residents as well as the students,” Gray said. “The residents enjoy meeting new people.”  

Kuby is the founder of Kuby’s Sausage House, a Snider Plaza restaurant that has served German cuisine in Dallas since 1961. 

“The Meyers don’t do a traditional Thanksgiving anymore,” the lawmaker said. “We always just do a beef tenderloin from Kuby’s for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. So, you get not only this resolution; you also get my money.”  

Kuby described what he believes makes a good leader in the community:

“When you see someone in need, you help,” he said. “When you see someone who’s fallen, you help. When you see someone hungry, you feed them.”