It is a LEAP Center tradition to assist the Wynne Home Arts and Visitor Center with their Empty Bowls fundraiser each year–and it is a tradition that dates back to 2008, when a LEAP intern initiated the project. This year, some 250 people stopped by the Wynne Home for a community lunch while raising approximately $7,000 for Meals on Wheels.
For our part, almost 20 LEAP students–under the direction of Wynne Home Program Coordinator Angela Robinson–volunteered to help ensure a positive guest experience.
This involved greeting guests as they arrived, inviting them to select a unique ceramic bowl, accepting payment, and directing them to the various food stations, which featured culinary options by HEB, Sam’s Table, Meals on Wheels, Five Loaves Deli, Huntsville High School Culinary Team, and City Hall Cafe.
It’s a great way for the community to come together in support of the arts while also fighting food insecurity. This year’s event brought together a record number of participants, and the guests seemed to linger longer, enjoying one another’s company, getting their first tour of the Wynne Home, or otherwise just enjoying the event.
For most people, Empty Bowls is a single-day event, but it actually is planned almost year-round. In the fall of each year, Angela Robinson begins scheduling bowl-making classes, which are open to the public. Residents can register for a class, learning from one of the talented instructors, which this year featured Dakota Dube, Leara Phillips, Kathy Crowell, Molly Campbell, and Lauren Clay, (and Canvas and Cork generously provided additional bowls).
After making the bowl, they return to glaze it, and then they have the option of purchasing their bowl or donating it. If donated, it becomes part of the bowls selected by “walk-up” customers on the day of Empty Bowls–and it was quite a selection this year!
The event is one of LEAP’s favorites, and our involvement is multi-faceted. We signed up to make bowls, glaze bowls, and we also volunteer monthly at the Senior Center. This year, many of us made bowls in our own registered class with Lauren Clay, and then made bowls again at the Senior Center, with the congregants. To cap things off, we volunteer at the Wynne Home on the day of Empty Bowls.
That longitudinal process allows us to see the volunteerism at multiple time points, and see the project through to its completion–from the creation of the bowls, to the glazing of the bowls, to the event itself, to the donation to Meals on Wheels–where the money is used to provide meals to seniors in the community. And it was inspiring to see so many people come together, from artists and students to local leaders and supporters, all working toward the same goal of helping others.
For those interested in more opportunities related to the Arts and/or the Wynne Home, see the Spring Classes:
LEAP’s mission has always been to stay engaged. For us, that does not mean just attending events. It means showing up fully, celebrating others, and honoring the people who have shaped our lives, university and our communities. That is exactly what we had the privilege of doing at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Wall of Honor ceremony this year.
This year’s ceremony felt especially personal. Among the honorees was our own advisor, Professor Mike Yawn, and the halls were filled with former LEAP Ambassadors, current students, and family members of the honorees.
Professor Yawn with Former Ambassadors
What began as a formal university event quickly turned into something that felt like a reunion, homecoming, and celebration of legacy all at once.
The Ceremony took place at the Katy and E. Don Walker Education Center. As we walked into the foyer, the plaques of the evening’s honorees, Herbert H. O’Quinn, Dr. Donald Vernon Coers, and Professor Mike Yawn, stood proudly on display. Soon the space came alive with conversation. Alumni embraced, former ambassadors reconnected, and community members gathered to celebrate. It was one of those moments where you look around and realize how leaders rooted in service have the ability to connect people from all walks of life.
When we moved into the auditorium, Dean Li introduced the proceedings, congratulated the winners…
…and turned over the proceedings to the emcee, Chris Tritico. He reminded us that the Wall of Honor recipients are individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving others and strengthening their communities.
As the evening unfolded, it became clear that each honoree embodied that description in a profound way.
First, we honored Dr. Donald Vernon Coers, a scholar and academic leader whose impact on Sam Houston State University spanned three decades.
After earning his doctorate in English Literature, he joined SHSU in 1969 and later served in key leadership roles, including Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Services. He was also the first President of the SHSU Faculty Senate and a nationally recognized scholar on John Steinbeck. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he was deeply engaged in the Huntsville community and devoted to his family. His legacy lives on through the many students and colleagues he mentored.
Herbert H. O’Quinn was also recognized. A proud Bearkat alumnus, he graduated in 1963 with a degree in Sociology and Industrial Relations.
He went on to build a 40-year career in human resources and operations management, leading large-scale projects both in the United States and internationally. Throughout his life, he remained closely connected to Sam Houston State University, serving on the Alumni Board and as a founding member of the CHSS Advisory Board.
Above all, he was remembered as a devoted husband, father and man of faith whose legacy reflects integrity, service, and commitment to community. His family accepted the award on his behalf, honoring a life well lived.
Then it was time for Professor Mike Yawn to be inducted into the Wall of Honor.
As the video began, the screen filled with testimonials and memories, including words from Megan O’Flaherty and Mac Woodward–not to mention some fun photos from earlier years.
It was difficult not to become emotional.
For those of us in the room who have been shaped by LEAP, this was more than a professional milestone. It was a reflection of the man who has poured decades into mentoring students, creating opportunities, and teaching us what engaged citizenship truly means.
Professor Yawn founded and led programs that have transformed student experiences, including the Center for Law, Engagement, And Politics. Through internships, civic programming, travel opportunities, and community partnerships, he has shown generations of students that leadership experience is gained through serving others. Watching him receive this honor was one of the most meaningful moments many of us have experienced as ambassadors.
When he spoke, he did what he typically does. He redirected attention to others. He highlighted the contributions of O’Quinn and Coers in his own life and reflected on the people who helped shape his journey. His words were heartfelt and sincere, and the room was filled with pride and gratitude. There was a deep sense that we were witnessing something bigger than an award ceremony. We were celebrating lives that reflect the very best of Sam Houston State University.
With such a large LEAP presence in town, we knew the night could not end there, although we did make the most of photo opportunities…
Professor Yawn with Current Students
…we decided to continue the celebration with a LEAP style after party at the speakeasy at Sam’s Table. What followed was everything you would expect from a room full of current and former ambassadors. Laughter, storytelling, and the kind of conversations that pick up right where they left off, even if years have passed.
One of my favorite parts of the night was playing LEAP Bingo, a game I created filled with classic LEAP experiences we all know too well. From memorable trips to unforgettable classroom moments, it was a reminder of the shared experiences that connect us across graduating classes. Watching alumni laugh and point at squares that described moments from years ago was such a full circle moment.
Also fun were the cookies that alumna Maggie Denena commissioned from Denley Sweets & Decor, featuring various facets of LEAP, including a “Yawn Cookie,” modelled after a photo of him taken at Acadia National Park.
We also had a chance to take home pillows stitched by “Team Mom” Stephanie, who made them out of LEAP t-shirts, fashioned from prior trips and activities.
It was a fun night, one that validated a lot of time and effort into a program that produces real results in people and communities.
The Wall of Honor Ceremony reminded us why we stay engaged. It reminded us that leadership is not about titles but about service, relationships, and lasting impact. And the speakeasy after party reminded us that LEAP is more than a program. It is a family.
Professor Yawn with Former Ambassadors
It was a night focused on legacy, gratitude, and community. And for all of us who have been shaped by LEAP and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, it was a night we will not forget.
The Bush Foundation: Jean Becker and Tom Collamore &
In a special event hosted by the George and Barbara Bush Foundation, authors Jean Becker and Tom Collamore took the stage to discuss their new book, “Don’t Tell the President.” And as with all Bush Foundation events, the setting and the audience proved to be as interesting as the main attraction.
That was certainly the case this time, as we ran into Secretary Andrew Card…
…and photographer Mark Burns before even entering the auditorium! Both were generous with their time, discussing their favorite stories concerning President Bush.
Of course, they were also there to see Jean Becker, and while we may not be members of the Jean Becker Fan Club….
….we make the opportunity to see her speak.
Don’t Tell the President: The Best, Worst, and Mostly Untold Stories from Presidential Advance
…introduced the event, and it was a pleasant and unexpected surprise when she introduced us!
The most enjoyable part of the evening, of course, was hearing from Jean Becker and Tom Collamore–and contributing authors Robbie Aiken, Jay Allison, and Greg Jenkins–discuss a blend of behind-the-scenes chaos and the concomitant responsibility that comes from preparing the nation’s most important figure for public engagements.
The engagements discussed ranged from the picayune to the momentous, from an imposter surreptitiously boarding the press plane for a presidential trip to getting just the right setting to support Solidarity in Poland with Lech Walesa and the destruction of the Berlin Wall in Germany.
This was the perfect pairing with our visit to the Bush Presidential Library earlier in the day, providing insights into some of the history we had observed while also reminding us of the importance of event planning, even in our own small events.
Adding to the fun of the evening was seeing Ms. Becker be recognized as an honorary member of the TAMU Singing Cadets, who sang “America the Beautiful” as an honor to the United States as part of the country’s 250th anniversary of independence.
Tour: The Foundation Offices
Following the event, we approach Ms. Yates to thank her, and she graciously spent more time with us, even as she had additional work to do. During the conversation, she offered to give us a tour of their offices, tell us more about the Foundation, and let us see the “Bush Apartment.”
We had already had a wonderful day: seeing the Bush Presidential Library, hearing from Kathryn Meyers at the Bush School of Public Service, and attending the Becker and Collamore event. So, the opportunity for something on top of all that was certainly unexpected, and while we didn’t want to delay Ms. Yates from her work any further, this was an opportunity we couldn’t decline.
Ms. Yates provided an overview of the Foundation’s work, while also givinga wonderful tour of the Foundation’s space. It was a beautiful space, one that has been preserved since the President’s passing, and one that is still used for myriad purposes. It was an honor to be given the tour, and it was the perfect way to end our time at the Bush Presidential Library.
Dinner
While the tour was an ideal cap to our day at the Bush Library, we all believed that dinner would be the perfect way to end our; accordingly, we headed to Shiraz Shish Kabob. On LEAP field trips, we do our best to eat at restaurants themed with our learning opportunities, and after spending a day at the Bush Library–where the Middle East was much on display–we enjoyed diverse fare from one of our favorite College Station places.
For many, it was the first time to try Baklava or Shawarma or even Hummus, and it was met with great approval.
With full stomachs, on a high of a fantastic nine-hour learning sprint, and a renewed spirit of public service, we returned to SHSU.
Public service is something LEAP students know well, but that knowledge was reinforced, expanded, and reaffirmed during a recent visit to the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. The Museum, with its emphasis on President Bush’s long career of service, was ready-made for the eleven students on this LEAP trip, and the subject matter and the mix of students made this one of the best LEAP field trips in recent memory.
The experience started with a tour from a lovely SHSU alumna who guided us to the museum theatre, where we got to watch a short film on the highlights of President Bush’s career.
Following the movie, we went through a chronological tour of Bush’s life, which in many ways, is a tour of the 20th century. His early life was highlighted by photos of family, including his father, a US Senator from Connecticut.
His Navy career was strikingly told through video, excerpts of letters, and a replica of the Navy TBM Avenger that he piloted in WWII–and in which he was shot down.
The letters lining the museum walls gave us a glimpse into how 20-year-old Bush dealt with such a life-changing event and who was important to him during that time of his life.
Arguably, the most important person in President Bush’s life, his wife, Barbara Bush, had many portions of the museum dedicated just to her wonderful work. Her efforts and contributions to literacy programs such as the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy are remembered through the many panels detailing just how many lives she changed with her avid community work.
The many campaigns and careers leading to President Bush’s time in office were another prominent aspect in the museum. Details about his role as Director of Central Intelligence for the CIA, an often overlooked aspect, offered a sneak peek into the intricacies of dealing with classified information.
This foreign-policy bent was reinforced by Bush’s time as Ambassador to China and Ambassador to the UN, the latter exhibit gave us a chance to pose with the man himself (or at least his statue).
The replica of the Oval Office seemed most popular, with nearly everyone taking a turn to sit where the president would, and pretending to answer the phone or read important papers.
Further into the museum, we found that President Bush’s term in office is remembered by all the good he did for the people of not only America, but for those in Kuwait, Germany, and other places across the globe as well. With pieces of the Berlin Wall standing tall over us, we felt the impact of all the work that went into tearing it down.
Sand from the land of Kuwait, alongside the war tools turned into art, left a lasting impact on us, giving us an understanding of the many points of view Bush was able to incorporate into his foreign policy vision.
Each of us took something different from the Museum. Luke, Brianne, and Michelle spent more time reviewing Bush’s military life; Mikaela, as a Model UN student, focused on the international scope of the Museum; Gavin, a history student, soaked it all in; Zackery, a political junkie, enjoyed the electoral exhibits; and all of us enjoyed learning more about the major events from 1941-1993, and beyond.
The Library reminded all of us the importance of public service–as Bush referred to it, a “Noble Service”–while also reminding us that doing good in the world requires taking risks, making sacrifices, and working hard–all good lessons.
Food is comfort, culture, community, and one of the many things LEAP explores. In Houston for the weekend for a retreat, the LEAP Ambassadors and other students enjoyed some local flavors.
Cochinita & Co
Written by Isis Hollis
We kicked off our retreat’s first food experience with a very enjoyable meal from Cochinita & Co. This brick-and-mortar location blends traditional Mexican cuisine with modern dining to bring Houston delicious bites for all to enjoy!
Victoria Elizondo, a two-time James Beard Award nominee, is the owner and chef of the restaurant that started out as just a small food truck. Her experience helped her curate an undoubtedly top-quality menu for the restaurant, ranging from appetizers to desserts. To start, we enjoyed the flavorful dishes of elote (roasted corn with cheese and morita aioli), totopos (freshly made seasoned chips), and guacamole.
With the appetizers quickly gone, the main courses came out hot, fresh, and so visually appealing we could hardly resist digging in before the photos. At the suggestion of LEAP Ambassador Michelle, two of us got the signature entrée, the Cochinita Pibil. The dish consisted of pulled pork, a citrus marinade, and pickled onions, with excellent additions of side dishes of rice and beans.
Professor Yawn indulged in the breakfast chilaquiles. The crispy tortilla chips paired with the spices from the chorizo made for a tasty meal that nearly everyone at the table tasted. Avocado, fresh cheese, cilantro, and other toppings not only decorated the plate but also served as even more flavor enhancers.
After the relished meal and engaging conversations, everyone credited the great experience at Cochinita & Co set the stage for a productive day of “retreating”!
Phoenicia Specialty Foods
Written by Jacob Wessels
We also visited Phoenicia Specialty Foods in downtown Houston on the second day of our weekend retreat, and that experience also exceeded our expectations.
From the moment we entered the market, it was clear that this store had an enormous selection, making decisions on what to eat very difficult. Filled with international snacks, spices, sauces, cheeses, and deli meats that are clearly a curated selection from around the world, it’s easy to come in for one item and leave with several others, each unique and carefully chosen.
As impressive as the market is, the real highlight for our group was the hot meal bar. Phoenicia makes it easy to grab a full meal, whether you’re looking for something quick or want to sit down and enjoy your food. The options range from shawarmas to plated meals, with enough variety that you’ll likely reconsider what you planned to order.
Many of our members chose different entrees (such as shrimp pasta, salads, hummus, dolmas, and falafel)…
…but the shawarma stole the spotlight–those who chose this dish agreed on the warmth, level of seasoning, and that it was a dish packed with flavor. In fact, we each agreed our choices had unique attributes, from bold spices to satisfying textures, but all had that “made with love” feel.
Throughout the entire meal, it was clear we all genuinely enjoyed the experience. Phoenicia Specialty Foods is more than a lunch stop; it’s a downtown Houston experience. Between the global variety on the shelves and the meal options that truly deliver, it’s the kind of place that feels worth the visit. Several of us plan on returning; if you’re looking for something different, flavorful, and fun to explore, it’s a spot you should add to your list.
One part of LEAP’s mission is to expand cultural horizons, and this includes exposing students to classic films. Thus it was on the Sunday of our retreat in Houston, we attended a showing of “Roman Holiday” at the historic River Oaks Theatre.
Directed by William Wyler, “Roman Holiday” tells the story of Princess Anne (Audrey Hepburn), who, overwhelmed by the tedium and responsibilities of her title, escapes the embassy for a night in Rome. She stumbles across reporter Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck), who, upon learning her identity, realizes he has a chance at a scoop of a lifetime.
Of the seven students attending, five of us had never seen the film, and it was a treat to find it witty, charming, and romantic, with Audrey Hepburn stealing the show.
Her on-screen chemistry with Gregory Peck was palpable, and it was a surprise to learn this was her first starring role!
Roman Holiday both subverted and helped shape the modern romcom genre. It includes the classic “meet-cute,” montages of Anne and Bradley falling for each other, and many comical and romantic touches throughout.
It does not (spoiler alert), however, include the happy ending that some viewers expect (talking to you Michelle Cardenas) from their films. Princess Anne chooses to resume her duties as a princess; Joe foregoes the story he could have sold. Both do their duty and both willingly take on the personal cost of doing so, making the ending even more romantic.
As a side-note, this was one of the first American films to shoot on location overseas. The entire film was shot in Rome, displaying iconic landmarks (including the “mouth of truth,” one of our favorite scenes) and the charm of post-war Italy.
After the film’s release, Rome transformed into a top tourist destination, in part due to the unique filmmaking choice made by William Wyler.
The ending was, in many ways, the perfect end to our retreat–a flavorful and light scoop of gelato, following a weekend of substantive progress and hearty fare. It was the treat of the retreat.
I have attended many World Affairs Council Events, but none has caught my interest in the way that Dr. Tam Dao did with his presentation on “Sexpionage”–the use of sex in the world of espionage.
Dr. Doa is the Associate Vice President for Campus Safety and Research Security at Rice University. Before joining Rice University, Dr. Dao held various positions at the FBI, including work in the counterintelligence task force, classified briefings, and as a certified hostage negotiator.
The event was in a smaller setting, making it more intimate and interactive.
Dao noted that men are much likely to be “victims” of sexpionage than women, and the examples he offered, such as Lt. Col. Benjamin Bishop, bore that out. We also discussed the case of Robert Hanssen, although this was not a true “sexpionage” case.
Not all the cases, however, were as high profile as the above. In many cases, the “espionage” is the process of surreptitiously gaining access to professors’ academic research. Interestingly, Dao noted, many of the people who are seeking this information are doing it for the love of their native countries–despite the fact that they live in the United States and enjoy the opportunities the US affords them.
Dao, an immigrant himself, finds this behavior curious and ironic. While acknowledging flaws in the US culture, politics, and economic system, he praised the US for the opportunities it has offered him and his family.
This was one of the most enjoyable of the WACs we have attended, a sentiment we shared with Dr. Dao following his presentation.
Katz’s Deli
Following the WAC event, we stopped at Katz’s Deli, where we enjoyed various deli-type sandwiches, including a Lox sandwich, a Reuben…
On February 11, LEAP students again had the privilege of spending the day volunteering at the Walker County Senior Center, continuing a partnership that has become one of the most meaningful parts of our program. Each visit reminds us why community connections matter, and this Valentine’s-themed day was no exception.
One of our regular responsibilities is leading Bingo, which is always a highlight. On this day, Ashton Droll and Nataly Elizondo took the lead, and they did an excellent job!
We also spend time playing card games and board games with congregants, sitting at tables, listening to stories, and sharing laughs. These moments of conversation—about families, hobbies, and memories—help bring us together despite differences in age and other demographic characteristics.
This visit had a special Valentine’s Day twist. The room was decorated with hearts and splashes of red and pink, adding an extra layer of festivity to the afternoon. In addition to our usual activities, we had the honor of helping judge a Valentine’s Day coloring contest. The artwork was creative, colorful, and full of personality. Choosing winners was no easy task!
One of our fellow volunteers perfectly capped the day by bringing us some Valentines candy (as well as mentioning us in her prayer) and thanking us for our volunteerism. Of course, we were just as thankful for her volunteerism, while also genuinely grateful for her generosity.
It was a fitting end to a day that marks a pause in our visits to the Senior Center. Next month, we will see some of our friends at the Empty Bowls event at the Wynne Home, where we will be volunteering.
It is a fitting destination for us to meet our Senior Center friends. We did some of our bowls at the Senior Center (we did others at SHSU), and we spent time with the seniors who did their own bowls (such as the bowl above, done by Yolanda). Moreover, the proceeds for this event will go to the Meals on Wheels program, run by the Senior Center.
More important, it’s an environment that, like the Senior Center, brings the joy of community into people’s lives, including our own.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 