Highlighting Our Purpose on Founders Day

The Ambassadors are back together again! On April 22, 2017, the Ambassadors met atSHSU for a day full of presentations to learn more about the University on Founder’s Day.

LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, SHSU, Founders Day, Sam Houston Austin Internship Program

The day began with a presentation about the new Osteopathic Medicine Program at SHSU. University officials plan to build the medical center in Montgomery County. President Hoyt began her discussion, however, by introducing the Austin Interns….

LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, SHSU, Founders Day, Sam Houston Austin Internship Program

…before discussing her belief in this new Osteopathic program its capacity for stimulating growth at SHSU and meeting crucial medical needs in our region.

LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, SHSU, Founders Day, Sam Houston Austin Internship Program, President Dana Hoyt

The newly hired Dean of the Osteopathic College, Dr. Charles Henley, also joined the conversation.

LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, SHSU, Founders Day, Sam Houston Austin Internship Program, Dr. Charles Henley

He spoke about how Texas is in need of more medical students, and why SHSU can efficiently train such students, meeting the needs of the state. Noting that the program would be 100 percent self-funded, Dr. Charles did a great job at explaining the academic side of the college and how the program would work for future students.

After the program, Dr. Hoyt spent time with the LEAP Ambassadors…

LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, SHSU, Founders Day, Sam Houston Austin Internship Program

…discussing the Osteopathic program more, and also the goings-on in Austin.

LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, SHSU, Founders Day, Sam Houston Austin Internship Program

Next, we attended the Golden Circle Luncheon, where SHSU Alumni who graduated in 1967 or earlier gathered for lunch–alongside other alumni who were attending Founders Day.

LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, SHSU, Founders Day, Sam Houston AustiLEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, SHSU, Founders Day, Sam Houston Austin Internship Program Internship Program, Golden Circle Alumni

We had the opportunity to talk to many wonderful alumni who talked to us about SHSU and their careers after college. It was a great experience for us, because we had the opportunity to talk to people who came from different career paths than what we are considering.  We even had the chance to see an alum who graduated before 1950!

LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, SHSU, Founders Day, Sam Houston Austin Internship Program

As we enjoyed our conversations, the musical department provided some entertainment. The department offered a vivacious performance taken from their version of Hairspray. Viewing the comic choreography, where at one point the dancers invited guests to join them–including Mac Woodward.

LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, SHSU, Founders Day, Sam Houston Austin Internship Program

Following the Lunch, we headed to the Gaertner Performance Arts Center. There, we joined members of our community and presented the wonderful opportunities the Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics has to offer.

LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, SHSU, Founders Day, Sam Houston Austin Internship Program

The goal of our presentation was to inform community members of all the activities and subjects in which LEAP is involved.

LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, SHSU, Founders Day, Sam Houston Austin Internship Program

From visiting art museums around the country, to assisting local elected officials, to meeting intriguing authors, there is almost nothing a LEAP Ambassador would not participate in. As long as it promotes growth, education, and civic engagement, we will pursue any new experience.

LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, SHSU, Founders Day, Sam Houston Austin Internship Program

As we said goodbye to our guests, we all pondered on our accomplishments as an Ambassador and organization. With the Founder’s Day wrapping up, it was rewarding to consider our accomplishments as an appropriate way to honor our university.

Author: mikeyawn

Mike Yawn teaches at Sam Houston State University. In the past few years, he has taught courses on Politics & Film, Public Policy, the Presidency, Media & Politics, Congress, Statistics, Research & Writing, Field Research, and Public Opinion. He has published academic papers in the Journal of Politics, Political Behavior, Social Security Quarterly, Film & History, American Politics Review, and contributed a chapter to the textbook Politics and Film. He also contributes columns, news analysis, and news stories to newspapers such as the Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express News, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Stamford Advocate, Greenwich Time, Huron Daily Tribune, Laredo Morning Times, Beaumont Enterprise, Connecticut Post, and Midland Reporter Telegram. Yawn is also active in his local community, serving on the board of directors of the local YMCA and Friends of the Wynne. Previously, he served on the Huntsville's Promise and Stan Musial World Series Boards of Directors. In 2007-2008, Yawn was one of eight scholars across the nation named as a Carnegie Civic Engagement Scholar by the Carnegie Foundation.

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