The LEAP Ambassadors have assisted the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at nine separate Wall-of-Honor celebrations. This one, honoring two fine men, was our favorite.
The honorees were Mac Woodward and Dan Beto, and their speeches, as well as the remarks by President White, Dean Li, and CHSS Advisory Board Chair Ron Gay were gracious and appropriate.
Our role was minimal: we assisted with the pre-dinner photos.
And we greeted people and helped direct guests to the staff or their tables. It was great to see many of the University and community VIPS: Judge Danny Pierce was there; as were Mayor Brauninger…
…Dean Shields, Provost Stephenson, Assistant Provost Galliard, Chris Tritico, Aron Kulhavy, Councilmember Russell Humphrey, and, as noted, President White. Indeed, the event had record attendance, a testament to the men being honored.
We sat with a great group: Aron Kulhavy, Blake Roach (a former LEAP Ambassador)…
…Cheryl Spencer and Joe Kirkland, Trent Shotwell, Karen and Wes Altom, and Gene, Celeste, and Jack Roberts.
One of the benefits of being a LEAP Ambassador is seeing friends at events, meeting new people, and getting to use recently learned etiquette tips (thank you Career Success Center!).
Following a cocktail hour–in which we did not participate–Chairman Gay introduced the event…
…turning the floor to President White.
As always, her remarks were brief and perfect for the occasion.
We enjoyed the fact that she highlighted the importance of these two gentlemen, making it clear this wasn’t just any Wall of Honor.
Following the President, Dean Li made a few remarks as well.
For many of us, this was our first time meeting Dean Li, and he was as we heard: friendly, supportive, and gracious.
All the remarks this evening fit the occasion.
And, of course, this included Chairman Gay, who was very nice to us, kept the evening moving, and is friends with the honorees–as are many! Mr. Beto was honored first, and his video–put together by Michael Foster–highlighted the many accomplishments in his career, including remarks by the Dean of College of Criminal Justice, Phillip Lyons.
While many know George Beto, Director of TDCJ during a formative period–the younger Beto has also accomplished much. He has been the Director of three state agencies, consults extensively across the globe, and has mentored many.
Beto’s remarks were short: he noted he was “honored,” complimented Mac on his accomplishment, and thanked many of the people he has worked with–including President Templeton.
It was a nice speech by a nice man.
Speaking of which, Mac Woodward’s video was also inspirational, with speakers including Judge Danny Pierce, former Council member Lydia Montgomery, and our advisor, Mike Yawn.
Recurring themes were leadership, duty, and community–themes Mr. Woodward echoed during his speech.
He thanked his family, “especially my wife, Leanne;” recognized the Museum staff, with whom he worked for many years and mentored; and thanked “Sam Houston,” without which, Texas would be a different place–and, of course, SHSU would, at the very least, be another institution entirely.
After the enjoyable evening, which included a very nice meal…
…we spoke to friends, chatted with the President…
…and congratulated the honorees.
Actually, we were the last ones to leave, but we left with full stomachs, warm hearts, and, thanks to Deanna Briones, some nice floral centerpieces!
The LEAP Ambassadors would like to thank Dean Li, Ms. Briones, Mr. Gay, and Chris Tritico for allowing us to participate in a very nice evening.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 