Every year, the staff at University Advancement and the faculty and staff across SHSU come together to promote giving back. In this case, the giving back is to SHSU, money that can be provided to students’ benefit. Such giving can include a scholarship account, an enrichment fund, or to a program such as the Reba Bock Closet or Tripod’s Thrift Store. To celebrate the culmination of this drive and the meeting of our (revised) goal, faculty and staff gathered in the Orange Ballroom to hear from a student (me!) and to recap the highlights.
Employees from every department at SHSU came together last fall to raise money. Over a two-month period, sixty percent of all employees at SHSU donated, giving money back to the University. Some of these did this through payroll deduction and others through a one-time donation. Either way, it’s appreciated.
In particular, I appreciate Chantel Finley, Riley Kleppelid, and Meggan Thompson for inviting me to be part of–and for helping me through–this process.
Dr. Roseanne Keathley kicked things off with introductory remarks, followed by a lunch.
The lunch was a wonderful mix of steak, chicken, and vegetables, with cake for a dessert, which we all enjoyed, while also engaging in pleasant conversation. I had a chance to sit with President White, whom I’ve met before, Dr. Keathley, Professor Yawn, and Vice-President Hernandez and Vice-President Holmes. It was a pleasure to meet new people, and I appreciate being invited to the event.
President White made appreciative remarks, thanking the faculty and staff for their donations–which raised more than $200,000.
She also thanked the committee and the University Advancement staff, who organized the effort.
Following additional remarks by Dr. Keathley, and an introduction by Professor Yawn, I was given the opportunity to thank some of those who have been helpful to me.
I have been blessed at SHSU, having rare opportunities, getting a great education, and earning some scholarships.
One of those scholarship is the Andrew and Ila Martinez Scholarship, and I’m not only grateful for this generosity, but also for the opportunity to meet the Martinez family.
It is this type of generosity that animated the crowd at the Ballroom, and the University Advancement team did a good job of recognizing those who participated. In particular, Debra McCall from Criminal Justice won the award for most years in a row giving (21!), the College of Osteopathic Medicine won for greatest improvement, University Advancement was recognized for 100 percent giving, and COSET was recognized for the highest dollar amount.
I found it to be a wonderful opportunity: meeting new people, seeing people I know and respect, and seeing people who care about their place of employment and the students. And, of course, it was wonderful to spend time with President White.
It was great to be part of the event, and I am sincerely grateful for all the faculty and staff do for the University.
Editor’s Note: Yvette Mendoza is a sophomore at SHSU majoring in Political Science. She works at Smither, Martin, Henderson, and she is the Vice-President of the LEAP Ambassadors. She aspires to be an attorney.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 
Could not be more proud! Thank you Sam Houston from the bottom of my heart for all the programs you have made available to my daughter and active students in order to open the door to endless and educational opportinities. Proud and honored to be a Sam Houston Mom!!
SHSU is a great university that educates and develops great young students who are our leaders and professionals of the future. Special thanks to the University President, Faculty & Staff & Professor Yawn for supporting such great programs. Yvette Mendoza (Vice Pres of LEAP) gave a great speech and is an amazing young lady and student at SHSU!