More than 200 people attended the College of Criminal Justice’s (COCJ) Honor’s Convocation Ceremony, where the College recognized their best and brightest. Adding poignancy to the event were the many alumni on hand, many of whom had endowed scholarships in memory of loved ones.
Dean Lyons led the proceedings, highlight the many accomplishments of the College and its storied history…
…before turning it over to Associate Dean Danielle Boisvert.
Dean Boisvert then introduced dozens of scholarships and more than 100 students who earned those scholarships, with faculty, staff, and alumni on hand to provide students with plaques and recognition.
The scholarships included numerous undergraduates, one of whom was President of LEAP Ambassadors, Jessica Cuevas.
Ms. Cuevas, in addition to being a Smith-Hutson Scholar, was awarded the O.B. Ellis-J.P. Gibbs Scholarship.
This was an apt scholarship, in that Cuevas occasionally volunteers at the J. Phillips Gibbs “Old Town Theatre,” providing a connection to the scholarship.
Graduate students were also recognized, including many in the Ph.D. program. Students such as Meghan Royle, Jazmin Polacios, and Cristal Hernandez-Avalos were recognized for the had work and accomplishments they have made while in graduate school.
Ed Owens, an SHSU alum and former Deputy Executive Director of TDCJ…
…was also on hand to congratulate Joaquin Padron, who was given the “Edward Glenn Owens” Scholarship.
Owens graduated from SHSU with a Criminal Justice degree, as did his wife, Rissie, who also teaches in the Criminal Justice Department, drawing on her expertise in pardons and paroles to instruct students.
It was a wonderful event, packed with students benefitting from the generosity of alumni, donors, faculty, and staff, and highlighting the best of Sam Houston State University.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 