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.

Giving for a Great Cause: The Faculty and Staff Annual Giving Campaign

If it’s fall at Sam Houston State University, freshmen are getting their first taste of mid-terms, students are enjoying cooler weather, and the Annual Faculty and Staff Giving Campaign is likely heating up. In fact, it’s not only heating up, it kicked officially on Monday, October 9, 2023.

This year’s kickoff was more casual than in year’s past. This new tone is designed to encourage greater comfort and interactivity among the almost 100 SHSU faculty and staff who volunteer to raise funds–funds that go to the students of SHSU.

Master of Ceremonies Rosanne Keathley (the Campaign Chair) introduced the many key players…

along with comments from Mike Yawn (Faculty Chair), John Adams (Staff Chair),and Meggan Thompson.

All were in agreement that our students benefit from this campaign of giving. Last year, for example, faculty and staff donated $295,000! Donors can give through payroll deduction, by making a one-time gift, and they can pay by cash, check, or online (for more information, go here).

While any donation is welcome, the committee would particularly appreciate giving to the Bearkat Emergency Fund or the Friends of the Food Pantry; donations can also be given to any scholarship; to enrichment funds (don’t forget about Friends of LEAP!); or even to a membership in the Alumni Association.

The donations have, of course, a huge value to the students, who are the overwhelming beneficiaries of the funds. But these donations also have a multiplier effect. When a high percentage of faculty and staff give, the Vice President of University Advancement, Matt Bethea, or the University President, Alisa White, can make this point when asking donors for funds. In the past five years, for example, 72 percent of faculty and staff have donated, providing compelling evidence that the employees of SHSU believe heavily in the cause.

The campaign closes on December 15, and the committee hopes that we will have at least a 60 percent giving rate by that date.

Feel free to reach out to the Annual Giving Staff (Meggan Thompson–294-2401 or Chantel Finley–294-2402), Campaign Chair Rosanne Keathley (294-1711), Faculty Chair Mike Yawn (294-1456) or Staff Chair John Adams (294-2286).

Opening Doors: The MLK Community Center

The City of Huntsville has 26 parks covering more than 2,000 acres, but none is as important to the community as Emancipation Park on MLK Boulevard. Long a cornerstone of the Black community in Huntsville, it is used by all residents and, as Mayor Andy Brauninger noted, the park contains “the most utilized public building in Huntsville.”

After years of planning, resource acquisition, and construction, Emancipation Park added a new jewel in its crown, “The MLK Community Center”. Groundbreaking on this Community Center began in September 2022, and a year later, the doors opened for a celebration of a (mostly) completed Center that is, as many of the speakers noted, “for everybody.”

Background

Before it was a park, the land that is now Emancipation Park was used for hosting Juneteenth Celebrations and other community gatherings.

In 1933, R.A. Josey purchased land to be used by the community for recreation. In 1963, the land became an official city park. Over time, this became not just a neighborhood park, but also what the National Recreation and Parks Association describes as a “Community Park” which functions “on a large scale, serving the parks and recreation needs of an entire community.” Emancipation Park, at 10 acres, is the fourth-largest park in the City, and it is also one of the most developed, with amenities including basketball courts, picnic tables, playground area, horseshoe pits, and off-street parking for more than 100 vehicles.

But it was also showing its age and as the City was preparing its 2016….

MLK “Rec Center,” Pre-Renovation and Expansion

…Parks Master Plan, expansion and additional development at Emancipation Park was one of the six top priorities. With the acquisition of additional land, implementation of those goals began.

COVID interrupted that implementation, and it also drove up prices. But, as Parks employee George Perry observed, a “plan delayed is not a plan denied.”

Breaking Ground and Opening Doors

The Center’s opening reflects the work of many people and organizations. Multiple Councils approved parts of the funding and development of the Center; the Powell Foundation provided a grant; KABOOM provided support; the Parks Advisory Board offered key support; a Steering Committee guided efforts; and City staff worked for years on this program.

Many of those people were there for the October 9 ribbon cutting…

…with City Manager Aron Kulhavy; Steering Committee Chair Chris Tyson; Parks Advisory Board Chair Nate Grigsby; Community Praise Ministry Founder Vanetta Mills; Parks and Leisure Director Penny Joiner; former Parks Director Joseph Wiggs; long-time Parks employee George Perry; Mayor Andy Brauninger; Council Member Deloris Massey; and architect Charles Burditt speaking at the event.

The City and community members envisioned a Center that was, according to the Huntsville Item, “modern, functional, and aesthetically fitting for the purpose it will serve.”

So there were high hopes among the approximately 100 attendees as they walked through the doors to see the new building. What they saw did, in fact, reflect the aspirations of the planning committee, with a new stage, complete remodeling, and a building approximately twice the size of the original.

Although the building will not be open for reservations until November 1, this initial gathering for the ribbon cutting suggests that the building will live up to its potential. Not only was the crowd large, it was also diverse, with people from all walks of life on hand, suggesting that the entire community has a stake in the success of what has been aptly named a “Community Center.”

Coda

The ribbon cutting for the MLK Community Center comes days before Mayor Andy Brauninger will give his farewell address to the City, as his fourth term as Mayor draws to a close. But his comments at the groundbreaking a year ago are also fitting for the facility’s opening, appropriate to the spirit of the a Community Center, and a good reminder to public servants everywhere: “This is more than just a building. It’s a good day today. My heart feels good. I love this community, and when I am gone, I hope people remember that we built this together.”

Parks and Leisure Intern Cinthia Villarreal, Director Penny Joiner, and Recreation Coordinator Kristy Wheeler

Election Day Prep: Meeting the Candidates

Morgan Robertson

We are just one month away from Election Day (November 7, 2023) and there are some pretty important positions up for vote in Huntsville!

The Mayor’s seat is up for election, as well as 4 city council seats and 2 school board of Trustees seats. To educate ourselves, and to assist, LEAP Ambassadors attended the “Meet the Candidates” event put on by the Walker County Republican Party. Although hosted by the GOP, the candidates are all running for non-partisan positions, and it is in that nonpartisan spirit that we attended the event.

Attendees heard from the following individuals who will be on the ballot:

For the mayoral race, Candidates Russell Humphrey and John Jafreh…

Running unopposed for Ward 1, Tore Fossum…

For Ward 2, candidates Casey Cox and Yolanda Scott…

For Ward 3, Candidates Russell Barnett, Benjamin Sessions, and Anissa Antwine…

Running unopposed and for reelection, Jon Strong for Ward 4…

For Position 4 on the HISD School Board Ryan LeNorman and John Hendricks…

Running unopposed and for reelection, Cathy Schweitzer…for Position 5 on the HISD School Board.

To conclude the evening, Walker County Tax Assessor Diana McRae gave brief voter update and a reminder for voters to do their research ahead of time.

Thank you to all the candidates for speaking to attendees and good luck in November!

The Largest Country on Earth: Learning more about India

Macey Schank and Michelle Cardenas

In a world increasingly interconnected and dependent on international cooperation, understanding the intricacies of foreign relations and diplomacy has never been more crucial. To further explore the topic, World Affairs Council of Greater Houston (WAC) featured former United States Ambassador to India Kenneth I. Juster at ChampionX’s headquarters.

During his introduction, Jahan Jafarpour highlighted Ambassador Kenneth’s extraordinary career as Ambassador of the United States to the Republic of India.

He also mentioned Ambassador Juster’s extensive education and former occupation as a lawyer. Following Mr. Jafarpour’s remarks, Ronan O’Malley, the moderator for the evening, and Ambassador Juster took the stage.

To start the evening, Ambassador Juster began with an introduction of the U.S. and India’s complex foreign relationship over the years. He explained that India is a nonaligned country, meaning it works with many countries, including the U.S., but is not allied with any particular country. One explanation for this non-alliance is due to India’s geographic position, which offers India unique opportunities and challenges.

India’s emergence as a nonallied global power has made it the bridge between the West and the global South. The recent formation of the BRICS nations, Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa further emphasizes this point. Ambassador Juster mentioned some of the concerns that came with the formation of BRICS. He believes this group can serve as a warning to the U.S. to strengthen foreign relations as the world begins to seek a shift in power moving away from a more Western-dominated world.

Ambassador Juster focused on the importance of India’s growing economy and what this means for the future of the country. Under Prime Minister Modi and his more direct economic approach, India is currently one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Countries like the U.S. and China are eager to work with India, despite their complex history, and in China’s case, a fostering sense of mistrust. Ambassador Juster expressed that the U.S.-India foreign relations is currently “one of the most consequential relations.”

Ending the night with the Q&A portion of the evening…

… we were able to learn more about Ambassador Juster’s role and what being Ambassador to India entails. Ambassador Juster describes the role as similar to that of a mayor who is responsible for all Americans and U.S. affairs inside the country, ranging from American schoolchildren, visas, intelligence, to the occasional arrested tourist. The role of ambassador is a multifaceted position that requires diplomatic finesse, cultural acumen, and a steadfast commitment to representing one’s country on the global stage.

The final question of the night was asked by Professor Yawn, who wanted to know who Ambassador Juster believes to be the most effective politician he has worked with, in which he notes former President George H. W. Bush and Jim Baker. In fact, he refers to this administration as the “Golden Age of Foreign Relations” due to its many triumphs.

Namaste

To follow the evening’s theme, corresponding with Ambassador Juster’s ties to the Republic of India, we decided to indulge in some Indian cuisine for dinner.

Olivia found an incredible restaurant named Namaste that proved to be absolutely delicious! Our server, Kledisa, ensured we made the most of our meal and recommended an array of a delicious dishes for us to try.

We started with some ginger garlic chicken and samosas for our appetizers. The table was laden with a variety of entrees, such as chicken butter masala, korma, madras goat pepper curry, chettinad with paneer, and roast chicken biryani, paired with naan bread and rice.

Namaste introduced us to a new and delightful experience with exceptional dishes and impeccable service. It truly was the perfect conclusion to yet another successful WAC event!

Law Schools Ask: To ChatGPT or not to ChatGPT?

ChatGPT was released for public use on November 30, 2022. Because law firms are starting to use ChatGPT, some law schools, such as the University of Tulsa College of Law, are incorporating how to use ChatGPT ethically into their law school required legal research and writing courses.

There is no consensus among law schools, however, regarding the issue of allowing applicants to use ChatGPT in the law school admissions process, especially in the personal statement requirement. Dean Sue Ann McClellan, Assistant Dean of Admissions at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, explains that the Memphis law school now asks applicants to acknowledge that the personal statement is their own work product and that the applicant did not utilize AI/ChatGPT. The University of Michigan University Law School bans ChatGPT in law school applications. In contrast, Arizona State University Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law allows law school applicants to use ChatGPT in their law school applications, including in their personal statements. Arizona State’s law school requires that law school applicants must disclose if they used AI tools, similar to the requirement to acknowledge if they used a professional consultant.

Interestingly, Troy Lowry, Senior Vice President of Technology Products at lsac.org, compared law school applicants’ personal statements with the proctored, timed LSAT writing samples written by the same students. Lowry found that “AI managed to predict correctly better than two-thirds of the time whether the author was the same or not and provided reasons to support its predictions.”

Therefore, what are the best practices for a law school applicant regarding the issue of using ChatGPT?

First, an applicant should always review and follow the policy regarding use of ChatGPT for each law school to which the student is applying. Secondly, and most importantly, understand that your personal statement, written by you as opposed to ChatGPT, will be more authentic because it is your unique story. Your personal statement will allow the law school admissions committee to understand, and remember, the real you.

Just imagine, if Taylor Swift chose ChatGPT to write her songs instead of writing her own songs, would Billboard Magazine be announcing that Taylor Swift now holds the all-time record for the most #1 hits on Billboard’s Pop Radio Chart?

The Formative Years of Charles Jones: The Wynne Home Speaker Series

By Olivia Discon

The Wynne Home Arts Center is a pillar in the Huntsville community in promoting the arts and civic engagement. It is always a pleasure to attend the many events the Wynne Home has throughout the year, and we have especially enjoyed their Speaker Series. Starting off the fall with its first presenter, Charles Jones, a jack of all trades of the arts, gave a glimpse into his impressive work.

Following an introduction by Joe Kirkland, Jones shared how the nature of Huntsville–where he was raised–fostered his perception of community and artistic inspiration.

We had the opportunity to view a comprehensive showcase of Jones’ work through a presentation, which consisted of prints, sketches, and woodcuts. These pieces captured the essence of his passion for philosophy and the human condition.

He attributed his love of the arts to his family, as his parents encouraged him to refine the skills of what he excelled and enjoyed in his childhood. Whether it was music, literature, or art, Jones followed what he was interested in.

Charles Jones put it simply: “Art is powerful; it allows you to participate in things”. It’s a reminder that art is an active experience, inviting us to join in the rich tapestry of human expression.

Angela Robinson and Nancy Gaertner helped close the program, but many people stayed around to learn more…

…including us.

This experience allowed the audience to both appreciate Huntsville’s roots and how far it has come.

While many things have changed over the course of time, the dedicated community that champions the arts has remained unwavering. We greatly appreciate the Wynne Home’s strides in providing enriching events to our community, and look forward to the speakers to come!

Seeing Huntsville with New Eyes

This is one of nine articles written about “things to do in Huntsville” from the perspective of students at Sam Houston State University. In addition to this article, you can see others in this series, which cover restaurants in Huntsville here and here, Bearkat Football, the Wynne Home, the Texas Prison Museum, Eastham-Thomason Park, the City’s Christmas Fair, and the Sam Houston Memorial Museum.

Many SHSU students spend four years in Huntsville without actually exploring Huntsville. As it turns out, though, Huntsville has a lot to do and see, whether you are a weekend visitor or an SHSU student who calls Huntsville home. As LEAP Ambassadors, we are pretty familiar with the community, but we wanted to be more systematic in our exploration. So we set out to do monthly explorations of Huntsville.

Where would we begin? The Statue and Visitor Center, of course!

Many people may know there is a large statue on I=45, but some do not know the City’s visitor center is almost literally at the foot of that statue. With a quick exit from the highway, passersby can learn a bit about the community and its notable sites. On hand is a group of dedicated City staff, who will point visitors to Huntsville attractions, highlight aspects of the community’s rich culture and history, direct tourists to myriad outdoor activities, or recommend some of the city’s culinary options.

There are also a variety of local goods and products, perfect for shopping for a visitor to town or a long-time resident.

But while you are there, David Adickes’ “A Tribute to Courage,” a 67-foot sculpture of Sam Houston, is a must-see! Not only is the statue a marvel to see at the ground level…

…but it’s also interesting to see some familiar names among the bricks that were purchased to support the project. We were able to see local names familiar to us–including a LEAP Ambassadors’ brick!

More importantly, we were able to see bricks purchased by Governor George W. Bush, President George H.W. Bush, President Lech Walesa, of Poland, and a relative of Sam Houston!

According to the good folks at the Visitor Center, there’s even a marriage proposal among the bricks.

And while there, we were literally able to get in to Sam Houston’s head…

…and see Huntsville in a whole new light. Tune in next month, to see where we go in our year-long exploration of Huntsville.

Main Street Touch-A-Truck and More!

Jessica Cuevas

If it’s the beginning of Fall, Touch-A-Truck is soon occurring! This free event is for the young and young at heart, allowing residents to interact with and learn about the vehicles that allow a community to operate. While half of the team of LEAP Ambassadors were at the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin, the other half stayed back and volunteered for this event.

This year, the new Main Street Director, Rebekah Kolb, added her own spin to this event by having other activities for the children to enjoy such as bouncy houses, rock wall, photo-op, and a dunking booth that allowed them to dunk many of the City of Huntsville’s respected employees, including the City Manager Aron Kulhavy.

As a former Main Street Intern, I helped at the Main Street Table in Rather Park, giving out promotional items while Michelle was able to run around downtown and release her inner child as she took photographs.

There was no shortage of vehicles in “display:” they ranged from construction…

…to police cars and SWAT, including SHSU’s newest and coolest PD Vehicle (SWAT!)…

…to fire trucks and EMS…

….monster truck….

….and many more!

Michelle had trouble picking her favorite. Ultimately, it was a three-way tie between the “huge monster truck, Huntsville PD’s Pitbull x (SWAT truck), and the Fire Trucks.” She mentioned how amazing it was to learn about all the different vehicles and their specific roles in the community. However, her favorite part was getting to see some familiar faces and important city figures such as the City of Huntsville’s Mayor; Andy Brauninger!

Although, the vehicles and big trucks are always a big HIT, the dunking booth was just as much of a big hit, especially when City Manager Kulhavy was up to be dunked. Many of the children, volunteers, and even Mayor Brauninger and Mrs. Brauninger waited much of the day to line up and dunk him! Michelle and I may have also been eagerly awaiting this opportunity…

Thank you to Rebekah, Angela, and all those who participated in making Touch-A-Truck a great event. It is always nice to see the community come together in events like these and run into lovely familiar faces.

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