SHAIP Lunch & Learn: Insights at the Texas State University System Office
by Cinthia Villarreal
With a few days of Capitol work under our belts, the SHAIP interns attended our first lunch-and-learn at the Texas State University System (TSUS) administrative headquarters, O. Henry Hall. The building, formerly a Post Office, Federal Court House, and University of Texas System headquarters is a historical and educational marvel in and of itself, making for an excellent site to learn more about the capital of Texas.
We had the privilege of sharing lunch with Chancellor Brian McCall, Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations Sean Cunningham, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations Johanna Sheffield, Vice Chancellor for Academic & Health Affairs John Hayek, Director of External Relations Malú González, and Vice Chancellor for Marketing & Communications Mike Wintemute. Joining us were LEAP students Macey Schank, Michelle Moya, and TSUS Student Regent Olivia Discon.
Chancellor McCall explained the role TSUS has throughout the legislative process, including the vitality of state funds the system receives. Vice Chancellor Hayek also shared a few fascinating facts, noting that TSUS, established in 1911, was the first higher education system in Texas. It now serves over 95,000 students across seven institutions, including Sam Houston State University.
A highlight of the lunch was hearing from Vice Chancellor Cunningham, who reflected on his own internship experience working for then-Representative McCall, giving us valuable perspective on how these opportunities can shape careers.
After lunch, Assistant Vice Chancellor Sheffield took us to the TSUS balcony, where we enjoyed a stunning view of Austin’s lively downtown.
We are sincerely grateful to the TSUS leadership for taking the time to meet with us, share their insights, and offer their support as we begin our journey.
Learning from Leaders: Melva Gomez and Steve Munisteri
by Olivia Discon
Following our visit to the Texas State University System (TSUS), the LEAP Ambassadors had the privilege of meeting with Melva Gomez, a former LEAP Ambassador who has risen to impressive heights in her career. Melva recently transitioned from her role as Chief of Staff for Representative Caroline Harris to serving as a Legislative Liaison in Governor Greg Abbott’s office.
Congratulations to Melva on this remarkable achievement! As current LEAP Ambassadors, we found it inspiring to see the impact of Sam Houston State University alumni in such important roles within the Capitol.
Pictured: Melva Gomez and Mac Woodward, 2012
During our visit, we admired a Tom Lea painting in the Governor’s Office—a nod to Texas history—before heading to Steve Munisteri’s office.
Munisteri, who has an incredible career spanning politics, martial arts, and now serving as Senior Advisor to the Governor’s Office, shared fascinating stories and artifacts with us. He graciously showed us a bit around his office, which was lined with incredible artifacts spanning his career. We were amazed at the opportunity!
A Quick Tour of the Texas Capitol
by Macey Schank
Visiting the Capitol was the highlight of my trip, especially since it was my first time there. As soon as I stepped inside, I was struck by the building’s beauty and the meticulous attention to detail, right down to the custom door hinges. Every element of the design brings attention to the Capitol’s historic significance, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Austin.
During my tour, I had the opportunity to visit several important spaces, including the House of Representatives and the Senate chambers. It was so cool to stand in places where many important decisions have been, and continue to be, made.
Pictured: LEAP Students in the Texas House of Representatives
One neat part of the visit was discovering multiple iterations of Sam Houston, including a portrait of him hanging in the Capitol in recognition of his time as Governor of Texas. As a student at Sam Houston State University, it was especially meaningful to see these tributes to such an important figure in Texas history, which of course we had to take a selfie with!
It filled me with a sense of pride to be attending a school named after such a remarkable man.
Overall, my visit to the Capitol was an unforgettable experience. I had a great time exploring the building and learning about its history and the important work that takes place inside.
ASTI Trattoria
by Michelle Moya
To finish off our short but eventful Austin trip, we ended with a dinner at ASTI Trattoria to celebrate the SHAIP interns before their busy session ahead! The moment we stepped inside, the restaurant’s warmth and soft lighting truly cultivated the vibe of the restaurant perfectly. Notably, the kind of cozy that promises the Italian hospitality making you forget about the freezing Austin weather entirely!
We kicked off our feast with appetizers that set the tone for the night. We ordered the stuffed mushrooms and the polpetti. While mushrooms aren’t usually my thing, even I had to admire their presentation. Polpetti, being comprised of meatballs, came drenched in a rich red sauce that beautifully displayed a proper introduction to ASTI’s commitment to authentic Italian flavors!
When it came to main courses, our table truly showcased everyone’s love for pasta. Three of our group—Olivia, Cinthia, and Michelle—chose the Rigatoni Amatriciana, each plate crowned with a shower of freshly grated cheese.
Saara decided to branch out and get the Capellini Neopolitano, and Macey and Sarah synchronized their orders with the spaghetti carbonara, while Professor Yawn went for the Lasagna Rotolo, which, at first glance, I mistook for soup. I veered off the pasta path and chose the grilled rainbow trout. It came perched atop sweet potato ricotta gnocchi—which truly was great! The lemon on the side really pulled it together.
Dessert was where things got interesting. This is where we decided to venture out and ordered a little bit of everything: a Ricotta Brulee that put an Italian spin on the French classic, an Affogato, which is coffee and ice cream mixed, a classic Tiramisu, and a homemade ice cream topped with chocolate syrup. Thanks to past LEAP events I’ve attended, I’ve developed quite the palate for crème brûlée variations, but that Tiramisu? I have to give it to the Tiramisu for the night.
We capped off the evening with a photo alongside Chef Bryan Beneke, the prime mover behind our feast. As far as farewell dinners go, ASTI Trattoria proved that nothing brings people together quite like good company and great food. The SHAIP interns might be heading into a busy session, but at least they’re going with full hearts and a happy stomach!
After four educationally filled days in New Orleans, it is time to reflect on our favorites adventures in New Orleans.
Saffron was a hit amongst the group, being their highest ranked restaurant!
There was so much food variety that is no clear favorite, but the Chicken Lasooni and the Ginger Creme Brulee from Saffron would be the closest to it.
The Besthoff Sculpture Garden was the most talked about attraction in NOLA!
But Chrissy thoroughly enjoyed the World War II Museum, making it her favorite.
Now when it came to the educational sessions held by the Council of State Government Conference everyone was impressed by the Civil Discourse Strategies session.
Michelle also learned a whole lot from the session detailing U.S. Supreme Court Updates, while Chrissy and Olivia got lost in the future with the Smart States session.
But we learned from all our adventures, packing in as much as possible in a four-day trip–the LEAP way.
Creating Common Ground: Civil Discourse Strategies
by Michelle Moya
In the heart of New Orleans, we were looking forward to our second day of the CSG conference with enthusiasm and optimism. We woke ready for another day with an itinerary loaded with much exploration, walking, and cultivating visual art of the “city that never sleeps.” Fueled by coffee from Fourth Wall, we hurried off to our first session of the day!
Our second day at the CSG conference was a masterclass on civic debate and leadership. The session, “Creating Common Ground: Civil Discourse Strategies,” led by NICD Executive Director Keith Allred (who, unintentionally, made me wonder if he was related to Colin Allred), transformed what could have been a dry lecture into a riveting analysis of historical decision-making.
With his professor’s precision, he drew a sharp contrast between two watershed periods in Kennedy’s presidency: the Bay of Pigs disaster and the Cuban Missile Crisis to illustrate his points. These weren’t just history teachings; rather, they were contrasting examples of how government officials should approach their decision-making. While this may not sound so interesting on a Friday morning, that session was the greatest one!
Allred began by describing the split of effective conversation inside contemporary governments, which is mostly due to a significant unbalanced change in political parties. However, his nonpartisan approach is effective in all areas of government and in our daily lives. He briefly outlined the Bay of Pigs disaster, as well as the administrative initiatives and coordination they took to come to it. The result? A catastrophic failure that lasted mere days but left an indelible mark on American history. The culprit was not just poor planning—it was the silence of those who knew better but chose not to speak. While the majority opposed the plan, they failed to share honest views, which was taken as a “green light” for JFK to go with the plan. The lack of communication and interpersonal contentions resided in the decision-making process, which ended in disaster only 3 days after the plan went into effect.
Allred soon shifted his focus to how they should have handled the situation and why it ultimately became a disaster. He accomplished this using the Cuban Missile Crisis, where a different approach would save America from the brink of nuclear disaster. The “commonsense sweet spot,” as Allred refers to it, is built on three pillars: embracing contrasting perspectives, avoiding the stampede effect, and navigating interpersonal tensions.
Through compelling footage from “13 Days,” we witnessed the transformation from Day 1’s despair to Day 2’s advancement, led by Robert Kennedy’s courage to voice dissent. We were able to understand the audience’s viewpoints and the lessons learned from Allred’s participatory approach, which helped us make wise conclusions. My favorite portion was undoubtedly this, and it has even inspired me to put the film on my “watch next” list!
The session closed with a powerful message that resonates beyond government powers: “There is something immoral about abandoning your own judgment.” In an era of increasing polarization, these words carry special weight. People elect officials for their judgment, not their ability to follow the crowd. Like great coffee, great decisions are best made when they are bold, well thought out, and discussed with people who aren’t scared to voice their concerns.
Washington Watch: What States Can Expect from the Next Congress and Administration
by Chrissy Biello
With a new administration moving into the White House, many are predicting the future of the country. Because of this, the next session, “Washington Watch: What States Can Expect from the Next Congress and Administration,” posed a high amount of interest for us to gain insight from. The speaker, William Crozer, is the Co-Head of BGR’s Bipartisan State and Local Advocacy Practice. Moreover, from 2018-2021, Crozer served as the Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs (IGA) in the Trump-Pence Administration, highlighting he has a wealth of experience to discuss the upcoming Congress and the new administration.
Crozer began by speaking on his past role in the White House Office of IGA, noting that during the pandemic, he “ran the local Covid calls from the White House,” making it likely that he spoke with individuals in the room. However, they are probably unaware of this since there was not much face-to-face contact. This being the case, he was coined the “emailer in chief,” sending various information to the state, local, and tribal officials.
Pivoting to the upcoming administration, Crozer spotlighted what he believes to be the “day one priorities” for President-elect Donald Trump. He maintained that it boils down to key issues: trade, taxes, the economy, and immigration. Further, that SNAP Pilot Programs will be a significant focus.
When the moderator asked about the executive orders Biden passed, Crozer stated that “everything will be on the chopping block; Biden repealed Trump’s executive orders.” He then hypothesized that the most likely roll backs will be those that are high spending, such as the CHIPS Act; thus, President Biden is dispersing as many awards as possible.
Speaking on partisanship, he stated that the “red states are getting redder, and the blue states are getting bluer,” remarking that some state governor’s will attempt to challenge Trump on executive orders. He gave the example of Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, which many were not surprised to hear. Nonetheless, he emphasized that the legislatures in the room should engage with the Trump Administration, no matter what side of the party line they are on.
Transitioning to a humorous anecdote from his time in the White House, he described that when sending invitations to municipal mayors to travel to DC, many thought it was a “Russian Hoax.” The room filled with smirks and chuckles; however, Crozer quickly commented how this displays the lack of outreach to state and local officials. To end on a light note, he closed the conversation by asserting that if someone in the room receives something from the White House, it is likely not spam. But, he ensured to clarify that the White House will never ask for a person’s Social Security Number!
Lunch Break at Cafe Reconcile
by Michelle Moya
After two great sessions, we headed to try another great taste! In New Orleans’ Central City neighborhood, we were successfully able to go to Café Reconcile. As requested by Professor Yawn, we did some research into the café and its history. To our surprise, this place was not just serving up amazing food—it was serving up hope and opportunities for young adults in NOLA.
While the food was absolutely amazing, what actually distinguishes Café Reconcile is that it is a non-profit that uses its program to alter the lives of young people. Upon being seated, we saw that the restaurant featured various frames showcasing these students’ lives, including their personal aspirations and triumphs, which was quite encouraging. When you eat here, you’re supporting a program that helps young adults ages 16-24 kick-start their careers in various industries. We collectively agreed that we need something like this in Huntsville. Imagine having a restaurant that not only serves amazing food but also gives young people in our community real career opportunities and life skills. This little touch of history enhanced the overall experience and made it more delightful!
Now, moving on to the food, I kept with my borderline seafood fixation and ordered their catfish plate with veggies. To my surprise, the veggies stole the shine on my plate (never thought I’d say that). The catfish was great too! It came with an incredibly colorful side salad that popped with personality thanks to these vibrant radishes that made the whole plate “Instagram-worthy.”
LEAP Ambassadors Olivia and Chrissy shared this plate of jerk chicken that resembled a Thanksgiving turkey—or as Professor Yawn joked, perfect for “eating for two.” They ordered potato salad and the mac and cheese, which they mentioned, had them fighting over the last bites. Speaking of Professor Yawn, he went classic with red beans and rice, while Stephanie tackled a traditional New Orleans po’boy and this sweet potato crumb that she would not stop raving about and sharing—bless her.
For the grand dessert? A banana bread pudding that had everyone at the table seemed to enjoy (except me) team no bananas here.
Next time you’re in NOLA, skip the tourist traps and head to Café Reconcile. The food and service was amazing, the portions are generous, and best of all? Your money goes toward helping young people build better futures. This was a great experience and gave me a grasp of the great food New Orleans had to offer!
Cybersecurity in Focus: Assessing and Mitigating Risks of Cyberattacks Against State Governments and Critical Infrastructure
by Olivia Discon
Our last session for the day, and ultimately, for our time at the conference, was Cybersecurity in Focus: Assessing and Mitigating Risks of Cyberattacks Against State Governments and Critical Infrastructure.
We were fortunate to hear from three panelists; Brad Manuel, Jing de Jong-Chen, and Dr. Mike Garcia, each providing an individual presentation from their respective backgrounds on prioritizing cyber resiliency.
Brad Manuel, Region IV’s Cybersecurity State Coordinator for the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) took the podium first to discuss cyber infrastructure and “Best Practices”.
Having formerly worked as a Chief Information Officer for a state agency and contributed several statues to state legislatures on cybersecurity, he is a huge proponent of everyone in organizations holding stake in risk management and cyber hygiene practices.
Jing de Jong-Chen, current Senior Associate at CSIS and former executive at the External and Legal Affairs Division at Microsoft Co., focused on Supply Chain and Policy Alignment. She emphasized the importance of executive orders and strategic partnerships with federal agencies to enhance cybersecurity frameworks. Jing also highlighted the need for investment in IT modernization and fostering a resilient ecosystem through public-private partnerships. Her approach centered on integrating security into every layer of the supply chain, prioritizing cultural awareness, and creating holistic assessments to identify vulnerabilities. She also discussed the critical role of real-time monitoring and compliance attestations in maintaining system integrity.
Dr. Mike Garcia, Senior Elections and Security Person, Center for Internet Security, closed the panel with an in-depth look at the global impact of cybersecurity risks, focusing on international cooperation and domestic investment. He stressed the importance of adapting to rapidly evolving threats by fostering relationships in the field and engaging with vendors to align their goals with long-term resilience strategies. Dr. Garcia also addressed lessons learned from incidents like SolarWinds, emphasizing the value of competition and diversification in creating robust defense mechanisms.
As state governments increasingly rely on digital infrastructure, the discussions reinforced the urgent need to integrate proactive security measures to mitigate cyber security risks.
The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden
by Olivia Discon
My favorite aspect of the LEAP experience is the opportunity to improve our cultural literacy. One way this is achieved is through reinforced exposure to key artists in various places across the country. New Orleans’ city-owned park was a perfect iteration of the LEAP experience, as it is home to the Besthoff Sculpture Garden.
There were some heavy hitters immediately upon entry. Roy Lichtenstein was featured at the front of the museum.
In addition to that we saw a Louise Bourgeois’ Spider…
…alongside works by, Robert Indiana, Jaume Plensa, and Claus Oldenburg.
As we continued exploring, we encountered works by Henry Moore and, to our delight, an Isamu Noguchi piece. The collection also included unexpected surprises such as Renoir and Rodin—names often associated with painting or smaller sculptures, but here showcased in a new context. Jesus Moroles, SHSU alumni and LEAP favorite artist, is also featured in this collection.
One artist I didn’t recognize but thoroughly enjoyed was Do-Ho Suh. His sculpture, a stack of figures resembling a spinal cord, was visually striking to me.
Michelle and Chrissy were drawn to two particular sculptures. One, Leandro Erlich’s Too Late for Help, featured an interesting hidden ladder to a gateway.
They were especially caught up in the physics of how such a sculpture could exist. The other, Rona Pondick’s Monkeys, had a strange, morphing form that they initially thought depicted humans or dogs—until Stephanie pointed out we were mistaken.
We also saw kinetic sculptures by George Rickey, whose moving parts added a dynamic element to the collection, and a work by Deborah Butterfield…
…and George Segal. Of course, no trip to New Orleans would be complete without encountering a Blue Dog piece by George Rodrigue.
On our way out, there was one final surprise—a sculpture by René Magritte (one of my favorite artists). Although the work differed from his typical surrealist paintings, it was an unexpected and satisfying way to end the visit.
The beautiful Spanish Moss was the excellent backdrop for these amazing works.
Oceana Grill
by Chrissy Biello
After exploring the French Quarter, we headed to Oceana Grill, a popular restaurant favored by both tourists and locals! Known for its contemporary Louisiana dishes, the restaurant offered a new set of choices to those of us that have not had much experience with New Orleans cuisine.
Alligator Bites was the relatively new item for the table, a food I had tried before and reassured Olivia tasted much like chicken. To her surprise, she did not hate it; however, I would definitely say she would not order it again if given the opportunity.
When it came time to order our main courses, Olivia shocked the table by ordering Cajun Jambalaya Pasta, which contains shrimp! For those that do not know Olivia, the pasta part is not unexpected, but the shrimp part is. She noted that the “dish was very flavorful, and it drowned out the shrimp.” Needless to say, she left the restaurant still not a fan of shrimp.
Michelle also dabbled in a little bit of experimentation. Her meal, the Blackened Chicken Platter, was served with Jambalaya, a dish she had never heard of. However, I ended up being the boring one of the group by ordering something I have had several times in the past, Crawfish Etouffee.
When making our choices for dessert, we were experiencing a shared sweet tooth and decided to order three! The desserts included La Boheme Crème Brûlée, New Orleans Bread Pudding, and the Chocolate Kahlua Mousse. After finishing off all of them, we had a slow but satisfied walk back to our hotel for the night.
Council of State Governments National Conference- Day One!
by Michelle Moya
After what felt like the longest drive on Wednesday night, we woke bright and early to start an insightful couple of days at the CSG National Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. For Olivia and me, stepping into this culturally rich state for the first time promised fresh perspectives and a new experience!
Starting off day one, we began with an engaging session with Waldo Jaquith from U.S. Digital Response, addressing one of state governments’ most pressing challenges: successful software system implementation.
His presentation structure was particularly compelling, starting with a “what not to do” story from Rhode Island (spoiler alert: it didn’t go well), followed by data statistics, and then shifting focus to actionable strategies that government officials could implement in their own jurisdictions to avoid outcomes like these.
The real takeaway? When he broke down why we need to ditch the most used Waterfall method for the Agile software integration method. We were all struck by the wealth of knowledge shared, and it ended up being Chrissy and Olivia’s favorite session of the day!
After a debriefing discussion among us all, we hurried into our next session. Next up was the issue everyone is currently buzzing about—AI in government. We had a diverse panel with three totally different perspectives: a Professor Neil Kleiman (bringing academic wisdom)…
…Michael Mattmiller, an Microsoft US Government Affairs Industry Team Lead…
…and Amy Hille Glasscock, with the National Association of State Chief Information Officers!
This session was particularly different and interesting because they weren’t feeding us that “AI is taking over” narrative. Instead, it was all about how AI can make government officials better at what they do. Coming to the end of the session, one key takeaway was the emphasis on AI improving people’s efficiency rather than replacing them. Its effectiveness is based on how well its intelligence complements our own. After insightful perspectives from the speakers, we were even able to snag a picture afterwards!
A Quick Lunch Break at Elizabeth’s
by Chrissy Biello
Following the morning conference sessions, we headed to Elizabeth’s Restaurant, an authentic New Orleans eatery. Upon arriving, Olivia noticed that many colorful signs on the walls displayed the phrase, “Be Nice or Leave!,” a popular adage in New Orleans. Stephanie explained to the group that this saying was created and illustrated by the local artist, Dr. Bob. The vibrancy of the restaurant and the matching neighborhood allowed for us to get a glimpse of New Orleans outside of the French Quarter.
When it came time to order appetizers, we got a great balance of foods that highlighted the diversity of New Orleans flavors. The options included praline bacon, Korean brussel sprouts, and fried boudin balls.
Every one of them was great; however, we all have our favorites. I especially enjoyed the praline bacon…
…and Korean brussels sprouts, as did Olivia!
After filling up on appetizers, we went on to our main courses. Olivia and I shared the chicken and sausage gumbo (which was Olivia’s first).
As Elizabeth’s is famous for their breakfast food, Michelle got the veggie scramble…
…and Professor Yawn and Stephanie had “Crabby Eggs,” including crab cakes, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce.
For their side, they had the grits, which sparked a conservation about the famous movie, My Cousin Vinny.
And, of course, we ensured to get an order of the beignet biscuits! Served with a side of maple syrup, this dessert was filled with much nostalgia as I had it years prior on a past trip to New Orleans. Leaving Elizabeth’s, we headed back to the conference for another session!
U.S. Supreme Court Update: Implications for State Policymakers
by Michelle Moya
As a finisher, and after a fulfilling meal at Elizabeth’s, we attended our last session. This one being one I was particularly excited for, rightfully so, as it proved to be my personal favorite. Thankfully, we got there early, which allowed us to engage in meaningful dialogue with the speaker, Michael Lawlor, about our personal ambitions and the LEAP program!
Highlighting the session, it spanned various contemporary issues, from gun rights to freedom of speech and social media regulations. He spoke on cases the Supreme Court is currently deciding on and ones from last term.
We were surprised to see that many of the cases going before the Supreme Court pertained to social media practices. This goes to show the impact modern technology has had everywhere, even on government decisions! We all showed major interest in two cases dominantly, Lindke v. Freed from the 2023 term and Smith and Wesson Brands v. Estados Unidos Mexicanos.
Ogden Museum of Art
by Olivia Discon
To continue our educational pursuits in New Orleans, we ventured on to Ogden Museum of Southern Art. The museum prides itself on providing a large, comprehensive collection of Southern art, which served as the perfect place for us to learn more about the city’s cultural offerings.
Before entering the museum, we were greeted with a massive James Surls sculpture! The cast bronze and stainless steel sculpture, known as Me, Knife, Diamond and Flower, was an incredible iteration of his distinguishable style.
LEAP Students with a James Surl’s art piece at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art
Having seen his work several times now, I am quite a fan! Surls continues to be a LEAP favorite, as a distinguished Sam Houston State University alumni and excellent Texas artist.
There was a wide variety of contemporary art exhibits. Admittedly, some of them perplexed me. The first gallery we entered featured a multimedia installation called stream or river, flight or pattern by Joan Jonas. With bird-like kites fixed to the ceiling, paintings, and a few films playing consecutively throughout the room, the group was determined to decipher its meaning.
After some perusing and ultimately admitting defeat, we read that the comprehensive work is meant to reflect our interactions with nature.
Naturally, we moved on to the next gallery.
A newfound artist we enjoyed was Benny Andrews, although the pieces we respectively enjoyed differed. Andrews had various styles and mediums in this gallery, which made for an interesting sample of his work. Chrissy liked a piece called Destiny, Destruction, and Despair…
…Professor Yawn enjoyed a 1994 Baptism Study…
…and I personally liked Keep Your Eyes on the Acrobats.
In the meantime, Michelle had made some headway through the galleries, proceeding to find what would become her favorite piece in the museum: Uptown Street by Lulu King Saxon. Michelle, who is relatively new to the art scene, learned that she takes to nature scenes–and large scenes at that!
Chrissy, on the other hand, prefers Impressionist paintings. Her favorite appeared to be Joseph Meeker’s Bayou Plaquemines; a pink-casted sunset falling over a swampy landscape.
My personal favorite, oddly enough, was a George Rodrigue painting that was not a Blue Dog variant. Instead, it was a painting called The Aioli Dinner, known as his “Cajun masterpiece”.
We then went on to Baldwin Lee’s photography exhibit, which was especially enjoyable. Lee, in the 1980’s, set off on an artistic journey to retrace the photos taken by his mentor, Walker Evans, in the 1940’s American South. Placing a focus on Black Americans as his subject matter, the photos and their strategic composition invoke the viewer to contemplate themes of poverty and hardship. We were fascinated by his experience on this expedition and impressed with his results. Many of his subjects, such as Untitled, 1983-1989, were complete strangers he approached along his journey.
Some of our favorites were Mobile, Alabama…
…New Orleans, Louisiana…
…and Waterproof, LA.
“Looking is a two-way street. Not only is the photographer looking, but the potential subject is looking too. What the subject sees carries great weight. For some reason, people would see me positively. I am not sure if it was my race, gender, physicality, dress, demeanor, or anything else. If in a day I asked twenty people permission to make photographs, nineteen would say yes.”
In all, we saw and enjoyed several new artists on this endeavor. The visit to the museum was a pleasant way to indulge in Southern contemporary art…
…and to broaden our cultural literacy.
Saffron
by Chrissy Biello
In true LEAP fashion, we opted for a dinner that would allow us to gain new experiences. Saffron, an Indian restaurant and two-time nominee for the James Beard award, proved to give us that opportunity. The chef, Arvinder Vilkhu, and his wife, Pardeep Vilkhu, opened the restaurant with the purpose of combining their Indian heritage with the New Orleans culture. As we began to peruse the menu, that was extremely evident; options included, Curried Seafood Gumbo and oysters!
For appetizers, we ordered the pickle sampler…
…Chicken Lasooni, and the garlic and chili-cheese naan.
Olivia favored the naan bread, while the Chicken Lasooni was Michelle’s main pick. As for myself, the pickler sample was my favorite; the dish included an eggplant spread, something I had never tasted before, but will confidently try again.
For our main course, Olivia and I shared the Chicken Biriyani. This dish was incredibly flavorful, containing saffron rice, crispy onions, a soft-boiled egg, and yogurt on the side!
Michelle savored the Curried Seafood Gumbo, and Professor Yawn and Stephanie relished the Oyster Bed Roast!
With already full stomachs, it was a surprise that we were tempted by the dessert. To our delight, Chef Vilkhu himself served our table! This included a cake called, “It’s Not Even Your Birthday,” surely named for the multiple layers of chocolate ganache and buttercream that would make anyone believe they were partaking in a treat for a special occasion.
Further, we had the Ginger Crème Brûlée, a definite favorite among the table.
As we had the opportunity to thank Chef Vilkhu for the amazing meal, we were very honored to take a photo with him!
In all, Saffron was a great way to end the first day of our New Orleans trip, allowing us to anticipate the next days of new experiences to come!
For the past 15 years, the Sam Houston Memorial Museum has hosted its Annual Photo Contest, inviting community members to showcase their skills and creativity in photography. It is one of many ways the Museum contributes to the community, and it’s one we look forward to each year!
This year, the participants were divided into two divisions: Amateur and Advanced Photographers, each with categories such as Floral, Animals, Action, Portraits, Fashion, Architecture, Cuisine/Food, and Sam Houston Museum & Grounds.
With LEAP being a multidisciplinary organization, students like myself have the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge in areas beyond our specific focus, including photography! Encouraged by newfound confidence in my photography, I decided to enter the contest.
SHMM Director Derrick Birdsall with Cinthia Villarreal, President of the LEAP Ambassadors
Photos were due a couple of weeks before the reception, so I had no idea what or who I was competing against. Blindly, I chose to enter the Animal category in the Amateur division (editor’s note: good call on the amateur category) with a photo of a hummingbird I photographed on a LEAP trip.
I also submitted a couple of photos in the Architecture category: one taken in Chicago last year and another in Playa del Carmen a couple of years ago.
Upon arriving at the reception, my jaw dropped. The room was filled with stunning photographs, and a large crowd gathered around to admire them. The evening began with remarks from Jude Routh, the museum’s curator of exhibits, who expressed appreciation for the over 400 submissions.
SHMM Exhibits Curator Jude Routh
With great anticipation, she began announcing the winners of each category:
Amateur Division:
SHMM Grounds 1st place – Darlene Lee Fashion 1st place – Darlene Lee Floral: 1st place – Cheryl Best Architecture: Richard Hunt Cuisine: 1st place – Novalene Thurston
Novalene Thurston
Action: 1st place – Jerry Hunter Animals: 1st place – Jerry Hunter Portraits: 1st place – Aiden Fritsche Best in Show – Isabela Gonzales
Advanced Division: SHMM Grounds: 1st place – Cade Crippin Fashion: 1st place – Gary Readore Floral: 1st place – Cade Crippin Architecture: 1st place – Meghan Burton Cuisine: 1st place – Gary Readore Action: 1st place – Emily Day Animals: 1st place – Veronica Lorine Portraits: 1st place – Celeste Rickert Best in Show – Emily Day
Although my photos didn’t win any prizes, I left the event feeling extremely grateful to be part of a community that appreciates art and celebrates the creativity and talent of others.
Congratulations to all the winners!
The Photo Contest Exhibit will be open to visitors from November 7 to December 22 at the museum’s Katy & E. Don Walker, Sr. Education Center. A special thank you to the Sam Houston Memorial Museum’s staff for hosting such incredible events that celebrate artistic expression and foster a strong sense of community among us all.
Murray Smither transformed Texas art through his many roles as an artist, gallerist, and private art dealer. His influence touched multiple generations of artists and collectors, leaving an enduring mark on the state’s creative community. The Murray Smither Collection, now exhibited at Sam Houston State University, presents an impressive array of Texas art spanning from the mid-twentieth century through the 1990s; this remarkable collection was made possible by Dean Ron Shields, Gallery Coordinator Frank Graham, and John Smither among many others.
The collection includes powerful work by Frank Jones, whose story captures Smither’s compassionate spirit. Their friendship began in the 1960s during the Prison Art Shows at Huntsville Penitentiary, where Smither served as a judge in the Prison Art Show and Jones was incarcerated. After awarding Jones first prize in 1964, Smither maintained their connection until Jones passed away in 1969.
Also featured were works by renowned artist James Surls, whose relationship with Smither began in the 1960s when Surls, then a student, showed Smither his artwork. Years later, Surls went on to exhibit his sculptures at the Smither Gallery on Allen Street in the 1970s!
Moreover, certain pieces caught our attention immediately. Saara gravitated toward an untitled work by Paul Schumann, admiring its elegant flowing blue water.
I found myself drawn to the inventive lamps and decorative items crafted from popsicle sticks and matches; their electrical plugs left me wondering if they might actually light up.
During the exhibition, Dr. Michael Henderson, Professor of Art and Associate Dean in the College of Arts and Media, spoke warmly of Smither’s legacy while acknowledging John Smither and the Smither Estate for their generous donation.
Linda Pease, beloved former director of the Wynne Home Arts and Visitors Center, shared stories of Murray’s giving nature. “He did not only give first and second chances, but third chances as well,” she recalled.
Artist Bill Haveron, whose work is in the collection, added his own testimony, describing how Smither’s introduction to James Surls and Charmaine Locke led to a life changing exhibition opportunity for him.
Further, one of the day’s highlights was spending time with Ralph and Linda Pease. Everyone was delighted to wish Ralph a happy 90th birthday (he had celebrated about a couple of months prior)! Not to mention, Linda wore an eye-catching piece that had us all amazed: a Pebworth necklace (Cinthia was speechless).
As always, we were reminded that, done well, art is more than just about aesthetics; it also brings people together. In addition to seeing the Peases and Dr. Henderson, LEAP Alum Victoria McClendon and her boyfriend Nick were there; President White was there, perusing the art and mingling with the crowd; Ken Holland, HISD Trustee, was there, in between other events planned for the day. It was a day of fun.
The Murray Smither Collection is more than just artwork; it tells the story of one man’s dedication to Texas art. Through these carefully curated pieces and the memories shared by those who knew him, we see how Murray’s genuine character and unwavering support helped shape generations of artists and their work.
The moot court competition in Fort Worth was a great experience that challenged our critical thinking skills (or the extent of them, anyways) and gave us a chance to grow as advocates. Fort Worth was the perfect host city, combining a world-class law school with a great cultural scene and history.
For the competition, we stayed at the Hilton in downtown Fort Worth, where President John F. Kennedy spent his final night—which was definitely not a good omen for our performance. The competition itself was held at Texas A&M’s School of Law, which happens to neighbor the Philip Johnson-designed Water Gardens.
As one of LEAP’s favorite architects, Johnson’s work always stands out, and the Water Gardens is an immersive way to experience architecture and ease both law students and moot court competitors’ nerves.
When we had time to explore, we made the most of it. We ensured to make a stop at the Richard Haas mural downtown in Sundance Square.
In the same area, we were lucky enough to stumble across works by James Surls…
…Lichtenstein, and Noguchi—all in one building! Just around the corner, we also found an Alex Katz…
…and Jesus Moroles sculpture.
One of my favorite stops was the Sid Richardson Museum, where we got an extensive look at the works of Frederic Remington and Charles Russell. Both are staples of Western art, but the range of their work was impressive. The museum also gave us a chance to try our hand at some art of our own, offering postcards for visitors to draw and send.
This ties to Remington, who was not well-versed in writing, and would use illustrations to communicate when words fell short. While some of us had more success than others (we’ll leave the details out), it was a fun and creative way to engage with the experience we shared at the museum.
The trip wasn’t just about law and art—we also enjoyed a range of food experiences. While I stayed on the safe side with a soufflé (my first, and it was great!), Maggie stepped up as the group’s culinary adventurer, trying calf fries, escargot, and quail all for the first time. One of the best parts of LEAP trips is the chance to try new things, and this trip was no exception.
After the competition ended, we headed to Dallas. We made a quick stop to see a giant eyeball sculpture…
…which was interesting to say the least, before heading to Thanksgiving Square, another Philip Johnson design.
The Square offers myriad interesting features, including a Norman Rockwell mosaic…
…a “ring of thanks,” which has an echo feature…
…and, of course, Johnson’s beautiful Chapel.
The spiral design, and the beautiful stained glass capture the “infinite upward reach of the human spirit”.
We ended the trip with a visit to Dealey Plaza, the site of JFK’s assassination. Seeing the Grassy Knoll and the surrounding area was a very fitting end to our adventures in DFW.
Overall, this trip showcased what LEAP is all about: taking multidisciplinary experiences—law, art, history, and food—and tying them together in a way that broadens our understanding and appreciation of the world. Fort Worth and Dallas proved to be the perfect destinations for this, with plenty of firsts, surprises, and connections along the way.
This year, the LEAP Ambassadors had the opportunity to celebrate Día de los Muertos at the Wynne Home Arts Center in Huntsville.
The historic home was adorned with decorations, and tables were filled with traditional treats like sugar skull cookies, pan de muerto, and refreshments.
At the heart of the celebration was an ofrenda honoring Mike Countz, a beloved community leader and Justice of the Peace, whose memory was warmly celebrated.
Dahlia Harrelson opened the event…
…and she soon turned it to Dr. Crimm, a respected historian and community figure, who offered an in-depth look at the origins and meaning of Día de los Muertos.
She explained how the holiday blends pre-Columbian and Catholic traditions, centering on the idea that death is not an end but a connection to our ancestors.
Through ofrendas and symbolic decorations, families invite the spirits of their loved ones back, honoring their lives with personal items, favorite foods, and marigold flowers.
Dr. Crimm’s insights gave us a thoughtful look into the holiday, emphasizing that Día de los Muertos is about celebrating life and keeping memories alive.
Following Dr. Crimm’s presentation, we heard from Patti Countz, widow of Justice Mike Countz, whose ofrenda was displayed prominently.
She shared stories about her husband, painting a picture of his life and the impact he made on the community. Mike Countz was born in Orange, Texas, in 1951, and he moved to Walker County, where he became a star athlete and graduated from Huntsville High School in 1969.
After earning his BBA from Sam Houston State University, he built a distinguished career in criminal justice, starting with the Texas Department of Corrections and eventually becoming the Justice of the Peace for Walker County’s Precinct 2.
Known for his humor, his love for golf and poker, and his unwavering devotion to his family, Mike Countz was the ultimate “girl dad,” who proudly attended every recital, game, and family event.
His legacy extended beyond his public service; he was a beloved member of his church and community, a dedicated Elvis fan, and a friend to many.
His wife’s stories brought the ofrenda to life, filling the room with both laughter and fond memories of a man who gave so much to his family and community.
This event highlighted the Wynne Home’s role as a vital space for cultural education in Huntsville…
…giving students a hands-on connection to a meaningful tradition and an appreciation for the ways we honor those who came before us.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 