Civic Engagement – Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

Filling Empty Bowls: A Community Tradition

By Jacob Wessels

It is a LEAP Center tradition to assist the Wynne Home Arts and Visitor Center with their Empty Bowls fundraiser each year–and it is a tradition that dates back to 2008, when a LEAP intern initiated the project. This year, some 250 people stopped by the Wynne Home for a community lunch while raising approximately $7,000 for Meals on Wheels.

For our part, almost 20 LEAP students–under the direction of Wynne Home Program Coordinator Angela Robinson–volunteered to help ensure a positive guest experience.

This involved greeting guests as they arrived, inviting them to select a unique ceramic bowl, accepting payment, and directing them to the various food stations, which featured culinary options by HEB, Sam’s Table, Meals on Wheels, Five Loaves Deli, Huntsville High School Culinary Team, and City Hall Cafe.

It’s a great way for the community to come together in support of the arts while also fighting food insecurity. This year’s event brought together a record number of participants, and the guests seemed to linger longer, enjoying one another’s company, getting their first tour of the Wynne Home, or otherwise just enjoying the event.

For most people, Empty Bowls is a single-day event, but it actually is planned almost year-round. In the fall of each year, Angela Robinson begins scheduling bowl-making classes, which are open to the public. Residents can register for a class, learning from one of the talented instructors, which this year featured Dakota Dube, Leara Phillips, Kathy Crowell, Molly Campbell, and Lauren Clay, (and Canvas and Cork generously provided additional bowls).

After making the bowl, they return to glaze it, and then they have the option of purchasing their bowl or donating it. If donated, it becomes part of the bowls selected by “walk-up” customers on the day of Empty Bowls–and it was quite a selection this year!

The event is one of LEAP’s favorites, and our involvement is multi-faceted. We signed up to make bowls, glaze bowls, and we also volunteer monthly at the Senior Center. This year, many of us made bowls in our own registered class with Lauren Clay, and then made bowls again at the Senior Center, with the congregants. To cap things off, we volunteer at the Wynne Home on the day of Empty Bowls.

That longitudinal process allows us to see the volunteerism at multiple time points, and see the project through to its completion–from the creation of the bowls, to the glazing of the bowls, to the event itself, to the donation to Meals on Wheels–where the money is used to provide meals to seniors in the community. And it was inspiring to see so many people come together, from artists and students to local leaders and supporters, all working toward the same goal of helping others.

For those interested in more opportunities related to the Arts and/or the Wynne Home, see the Spring Classes:

Jean Becker and Tom Collamore Discuss Advance Work in ‘Don’t Tell the President’

The Bush Foundation: Jean Becker and Tom Collamore &

In a special event hosted by the George and Barbara Bush Foundation, authors Jean Becker and Tom Collamore took the stage to discuss their new book, “Don’t Tell the President.” And as with all Bush Foundation events, the setting and the audience proved to be as interesting as the main attraction.

That was certainly the case this time, as we ran into Secretary Andrew Card…

…and photographer Mark Burns before even entering the auditorium! Both were generous with their time, discussing their favorite stories concerning President Bush.

Of course, they were also there to see Jean Becker, and while we may not be members of the Jean Becker Fan Club….

….we make the opportunity to see her speak.

Don’t Tell the President: The Best, Worst, and Mostly Untold Stories from Presidential Advance

Alice Gonzales Yates, President of the George and Barbara Bush Foundation…

…introduced the event, and it was a pleasant and unexpected surprise when she introduced us!

The most enjoyable part of the evening, of course, was hearing from Jean Becker and Tom Collamore–and contributing authors Robbie Aiken, Jay Allison, and Greg Jenkins–discuss a blend of behind-the-scenes chaos and the concomitant responsibility that comes from preparing the nation’s most important figure for public engagements.

The engagements discussed ranged from the picayune to the momentous, from an imposter surreptitiously boarding the press plane for a presidential trip to getting just the right setting to support Solidarity in Poland with Lech Walesa and the destruction of the Berlin Wall in Germany.

This was the perfect pairing with our visit to the Bush Presidential Library earlier in the day, providing insights into some of the history we had observed while also reminding us of the importance of event planning, even in our own small events.

Adding to the fun of the evening was seeing Ms. Becker be recognized as an honorary member of the TAMU Singing Cadets, who sang “America the Beautiful” as an honor to the United States as part of the country’s 250th anniversary of independence.

Tour: The Foundation Offices

Following the event, we approach Ms. Yates to thank her, and she graciously spent more time with us, even as she had additional work to do. During the conversation, she offered to give us a tour of their offices, tell us more about the Foundation, and let us see the “Bush Apartment.”

We had already had a wonderful day: seeing the Bush Presidential Library, hearing from Kathryn Meyers at the Bush School of Public Service, and attending the Becker and Collamore event. So, the opportunity for something on top of all that was certainly unexpected, and while we didn’t want to delay Ms. Yates from her work any further, this was an opportunity we couldn’t decline.

Ms. Yates provided an overview of the Foundation’s work, while also givinga wonderful tour of the Foundation’s space. It was a beautiful space, one that has been preserved since the President’s passing, and one that is still used for myriad purposes. It was an honor to be given the tour, and it was the perfect way to end our time at the Bush Presidential Library.

Dinner

While the tour was an ideal cap to our day at the Bush Library, we all believed that dinner would be the perfect way to end our; accordingly, we headed to Shiraz Shish Kabob. On LEAP field trips, we do our best to eat at restaurants themed with our learning opportunities, and after spending a day at the Bush Library–where the Middle East was much on display–we enjoyed diverse fare from one of our favorite College Station places.

For many, it was the first time to try Baklava or Shawarma or even Hummus, and it was met with great approval.

With full stomachs, on a high of a fantastic nine-hour learning sprint, and a renewed spirit of public service, we returned to SHSU.

Public Service Lessons from George H.W. Bush

By Isis Hollis

Public service is something LEAP students know well, but that knowledge was reinforced, expanded, and reaffirmed during a recent visit to the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. The Museum, with its emphasis on President Bush’s long career of service, was ready-made for the eleven students on this LEAP trip, and the subject matter and the mix of students made this one of the best LEAP field trips in recent memory.

The experience started with a tour from a lovely SHSU alumna who guided us to the museum theatre, where we got to watch a short film on the highlights of President Bush’s career.

Following the movie, we went through a chronological tour of Bush’s life, which in many ways, is a tour of the 20th century. His early life was highlighted by photos of family, including his father, a US Senator from Connecticut.

His Navy career was strikingly told through video, excerpts of letters, and a replica of the Navy TBM Avenger that he piloted in WWII–and in which he was shot down.

The letters lining the museum walls gave us a glimpse into how 20-year-old Bush dealt with such a life-changing event and who was important to him during that time of his life.

Arguably, the most important person in President Bush’s life, his wife, Barbara Bush, had many portions of the museum dedicated just to her wonderful work. Her efforts and contributions to literacy programs such as the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy are remembered through the many panels detailing just how many lives she changed with her avid community work.

The many campaigns and careers leading to President Bush’s time in office were another prominent aspect in the museum. Details about his role as Director of Central Intelligence for the CIA, an often overlooked aspect, offered a sneak peek into the intricacies of dealing with classified information.

This foreign-policy bent was reinforced by Bush’s time as Ambassador to China and Ambassador to the UN, the latter exhibit gave us a chance to pose with the man himself (or at least his statue).

The replica of the Oval Office seemed most popular, with nearly everyone taking a turn to sit where the president would, and pretending to answer the phone or read important papers.

Further into the museum, we found that President Bush’s term in office is remembered by all the good he did for the people of not only America, but for those in Kuwait, Germany, and other places across the globe as well. With pieces of the Berlin Wall standing tall over us, we felt the impact of all the work that went into tearing it down.

Sand from the land of Kuwait, alongside the war tools turned into art, left a lasting impact on us, giving us an understanding of the many points of view Bush was able to incorporate into his foreign policy vision.

Each of us took something different from the Museum. Luke, Brianne, and Michelle spent more time reviewing Bush’s military life; Mikaela, as a Model UN student, focused on the international scope of the Museum; Gavin, a history student, soaked it all in; Zackery, a political junkie, enjoyed the electoral exhibits; and all of us enjoyed learning more about the major events from 1941-1993, and beyond.

The Library reminded all of us the importance of public service–as Bush referred to it, a “Noble Service”–while also reminding us that doing good in the world requires taking risks, making sacrifices, and working hard–all good lessons.

World Affairs Council: Sex as a Spycraft Tool

Written by Olivia McCaughan

I have attended many World Affairs Council Events, but none has caught my interest in the way that Dr. Tam Dao did with his presentation on “Sexpionage”–the use of sex in the world of espionage.

Dr. Doa is the Associate Vice President for Campus Safety and Research Security at Rice University. Before joining Rice University, Dr. Dao held various positions at the FBI, including work in the counterintelligence task force, classified briefings, and as a certified hostage negotiator.

The event was in a smaller setting, making it more intimate and interactive.

Dao noted that men are much likely to be “victims” of sexpionage than women, and the examples he offered, such as Lt. Col. Benjamin Bishop, bore that out. We also discussed the case of Robert Hanssen, although this was not a true “sexpionage” case.

Not all the cases, however, were as high profile as the above. In many cases, the “espionage” is the process of surreptitiously gaining access to professors’ academic research. Interestingly, Dao noted, many of the people who are seeking this information are doing it for the love of their native countries–despite the fact that they live in the United States and enjoy the opportunities the US affords them.

Dao, an immigrant himself, finds this behavior curious and ironic. While acknowledging flaws in the US culture, politics, and economic system, he praised the US for the opportunities it has offered him and his family.

This was one of the most enjoyable of the WACs we have attended, a sentiment we shared with Dr. Dao following his presentation.

Katz’s Deli

Following the WAC event, we stopped at Katz’s Deli, where we enjoyed various deli-type sandwiches, including a Lox sandwich, a Reuben…

…cabbage rolls…

…and some shakes for the road.

It was a sweet ending to an enjoyable evening!

A Senior Center Valentines

On February 11, LEAP students again had the privilege of spending the day volunteering at the Walker County Senior Center, continuing a partnership that has become one of the most meaningful parts of our program. Each visit reminds us why community connections matter, and this Valentine’s-themed day was no exception.

One of our regular responsibilities is leading Bingo, which is always a highlight. On this day, Ashton Droll and Nataly Elizondo took the lead, and they did an excellent job!

We also spend time playing card games and board games with congregants, sitting at tables, listening to stories, and sharing laughs. These moments of conversation—about families, hobbies, and memories—help bring us together despite differences in age and other demographic characteristics.

This visit had a special Valentine’s Day twist. The room was decorated with hearts and splashes of red and pink, adding an extra layer of festivity to the afternoon. In addition to our usual activities, we had the honor of helping judge a Valentine’s Day coloring contest. The artwork was creative, colorful, and full of personality. Choosing winners was no easy task!

One of our fellow volunteers perfectly capped the day by bringing us some Valentines candy (as well as mentioning us in her prayer) and thanking us for our volunteerism. Of course, we were just as thankful for her volunteerism, while also genuinely grateful for her generosity.

It was a fitting end to a day that marks a pause in our visits to the Senior Center. Next month, we will see some of our friends at the Empty Bowls event at the Wynne Home, where we will be volunteering.

It is a fitting destination for us to meet our Senior Center friends. We did some of our bowls at the Senior Center (we did others at SHSU), and we spent time with the seniors who did their own bowls (such as the bowl above, done by Yolanda). Moreover, the proceeds for this event will go to the Meals on Wheels program, run by the Senior Center.

More important, it’s an environment that, like the Senior Center, brings the joy of community into people’s lives, including our own.

LEAP Alumni Panel: Life, Skills, and Careers

Who is more professional than the current LEAP Ambassadors? Not many, but if there is a group that can lay claim to this designation, it is LEAP Alumni. Over the twenty years of the group’s existence, there have been approximately 60 students who can lay claim to the title of “Junior Fellows” or “LEAP Ambassadors.” These students have been very successful, and last Friday, they returned to campus to impart some of their knowledge to current SHSU students.

Megan Chapa Martin, who now has her own law firm, moderated the panel…

…which featured: Daniel North, partner at a major law firm in Chicago…

…Ademide Adedokun, who works as external relations for Immigration Services…

…Megan O’Flaherty, who worked for Arnold Ventures…

…and Melva Gomez, Deputy Political Director for Governor Greg Abbott.

They, along with about 60 current students, met to discuss career skills, aptitude, and strategies.

Martin steered the conversation to the first major skill all panelists agreed that LEAP help them develop: navigating interviews. Ademide Adedokun emphasized the importance of bouncing back, describing one of her early setbacks, and how she learned from it. Melva Gomez encouraged students to mitigate their weaknesses by working to improve in weak areas, while developing their natural strengths. All agreed that internships are one of the key ways that these strategies can be implemented.

All agreed that students should begin with foundational skills. Adedokun stressed the importance of reading and writing, noting that while AI might enhance these skills, they will not replace them. O’Flaherty stressed skills such as organization, managing expectations, and meeting deadlines–all of which relate to self-management, professionalism, and taking responsibility.

While all of these skills can be applied to the various fields represented on the panel, different occupational categories have different workloads. When North began his practice, for example, he was expected to bill more than 2,100 hours per year, and this often meant working 60-70 hours per week. An intense work-load is also true of campaign work, particularly as Election Day draw nears, and operatives may work up to 100 hours per week.

By contrast, Ademide pointed out that, in the federal workforce, 40-45 hour work weeks are the norm. In non-profits, the work week can vary wildly, depending on the size of the organization and whether it is primarily a programming office. In thinking about what’s best for them, students will need to think hard about their work ethic, their work-life balance, and what a “successful life” means to them–questions worthy of the philosophers that adorn the beautiful Peabody Library.

Successful employees, irrespective of career, learn from their mistakes; take responsibility for their employees and work productivity; and combine hard skills, soft skills, integrity, deep knowledge of your industry, and an impressive work ethic.

Once the formal panel was done, students had the opportunity to ask one-on-one questions with each panelist. Some shared with Ms. Gomez and Mrs. Martin how much of an inspiration they are to current first-generation students. Mr. North and Ms. Adedokun chatted with students about the opportunities provided by LEAP for out of state work, which also caught the interest of many. Others bonded with Mrs. O’Flaherty over their experience on the cheer team here at SHSU or their interest in non-profits. In short, there was something for everyone.

Internship Informational: City Fellows, Sam Houston Austin Internship Program, and Washington, DC

SHSU students visited the historic Peabody Library on campus while learning about internship opportunities in Huntsville; Austin, TX; and Washington, DC. The learning came from reliable sources: Professor Mike Yawn and several former interns who had intern and worked everywhere from Huntsville to Capitol Hill.

Daniel North worked on Senator Claire McCaskill’s campaign and in her Capitol office before going into law. Ademide Adedokun also interned on Capitol Hill before working as a staff aide, and then moving into the executive branch. Israel Gallegos, a current SHSU student, spent Spring 2025 interning for Congressman Morgan Luttrell. Also on hand were current students Makenna McDaniel and Michelle Cardenas, both of whom completed the SHAIP program in 2025, working for Representative Will Metcalf and Governor Greg Abbott, respectively.

The programs are described below:

City Fellows

The City Fellows program is for students who would like to have a part-time internship while still attending classes in Huntsville. Students earn academic credit while working 15-20 hours per week (paid at $10.00 an hour) on a project for a local government office, non-profit, law office, or business.

These internships are project based, meaning that the agency is seeking an intern who can complete a semester-long activity. This might include offering recruiting instructors and offering programs for activities; conducting a salary survey for various jobs across the state; planning a large event; working on a marketing campaign for a new undertaking; or implementing an audit of government services. The application for summer internships opens April 1, with interviews in late April.

Daniel, Ademide, and Michelle all did City Fellows internships before moving to Austin and/or DC for higher-profile internships.

SHAIP

The Sam Houston Austin Internship Program was created by President Dana Hoyt in 2012, and Professor Yawn began implementation that year.

The timeline for this program is:

September 1: Applications Open
October 1: Applications Close
Early October: Students are selected for interviews
Mid-October: Panel Interviews
Early November: Students interview at Austin offices
January 3-June 1: Students intern in Austin

Selected students gain a scholarship of up to $8,000, earn six hours of academic credit, gain valuable skills, and great networking opportunities. It is a full-time experience, as recalled by Makenna McDaniel: “You begin by working about 40 hours per week, but by the end of session, that can end up being 80 hours a week. But if you are hard-working, it is an invigorating experience.”

The Chancellor’s DC Internship

The Chancellor’s DC Internship program was officially launched just weeks ago, and it involves selecting ten students from across the Texas State University System’s four-year institutions. Each student selected earns six hours of credit and a scholarship of up to $10,000 for the semester, while spending the semester in Washington, DC–a major draw of the experience. “It was a great opportunity to be in DC,” noted Israel Gallegos, “and work in the capitol building while also getting to experience the broader environment.”

The timeline for this program is:

February 2: Applications Opened
March 1: Applications Close
Mid-March: Interviews
Late-March: Follow-Up Interviews
Early April: SHSU selects up to five applicants and send their applications to the System Office
Late April: The System Office Reviews Applications
May: The System selects ten students
Fall Semester: Students work in DC

“This opportunity,” noted Ademide Adedokun, “can change lives. It changed mine, and I spent the next 13 years of my life in Washington, DC.”

Concluding Thoughts

Of course, students applying for any of these programs should have good grades, be disciplined, punctual, engaged, professional, and be coachable. For all of the programs, the more activities students participate in, the better chance they will have to demonstrate the qualities cited above. Academically, students will need a 2.8 or better (almost always better) to be competitive in the application process. For the SHAIP and DC programs, competitive applicants will have GPAs in the 3.5 and up range.

“For almost anything you want to do,” noted Daniel North, “having experiences like this–in the field and around people with amazing skills–will benefit your career, expand your horizons, and enhance your success.”

Fun, Games, and Education: Volunteering at the Senior Center

With the first month of the semester almost complete, LEAP is thoroughly ensconced with volunteerism across the community and, especially, at the Walker County Senior Center, where there is much fun to be had.

Nataly Elizondo and Bailey Hopkins at the Senior Center

Our routine is straightforward: introductions, five games of Bingo, and then selecting from myriad games at different tables. But the possibilities are numerous, fun, and intriguing.

We began again with Bingo, this time with Nataly taking the lead as most other volunteers sat at the tables.

Normally a quiet sort, Nataly flashed some smiles, enunciated loudly and clearly, and had great teamwork with her co-host Mikaela Baires. She even received some cheers from the congregants.

Of course, not as many cheers as the winners.

Following the Bingo game, students sat at different tables, interacting with seniors and other volunteers. In some cases, such as Ashton’s, it meant learning new card games from others at the table…

…and eventually she won, making everyone happy!

At other tables, the students taught the seniors new games.

And all the games were new for Mikaela, whose family doesn’t play cards.

While there, we ran into a familiar face: Dottie Fulton! Ms. Fulton is one of our favorite people to plant flags with for the Lions Club Flag Project, and we relish each time we get to see her.

One of the things that LEAP students soon learn with volunteering is that many of the same people show up at diverse venues: people who donate their time and resources do so across a variety of causes, and they are the individuals who make communities better places to live.

And, of course, that is exactly what makes the Senior Center a worthy place to donate time and money.

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