Civic Engagement – Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

Crafting for a Cause

Brianne Barclay

The SHSU academic fall semester may be complete, but LEAP students are continuing to learn, in and out of classrooms. Accordingly, a group of LEAP students participated in a ceramics class this Monday, March 15, led by Professor Lauren Clay at the Dana G. Hoyt Fine Arts Building as an early participation in the Empty Bowls Fundraiser, which will occur March 4, 2026.

Our participation is the first phase of a three-phase fundraiser. As described by Professor Clay, our purpose Monday was to (1) shape our bowl, learning how to mold wet clay, explore the many options for designs and ornamentation, and to prepare for the kiln.

We will return in January to (2) glaze the bowl, and in March, some of us (3) will volunteer for the Empty Bowls fundraiser at the Wynne Home Arts and Visitor Center–a project we have assisted with since the program’s inception in 2008.

For our initial session, Professor Clay…

…demonstrated “underglaze transferring,” which involves creating a design on one medium and transferring it to the ceramic before shaping and kilning.

Thus, we created our design and waited for the design to dry…

…smoothed our clay, completed the transfer, and then put the clay over a mold to complete the bowl.

Not all of us did the transfer process; Professor Yawn, for example, had much trouble with his transfer, and proceeded without ornamentation.

Others, however, engaged fully in their creativity, exploring floral designs, innovative clay designs, or using laces or others props.

With the right imagination and dexterity, the possibilities are endless, and some of us were thrilled with our designs. I, on the other hand, didn’t feel like I quite got the hang of it, but was nonetheless satisfied with it as a first effort.

This participation also gave me the chance to see the beautiful Hoyt Fine Arts Building, making me wish I had explored this building earlier in my college career. And while the building was a little on the cool side, the experience itself left a warm feeling in all of us, a fitting outcome for participation in a worthy cause.

Interactive Experiences at Asia Society Texas: A Student’s Perspective

by Michelle Moya

LEAP has taken us to several museums this year—the Museum of Fine Arts, Harvard Art Museum, and many others scattered throughout the semester. Each visit has offered something different, but our last museum trip of the semester to the Asia Society Texas felt like the perfect way to close out what’s been a great streak of cultural experiences!

Asia Society Texas Center is located in Houston’s Museum District. Designed by Yoshio Taniguchi, the building is modern, clean, and flooded with natural light; it manages to feel both contemporary and welcoming.

We started our tour at the Brown Foundation Performing Arts Theatre. The theater itself seats 273 in steel-gray chairs made by the same manufacturer as Ferrari, and the stage is beautiful Appalachian white oak.

Next came one of the coolest parts: the “LEO Bullet Train,” an immersive digital journey through Asia.

The rectangular room has screens shaped like train windows, and as the “ride” progresses, videos of different Asian countries scroll past bustling cityscapes, serene landscapes, cultural landmarks, daily life. It’s a clever way to experience Asia’s vast diversity without leaving Houston.

After the train ride, we explored the Pokémon exhibition. At first glance, it might seem unexpected for a cultural center, but the exhibit makes a compelling case for Pokémon as a significant example of Japanese cultural influence worldwide.

For many of us who grew up with Pokémon, seeing it in this academic context was both amusing and fascinating – a reminder that cultural exchange happens in many forms, and something that shaped our childhood also introduced us to Japanese design, language, and values.

We then played with an interactive screen where you could share your favorite part of the museum…

…and we all had fun with that.

Next was a series of interactive displays highlighting the different Asian countries…

To cap it all off, we explored the interactive food screens, a playful way to learn about Asian cuisine.

This visit was a fitting end to our museum series this semester- combining accessibility, engaging exhibits, hands-on experiences, and cultural depth.

All the things that make these trips worthwhile!

A Culinary and Artistic Journey Through Houston

With finals and papers (mostly) complete, LEAP students signed up for an adventure, an exploration of Houston. This exploration involved one of the City’s parks, a culinary adventure, and a foray into the world of architecture, all in the spirit of fun, education, and engagement.

While Houston’s larger parks receive a lot of attention, Smither Park is a gem. Designed by former SHSU professor Dan Phillips, Smither Park reflects the designer’s beliefs in organic processes. “Through the use of color and composition,” Phillips once told a LEAP group on a tour, “you employ repetition to create a pattern, and soon you’ve created art.”

The art was on display throughout the Park, and the students enjoyed the process of finding art in each station, pathway, and niche.

Each student had their own favorite, but simply seeing the creativity of the designs (did you know a spatula could be a dragonfly wing?) was part of the wonder of the experience.

Indeed, it was the majority of the student’s favorite event of the day.

Houston is gaining a reputation for its food scene, and one of the places receiving more than its share of notices is Cochinita & Co., whose chef, Victoria Elizondo, has twice been named a James Beard semi-finalist. The attentive staff–we were recognized upon entering (“Is this SHSU’s group of Pre-Law students?”)–helped us with menu selections. Mikaela went with vegan tacos; Professor Yawn went with the Cochinita Pibil tacos; Moya went with chicken tacos; Sofia went with the excellent Posole; and Katie, needing a pick-me-up, had a Latte with her lunch. We all tried the elote and guacamole, and Mikaela got some pastries to go (allegedly to “share” with her family).

Fortified by food, we ventured into the world of architecture, stopping by The University of St. Thomas, where we visited Philip Johnson’s Academic Mall and Chapel of St. Basil. Johnson’s most notable Houston works are the ones that dot the skyline, but few are as beautiful or as textured as his Chapel. Composed of a Cube, several planes, and a sphere and adorned with rectangles, a triangle, and crosses, the structure is a visual and spiritual delight.

While we each explored the various aspects of the space, we tried to capture some of its magic through photography. Our efforts, however, didn’t quite capture the essence of the structure in the same way we did on our 2024 visit.

Part of the spirit of LEAP is to mix in new explorations while revisiting the seemingly familiar, only to find that return visits allow us to see with new eyes, a reflection of continued growth, an ongoing sense of wonder, and the promise of new possibilities.

Making A Smile Happen in Huntsville

The holiday season is a time for generosity, community spirit, and simple acts of kindness—and few events capture that spirit as fully as KSAM Radio 101.7’s annual M*A*S*H* (Make A Smile Happen) Christmas Gift Drive. As Huntsville residents prepare for the festive season, KSAM is once again inviting–and LEAP is also assisting–the community effort to make the holidays brighter for local families, children, and even four-legged friends.

Located in the HEB Parking lot, M*A*S*H* tents will be open for 21 hours on Wednesday and Thursday (10am-6pm, 6am-4pm, respectively), providing a convenient drop-off spot for donors. Community members are encouraged to bring non-perishable food, new toys, and pet supplies, with LEAP volunteers on hand to help unload, sort, and inventory.

Notably, all of the donations stay in Walker County, including Good Shepherd Mission, CASA of Walker County, the Walker County Boys & Girls Club, Santa’s Helpers, SAAFE House, HISD Social Services, and the Rita B. Huff Adoption Center.

When deciding how to allocate their time, the LEAP Ambassadors ask several questions, including:

Does this fit our mission?
Is this a meaningful contribution to the community?
Do we have the resources to do this well?
Can another group do it better?

With M*A*S*H*, this is an easy call, and it is the fifth year the Ambassadors have assisted with the program–long-term relationships being another hallmark of LEAP operations.

For KSAM Radio, the MASH Gift Drive is more than an annual event—it is a reflection of their longstanding involvement in the community–in fact, they just celebrated their 86th anniversary of being on-air in Huntsville!

For LEAP Ambassadors, it’s a way to contribute to their community while learning more about it. And for community members, it’s an opportunity to give back in a meaningful, tangible way–and to Make a-A Smile Happen!

M*A*S*H* will be in operation again today from 6am-4pm in the HEB parking lot. Stop by and say “hi”!

Improving Police Encounters through Experiential Education

It’s not always easy to make Constitutional Law and, especially, Texas Government, fun, but it’s a lot easier with quality guest speakers. For Professor Yawn’s classes last week, the guest speakers were Sgt. Butterworth and Lt. Zella, who worked in tandem to provide information to students about police-community relations.

The discussion covered various topics and included many questions. One key takeaway was that the police approach each encounter under a certain amount of stress, and while they are trained in their encounters, things go more smoothly when citizens don’t exacerbate the situation.

A simple traffic stop, for example, can go more smoothly if the driver (1) pulls over as soon as it is convenient and signals their intention to do so (e.g., slowing down, a blinker, hazards), (2) turns on their interior lights, (3) avoids sudden movements, and (4) keeps their hands visible.

Police have much discretion on these encounters. A noise violation called on an after party, for example, can be a simple matter of telling people to “quiet down” or it can result in arrests. This is often determined by the scope of illegal activity, the demeanor of those in the house, and the extent to which people are a danger to themselves or others.

For those that don’t consider themselves a danger after drinking or smoking weed, their performances with “drunk goggles” and “cannabis goggles” suggests otherwise, although Michelle Moya (POLS 4334) and Robin Houghton (POLS 2306) did suspiciously well on the walk-and-turn sobriety tests. Other students didn’t perform quite as well on simple sobriety tests.

In two 75-minute sessions, Butterworth and Zella effectively reached out to more than 200 students, improving community relations, increasing mutual understanding, and leaving a lot of students laughing.

Many thanks to Kimani Vercher, Jamya Wright, Robin Houghton, Gus Stephens, Jose Carreno, Audry Brysch, Jack Robinson, Isaac Mokrane, Charlotte Olivares, Hailey Arsham, Michelle Moya, Niya Thompson, and Kevon Paire for being good sports.

To see how the POLS 2306 students performed, see the video below.

To see how the POLS 4334 students performed, see the video below.

Engagement, Responsibility, and Councilmember Tiffany Thomas

One of this year’s class of SHSU Distinguished Alumni was Tiffany Thomas, Houston City Councilmember for District F. Ms. Thomas was unable to attend the Distinguished Alumni Gala (she was in DC), but she did stop by SHSU the day after, and she met with various offices and individuals, including LEAP Center students.

Councilmember Thomas, who graduated from SHSU in 2003 with a Bachelor’s in Communications, immediately struck a friendly and positive tone with the students, inviting an interactive meeting, one that stretched to almost an hour in total.

She focused on the importance of taking initiative rather than waiting for others, ensuring, as she described it, a “seat at the table.” For her, that meant getting involved in the issues she cared about. For her that eventually meant eventually running for office–first for Alief School Board and then for Houston City Council. But there are many ways to serve, and electoral office isn’t the only path.

But as an elected official, Thomas has stressed Economic Development, Quality of Life, Youth Programming, Neighborhood Revitalization, and Public Safety. Representing one of the most diverse districts in the nation gives Thomas credibility when she says, “If we can get it right in this district, then America can get it right, too.”

The Q&A period was engaging…

…and Councilmember Thomas used the time to encourage empowerment, to encourage the students to get involved, to stay engaged, and to show persistence–all of which, she reminded them, will help their communities and America get it right.

Distinguished Alumni Gala

by Olivia Discon

In a week full of reminiscing, celebrating, and reconnecting, the highlight event that truly brings Bearkats home to Huntsville is the Distinguished Alumni Gala.

While our group of LEAP students aren’t quite alumni yet, a few of us are in the final stretch of our undergraduate journeys, making the evening timely and motivating.

We were honored to be guests of Mac and Leanne Woodward (with tickets provided by the Woodwards and the McCarleys)…

…joining them at their table along with Charlie Vienne, Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations and Annual Giving. At another table, Professor Yawn and Stephanie…

…hosted several LEAP students who had the chance to visit with Ken and Nicole Holland.

As the evening began, our groups settled in among warm greetings and lively conversations that filled the room…

…a room filled with many familiar faces from SHSU and the Huntsville community, such as President Alisa White, General Glaser, Dean Lyons, and Dean Li.

After opening remarks by Matt Bethea, Vice President for University Advancement…

…the program began under the direction of our Master of Ceremonies, Mia Gradney, an SHSU alumna and news anchor for KHOU 11.

She guided the evening with professionalism, beginning with the posting of the colors by SHSU’s ROTC and a fantastic performance of the national anthem by a member of the SHSU choir.

Throughout the evening, six remarkable Bearkats were recognized for their achievements, each introduced through short video tributes that highlighted their journeys, impact, and connection to SHSU.

Clyde “Kooter” Roberson, the unmistakable voice of Bearkat Athletics for nearly five decades, kicked off the awards. His long career behind the microphone–calling games for both SHSU and Huntsville High School, and working for KSAM radio–made him a fixture in the community and an enduring symbol of local pride. Fittingly, they displayed a photo of his work for KSAM’s annual food drive, known to Huntsvillians as M*A*S*H (Make A Smile Happen). Upon his retirement in 2019, he has since realized the joy of being able to watch several games at once from the comfort of his own home!

Jenna Zibton was honored for her excellence in journalism and public communication. From her time as a morning anchor at WSLS in Virginia to her leadership in community initiatives like 30 Days of Hope and Solutionaries–which help orphans find homes–and even fostering children in her own home, Zibton’s career has lived up to her alma mater’s motto: “The measure of a life is its service.”

Eddie Blazek, a rancher, businessman, and devoted supporter of SHSU’s agriculture programs, was recognized for his commitment to education and mentorship. His work connecting students with hands-on experiences at Mound Creek Ranch reflects the spirit of giving back that defines so many Bearkats. Additionally, with SHSU’s rodeo program happening over the same weekend, the timing felt especially fitting.

Although Councilmember Tiffany D. Thomas was unable to attend due to a speaking engagement in Washington, D.C., her nephew (currently an SHSU student), accepted the award on her behalf. As the first woman to represent Houston’s District F, Thomas has advocated for housing affordability, equity, and disaster recovery funding. With plans to meet with her the following day (stay tuned for the blog!), LEAP students couldn’t help but feel excited and inspired by her work.

Senator Borris L. Miles was celebrated for his decades of advocacy and leadership. From his early career in law enforcement to his work as a state legislator, Senator Miles has dedicated his life to improving education, healthcare, and public safety for Texans. When he gave his speech, he looked to his children and said, “This is where it all began for your dad.” The entire room felt the weight of that statement.

Finally, Russell Molina, a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, was recognized for his business achievements and community leadership. From revitalizing a business known as The Hat Store, to leading several companies and chairing the Sam Houston University Foundation, Molina exemplifies the values of hard work, innovation, and service that SHSU seeks to instill in its graduates.

After the awards were all dispersed, the evening ended on a musical note. The crowd sang our school song in unison, followed by the lively and well choreographed SHSU Marching Band.

The Distinguished Alumni Gala reflected what makes Sam Houston State special: a community built on service, resilience, and purpose. What stood out most by the end of the night was the connection between the honorees and the students in the room. Each story carried the same mix of persistence and pride that runs through SHSU’s history. The evening served as a reminder that the values shaping our time here are the same ones that carry forward long after graduation.

A Bearkat Holiday: The 104th Annual Tree of Lights!

By Nataly Elizondo

The holiday season has officially arrived at Sam Houston State University, and campus celebrated with our oldest and most beloved tradition – the Tree of Lights. This year marks the 104th year, making it the longest-running tradition in SHSU history. Even though it happens every year, the ceremony still brings the same excitement and joy, bringing our community together.

As the sun set, the plaza was filled with activities for everyone to enjoy. There was a walk-in snow globe for photos, a hot chocolate station with sweet treats, informational tables highlighting different holiday traditions from around the world, and even a mechanical reindeer rider, all of which added an interesting touch.

The night kicked off with the SHSU Choir singing “Deck the Halls.” Their voices filled the plaza and got everybody in the holiday spirit. After the opening song, our Homecoming Queen, Penelope Holden, and Homecoming King, Kevon Paire, welcomed everyone and helped lead the candle lighting.

With our glowing candles, we listened to the SHSU Chorale perform – they sounded incredible! Their energy made the ceremony feel even more special.

Following the Chorale’s performance, the Orange Pride Dance Team took center stage with lively performances to classic Christmas songs. Their cheerful energy, combined with Sammy the Bearkat’s presence, brought even more school spirit to the night and had the crowd smiling and clapping along.

After the performances, Student Government Association President Lily Temple-Dozier shared heartfelt words about the meaning behind the ornaments and why this tradition matters so much to SHSU.

Her remarks were followed by Monte Robinson, director of the Good Shepherd Mission, who expressed his gratitude for the SHSU community’s generous donations through the annual canned food drive. Throughout November, students donated canned goods in exchange for Tree of Lights shirts, with all donations going to support the Good Shepherd Mission – a local organization that provides meals, shelter, clothing, and support services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness and poverty in the Huntsville community.

President White wrapped up the ceremony by thanking students for their honor, pride, and dedication to SHSU traditions. She closed with a quote: “Cheerfulness that never frowns bravely maintains its beauty” – words that captured the spirit of the night perfectly.

To finish, student organizations came together to hang their ornaments on the tree. With this being the last Tree of Lights for some and the first for others, it was a bittersweet moment filled with pride and nostalgia.

Both the LEAP Ambassadors and the Pre-Law Society proudly added theirs, and everyone gathered around to take pictures and soak in the moment. With every ornament added, the 104th Tree of Lights ceremony continues to grow in meaning and remains a cherished part of who we are as Bearkats!

	The Civic Leadership… on Foundational Activities of the…
	The Civic Leadership… on The Philosophical Foundations…
	LEAPing Into Action… on The Philosophical Foundations…
	Jada Cook on SHSU Students LEAP Across Five…
	Reflections from the… on Kicking off the Semester Right…