Civic Engagement – Page 2 – Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

Bridging Academia and Real-World Experience at SHSU

In our four years at Sam Houston State University, we have had many opportunities to attend conferences. And, perhaps unusually, we have also had the opportunity to present at conferences, and one of those opportunities arose late this semester–two weeks prior to our graduation!

Our presentation, alongside Dean Lyons and Associate Dean Boisvert, was to highlight the many ways that SHSU, the College of Criminal Justice, and the LEAP Center help bridge the gap between academia and the “real-world.”

While the Deans ably handled high-level things such as state mandates, trends in higher education, and challenges faced across the educational industry, we offered an overview of some of the ways that this curricular “bridge” has helped us participate in and transition to the workplace.

This included discussions of things we experience in the classroom, such as police simulations; internship opportunities we have had in and outside of our fields of study; travel opportunities we have enjoyed; and the community service in which we have engaged. This approach was taken to demonstrate that, in a world where a career lattice (rather than career ladder) is likely, it’s important to have broad and well-rounded skills rather than narrow and inflexible skills.

It was a pleasure to have this opportunity–and especially together–as we approach our graduation. As fellow Criminal Justice majors with an assortment of minors, and as former SHAIP interns, and as students very active in the LEAP program, it was a pleasure to share some of our experiences with Dean Lyons and Associate Dean Danielle Boisvert…

…in front of many of the leading professionals in the correctional-legal field.

Becker Brings Humor, Inspiration to SHSU

Written by Allie Plunk

Starting off an insightful day with George H.W. Bush’s post-presidency chief of
Staff, Jean Becker, we met at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences building here on campus for a book talk and signing!

Though some of us had attended a previous event on her book tour, everyone was enthralled by Becker’s charismatic and engaging discussion of her newest book, Don’t Tell the President, co-authored by Tom Collamore. We listened eagerly as she discussed accounts of several of the stories of advance workers– the people who make sure that events go as planned– across presidencies from Lyndon B. Johnson to Barack Obama.

After several humorous anecdotes about the less-than-elegant side to life while working for the White House (like getting peed on at a phone booth while talking to her boss)…

…Becker closed on a more somber note. She reminded us that Americans have to pull together to make progress, and she highlighted the way that–despite their differences–Presidents Bush and Clinton worked together to raise funds for hurricane relief and that President Obama stopped in to Houston, days before President Bush’s death, to thank him for his service to the country.

This serves as a reminder of what our future both as a people and as a country, should look like: putting aside differences and helping each other where we can.

Following the book talk, Becker generously agreed to sign copies of her new book! Students lined up eagerly, discussing the fascinating stories she had shared. We were all very excited and grateful to have had her with us at Sam Houston once again.

Chamber After Hours Showcases Senior Center’s Vital Programs

LEAP students were back at the Senior Center, but this time it was for the Chamber’s Business After Hours, highlighting the good work of Stacey Loll and her staff.

And LEAP students were not alone, as some forty community members attended, including Representative Trey Wharton, Mayor Russell Humphrey, Chamber President Jason Brandolini, and, of course, the Senior Center’s Board members.

Visitors not only had a chance to see the physical space of the Senior Center, but also to tour it, enjoy the food provided by the non-profit (cooked by the wonderful chef, Rafael), and learn more about the program’s vital mission.

This mission includes providing an activity space within the facility, where seniors come on a daily basis for lunch, bingo, and companionship. A second leg of the mission is food delivery, with more than a hundred meals delivered each (week) day to food-insecure residents. And, third, the Center provides transportation to key sustenance and civic activities, such as voting, shopping, and medical visits.

With only two full-time staff members, the organization is heavily reliant on volunteers, many of whom handle the delivery of meals. As Director Loll noted, “You only have to deliver once, and when you do, you will know why we deliver meals and the extent to which our community needs this service.”

Certainly the drivers at the event echoed this sentiment, sharing stories with us about their experiences and the community’s needs. Moreover, they also spoke of the benefits they receive by helping. Volunteerism, as we have also learned through our own experiences at the Senior Center, isn’t just the volunteers giving to the community–it’s the impact that volunteerism has on the volunteers.

Speaking for ourselves, we certainly felt the impact, and after a bit of assistance to the staff and board with take-down, we left the Senior Center with the warm glow that comes from being part of a community that cares about others.

For those who would like to donate to the Senior Center, follow this link.

Ambassador Rahul Chhabra speaks on India’s Global Leadership

Written by Kayla Fleming

Thursday, April 9th, was an exciting day for LEAP students. We traveled to the Asia Society Texas Center to hear Ambassador Rahul Chhabra speak on India’s place in global leadership, hosted by the World Affairs Council. The event provided new learning opportunities and deeper insight into the world’s largest democracy, India.

Following a warm welcome from Matthew Fuller, the director of Business and Politics at the Asia Society Texas and CEO of the World Affairs Council, Maryanne Maldonado introduced Ambassador Chhabra, setting the stage for a lively and informative discussion moderated by Chief Programs Officer Ronan O’Malley.

Ambassador Chhabra was the perfect blend of entertaining and educational. He discussed India’s rise on the global stage and its relations with other countries. He also highlighted the “economic miracle” of India’s GDP growth, especially in comparison to China, as well as the U.S.

Ambassador Chhabra began by reflecting on India’s early years, following their independence from Britain at the end of the Second World War. He mentioned India’s first choice of ally was the United States, but they refused to be overly tied into diplomatic entanglements as a developing country.

This independent spirit was exemplified by the concept of “nonalignment” and India’s continuous choice to forge its own pathway rather than strictly aligning with the West, China, or Russia. He attributed this concept to “India’s economic miracle.” Ambassador Chhabra mentioned India’s choice to expand into the IT sector instead of manufacturing, which was the proven path to development that China underwent.

Another key topic Ambassador Chhabra explored was the significance of the “123 agreement,” which reversed the previous sanctions on nuclear trade with India. Under George W. Bush, India and U.S. relations increased significantly as India was the only country with which the United States had an arrangement like this. He attributed a large portion of this success to the Indian-American population and their unwavering support.

Nearing the end of the event, O’Malley opened the floor to questions, and Ambassador Chhabra answered multiple questions from the audience regarding India’s global strategy and international partnership.

Listening to his vast experiences and India’s point of view over the last several decades was particularly interesting, and left the audience pondering the effects of American policies on the rest of the world, for better or worse. After the event finished, Ambassador Chhabra was kind enough to take a photo with LEAP students, providing a memorable end to an insightful day.

Mortar & Pestle Brings Joy and Jean Becker

Written by Isis Hollis

It is only fitting to have a book talk in a book shop, and Huntsville is fortunate to have one of the best downtown bookstores in the state: Mortar & Pestle. Filled with books, wine, coffee, and art…

…this “Third Place” was soon filled with people and a charismatic and humorous speaker and, before long, a room full of laughs.

We learned about the travails of Bob Dole, who made an impromptu visit to highlight economic development, only to find himself keeping company with characters dressed as Woody Woodpecker, Frankenstein, Charlie Chaplin, and Mae West–not the look you want when you’ve just fired three campaign officials. Headlines the next day read, “Bob Dole Shakes up Campaign Staff.”

Senator Bob Dole during the Florida Primary at the construction site of Universal City. Photo by Dennis Brack

Of course, it wasn’t all laughs. There were also discussions of events such as attempted presidential assassinations, disaster relief, and 9-11. Irrespective of the anecdote, Becker related tales in the book with passion, intelligence, and a bit of mischief.

The result was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon in a wonderfully enjoyable venue.

Following the event, attendees bought books, had them signed, and stayed around to enjoy each other’s company.

LEAP Students, Kara Froelich, Carl Pittman (owners of Mortar and Pestle), and Jean Becker then indulged in a meal at Sam’s Table, where we were able to ask deeper questions after the much fulfilling day. Becker revealed more about the process behind wrangling people together to write essays for her book, discussed the busy schedule of a book tour, and extolled the virtues of a downtown bookstore such as Mortar & Pestle.

Remembering You, David Adickes

The LEAP Center follows many artists, but one in particular that every Ambassador admires not only for his work but also because of his local connections is David Adickes. Sadly, he passed away on July 13th, 2025, but his work is still cherished across Texas and the United States.

Fortunately, admirers have a chance to see many of his works across diverse media and eras at the Sam Houston Memorial Museum’s Walker Education Center through May 31.

The show was introduced by Tod Lawlis, Curator of Exhibits, who started his job shortly before the exhibit began!

He and Adickes’ long-time partner, Linda Wiley, did a wonderful job providing an overview of the show, and describing why this exhibit is both special and appropriate for Adickes and his legacy.

The exhibit showcases approximately 40 of his works, including sculptures, maquettes, studies, enhanced giclee prints, and original pieces of art. The exhibit title, however, derives from a song Adickes wrote, “Remembering You,” before he enlisted in the Army.

The works ranged from the 1950s through the 2020s, surely making Adickes one of the longest-working Texas artists in history.

We all had a chance to look at the pieces, select our favorites…

…review them some more, and revise our favorites list!

One of the joys of the event was speaking with many of our fellow attendees. We met descendants of Sam Houston, caught up with old favorites such as the Peases, Woodwards, Lee Jamison, and, of course, had a chance to meet or catch up with Linda Wiley.

Linda spoke lovingly of David, his career, and his vast legacy in the arts world, while also emphasizing that this was a celebration of David’s life and work.

She also took great care to include pieces in the show at difference prices, allowing many people the opportunity to purchase their own David Adickes, a strategy that proved helpful to some of the recent graduates in attendance!

It was a great showing, one befitting an artist who did much for the art world and the arts community.

And it was a particularly nice time for us–for many of us, our first art exhibit–learning more about the work of Adickes, Linda’s involvement in his life and work, and the community to which he contributed much.

The only work in the exhibit not by Adickes. This quilt, by Mary Laura Gibbs, was crafted from David Adickes’ tie collection.

Senior Center Fun & Volunteerism

Written by Zackery Isaacks

The Senior Center offers a comfortable space for seniors to engage in fellowship, with games and activities such as dominoes, bingo, quilting, and crafting. The Senior Center also administers the “Meals on Wheels” program to seniors to alleviate hunger, foster socialization, and promote independence in the senior community.

During last week’s time at the Senior Center, LEAP students engaged with seniors by calling and playing bingo and engaging in a multitude of games such as chicken foot and spades. During the multiple rounds of bingo, the seniors started getting very competitive, and in one round, there were 3 winners at once! While playing group games, the senior center taught the students how to play (and lose) at their favorite games.

For lunch, the senior center served chicken fajitas with beans, fostering a wholesome community gathering for all. As the Wednesday gathering concluded, the seniors plan to come back to engage in the fellowship that the center facilitates.

Open Monday through Thursday from 7:30am-3:30 pm and Fridays 7:30am-2pm, the Senior Center of Walker County serves the community each and every week. Always welcoming volunteers to assist the Senior Center, those interested in volunteering can reach out to Stacy Loll at seniorcenterwalkercounty@gmail.com or 936-295-6151.

Jill Dougherty, The Kremlin, and Vladimir Putin

By Tania Hernandez

It’s always a good evening at the World Affairs Council, and with Jill Dougherty on the agenda, this evening was no different. Ms. Dougherty discussed her time in Russia–which dated back to the 1960s, when she did a study abroad there–her interactions with Vladimir Putin, and her hopes and fears for the future of international relations.

Following an introduction by Ronan O’Malley…

…Ms. Dougherty began her discussion with a slideshow of her early years in Russia. She had the opportunity to travel to Russia–along with her twin sister…

…while in school, in part, because she had studied the language in grade school.

Although Dougherty enjoyed studying in Russia, she was aware, even as a young person, that government officials followed her and, occasionally, when she was presenting to crowds, undercover government officials would hector her during question and answer sessions, being dismissive and negative about life in the United States.

Following her presentation, WAC’s Sandija Bayot moderated the discussion. She asked Dougherty to discuss how Russia has changed since the hopeful days of Gorbachev and Yeltsin.

And while the 1990s may have been a hopeful time for the world and Russia’s citizens, the transition from Communism to democracy was chaotic, and leaders weren’t able to build an infrastructure that was capable of sustaining a democracy. Putin came in, and in contrast to Yeltsin, he was sober and had a vision for Russia’s future.

The vision, she notes, is heavily influenced by the leader’s belief that the USSR was taken advantage of, exploited, and humiliated in the post-Cold War era. This “chip on his shoulder” shapes his actions, and the government fails to enact democratic procedures, protect civil liberties, or honor any sort of free speech. This latter point is, ultimately, what prompted Ms. Dougherty to leave Russia, disappointed in what the government has become, but in admiration of the Russian citizens, culture, and language.

Jill Dougherty ended her discussion with hopes that one day she’ll be able to return to the country and experience again the Russia she once knew.

She closed to much applause, and following her main discussion, we had the rare opportunity to spend some small-group time with her. She was a bit more candid, but just as lively and as interesting, further enhancing our night’s education.

And while I may be a newcomer to World Affairs Council events, it is events like these that keep me coming back!

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