Civic Engagement – Page 42 – Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

SHAIPing Futures: Yvette in Austin

Being a LEAP Ambassador, I am accustomed to making the most of my experiences, and that has been true in my first six weeks in Austin as a member of the Sam Houston State Austin Internship Program. This program has allowed me to not only learn more about the inner workings of the Texas State Capitol but to learn more and explore the city of Austin! With a great array of options to choose from what to do in Austin, I am glad I chose activities that showed me Austin’s beautiful landscape, fresh and homemade foods, and unique artwork!

First, there is no better way to grasp the beauty of Austin than on top of Mount Bonnell. A popular attraction since 1939, Mount Bonnell is perfect for tourists, and locals alike. Before walking up the mountain I found out I was about to be 775 feet up above sea level, which may sound frightening for those afraid of heights, but the view over Pennybacker Bridge, glistening skyline, and Colorado River makes it completely worth it. Not only was I able to enjoy this breathtaking view but I was able to bring a special guest to come along, my dog, Pupito.

Many people would agree that Sunday afternoons are perfect for farmers markets. I took advantage of this and learned that the farmer market scene in Austin is unparalleled! After going to Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller I will make it a point to visit a lot more during my time in Austin. This Market was filled with Austin’s locally owned businesses that sold fresh vegetables, food, jewelry, and bar soaps–all while live music is performed! It was a lively event on a beautiful day in Austin. As I walked through the crowd, I quickly spotted Lamb Gyro’s at Lamba’s Royal Indian Foods, and I knew I couldn’t pass it up. The food was delicious, and the open grassy area made me feel very welcomed.

Last, it was a great idea to take a self-guided tour of UT Landmarks Austin’s key works of art (I have already visited the Blanton a couple of times) Learning about the story behind each art piece is truly fascinating. My favorite was the Clock Knot by Mark di Suvero. The Clock Knot sculpture is very interactive and it changes meaning every direction you take to look at it from a different angle. On one side it looks like a clock, but once you walk underneath it, it is interpreted to mean something completely different. I also was able to see other unique and famous pieces such as Nancy Rubins, Monochrome for Austin, and Deborah Butterfield’s, Vermillion!

Living in Austin has opened my eyes to more nature, food, and art! I would not be able to explore to this greater extent without the SHAIP. This was only the beginning of my exploration through Austin and I cannot wait for more adventures!

TSUS Presents: A Speaker, A Singer, and an Education

Jessica Cuevas and Morgan Robertson

This past Wednesday, the SHAIP Interns learned that the pride and spirit of the colleges in the Texas State University System isn’t limited to the various towns across the state. For the 2023 biannual TSUS Presents, TSUS staff, members, legislators, country legends, and even SHSU students, gathered at the Austin City Limits to celebrate and honor that spirit.

Artists with the most appearances at ACL

Just last month, we had the opportunity to tour the TSUS offices and meet those who oversee TSUS. It was a great chance to network and learn, just one of the many opportunities for us as SHAIP interns. TSUS also provided lunch, and Development Director Malú González and Vice Chancellor Mike Wintemute presented us with the amazing opportunity to assist with this event. It is at least the third time that SHAIP interns have assisted with this event, which occurs biannually.

We were scheduled to arrive at 3:30pm, but our preparation began earlier, with event descriptions to read, software to download, and instructions to learn. While we waited for guests to start arriving, we visited with Vice Chancellor (and Foundation Director) Mike Wintemute, and Vice Chancellor Sean Cunningham. They were very interested in how our first month of session had gone and how we’d been faring. We even got to say hi to Chancellor McCall, and it was especially nice to work under the leadership of Malu Gonzalez.

(L-R) Ashlyn Parker, Ingrid Cuero, Morgan Robertson, Jessica Cuevas, and Malú González

As a thank you to some of the sponsors, Speaker of the House, Dade Phelan donated his time in the form of photo-ops! And while a couple of the volunteers assisted with that, the rest of us assisted with checking-in the special guests and attendees who after a long day of work were ready to sit back and enjoy the concert: TSUS Presents Dwight Yoakam. Many attendees were members and staff of the Legislature–some of whom we knew after working in the Capitol for a month–members of TSUS Universities (such as the presidents and other cabinet officials), and governmental affairs specialists from all over. In short, it was a networking bonanza! But we did stick to our job, which was directing these guests, all generous donors, towards the photo-ops, auctions, and seating.

Part of the benefit of working this program is that we also attend the event! So, we had a chance to hear from Regent Amato…

…Chancellor McCall…

…and, of course, the honoree, Speaker Dade Phelan.

Speaker Phelan introduced some humor into his speech, while also praising the work of educators, public universities, and the entire process of education. It was appropriate that the funds raised for this event–which totaled more than $700,000–would go to scholarships.

This knowledge made the event even more special for us, in as much as the SHAIP internships for which we were selected are only possible, the result of donors providing scholarships. In a small way, our volunteer work was our way of showing appreciation for the support provided by TSUS, SHSU, SHAIP, and its officials.

As important as we all agree education is, that didn’t mean people weren’t awaiting the main attraction, which was, of course, Dwight Yoakum. And, thus, the lights were dimmed, and the stage where Speaker Phelan previously stood had been rearranged to better suit the needs of country legend Dwight Yoakam and his band!

They quickly filled the room with hit music, including “The Streets of Bakersfield,” “Fast as You,” and “Please Please Baby.”

That was only the beginning even Yoakam noted that was only his warmup. The real concert did not begin until Yoakam played Honky Tonk Man; Little Ways; The Heart that you Own; A Thousand Miles from Nowhere; Guitars, Cadillacs; and many more, including his favorite Willie Nelson tune.

Yoakam wrapped up the concert in fashion as he not only strummed his guitar and danced his signature moves, he also passed on the spotlight to every member of his band recognizing their talents as each took the opportunity to rock out!

After the concert ended, the SHAIP Interns took the opportunity of being around such amazing people and started snapping selfies! Amongst our selfie guests were Assistant Vice Chancellor, Pierce Mitchell;

L-R: Morgan Robertson, Ashlyn Parker, Jessica Cuevas, and Pierce Mitchell

…Vice Chancellor Sean Cunningham and Elliott Herzlich;

Elliott Herzlich, Jessica Cuevas, Mike Yawn, Ashlyn Parker, Stephanie Fors, Morgan Robertson, and VC Sean Cunningham

…Vice-President Heather Thielemann and Dr. McCartney Johnson…

Morgan Robertson, Dr. McCartney Johnson, Jessica Cuevas, Yvette Mendoza, Ashlyn Parker, Vice-President Heather Thielemann, and Ingrid Cuero.

We also had a chance to meet Dr. Carlos Hernandez, currently President of Sul Ross University and formerly VP of Finance at SHSU, and his wife, Lupita, who also worked at SHSU.

…and President White and Speaker Phelan.

This was a great night and we were all thankful to be able to volunteer and attend this live concert! Many thanks to Malu Gonzalez and all those at TSUS for hosting a wonderful event and for supporting students.

The Man with the Killer Smile: Dr. Mitchel Roth discusses Serial Mass Murderer George Hassell

One of the nice things about universities is that they promote the exchange of ideas and learning, and that concept was on full display yesterday as Dr. Mitchel Roth discussed his new book on crime: “The Man With the Killer Smile.” Roth, a professor of Criminal Justice at SHSU, brings a learned approach to the true-crime genre, incorporating psycholo0gy, criminology, and history.

The result has won plaudits from the critics, including bestselling author Jeff Guinn, who described the work as “masterful storytelling.” Of note is that Roth is perhaps the first to combine two criminological concepts into one killer.

A serial murderer is someone who commits murder at two (or more) different times, with a cooling off period in between (some definitions require three acts of murder). While a mass murderer is someone who kills at least four people at one time. By these definitions, Hassell is a serial mass killer.

Hassell specialized in families: his own. And Roth describes him as a “husband, father, uncle, embezzler, serial mass murderer, philanderer, child moslester, convict, and military deserter.” He was as Roth continues, “many things to many people, most of them bad.” The book makes this much clear.

Roth’s presentation of his work was entertaining, showing an author with a somewhat dark sense of humor, a felicity with presentation, and a drive to research and write. Although he notes that as he’s “gotten older,” he “has trouble working on two or three books at once,” it’s clear he relishes the research, the interaction with those he comes across in his research, and the act of writing.

As a result and despite the dark subject matter, the presentation was an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. Reflecting the university mission of promoting ideas and learning, Roth expertly shone a light on history, criminology, and psychology, all captured in “The Man with the Killer Smile.”

An Evening with the Vice-President

LEAP students enjoyed another wonderful World Affairs Council event, this one featuring a former Vice President of the United States: Mike Pence. It was an educational evening, allowing students, alumni, and fellows SHSU faculty/staff of all political affiliations to hear about public affairs directly from public figures.

After brief introductions by WAC Director Maryanne Maldonado and other staff…

…Vice-President Pence and moderator Paul Hobby took the stage. With approximately 400 people on hand, Hobby asked a series of questions to Pence, with most of the addressing, not surprisingly, foreign affairs.

He also asked VP Pence about his duties during the January 6 riot/insurgency, in which Pence certified the election results. Pence noted that his job was simple, which was to follow the constitution.

In this case, he continued, there was no evidence that any voting irregularities amounted to sufficient cause to question the outcome of the election, and he had a clear duty to certify the results indicating Biden won. Somewhat surprisingly, he indicated that Vice President Al Gore, who lost the 2000 election but similarly certified the election results showing Bush won, was an inspiration to him.

On other topics, Pence indicated he believed the United States should show more strength on foreign affairs generally. Perhaps the most discussed topic involved the balloons that have been spotted floating over the United States. Pence expressed much alarm and dismay by this, expressed his belief that the US took too long to respond, and reiterated that no foreign vessels should be allowed on (or above) US Territory (what constitutes acceptable airspace is globally disputed, but this is a starting place). Pence indicated that while he had heard reports that foreign balloons were deployed over the United States while he was Vice-President, he expressed some incredulity about that, saying, “that’s news to me.”

While the World Affairs Council is nonpartisan, they bring in public figures from all over the political spectrum. The crowd was respectful to VP Pence, and it was clear he had many supporters on hand.

Meanwhile, we had the opportunity to get Vice-President Pence’s book, So Help Me God, and follow up the event with dinner at the nearby Kenny and Ziggy’s. Interestingly, this is the sixth Vice-President the LEAP Center has taken students to see, with the others being: George H. W. Bush, Dan Quayle, Dick Cheney, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and, now, Mike Pence.

Kenny and Ziggy’s

If you haven’t tried Kenny & Ziggy’s, it’s a great place to get good food and large portions. It is a NY-style deli, and we were all big fans of the sandwiches. While no formal vote was taken, Michelle’s Philly Sandwich may have been the favorite, but not one of the four students who ordered a Reuben was disappointed.

For us, it was also a chance to spend time with alumni (Esme Mata and Victoria McClendon) and SHSU staff, including Mike Yawn, Stephanie Fors, and Gene Roberts. This was a great opportunity to hear from public officials and learn about career opportunities while expanding our professional network.

Educational Engagement And “All that Jazz”

While the “LEAP” in the LEAP Center stands for “Law, Engagement, And Politics,” the Engagement component of that mission is interpreted broadly. It includes engagement with multiple disciplines: civil rights, history, policy, and the fine arts. If it’s a learning opportunity, it probably falls under LEAP’s purview, and this past Saturday, it included the musical Chicago, at the Hobby Center.

Prior to the musical, we had dinner at La Fisheria, which provided a new experience with food. Olivia had the salad; Daniela had the fish; Michelle had a type of ceviche, with shrimp, scallops, and peppers; Professor Yawn and Stephanie split the tacos (fish and lobster). In addition, we all split some appetizers: poblano dip, empanadas, and guacamole.

It was a great dinner, while also being reasonably close to the Hobby Center.

Chicago has an interesting history, birthed from an actual event in the 1920s, turned into a (non-musical) play, made into a movie, turned into a musical fifty years later, and then revived in the 1990s–a revival that has turned it into the longest-running musical in history.

It was our first time to see it, although Professor Yawn and Stephanie have seen it multiple times. The plot involves a woman who kills her lover, is arrested, and with a lawyer’s spin, becomes a media sensation. As aspiring attorneys, the play was an entertaining satire on the law, the media, and the American concept of justice and celebrity. Moreover, the musical was both funny and entertaining.

We all had different favorites, but “All that Jazz,” “Cell Block Tango,” and “Razzle Dazzle” rated highly. The production was strong but not elaborate and the dancers were amazing. At least one of us had not been to a play before, at least not as anything resembling an adult! It was, in short, a wonderful theatre introduction and a great experience!

Ambassador McKinley Surveys Latin America

Students and Woodlands’ residents enjoyed another World Affairs Council event, this one highlighting the leadership changes in Latin America. This event, featuring Ambassador Michael McKinley, proved entertaining and educational, hallmarks of WAC events.

McKinley is uniquely qualified to discuss Latin America. In addition to being born in Venezuela and having a PhD in international affairs, McKinley also served as Ambassador to Peru, Brazil, and Columbia (not to mention Afghanistan).

Following introductions by Sandija Bayot and Baylee Cammack from Caney Creek High School, the forum was turned over to the excellent moderator Ronan O’Malley.

McKinley discussed the unique challenges of Latin America, including periods of instability, colonial rule, poverty and inequality. This, he noted, had been particularly acute in Peru when Castillo was in power: In a sixteen-month period, Castillo’s cabinet went through 80 members, an unprecedented number. Moreover, Castillo attempted to suspend Congress.

While such episodes have occurred throughout Latin America’s history, much progress has been made, and McKinley notes that while the largest six Latin American countries now have left-leaning governments, these governments fall within normal and accepted economic and governing strategies: they aren’t socialist or Communist governments.

Moreover, in most of the countries, much progress has been made in institutionalizing democratic reforms, auguring well for the future.

McKinley noted that the United States needed to devote more attention to Latin America. While he noted that Ukraine and China are two paramount concerns right now, issues in these regions should not fully overshadow the importance and promise of Latin America. Remarkably, he noted that while the United States had sent 68 billion dollars to Ukraine last year, only 2 billion had been sent to all of Latin America. Moreover, the US accepts more than 500,000 students from China, India, and Korea, but we accept less than 100,000 students from all of Latin America. With attention, effort, and resources, these disparities can be addressed, benefiting both the United States and Latin America.

Gratifyingly, there were a large number of students on hand to hear Ambassador McKinley’s response.

Indeed, overall, there were more than 70 people who came out to hear the Ambassador speak, and it’s safe to say that everyone came away more informed. Ambassador McKinley spoke with guests following the event…

…and we also had the chance to peruse the wonderful Glade Art Gallery, which is constantly rotating its art work, giving us the chance to find new favorites–which we did!

Once again, we’d like to thank the World Affairs Council for offering these wonderful learning opportunities to students from SHSU and beyond.

Chilly–and Fun–at the Lodge: 2023

One of the hidden jewels of Huntsville is the Josey Scout Lodge, which serves as a home to the Huntsville units of the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of the USA. The structure was built in 1934, and for almost nine decades it has graced the Huntsville community.

The Josey Scout Lodge in the Snow (2021)

But for the last two years, it has also served as home to “Chilly at the Lodge,” a fundraiser and fun-raiser for the community.

The core aspect of Chilly at the Lodge is a national chili contest, with contestants from across the country bringing their best chili-game to Huntsville, TX.

It’s a competitive group, too: seven of this year’s applicants are national chili champions.

Karla Christian is the logistical manager and all-around workhorse behind this event, but it receives much help from others as well: Gene Roberts, Tom Rogers, Leanne Woodward, and numerous volunteer judges.

The presence of familiar faces reinforces the community nature of the event.

The presence of entertainment, some local, some more distal, adds variety and fun. And the presence of the world’s best chili-makers adds–literally and figuratively–adds spice to the event.

Speaking of which, the winners for Saturday’s event were:

For People’s Choice, the Saturday finishers were: (3) Mac Walker, (2) David Gray, and (1) Scott Williams.

For Community Youth, the Saturday finishers were: (3, tie) Michelle Rush, (3, tie) Carson’s Mill, (2, tie) Spice Men, (2, tie), Chili Dogs, and (1) East meets West.

For Community Adult, the Saturday’s finishers were: (3) Glenn Frey, (2) Wesley Campus Ministry, and (1) David Gray.

For the International Chili Society official contests:

Salsa: (3) Mary Parker, (2) Scott Williams, and (1) Mac Walker.

Chili Verde: (3) Chuck McCory (who generously donated his winnings back to the Josey Lodge), (2) Louis Gonzales, and (1) Mary Parker.

Homestyle: (3) Kelly Walker, (2) Roger Folks, and (1) Barbara Herron

Red Chili: (3) Brandon Marshall, (2) David Lazarus, and (1) Roger Foltz.

The event brought some great entertainment to Huntsville, gave some chili cooks a chance to show off their skills, allowed the community to come together for a good cause, and, of course, raised some funds for the non-profit Josey Scout Lodge, making it a winner of a weekend!

SHAIP Speaker Series

The Sam Houston Austin Internship Program kicks off each session with “Speaker Series,” and this week’s session placed double duty on the word “Speaker.” On Friday, the nine Austin Interns heard from three members of the House Speaker’s staff: Margo Cardwell (Counsel), Sydney Watts (Chief of Staff), and Cassi Pollock (Press/Media).

With lunch from Alonti’s (thanks to Malu Gonzales from TSUS for the recommendation), the students got two-hour overview of running a leadership office–as well as invaluable career advice.

Margo Cardwell emphasized the importance of discretion in the workplace, offering discussions of both office culture and the legal requirements of reporting office communications. She also explored the protections the Texas House offers against sexual harassment, and she offered the nine young women resources for addressing that issue, should they need resources. Cardwell then discussed her own career path, which involved an undergraduate degree in Washington, DC, law school at the University of Texas, and a series of legal/political jobs.

Without a master strategic plan to end up as Legal Counsel for the Speaker of the House, the jobs she chose made her both qualified and ideal for such a position. With six of the nine interns wanting to be attorneys, her advice was well received.

After serving as a reporter for several years for the Texas Tribune, Cassi Pollock now works as Press Secretary for Speaker Phelan. Pollock’s years covering politics and ability to write and communicate serve her well in her current role.

She emphasized the importance of writing skill for any office-legal-political job, a point echoed by Margo Cardwell. Pollock also underscored the need to stay true to your moral compass.

As a political reporter, she did her best to remain neutral and report the facts as she learned them and not to be swayed by her own–or others’–political leanings.

Sydney Watts has worked for two speakers, Bonnen and now Phelan, serving as the latter’s “Director of Administration.” She discussed basic management, tips for professional settings, tips for interns, and navigating the capitol.

One point she made was that no job is beneath any staffer. In fact, she pointed out that Margo might be “stocking the refrigerator” on one day, and the next she might be representing the Texas House in the court system. She highlighted the fact that the Texas House is one of the best places in the country for young people to work and to make a difference. In addition, she encouraged the interns to ask questions, particularly if (1) they were uncertain about something, (2) if they were curious, or (3) if they needed assistance with prioritizing tasks. For students in their first professional jobs with real responsibility, the advice was needed.

The students also had a chance to chime in, discussing what they’ve learned about things in the legislature, their biggest challenges, and aspects of Austin or the Texas Legislature they’ve found most interesting. Jessica Cuevas discussed the challenges of being an introvert and asserting oneself, Amor Sheffield discussed the challenges of being semi-introverted and having to speak to so many people in the Capitol all day long…

…and Breanna Demyers commented on the diversity of people from Texas’s 254 counties.

After the rewarding visit, we were able to take a photo in the House Gallery, with Ms. Cardwell and Ms. Watt (Ms. Pollock was, by this time, in a meeting).

It was a rewarding day for all of us, occurring in the midst of what is shaping up to be the most rewarding semester in our college careers.

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