The players from Northwestern State (our opponents in football) were not the only visitors we had in town this Saturday. On this delightful afternoon, we were also accompanied by the Brady Team, comprised of Congressman Kevin Brady and his district and D.C. staff. As part of their district retreat, Congressman Brady and his staff toured various parts of the district with Sam Houston State University as their prime stop in their Huntsville itinerary.
While the LEAP Ambassadors were wrapping up their presentation to the Colonial Dames, Christina and Brian excused themselves to join the staff in Huntsville’s very own Bennie J’s restaurant, where they met with Brady’s team. And, from there, the group traveled to the Gaertner Performing Arts Center (GPAC).
During their tour at the GPAC, they were joined by Craig Brossman, the Facility Manager of the GPAC, and Ronald Shields, the Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Mass Communication. The staff visited the atrium, where they saw works by Jesus Moroles, James Surls, and Kathleen Ash, and also visited Dean Shield’s office, where they saw art by Harry Ahysen and Michael Henderson, which put them in a contemplative mood…
Of course, we also took them to the main Recital Hall, where we joined by President Dana Hoyt and her husband, John. Congressman Brady introduced Hoyt as “the best University President in the country,” and, in a pleasant surprise, the SHSU Choral Group returned from their lunch break and offered to perform!
It was at this point that the hall’s perfect acoustics were put to use and shown off. With voices resonating across the hall, and the reverberating organ playing in the background, they entranced all with their musical talents.
Congressman Brady thanked the music director, Dr. Joshua Bronfman, and noted that the performance “gave him goosebumps.”
Of course, congressman Brady’s staff could not leave Huntsville without learning about the man who started it all, so the team headed to Sam Houston Memorial Museum. Luckily, Mac Woodward, the former Huntsville Mayor, was on hand to give a museum tour.
We always appreciate time spent with Mr. Woodward, and this was no exception as he took time out of his Saturday to educate visitors about Sam Houston and Huntsville, Texas.
Mr. Woodward began with some historical facts of the Tennessee senator who would one day make his way down to Texas. The staff was left to roam the museum freely and learn about one of the greatest politicians in Texas History.
Mary Cordes, District Operations Director for Congressman Brady, told us that during her tour of the nation’s capital she learned that Sam Houston’s desk is one of six still kept in the old senate chamber. It was exciting to hear that Texas roots are famous even in DC! Congressman Brady’s staff was intrigued by the amount of historical artifacts the museum held.
The Museum has Sam Houston’s constitution from the time when he served in the US Senate and a few things that belonged to Margaret Houston.
Before leaving, Congressman Brady talked about the unveiling of the Elisabet Ney bust and how excited he was to be placing it in the Ways and Means committee room.
This was the last stop In Huntsville for the staff before heading on to other parts of Congressional District 8.
It was an enjoyable afternoon with Congressman Brady and his staff, not to mention President Hoyt and Mayor Woodward.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 