Category: Uncategorized

Heard of G.O.A.T.s

by Olivia Discon

As a LEAP Ambassador, you’re not expected to be an art expert—or even an enthusiast. But after visiting dozens of museums through the program, it’s only natural that some of us become fans… or critics. I’ve now been to 75 museums with LEAP. Before joining, I’d only ever visited one. Among all those experiences, one name has stood out again and again: James Surls. Of those many wonderful educational experiences, James Surls is a name I had come to frequent more than most. 

Surls is something of a household name in LEAP. As a distinguished alum of Sam Houston State University and a prominent figure in Huntsville, his work has served as many students’ first introduction to art—including mine.

So when we heard about the opening reception for the Surls + Locke Museum and the Heard of G.O.A.T.S. exhibit, we knew it was something we couldn’t pass up!

After being shuttled to the 40-acre property, we went to Surls’ studio, which had been transformed into an event hall for the afternoon. Inside, towering sculptures filled the space, and even the live musicians were performing among the artworks on stage.

We spent a long time taking in the ambiance, discussing which pieces were our favorite. Moya and McCaughan were especially drawn to the work of Charmaine Locke, Surls’ wife and an artist in her own right.

Inspired by the natural world, Surls uses both medium and or composition to emulate life. This presents itself in various ways, but he’s most known for his sculptures that resemble flowers or plants, his eye motif, and sometimes, a combination of the two!

His work stands out not just visually, but intellectually.

While I didn’t initially grasp the depth of his pieces, I’ve come to appreciate their layered meanings over time.

As one article (written by my professor) quotes Surls:

“Right then and there, I drank from the well of true belief in something far greater than myself. I got the calling for my life, and I answered the call with a resounding ‘Yes, I will do it.’”

That sense of purpose resonates with me—and with LEAP as a whole. It reminds me of why we serve and why we learn.

We later walked through the Gift from the Bower exhibit, which featured a series of outdoor installations on its final day.

We spent a lot of time here, discussing meaning, appreciating how the pieces interacted with the environment, and—for Chrissy—getting eaten alive by bugs.

I personally enjoyed Sonic Overlook by Patrick Renner…

and Chrissy liked Learning to Fly by Sherry Owens and Art Shirer.

We had the opportunity to meet Surls himself and have him sign photos we took of his work at the Gaertner Performing Arts Center. It was an honor to meet the artist behind the incredible work that so many LEAP students have enjoyed over the years, and it’s an experience I will cherish for a long time. 

Victoria McClendon-Leggett, former LEAP President, also had the opportunity to meet Surls.

As for the Heard of G.O.A.T.S. exhibit itself, the gallery was filled with other famous names. John Alexander…

Lynn Randolph…

and Bill Haveron…

Michelle took a liking to a piece called His and Hers Red Nest by James Drake. She found that the nests looked like angel wings and fittingly posed for a photo upon discovery.

Chrissy, on the other hand, enjoyed a much moodier scene, Siddhartha by Carlos Canul. 

Interestingly enough, the Terry Allen sculpture was on display on the outdoor patio. Titled Bust, the piece depicts a man in a suit that is blowing against an imaginary force of wind. Like all of his pieces, this was thought provoking and visually interesting. It’s no surprise that this bust is courtesy of the Surls + Locke Museum’s collection!

In all, this was an experience that reminds you why LEAP exists—to open minds, spark curiosity, and connect students to opportunities and perspectives they might not have encountered otherwise. It was an incredibly memorable experience, and one I will always be grateful for.

Holmes and Hounds in Houston

by Olivia Discon

A mysterious death. A howling hound. A suspiciously Texan heir. What do all these things have in common? Chaos, comedy, and the incredible Todd Waite in his final bow as Sherlock Holmes at the Alley Theatre.

With only five actors and 36 characters flying in and out of scenes, The Hound of the Baskervilles was a theatrical juggling act, with a few wig, costume, and accent changes. Which is to say: it was impressive, ridiculous, and a lot of fun.

Before diving into the fun, we primed ourselves with a little chaos of our own: lunch at Post Market. In the spirit of the show’s variety, we went for food from all corners: noodles, rice, sushi, and African inspired power bowls— none of which appeared to be from the same restaurant. 

Our group included LEAP friends Bill and Carol Hyman and Wayne and Andrea Scott, along with students Macey Schank, Jacob Wessels, Chrissy Biello, Michelle Moya, Mikaela Baires, and Austin intern Cinthia Villarreal. We showed up full and ready for whatever the Alley threw at us.

The Hound of the Baskervilles follows Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as they investigate the mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville and the legend of a supernatural hound that haunts his family’s estate. In this version, five actors take on dozens of characters, adding a fast-paced, comedic twist to the story.

When we saw Todd Waite last month at Murder by the Book, he mentioned how Sherlock Holmes is, frankly, a smart aleck, but one you can’t really get mad at, because he’s always right on the nose. Having heard him talk about the role made seeing him perform it even better. His timing, his wordplay, and even his smallest asides all landed with precision. He clearly knows Sherlock inside and out.

Dylan Godwin was another fan favorite in this show among our group. As the Texan heir to the Baskerville estate (among a dozen other characters), he was constantly shifting personalities and finding ways to distinguish the hilarious traits for both a grumpy street cop and a simple minded Texan—even when they are both in the same scene! 

In all, this was a great experience for the LEAP Center to share with some amazing community friends. 

Exploring the Great Outdoors and ‘The Singing Sands of Alamosa’

by Chrissy Biello

Located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Zapata Falls is a scenic waterfall that many can see by completing a short hike. The trail, frequented by countless year-round, offers not only a glimpse of the Great Sand Dunes National Park, but also allows you to see the surrounding mountain landscape as you make your way to the enclosed cave.  

During the winter, when the trail becomes icier, it becomes evident that one would need crampons for the rest of the way. Unless, however, they wanted to trust their personal balance to not slip down while others stood camera ready nearby.

As you reach the cave, you can hear the stream flowing beneath your feet, moving from within the frozen waterfall. Where sunlight reaches inside, a large section of ice has melted, revealing frigid water. This is an inviting yet risky opportunity for anyone willing to test their tolerance for the cold.

Eager to explore further, I started climbing the icy edge to reach a higher vantage point, hoping to get a closer look at the formations. However, as I began, Professor Yawn cautioned me that if I slipped, I would likely take a plunge into the creek. What was once a cascading waterfall had become what appeared to be an icy waterslide.

Keeping that warning in mind, I proceeded with extra caution and, thankfully, made it to the top safely.

Strangely enough, it did not feel cold up there, though that might have been due to the nerves that had initially distracted me from noticing the temperature. After carefully making my way down with Olivia’s help, we set off toward the Great Sand Dunes National Park….

Given the title of a national park in 2004, the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is an experience that will leave you both satisfied and extremely tired. With their striking optical illusion, sand dunes have inspired countless art pieces over the years. Seeing them in person, it is easy to understand why. While they showcase fascinating geological formations, they also flow together naturally, creating a stunning yet diverse landscape with plenty to take in.

As your feet sink deeper into the sand and your breathing grows heavier, the sounds of others enjoying the park begin to surround you. Families sled down the dunes, while others sit quietly, taking in the view of the mountains. Seeing it all firsthand, it is clear that national parks serve as a sanctuary for many.

And when having the chance to catch our breath, Olivia was able to try a few tricks on the sand….

While she was incredibly graceful, I am sure many still felt a tad uneasy. Walking across the dunes is challenging enough, but performing gymnastics there demands a level of confidence that can apparently outshine the fear of tumbling down.

When you finally decide you have had enough, you will soon realize you are not in the clear yet as you now have to make your way down. This, however, was less daunting because you could almost glide down each sand dune.

In all, the Great Sand Dunes National Park is an eventful opportunity to test your leg strength and connect with not only nature but those around you. It is a unique environment that will leave you with great memories and maybe a little too much sand in your shoes.

A Stroll Through Fort Worth

Kimbell Art Museum

by Chrissy Biello

Designed by Louis I. Kahn and opened in 1972, the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, impresses visitors with its art, architecture, and surrounding landscape. The Piano Pavilion, designed by Renzo Piano, brings the outdoors in, with large windows framing the elm and oak trees that surround it, allowing visitors to experience nature as an extension of the architectural space.

Walking through the gallery, many pieces stand out, but one in particular is the Virgin and Child (The Borromeo Madonna), which is attributed to Donatello! This sculpture was especially surprising to find, as one would not expect to casually come across a sculpture that is suspected to be from Donatello himself.

Not far from the Donatello sculpture, another famous Italian Renaissance artist is represented…

While Michelangelo is often remembered as a sculptor, his first known painting, The Torment of Saint Anthony, was on display. The piece shows Saint Anthony being attacked by demons, and it is believed Michelangelo was only twelve or thirteen when he painted it.

One that is particularly interesting for those interested in Greek and Roman mythology is the Judgment of Paris by Lucas Cranach the Elder. To summarize, it is said the Goddess of Discord tossed an apple to Paris, forcing him to choose among three nearly identical goddesses offering different bribes, a decision that ultimately triggered the Trojan War. Interestingly, a similar moment of unexpected judgment occurred in 1976, when a blind wine tasting saw French judges unknowingly favor Californian wines over their own, an event later dubbed the Judgment of Paris.

The museum had several incredibly famous artists in its galleries. Matisse, Picasso, Gaugin, El Greco, Edward Munch, and many more! Each turn lead to another pleasant surprise, all encompassed in a beautiful structure which remains a piece in and of itself!

The Kimbell Art Museum is the perfect place for anyone who enjoys architecture, art, landscapes, and more. Whether you prefer one aspect over the others, it is hard not to appreciate the thought and care put into the entire museum. Overall, the Kimbell Art Museum is a true treasure in the Fort Worth community, both architecturally and artistically significant.

Exploring Downtown Fort Worth

by Olivia Discon

Beyond the Kimbell Art Museum, Sundance Square offers another side of Fort Worth’s artistic and architectural landscape. The area, once quieter in past decades, has become a lively center for shopping, dining, and events. Designed as a pedestrian-friendly space, it encourages people to gather.

Of course, in the heart of the plaza lies the Richard Haas mural, a large-scale trompe-l’œil piece that plays with perception, giving the illusion of depth and architectural detail on a flat surface. This piece, among many others of Haas’, has revitalized what was once a plain, visually unappealing building, into a cultural hub. If you know LEAP, you know this was a “must-do” selfie stop!

On our walk, we had the chance to see a sculpture by Jesus Morales…

…Alex Katz…

… and though it was through a window, we saw a James Surls!

I am always intrigued by the philosophy of gathering spaces and downtowns such as these, and we took the time to engage with the space as it was intended: exploring and engaging.

Pre-Law Society: Spring 2025 Ice Cream Social and Informational!

by Katherine Burnett

Every semester, the Pre-Law Society hosts an Ice Cream Social and Informational to reconnect with returning members, welcome prospective students, and provide an opportunity to learn more about the organization before paying dues and attending the first official meeting on February 19, 2025. This event was open to all Sam Houston students and provided a great chance to relax before the start of exams while discovering the unique opportunities within the organization, including exclusive events, career insights, and support for law school preparation.

As members and potential members walked into the Holcombe Room, they were greeted with sweet treats, a prize wheel, and the chance to connect with like-minded students.

The prizes ranged from bronze to silver to gold. Before the meeting, Ms. Loveall and Olivia searched for prizes that they believed the members would enjoy. And….

They did not disappoint! Prizes spanned from colorful pencil pouches, small books with sticky notes (which is good for book lovers), and SHSU merch!

Once it hit 6 o’clock, the group moved the party down to CHSS 140 for the informational meeting. President Olivia Discon spoke to the students about the benefits of joining Pre-Law Society. She highlighted exclusive opportunities for members, such as networking with professionals who have extensive knowledge in the legal field. Additionally, members can take a free Mock LSAT, and by doing so, they will have the chance to be chosen for a scholarship to cover the cost of an LSAT prep course.

Before wrapping up, we also discussed dues for the Spring 2025 semester. New member dues are $55, which includes a Pre-Law Society t-shirt, and returning member dues are $25. Payments can be taken by cash, check, or money order. Dues can be paid anytime before our first official meeting on February 19, 2025, at 6 P.M. For those that wish to pay prior to the meeting, our Vice President of Treasury, Chrissy Biello, will be available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in CHSS 480 until February 19!

After the meeting, students interested in joining had the chance to chat with the Pre-Law Society Officers and members about their experiences in the organization. The semester is off to a great start, and we can’t wait to see you all at our first official meeting on February 19 at 6pm (or one hour before in CHSS 140 to pay dues)!

To stay updated, you can follow our Instagram @prelawsocietyshsu

For further information and questions, please contact the President of the Pre-Law Society, Ms. Olivia Discon, at oliviadiscon@shsu.edu

Celebrating Democracy: LEAP’s Journey Through Philadelphia’s Historic Sites

Though we weren’t able to watch the Inauguration in D.C., the LEAP ambassadors made the most out of January 20, 2025 in order to learn and expand our understanding of democracy. Through exploring the arts and historic artifacts, we are happy to say that the day was not unspent!

The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall

by Michelle Cardenas

On Inauguration Day, as the nation welcomed a new president, the LEAP Ambassadors continued their Democratic Tour with a visit to two of America’s most iconic landmarks: the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

Our first stop was the Liberty Bell, a powerful symbol of freedom and resilience. Standing before this historic artifact, we couldn’t help but reflect on its significance—once rung to mark the signing of the Declaration of Independence and later embraced by the abolitionist movement as a symbol of liberty for all. Of course, no visit would be complete without a photo of the famous crack, a reminder that even imperfections can carry deep meaning.

After capturing the moment, we made our way across the street to Independence Hall, where the Founding Fathers debated and signed the Declaration of Independence and later drafted the U.S. Constitution. While we didn’t go inside, standing in front of the hall offered a sense of connection to the past.

However, we had the opportunity to visit the nearby Senate and House chambers, where pivotal moments in American history unfolded. In the House chamber, we stood in the very place where the first peaceful transition of power took place—when George Washington stepped down from the presidency and John Adams was sworn in. Standing in that historic room on Inauguration Day made the experience even more meaningful, serving as a reminder of the enduring legacy of democratic leadership.

As we continued our tour, we left with a greater appreciation for the moments and monuments that have shaped our nation’s history, and a little extra gratitude for warmer climates.

Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMOA)

Saara Maknojia 

Art plays a significant role in incapsulating the historical evolution of cultures across the world. To learn more about art in different parts of the world during the different time periods, LEAP students paid a visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Gravitating towards the third floor of the museum, we split into groups to take on the two exhibits. Michelle, Israel, and I began our time strolling through the European and Asian art exhibits. The European side of the exhibit began with painting and artifacts from the Medieval time period. Immediately Michelle found, what happened to be her favorite from the exhibit, a piece by Joos Van Cleve titled Descent from the Cross.  

Passing through the European and Oriental artwork from Chinese, Japanese, and Korean artists, I approached a room filled with art best aligned with my heritage. The Southeast Asian collection contained a variety of “murti’s”, or idol sculptures often found in South Indian temples. From the columns with engravings of mythological characters depicted in Indian folklore stories, to the brass and golden murti’s, this surely became my favorite in the exhibit.  

Making Our Way to the Next Floor at PMOA

Cinthia Villarreal 

 After wrapping up the third floor, we headed to see my personal favorite section of the museum, the Impressionism and Post-Impressionism exhibits. With renowned artists such as Van Gogh, Cezanne, Claude Monet, and Mary Cassatt along the walls, we were thrilled to be exposed to more of the work during this artistic revolutionary era. As always, I gravitated toward Monet’s work. However, I was quite taken aback from one of his works from the later stages in his career, characterized by a dark colored shadows and bright colored background, giving the viewer just enough detail to get his idea across. Camille Pissarro’s Summer Landscape caught Israel’s attention. 

As we explored the other exhibits, we surprisingly walked past not one, but two huge Diego Rivera art pieces. We were incredibly surprised by having a Mexican American artist present so far north. 

The Modern and Contemporary art exhibit was our last stop in the museum. Chrissy, who found an interesting newfound appreciation for modern art last year, became visibly excited when we approached a couple of Andy Warhol signature pieces…

 

Though I find myself questioning this style of art extensively and is most definitely far from being my favorite, I can appreciate people’s feelings and appreciation towards the unique styles which they may gravitate towards and try to understand the intention of an artist when trying to provoke the viewer. We are always grateful to be exposed to a variety of ideas and fields that expand our knowledge and understanding not only of the arts, but of other people’s viewpoints that might differ from ours.  

A Little Fun in the Snow

By Olivia Discon

You would think that after 5 days in extremely cold weather that us Texans would immediately retreat indoors when presented the opportunity. However, we decided to hit the hills just outside the museum and go sledding!

This group had fun letting physics decide their fate, with some going down fairly smoother than others…

Cinthia, who is our ice queen, swiftly and enthusiastically rode down the hill several times and with different techniques.

Saara and Israel, who had a bit of a competitive edge, decided to race down the hill. That was soon squashed by a handful of icy collisions.

As for Chrissy, well, it was complicated. For starters, she unintentionally began backwards, and in true Chrissy fashion, did a couple of spins down the hill. She tried her best to regain control, and to that extent she did. However, it was too late for the immense fits of laughter achieved by the peanut gallery (us). So much so, that we gained the attention of CBS Philadelphia!

During an “on-the-street” interview, correspondent Kerri Corrado, was inquiring about how citizens brave the cold weather and how it may impact them.

While you can watch it here, here’s a short recap.

Michelle suggested layering up to the viewers, while Saara indicated our short-lived, childlike wonder out in the elements.

Chrissy, who made her way back up the hill from her wipeout, was covered in ice, as noted by Corrado.

Israel made it clear that he absolutely hated the cold weather and was quote “over it”.

I, myself, was not qualified to give anyone in Philly tips to brave the snow, as I had mysteriously lost one of my gloves.

While this was not the interview we were expecting, we were grateful for the opportunity to share our travels with the Philadelphian people!

Exploring the Foundations of Democracy: Lessons from Benjamin Franklin

by Olivia Discon

As the United States Presidential Inauguration approaches, one is reminded of the principles that we were founded upon. Virtue can be identified in many of our founding fathers, but one that infamously possesses 13 of them was an excellent choice to start the Philadelphia leg of our democracy tour. In addition, the Benjamin Franklin Museum was a fun experience to share alongside the SHAIP interns, who are getting their first crack at what it means to impact others through policy and the democratic process.

Beyond that, Benjamin Franklin is simply a fascinating individual. An inventor, postmaster, writer, scientist, diplomat, and a ladies man, his life was filled with innovation and service. The museum gave us a closer look at his achievements and his role in shaping early America.

One of my favorite artifacts was a mile marker Franklin introduced as postmaster to help standardize postal routes. Made of concrete, it would be difficult to (for me, at least) read compared to today’s clearly printed green signs, but it felt meaningful to see how he worked to modernize communication systems. We also saw ink balls from his printing press, along with other instruments used at the time.

Israel and Michelle especially appreciated the “Join, or Die” mementos, inspired by Franklin’s iconic segmented snake cartoon. The message of fragmentation is relevant now more than ever! 

Another awesome feature was the Lion’s Mouth—a slot where citizens could anonymously submit letters, including grievances or suggestions for improvement. It served as an early mechanism for public participation, and I appreciated the practical approach to governance, as well as his recognition of the importance of engaging with the broader community.

In many ways, LEAP and SHAIP strive to embody the spirit of civic engagement and the principles Benjamin Franklin instilled in our nation. As he once said, ‘Nothing so likely to make a man’s fortune as virtue.’ Through experiences like these, we continue to cultivate our understanding of the world to then contribute meaningfully to our communities.