Category: Volunteer

Highlighting Our Purpose on Founders Day

The Ambassadors are back together again! On April 22, 2017, the Ambassadors met atSHSU for a day full of presentations to learn more about the University on Founder’s Day.

LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, SHSU, Founders Day, Sam Houston Austin Internship Program

The day began with a presentation about the new Osteopathic Medicine Program at SHSU. University officials plan to build the medical center in Montgomery County. President Hoyt began her discussion, however, by introducing the Austin Interns….

LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, SHSU, Founders Day, Sam Houston Austin Internship Program

…before discussing her belief in this new Osteopathic program its capacity for stimulating growth at SHSU and meeting crucial medical needs in our region.

LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, SHSU, Founders Day, Sam Houston Austin Internship Program, President Dana Hoyt

The newly hired Dean of the Osteopathic College, Dr. Charles Henley, also joined the conversation.

LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, SHSU, Founders Day, Sam Houston Austin Internship Program, Dr. Charles Henley

He spoke about how Texas is in need of more medical students, and why SHSU can efficiently train such students, meeting the needs of the state. Noting that the program would be 100 percent self-funded, Dr. Charles did a great job at explaining the academic side of the college and how the program would work for future students.

After the program, Dr. Hoyt spent time with the LEAP Ambassadors…

LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, SHSU, Founders Day, Sam Houston Austin Internship Program

…discussing the Osteopathic program more, and also the goings-on in Austin.

LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, SHSU, Founders Day, Sam Houston Austin Internship Program

Next, we attended the Golden Circle Luncheon, where SHSU Alumni who graduated in 1967 or earlier gathered for lunch–alongside other alumni who were attending Founders Day.

LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, SHSU, Founders Day, Sam Houston AustiLEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, SHSU, Founders Day, Sam Houston Austin Internship Program Internship Program, Golden Circle Alumni

We had the opportunity to talk to many wonderful alumni who talked to us about SHSU and their careers after college. It was a great experience for us, because we had the opportunity to talk to people who came from different career paths than what we are considering.  We even had the chance to see an alum who graduated before 1950!

LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, SHSU, Founders Day, Sam Houston Austin Internship Program

As we enjoyed our conversations, the musical department provided some entertainment. The department offered a vivacious performance taken from their version of Hairspray. Viewing the comic choreography, where at one point the dancers invited guests to join them–including Mac Woodward.

LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, SHSU, Founders Day, Sam Houston Austin Internship Program

Following the Lunch, we headed to the Gaertner Performance Arts Center. There, we joined members of our community and presented the wonderful opportunities the Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics has to offer.

LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, SHSU, Founders Day, Sam Houston Austin Internship Program

The goal of our presentation was to inform community members of all the activities and subjects in which LEAP is involved.

LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, SHSU, Founders Day, Sam Houston Austin Internship Program

From visiting art museums around the country, to assisting local elected officials, to meeting intriguing authors, there is almost nothing a LEAP Ambassador would not participate in. As long as it promotes growth, education, and civic engagement, we will pursue any new experience.

LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, SHSU, Founders Day, Sam Houston Austin Internship Program

As we said goodbye to our guests, we all pondered on our accomplishments as an Ambassador and organization. With the Founder’s Day wrapping up, it was rewarding to consider our accomplishments as an appropriate way to honor our university.

National Book Awards Come to SHSU

The National Book Award Festival (NBAF) at SHSU is the product of hard work by Dr. Amanda Nowlin-Obanion, who has once again brought a group of award-winning authors to Sam.  Sponsored by the CHSS, the NBAF featured the young-adult trilogy March, by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin and illustrated by Nate Powell.  The three spent 24 hours or so at SHSU, mingling with students, faculty, and staff at a reception, formal presentation, and a breakfast.

The evening kicked off with a reception for 80 or so stakeho0lders in the Lowman Student Center, where Lewis, Aydin, and Powell patiently shook hands…

National Book Award Festival, SHSU, Sam Houston State University, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, John Lewis

…mingled…

National Book Award Festival, SHSU, Sam Houston State University, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, John Lewis

…discussed politics, literature, and the weather…

National Book Award Festival, SHSU, Sam Houston State University, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, John Lewis

…and, of course, signed books.

From there, the authors migrated to the LSC Ballroom, where they took turns discussing their book and life experiences for about an hour and a half.  Introduced by Dean Abbey Zink, Benjamin Samuel (NBA Director of Programs), and President Dana Hoyt, the three authors spoke to a packed house of approximately 650 people.

National Book Award Festival, SHSU, Sam Houston State University, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, John Lewis

Illustrator Nate Powell discussed the challenges of drawing pictures that not only advanced the narrative, but also captured the raw emotions of the events: violence, courage, and passion.

National Book Award Festival, SHSU, Sam Houston State University, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, John Lewis

Author Andrew Aydin discussed his career with Congressman Lewis, from his beginnings handling mail to working with emergent digital technologies.  He also took credit for the idea of a graphic novel, as a means of achieving Lewis’s goal of reaching a younger audience.  Pushing a “comic book,” he noted, was a tough sell, but one that Lewis warmed up to over time.

National Book Award Festival, SHSU, Sam Houston State University, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, John Lewis

The crowd was clearly there to hear Rep. Lewis, who responded with a moving biographical discussion and rousing calls to action. He reminisced about his days on a farm in Alabama, his lack of access to college education, his parents’ admonitions “not to get in trouble,” and his own tendency to push the envelope for the right cause.

It’s a strategy that has served Lewis well over some six decades in public life.  He has served in elective office for 46 years, 41 of them in US Congress.  And he encouraged the young people in the audience to heed a similar call: to pursue activism for the right cause, to “get into trouble” for a good cause.

Whatever your thoughts about getting in trouble, the night was clearly a good cause, one supported by hundreds of staff, faculty, students, and locals, who offered thanks with multiple standing ovations and the purchase of probably 200 books.

LEAP students were privileged to be a small part of the proceedings, serving as somewhat ineffectual ushers (people sat where ever they wanted mostly, irrespective of instructions).

Following the event, we were able to pose with a group shot of the authors, the Dean, and event organizers, a special coda to a special evening.

National Book Award Festival, SHSU, Sam Houston State University, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, John Lewis

Many kudos to Dr. Nowlin-Obanion, Dean Abbey Zink, and the staff of CHSS for putting on a first-class event.

Texas Supreme Court Hearings at SHSU

As the sun rose, the Ambassadors awoke and prepared for the day by suiting up and heading to the Gaertner Performing Arts Center.  While some time was available for coffee, when the clock struck 8:30, all Ambassadors hustled to their posts. Some Ambassadors helped police officers at the Concert Hall entrance…

Texas Supreme Court, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics

…others greeted guests, and others provided what was needed for the Justices before the hearings.

Texas Supreme Court, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics

At 9:30 in the morning, the crowd lined up outside eager to watch the two cases being heard.

Texas Supreme Court, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics

With Marshal Blake Hawthorne announcing “Oyez, Oyez, Oyez, All Rise,” the TXSC Justices entered SHSU–for the first time ever–to hear a case.

Texas Supreme Court, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics

The first wave of attendees watched a case involving a heart surgeon filing a suit against his contractor over a wrongful termination charge. It was an interesting case, with much discussion over how to calculate earning, when cause was or wasn’t needed, and what records were used for dismissal.

The second hearing was one that some found a bit more difficult to follow. It concerned a business appealing jury instructions on a second trial that was given to the employee who had previously been awarded monetary damages for being injured on the job. Although a bit technical, throughout the two cases students and other attendees were captivated by the court’s performance.

All were attentive to the Justices’s interrogation, the attorneys’ responses, and, in short, the judicial process. Part of the SHSU Moot Court team attended the hearings and took notes on how the legal representation addressed the Justices’ concerns and questions to hopefully use in the upcoming Moot Court season.

Texas Supreme Court, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Osler McCarthey

Apart from the judicial process, it was a point of satisfaction for Keith Coogler and his construction management students, who successfully built the judicial bench for the hearings.  It was an impressive feat, one commented on by the attorneys (“Wow”) and the Justices, who said they felt “right at home.”

Texas Supreme Court, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, Keith Coogler

Following the hearings, the Justices graciously posed for photos with the Ambassadors.

Texas Supreme Court, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics

The Justices also posed with a group of exchange students from China…

Texas Supreme Court, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics

…the GPAC staff…

Texas Supreme Court, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics

…and their security detail.

Texas Supreme Court, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics

It was a wonderful opportunity.

A Barrister Banquet: The TX Supreme Court comes to SHSU

By Alejandra Galvan

On March 1st and March 2nd, the LEAP Center joined the President’s Office and the TX Supreme Court to make history. For the first time ithe Supreme Court of Texas provided students with the opportunity to witness two Court proceedings in the comfort of their own campus!

Leaving behind the bustling Texas Capitol, the Austin Interns/LEAP Ambassadors made their journey back to Huntsville, TX. We looked forward to returning to the quaint town of Huntsville, while also knowing we would be greeting and eating with the Texas Supreme Court Justices.

Of course, prior to the Wednesday night dinner with the justices, we had some preparing to do for the actual court cases.  This involved us moving things around and otherwise preparing the Gaertner Performing Arts Center to look like a courtroom.

_____________________________________

That evening, the justices were welcomed to SHSU with a reception and dinner in Austin Hall.  Two of the ambassadors coordinated with the Court’s DPS officers to transport (in golf carts) the justices and other guests to dinner.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, LEAP Ambassadors, Texas Supreme Court, Austin Hall, Justice Eva Guzman

Although formally charged with greeting the justices and guests–including elected officials, local attorneys, and University administrators…

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, LEAP Ambassadors, Texas Supreme Court, Austin Hall, President Dana Hoyt

we were able to spend time with some familiar faces…

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, LEAP Ambassadors, Texas Supreme Court, Austin Hall, Chuck Vernon

…old friends…

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, LEAP Ambassadors, Texas Supreme Court, Austin Hall, Mac and Leanne Woodward

…and the justices.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, LEAP Ambassadors, Texas Supreme Court, Austin Hall, Chief Justice Nate Hecht

It was appropriate that the event took place in Austin Hall, which was housed by Austin College which, in turn, housed the state’s first law school.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, LEAP Ambassadors, Texas Supreme Court, Austin Hall

In fact, General Sam Houston was on the board of directors for Austin College.  Thus, this historic event traced directly back to the life and career of Texas’s most famous lawyer, and the ambiance seemed to make everyone happier.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, LEAP Ambassadors, Texas Supreme Court, Austin Hall

The real fun, though, was just having the opportunity to mingle and see people having a good time.

_______________________________________

The night’s program included remarks from Professor Mike Yawn…

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, LEAP Ambassadors, Texas Supreme Court, Austin Hall, Mike Yawn

…President Dana Hoyt…

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, LEAP Ambassadors, Texas Supreme Court, Austin Hall, President Dana Hoyt

…and Chief Justice Nathan Hecht.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, LEAP Ambassadors, Texas Supreme Court, Austin Hall, Justice Nathan Hecht

At least one TXSC Justice was seated at each table, often with at least one attorney, and this arrangement benefited the Ambassadors well in terms of advice in our future law careers.

...and President Dana Hoyt

_______________________________________

Perhaps no one had a better seat than Christina Perez, who sat alongside President Hoyt, Chief Justice Nathan Hecht, 10th Court of Appeals Chief Justice Tom Gray, and County Judge Danny Pierce.  Gray and Pierce, long-time friends of the LEAP Ambassadors, calmed Perez’s nerves, and allowed her to enjoy her time with the TXSC Chief Justice and University President.  And they, in turn, seemed to enjoy the night as well.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, LEAP Ambassadors, Texas Supreme Court, Austin Hall, President Hoyt

As the echoing laughter and chatter in Austin Hall died down, the attending guests bid their farewells to the Justices. The LEAP Ambassadors reflected on the night while standing in the now empty Austin Hall before leaving to get a good night’s rest for what the following day had in store.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, LEAP Ambassadors, Texas Supreme Court, Austin Hall

 

The System Works: SHSU Interns in Austin!

Even though the 85th Legislative Session has begun and the Austin interns are starting to work long hours, we still make an effort to stay engaged through volunteerism. Last Wednesday, the interns/LEAP Ambassadors were invited to volunteer at the 3rd Biennial Texas State University System Foundation Gala. The Gala is an important scholarship fundraiser that benefits students across the TSUS System.

The Gala began with a host reception at 6p.m. but we arrived at 5p.m. to assist with anything that was needed before the arrival of guests. While some of us assisted at the check-in table, others guided guests to the reception area. As for Kaitlyn and Christina, they had the opportunity to assist at the Governor Abbott photo station and even got to take a picture with him!

Governor Greg Abbott, TSUS Foundation Gala, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, LEAP Center

At the registration table, we assisted with checking-in guests and providing them with a name tag. During the check-in process we used an app on our phones called “Legacy Check-In.” Instead of having multiple paper copies of guest lists and then combining them at the end, this app automatically updates for every person using it. It also has a nice feature that shows the percentage of guests that have been checked in. Additionally, as the event starts, it allows you to see how many people are missing. In doing so, we were able to do some last-minute seating to fill the gaps at the tables. It was fun to learn about this new technology!

Austin, Texas Feb. 15, 2017: Texas State University System (TSUS) Foundation Gala at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Austin on Feb. 15, 2017. Photos by Bob Daemmrich for reprints call 512-469-9700 or email janis@bobphoto.com
Alex Galavan, Beatriz Martinez, and Brian Aldaco.  Austin, Texas Feb. 15, 2017: Texas State University System (TSUS) Foundation Gala at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Austin on Feb. 15, 2017. Photos by Bob Daemmrich for reprints call 512-469-9700 or email janis@bobphoto.com.

Once we signed in all the guests and led them to the ballroom, we joined the gala for dinner and to enjoy the program. Chancellor Brian McCall began by introducing their Honorary Guest, Governor Greg Abbott. Governor Abbott made special remarks about Texas and the importance of the TSUS system . The constituent universities (Sam Houston State proudly included) “are providing the future workforce of Texas, which attracts companies to Texas,” remarked Governor Abbot. Before the gala ended, a check for $300,000 was presented for scholarships for students within the TSUS System.

As the night came to a close, we had the opportunity to meet with Vice Chancellor Sean Cunningham and President Hoyt for a quick picture. As always, we are very excited to meet with them as they are very supportive of us and the Austin Intern Program!

President Dana Hoyt, TSUS Foundation Gala, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, LEAP Center

It was an honor to represent Sam Houston State University at such an important event for the Texas State University System. We are all thankful that the University System chose us as volunteers and hope to volunteer for them again!

Special thanks to TSUS Foundation Executive Director Mike Wintemute, who emailed us and invited us to the event.   It is a pleasure to attend a University and a University System that engages fully with the students, providing unique opportunities in education and job placement.