Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

LEAP Center Preps for Campaign Bootcamp!

Six LEAP Center students started preparation for the New Politics Forum Bootcamp in the last twenty-four hours. Preparation included the drive to Austin, a fine meal at Shiraz Shish Kabob, and a morning of site-seeing around the Austin Area.

The meal at Shiraz Shish Kabob was entertaining, primarily because half of the students had actually never eaten Mediterranean food! After some Hummus, Tzatziki, Chicken Kabob, Lamb Kabob, Gyros, and Baklava, at least two of those three will probably go back for more.

After plans to kayak on Lady Bird Lake fell through because of the potential for bad weather and unsafe lake conditions, we decided to head north to Salado, a small tourist community that offered a morning full of fun! This included Salado Mercantile, Salado Glassworks, the Salado Sculpture Walk, the Salado’s Mud Pies Pottery and, of course, Salado Creek–which was quite full.

More to come following our first day at the Bootcamp!

Talking Character with David Brooks

By Kaitlyn Tyra–Ready for an evening in Houston, LEAP students departed from Huntsville eager to attend a World Affairs Council Meeting to learn more about how to achieve moral character. Upon arriving at the Junior League in Houston, LEAP students, many of whom were visiting a World Affairs Council event for the first time, were amazed at how large the event was. In a sense, it was a double blessing, because not only did we hear Brooks’s words of wisdom, but we also had the chance to see how the professional staff at WAC run such large events.

David Brooks, a New York Times columnist, bestselling author, regular analyst on National Public Radio, PBS News Hour, and a professor at Yale University, discussed the content of his latest book, The Road to Character. Brooks began by distinguishing between the two sides of every person, the internal and external. Citing Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik, he distinguished between Adam 1 and Adam 2. Adam 1 is the career oriented Adam, while Adam 2 is the internal Adam who seeks strong moral character. The Road to Character is about Adam 2.

Brooks hearkened back to the WWII generation, which spoke often of “chivalry,” “honor,” “gratitude,” and “country,” while the younger generations today tend to think more along the lines of “me.” Citing one example, he referred to a survey taken in 1950 asking high-school seniors if they considered themselves to be a “very important person.” Twelve percent said yes. When the survey was replicated in 2005, 80 percent of the high-school seniors answered in the affirmative.

Rather than chastise groups of people, however, Brooks’s primary goal was to discuss the lives of leaders he admires: Dwight Eisenhower, Dorothy Day, George Marshall, and Frances Perkins. He explained how the lives of these great leaders inspired the writing of his book and how their struggles led to their success and the acquisition of greater character. They groped, through failure and hardship, on the road to moral character.

Brooks ended his speech by answering questions from the audience and signing books.

LEAP students were fortunate enough to have our books signed and take a group picture with David Brooks. Many thanks to Ms. Killidar, Ms. Situm, Ms. Baskota, and the entire staff of the World Affairs Council for hosting such a wonderful event…

…and allowing LEAP students to take advantage of an opportunity to learn and better ourselves.

Following the event, LEAP students enjoyed a delicious meal at Jerry Built Homegrown Burgers. A juicy burger and crispy french fries were the perfect ending to a great evening, not to mention we had the chance to experiment with automated hand-washers. Amazing what you learn on LEAP Center trips.

As we departed back to Huntsville, LEAP students reflected upon our road and what more we can do to become better leaders for LEAP, Sam Houston State University, and our local communities.

An Evening with Michael Morton

During the 82^nd Texas legislative session, Senate Bill 1611, also known as the Michael Morton Act, passed with a unanimous vote in both the Texas House and Senate. The SB 1611 requires the state prosecution to offer defense attorneys any evidence that is relevant to their case. In 1987, Michael Morton was wrongly convicted of murdering his wife. It took 25 years, but Morton was exonerated in 2011 after DNA evidence proved his innocence. With the help of the Political Science Department, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department and the College of Criminal Justice, and the Student Legal & Mediation Services, The LEAP Center brought Michael Morton to SHSU to talk about his experience of wrongful conviction and his life imprisonment for nearly 25 years.

LEAP Center students were privileged to meet with Morton’s prior to his general speech.

It was a great chance to ask questions and get some insight into his nightmare. In this small group discussion, Morton stressed the importance of his faith and how everyone experiences difficult trials throughout their life. One of Morton’s main points conveyed to students that we are stronger than we think we are and that we will come out of the hard times. Looking back, we will realize we needed trial to shape who we are supposed become.

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Morton’s humility and gratitude for (almost) everyone who has been a part of his journey is inspiring. Students were thankful for the opportunity to converse with Michael Morton on a variety of topics relevant to both Michael Morton’s experiences and students’ lives. Ending the student small group session, Morton signed copies of his book, Getting Life, for those in attendance.

More than 300 students and community members then attended Morton’s presentation, making this the largest event LEAP has hosted thus far this year.

Especially interesting to Huntsville residents, Morton spent more than 11 years at the Wynne Unit where he received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Sam Houston. Indeed, Morton was taught by Jerry Bruce, whom he had a chance to visit with prior to his presentation.

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Morton also got to meet Walter Bennett, Jr., whose father did more than anyone else in the past 35 years to ensure inmates had access to University education. Dr. Bennett also taught Morton in the 1990s.

Later, Morton transferred to the Ramsey Unit in Houston where he earned his master’s degree in English from the University of Houston.

Morton’s story of tragedy is unimaginable and heartbreaking. Morton was imprisoned for nearly 25 years before DNA testing provided by the Innocence Project proved his innocence. One of the most surprising parts of Morton’s story is his forgiveness towards the prosecution who withheld evidence that would have originally proved Morton’s innocence. Overall, Michael Morton’s story is incredible, heart breaking, unimaginable, and inspiring.

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Following the presentation, Morton signed books. Approximately 65 people bought books, making this the largest book sale Barnes and Noble has had in four years.

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After the lengthy book signing, the LEAP Center had a reception in the Holcombe Room, where lawyers and LEAP Center Advisory students, and others congregated and snacked…

…and discussed law…

…the world…

and, of course, took more photographs!

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The LEAP Center is thankful to the College of Criminal Justice, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Political Science Department, the Student Legal & Mediation Services, and most importantly Michael Morton for sharing his story with the community. We are saddened that such a tragedy occurred, thankful for the opportunity to learn from Mr. Morton, and hopeful that because of Michael Morton’s hard work and SB 1611 the unthinkable will never happen to another in Texas.

The LEAP Center would also like to thank Paul Olle and Ashley Norwood for the great photographs they took!

To learn more about Michael Morton’s story, “An Unreal Dream: The Michael Morton Story” is available on Netflix and his book Getting Life is available through Barnes and Noble Bookstore.

LEAP Center Students Present to Walker County Republican Women

The LEAP Center has had many opportunities to travel, volunteer in the community, and attend events showcasing world leaders from across the globe. This past week, though, the advisory board had the chance to share the LEAP Center’s mission and accomplishments with the Walker County Republican Women at their monthly meeting. Although the LEAP Center is non-partisan, we were so fortunate to be invited by the WCRW President (Madilene Loosier) and Vice President (Terry Stivers) to present the goings on of our organization, and we look forward to the opportunity to make similar presentations around the community.

Attending the meeting and presenting were two completely different accomplishments for the LEAP advisory board. In order to be prepared, we started working about a month and a half out. It proved a great researching opportunity as we had the chance to look back and learn about the Junior Fellows and the legacy we strive to continue. Old blogs, pictures, and even scrapbooks gave us plenty of information to create a well-thought out and organized presentation. Once we had the research finalized, we moved on to practicing our speaking skills. We met multiple times to work on delivery and succinctly relaying our message as a Center focused on cultural programs, travels, internships, and volunteer work.

After much research and practice, the day of the meeting arrived and along with it, a few nerves. Although we were a bit anxious about speaking to a large group, the Walker County Republican Women welcomed us with such hospitality that those nerves were quickly quieted. President Loosier and Vice-President Terry Stivers made sure we were taken care of and introduced us to the women, making us feel comfortable.

We had the chance to mingle with various members of the community and even talk to SREC District 5 Representative Nita Davidson, and Senator Schwertner’s District Representative, Hayden Paul.

Finally, after a few unexpected technological challenges, we began our twenty-minute presentation on the LEAP Program and all that it entails. Nerves aside, we became impassioned by our goal to represent the LEAP Center appropriately and eloquently described the mission to enrich academic education through volunteerism, internships, travel, and cultural programs. Finishing up, we had the chance to answer some great questions from those in attendance as well.

It was an eye-opening experience to be able to present to leaders in the political spectrum of Walker County and see what skills are needed to prepare a speech, as we have seen so often in the past. Following our mission to enrich academic education, we were able to learn something valuable outside of the classroom and gain life experience while doing it. We would like to thank President Loosier, Vice-President Stivers, WCRP Chair Linda McKenzie and all of the Walker County Republican Women who welcomed us so graciously and are such wonderful examples of women in politics today.

The LEAP Center is non-partisan, consisting of members of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents.

Odds On Fun at the HEARTS Museum’s Casino Night

By Austin Campbell,

Today the Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics took a step back in time to the roaring 20’s, an era where the stakes were high and the wins were well worth the risks. Wearing our best 20’s attire, the LEAP team assisted the H.E.A.R.T.S Veterans Museum with their fundraising event. There was a full casino, a Bonnie & Clyde getaway V8 Ford car, a live band, great food, and of course the magnificent Marilyn Monroe. The event also featured many silent raffle drawings, as well as a major raffle drawing at the end of the event for an impressive grill.

The H.E.A.R.T.S Veterans Museum of Texas honors veterans both past and present. The museum serves as a place for former, present, and future veterans to all come together to reflect on and share their experiences serving the country. Just as important, the museum allows all people to see the price that our veterans and those serving today have paid for this country, and the Museum is an inspiration for those of all ages. Having the chance to talk to veterans and hear their experiences directly was amazing, and their true love of the USA was clear.

Of course, the night was about having an enjoyable evening, and that is what we did–all while volunteering! The event started off with the draw-dropping musical stylings of a convincing Marilyn Monroe (Jane Maddox).

It happened to be Rick McFarland’s lucky birthday, earning him the opportunity to be the object of Ms. Monroe’s happy birthday routine.

Attendees had the chance to enjoy some delicious food offerings from donations of local businesses like McKenzie’s, and even a few sides from generous families themselves. After getting their fill of food and drink, everyone moved on to the casino games, such as bingo, blackjack, poker, and even slot machines.

The LEAP team did our part in the even as well. Starting with introductions at the door, to the officiating of the silent raffle, LEAP had a thumbprint over many endeavors. At the request of many of the veterans, we took part in some of the casino games, to which there were many laughs, smiles, and of course some sad faces. All in good fun (and not with real money)!

By the end of the night, after much work and play, it was great to see the smiles on the faces of people that support the H.E.A.R.T.S Veterans Museum. And it was fun to play the part of 20s gangsters while volunteering.

As our school motto says “A measure of one’s life is in its service,” and LEAP strives to continue on that legacy with every event.

Many thanks to Letty Clark for inviting us to volunteer and for the chance to join the fun once much of the work was done.

A Morning with Alberto Gonzales

By Constance Gabel

Imagine overlooking the South Lawn of the White House—the Washington Monument in the distance, honking cars passing on 17^th Street. It’s a beautiful day in the Nation’s capitol, made even more magnificent because you are standing on the Truman Balcony of the White House with the President of the United States. This was the life of Alberto Gonzales, who served as White House Counsel and US Attorney General during the Bush Administration. Thanks to Lt. Colonel Yebra at SHSU, General Gonzales made a visit to our University, where LEAP Center and a smattering of other students engaged in an hour and a half discussing with the former Counselor to the President.

Born in Humble, Texas, Al Gonzales truly came from humble beginnings. His success, he says, comes from his parents and the attitudes they instilled, despite a lack of material comforts. In fact, he didn’t even have indoor plumbing as a child. As an adult, however, he excelled academically and occupationally. He graduated from Rice with his Bachelor’s Degree; he later graduated from Harvard Law. These accomplishments laid the foundation for becoming the first Hispanic male to make partner at Vinson & Elkins and the first Hispanic US Attorney General.

When asked about life’s turning points, Gonzales couldn’t pinpoint a single event. Instead, he noted that taking opportunities as they come along is a key to success. Nor, he said, did he seek out mentors. In his case, a mentor—George W. Bush—found him, another opportunity that he was quick to take.

Alberto Gonzales with Bush and Sandra Day O'Connor — Alberto Gonzales with Bush and O’Connor

General Gonzales spent little time discussing the controversies surrounding his White House years, but he did describe the job as perhaps the most difficult in the cabinet. While this took a toll on his family, he remains grateful for his time in the White House, and positive about his life in general.

For students, most of whom weren’t paying attention to politics during the Bush years, it was a positive, career-affirming discussion. LEAP Center member Austin Campbell introduced the former Attorney General, and students asked approximately 20 questions, with Gonzales answering them all patiently and even cheerfully, repeating his refrain to stay positive and take opportunities.

Speaking of which, we are very grateful to Colonel Yebra for this opportunity, and we plan to implement General Gonzales’s advice!

LEAP Center Students Learn Manners–Career Services Etiquette Dinner Event

An impressive interview can set you up for a life-long career, or it can keep you from the opportunity of a lifetime. Ms. Diane Gottsman, national etiquette expert and owner of The Protocol School of Texas, laid out what one should expect and the tools you will need to impress the recruiters at your interview dinner. Thanks to Career Services at SHSU, LEAP Center students had the opportunity to become experts in the European style of dining. Ms. Gottsman not only explained the correct way to handle silverware, how to stir your tea, and how to properly sit while at the table, and she also made the evening extremely interactive and inviting. Ms. Gottsman answered questions throughout the event and directed individuals as they practiced their etiquette during dinner. She offered many pieces of advice from the importance of the second interview meal to the color of an interview shirt.

It is not only important to have strong verbal communication with recruiters, it is equally important to know the strength of your wardrobe and how different colors may portray you as a strong, confident individual or easily forgettable. Ms. Gottsman emphasized this topic heavily and suggested we speak with someone we respect to help us discover what clothing will look the most professional. For example, if one was to wear a navy blue suit to their interview dinner, then they should choose a light blue shirt to stand out and show their confidence. A white shirt would suggest the strongest color, while a darker color would present itself as less confident.

Ms. Gottsman spoke of her experience with companies and described how she speaks to the same companies that will be hiring many graduates. She teaches them what to look for from potential hires and in turn teaches students precisely what companies’ look for. It is a win-win for SHSU students and these top US companies. Learning these skills helps students get one step closer to securing their first job.

Diane Gottsman with LEAP Center Students — Ms. Gottsman with LEAP Center Students

The skills LEAP students learned require constant practice and will be used throughout our careers. Students enjoyed not only getting to interact with Ms. Gottsman, but also having the opportunity to practice their etiquette skills during a delectable three-course meal. LEAP Center students were pleased to enjoy a delicious meal and learn proper etiquette, another step towards the journey to professional careers.

Easter Eggstravaganza

By Constance Gabel and Karla Rosales

The LEAP Center recently partnered with the Wynne Home Arts Center to host an Easter Egg Hunt for the entire Huntsville Community. More than 150 citizens from the surrounding area came out for an early Easter celebration on Saturday. Families enjoyed an afternoon full of activities and gorgeous weather. The event featured an egg hunt of more than 800 candy-and-prize filled eggs, coloring, face painting, games, and hot dogs grilled by master chef, Professor Mike Yawn himself. Sammy the Bearkat and the Easter Bunny added to the fun and the Easter spirit by entertaining the crowd with a competitive egg toss.

We started the afternoon with crafty activities for the children. Volunteers from the university’s own Art Department came to help with the festivities by heading up the face-painting booth. Children walked away with butterflies, bunny noses, beautiful hearts, and many other fun creations painted on their cheeks.

Seeing the joy radiate from inside the kids amplified the good-looking art on their faces, while some children were not quite as happy to have sticky goo spread on their skin. Beside the face painting booth was a coloring station where children had the option to draw their own springtime masterpiece with crayons and craft paper.

Following the event, we had a huge canvas full of colorful flowers, bright Easter eggs, and even some well-drawn bunny rabbits as proof of the kids’ creativity.

While waiting for the hunt to commence, kids and adults alike watched as Sammy the Bearkat challenged the Easter Bunny to an egg-toss duel.

Armed with her spirit and spring in her step, the Easter Bunny fought with tosses that could have shocked even the best egg tosser in the business but in the end succumbed to Sammy the Bearkat’s finesse and mighty egg-tossing skills. Although not a winner by the sight of the shattered eggshells and runny yoke on the ground, the Easter Bunny played the loser well and shook hands with Sammy for a game well played, and remained in good spirits as children flocked to her.

Finally, after much anticipation, children of different ages lined up with their baskets and at noon, the Easter egg hunt was off!

Racing to find the golden and silver eggs, the children sped around the back lawn in search of the little oval shaped, plastic goodies. Grabbing and going, they searched and searched until finally, even after much preparation on behalf of LEAP and the Wynne Home, all of the eggs were found. The kids who found the special golden or silver eggs also had the ability to take a chance look at the prize table for an extra goodie to go along with the candy and Smoothie King gift card found in the egg, thanks to the generous donation from Ms. Scott at Smoothie King (1328 Sam Houston Ave!).

Following the egg hunt, the kids and their parents got in line to enjoy a much deserved lunch of hot dogs, chips, some Mayflower Easter cookies and even an ice-cold soda to quench their thirst.

Ending the afternoon right, the willing got to take a picture with the Easter Bunny.

Whether contemplating the perfect pose or continuing with the egg relay games, families stuck around to enjoy the beautiful weather and spring fever floating through the air.

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Special thanks to the Friends of the Wynne, the Art Department, and Laura Scott from Smoothie King for their generous help–not to mention super volunteers such as Bella Abril, Margaret Gulledge, Michelle Hebert, Terry Stivers and Ryan Brim.

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