From College Station (2020s) to Chicago (1920s)

Music, murder, mayhem: what’s not to love? That’s pretty much how LEAP students felt about Bob Fosse’s “Chicago,” performed this week in College Station.

Performed at the Rudder Theater on Texas A&M University’s Campus, “Chicago” is in the midst of a seemingly endless national run. This tour included Taylor Lane (Velma Kelly), Ellie Roddy (Roxie Hart), Connor Sullivan (Billy Flynn), Andrew Metzger (Amos Hart), Illeana Kirven (as “Mama”), with Lane and Kirven as particular standouts (the latter is from Tyler, TX).

For those who haven’t seen it, the play is a satire on the strange world of celebrity in the United States, particularly the country’s tendency to elevate the most notorious of criminals. Written in the 1970s, the musical anticipates a world in which people such as O.J. Simpson, Kim Kardashian, Brittney Spears, and the “Hawk Tuah” girl are seen as influencers.

Such individuals not only escape the criminal justice system, but they also seem to win in the court of public opinion, maintaining a celebrity status.

In the musical, the story of Roxie Hart is told through songs. Hart, who is indicted for the murder of her lover, obtains a not guilty verdict through the “Razzle Dazzle” of her Johnny Cochran-like attorney, Billy Flynn. As salacious as Hart’s case is, however, she competes with the girls of the “Cell-Block Tango” among others for attention from the media and the public.

With a rewritten narrative of the murderous night (“We both reached for the gun“) and the manipulation of Roxie’s hapless husband, Amos (Mr. Cellophane), Roxie is acquitted.

But in a world where everyone receives 15 minutes of fame, Hart’s fame gives way to others, and she and Velma Kelly are relegated to Vaudeville, a kind of forerunner to TikTok.

For a group of aspiring lawyers in the 21st century, it was a worthy fable and a wonderful night of entertainment.

Indeed, different aspects of it appealed to each of us. For Chrissy, she enjoyed Bob Fosse’s choreography and the song “Nowadays.” Olivia enjoyed “Cell Block Tango” and, even more so, “We Both Reached for the Gun.” Michelle, on the other hand, favored “Me and My Baby” and the satire and irony that suffused the production–the very first play she has seen! For Mike and Stephanie, a “favorite” is less clear, but “All That Jazz” never gets old.

Nor does “Chicago: The Musical,” which is why it is the longest-running American musical in Broadway history. And the third time–but not the last–that LEAP Ambassadors have seen the production!

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

Beards, Bibles, and Barristers: A Day in Austin

We had a full day ahead of us, with a stop for a hearty brunch, a visit to the Harry Ransom Center, and a tour of the Texas Supreme Court, led by Justice Evan Young. With that in mind, we loaded up in the car, ready to tackle the day.

Joe’s Bakery

by Chrissy Biello

Experiencing LEAP means discovering amazing places worth remembering, and many even start making a checklist. A must-have on that list is James Beard Award winners and nominees. Joe’s Bakery, which won the James Beard America’s Classic Restaurant Award in 2022, was packed when we tried to step inside, suggesting we had picked the perfect lunch spot.

The restaurant has a rich history dating back to 1935, when it was established as La Oriental Grocery & Bakery by the current owner’s mother and stepfather. Their introduction of traditional pan mexicano to the community made it a gathering space that many would come together to. Although the original bakery closed in 1957 after 22 years of operation, Joe later reopened the establishment with his brother in law in 1962, expanding it into both a bakery and restaurant.

The sense of community was immediately apparent as we waited. Customers greeted each other warmly, which is unusual in a city as large as Austin; however, Joe’s has clearly maintained a loyal customer base that treats the establishment as a second home. While waiting, our group discussed our typical food preferences. Michelle, having grown up eating seafood, generally gravitates toward healthier options. Jacob, though not having tried much Tex-Mex food, expressed enthusiasm about trying something different.

When our turn came to order, Michelle and Jacob both selected the Caldo, a beef and vegetable soup…

Jacob was surprised when his meal arrived, indicating he didn’t know it was a soup–despite “soup” being clearly stated in the menu description. I opted for the beef tacos. Both Michelle and Jacob thoroughly enjoyed their selections, and my tacos were excellent.

In all, Joe’s Bakery proved to be a top choice for experiencing some of what Austin culture has to offer. From the strong sense of community to the classic appeal of the entire restaurant, it was a great spot to cross off of our LEAP checklist!

Harry Ransom Center

by Jacob Wessels

After having brunch at Joe’s Bakery, we headed over to the Ransom Center on the University of Texas at Austin campus. As we walked inside, we were immersed in a world of history, art, and innovation, surrounded by incredible artifacts that showcased human creativity and achievement. 

We started our tour by looking at a Frida Kahlo self-portrait, a piece that showed her unique style and deep emotions. Unfortunately, we couldn’t take any pictures. 

Next, we explored one of the most significant artifacts in the history of photography—the Niepce Heliograph. Created by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce in the 1820s, this is widely considered the world’s first surviving photograph. At first, we had a hard time seeing the picture until we were told that the best way to view it was from the middle of the doorway.

One of the most impressive things at the museum was the Gutenberg Bible, one of only 49 copies left in the world. Printed in the 1400s by Johannes Gutenberg, this book changed how people shared information and led to the start of mass printing. The pages had beautiful writing and detailed designs, showing why this book is still considered so important today. 

Next, we admired the stunning landscapes captured by Ansel Adams.

One that Professor Yawn, Chrissy, and Michelle became particularly intrigued in was Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico. Scanning a barcode to learn more about the photograph, Chrissy read the description out loud.

In 1941, Adams was driving in New Mexico when he quickly jumped out of his vehicle after noticing something that caught his eye: snow-covered mountains, a church, and the moon rising over a graveyard. It was a beautiful photograph to observe, one that showed Adams truly had a “photographer’s eye.”

Moving through the exhibit, we came across a stereoscope—the first 3D viewing device. Looking through the device through the glass enclosure, we could see the image inside in 3D. While we did this, a lady walking by informed us she had one of her very own, passed down from her grandmother!

Besides these highlights, the Harry Ransom Center has a huge collection of old books, important documents, and historical items. This was largely centered around PEN America, an organization that was founded in 1922 to promote the freedom of speech and human rights through literature in America.

The Harry Ransom Center is a great place for anyone who loves art, history, or literature. After gaining new insights—whether about ourselves, our personal interests, or a piece of history—we made our way to the Texas Supreme Court for a discussion with Justice Evan A. Young…

Tour of the Texas Supreme Court by Justice Young

by Michelle Moya

Throughout the years, LEAP has had several traditions of engaging in judicial court experiences. To carry on with this tradition, we, alongside SHIAP interns, went on a tour visit to the Texas Supreme Court, guided by Justice Evan A. Young himself! 

Interestingly enough, few people realize that Texas has one of the nation’s most unique judicial systems. Along with Oklahoma, it’s one of just two states with a bicameral supreme court—one for criminal cases and the Texas Supreme Court for civil and juvenile matters. 

To start off, Amy Starnes, the Court’s Director of Public Affairs, warmly welcomed us to begin our tour. Our first stop was the courtroom where justices hear oral arguments and deliver their rulings.

The room’s walls display portraits of former Justices, Justice Young touching on the idea that these Justices past decisions will forever be remembered, even if the justices deciding upon them might not be. Notably, one of the displayed Justices being Robert Gammage, a Sam Houston alum! 

Justice Young offered particularly compelling insights into our judicial system and informed voting. He emphasized Texas’s distinctive history of putting judicial selection in citizens’ hands while stressing the importance of researching candidates before casting our ballots. This helps us preserve the quality of our state, and these nominees are just a reflection of the citizens that vote them in. 

He then shared candid reflections about the challenges judges face, especially the crucial task of interpreting law without letting emotions guide decisions—a valuable lesson for our group of, hopefully, legal professionals. 

The tour continued to the judges’ robing room, which is a private space where justices can retreat for breaks, discussions, and moments of respite. (A fun detail: there’s a TV showing the courtroom, hence the need to whisper!) 

One highlight was returning to the courtroom for a photo opportunity at the justice’s bench—a moment none of us will soon forget. Although I have attended many Austin trips, this will surely be in the books for my favorite! 

Justice Young concluded by showing us the conference room where Justices deliberate cases, emphasizing its confidential nature. As we departed, Mrs. Starnes pointed out a fascinating historical artifact: a portrait commemorating three women judges from 1925, highlighting the advocacy for women’s rights in Texas and empowering women in the legal profession!