Center for Law Engagement And Politics – Page 27 – Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

Exploring New Orleans with the Council of State Governments

Council of State Governments National Conference- Day One!

by Michelle Moya

After what felt like the longest drive on Wednesday night, we woke bright and early to start an insightful couple of days at the CSG National Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. For Olivia and me, stepping into this culturally rich state for the first time promised fresh perspectives and a new experience!

Starting off day one, we began with an engaging session with Waldo Jaquith from U.S. Digital Response, addressing one of state governments’ most pressing challenges: successful software system implementation.

His presentation structure was particularly compelling, starting with a “what not to do” story from Rhode Island (spoiler alert: it didn’t go well), followed by data statistics, and then shifting focus to actionable strategies that government officials could implement in their own jurisdictions to avoid outcomes like these.

The real takeaway? When he broke down why we need to ditch the most used Waterfall method for the Agile software integration method. We were all struck by the wealth of knowledge shared, and it ended up being Chrissy and Olivia’s favorite session of the day!

After a debriefing discussion among us all, we hurried into our next session. Next up was the issue everyone is currently buzzing about—AI in government. We had a diverse panel with three totally different perspectives: a Professor Neil Kleiman (bringing academic wisdom)…

…Michael Mattmiller, an Microsoft US Government Affairs Industry Team Lead…

…and Amy Hille Glasscock, with the National Association of State Chief Information Officers!

This session was particularly different and interesting because they weren’t feeding us that “AI is taking over” narrative. Instead, it was all about how AI can make government officials better at what they do. Coming to the end of the session, one key takeaway was the emphasis on AI improving people’s efficiency rather than replacing them. Its effectiveness is based on how well its intelligence complements our own. After insightful perspectives from the speakers, we were even able to snag a picture afterwards!

A Quick Lunch Break at Elizabeth’s

by Chrissy Biello

Following the morning conference sessions, we headed to Elizabeth’s Restaurant, an authentic New Orleans eatery. Upon arriving, Olivia noticed that many colorful signs on the walls displayed the phrase, “Be Nice or Leave!,” a popular adage in New Orleans. Stephanie explained to the group that this saying was created and illustrated by the local artist, Dr. Bob. The vibrancy of the restaurant and the matching neighborhood allowed for us to get a glimpse of New Orleans outside of the French Quarter.

When it came time to order appetizers, we got a great balance of foods that highlighted the diversity of New Orleans flavors. The options included praline bacon, Korean brussel sprouts, and fried boudin balls.

Every one of them was great; however, we all have our favorites. I especially enjoyed the praline bacon…

…and Korean brussels sprouts, as did Olivia!

After filling up on appetizers, we went on to our main courses. Olivia and I shared the chicken and sausage gumbo (which was Olivia’s first).

As Elizabeth’s is famous for their breakfast food, Michelle got the veggie scramble…

…and Professor Yawn and Stephanie had “Crabby Eggs,” including crab cakes, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce.

For their side, they had the grits, which sparked a conservation about the famous movie, My Cousin Vinny.

And, of course, we ensured to get an order of the beignet biscuits! Served with a side of maple syrup, this dessert was filled with much nostalgia as I had it years prior on a past trip to New Orleans. Leaving Elizabeth’s, we headed back to the conference for another session!

U.S. Supreme Court Update: Implications for State Policymakers

by Michelle Moya

As a finisher, and after a fulfilling meal at Elizabeth’s, we attended our last session. This one being one I was particularly excited for, rightfully so, as it proved to be my personal favorite. Thankfully, we got there early, which allowed us to engage in meaningful dialogue with the speaker, Michael Lawlor, about our personal ambitions and the LEAP program!

Highlighting the session, it spanned various contemporary issues, from gun rights to freedom of speech and social media regulations. He spoke on cases the Supreme Court is currently deciding on and ones from last term.

We were surprised to see that many of the cases going before the Supreme Court pertained to social media practices. This goes to show the impact modern technology has had everywhere, even on government decisions! We all showed major interest in two cases dominantly, Lindke v. Freed from the 2023 term and Smith and Wesson Brands v. Estados Unidos Mexicanos.

Ogden Museum of Art

by Olivia Discon

To continue our educational pursuits in New Orleans, we ventured on to Ogden Museum of Southern Art. The museum prides itself on providing a large, comprehensive collection of Southern art, which served as the perfect place for us to learn more about the city’s cultural offerings.

Before entering the museum, we were greeted with a massive James Surls sculpture! The cast bronze and stainless steel sculpture, known as Me, Knife, Diamond and Flower, was an incredible iteration of his distinguishable style.

LEAP Students with a James Surl’s art piece at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art

Having seen his work several times now, I am quite a fan! Surls continues to be a LEAP favorite, as a distinguished Sam Houston State University alumni and excellent Texas artist.

There was a wide variety of contemporary art exhibits. Admittedly, some of them perplexed me. The first gallery we entered featured a multimedia installation called stream or river, flight or pattern by Joan Jonas. With bird-like kites fixed to the ceiling, paintings, and a few films playing consecutively throughout the room, the group was determined to decipher its meaning.

After some perusing and ultimately admitting defeat, we read that the comprehensive work is meant to reflect our interactions with nature.

Naturally, we moved on to the next gallery.

A newfound artist we enjoyed was Benny Andrews, although the pieces we respectively enjoyed differed. Andrews had various styles and mediums in this gallery, which made for an interesting sample of his work. Chrissy liked a piece called Destiny, Destruction, and Despair…

…Professor Yawn enjoyed a 1994 Baptism Study…

…and I personally liked Keep Your Eyes on the Acrobats.

In the meantime, Michelle had made some headway through the galleries, proceeding to find what would become her favorite piece in the museum: Uptown Street by Lulu King Saxon. Michelle, who is relatively new to the art scene, learned that she takes to nature scenes–and large scenes at that!

Chrissy, on the other hand, prefers Impressionist paintings. Her favorite appeared to be Joseph Meeker’s Bayou Plaquemines; a pink-casted sunset falling over a swampy landscape.

My personal favorite, oddly enough, was a George Rodrigue painting that was not a Blue Dog variant. Instead, it was a painting called The Aioli Dinner, known as his “Cajun masterpiece”.

We then went on to Baldwin Lee’s photography exhibit, which was especially enjoyable. Lee, in the 1980’s, set off on an artistic journey to retrace the photos taken by his mentor, Walker Evans, in the 1940’s American South. Placing a focus on Black Americans as his subject matter, the photos and their strategic composition invoke the viewer to contemplate themes of poverty and hardship. We were fascinated by his experience on this expedition and impressed with his results. Many of his subjects, such as Untitled, 1983-1989, were complete strangers he approached along his journey.

Some of our favorites were Mobile, Alabama…

…New Orleans, Louisiana…

…and Waterproof, LA.

“Looking is a two-way street. Not only is the photographer looking, but the potential subject is looking too. What the subject sees carries great weight. For some reason, people would see me positively. I am not sure if it was my race, gender, physicality, dress, demeanor, or anything else. If in a day I asked twenty people permission to make photographs, nineteen would say yes.”

In all, we saw and enjoyed several new artists on this endeavor. The visit to the museum was a pleasant way to indulge in Southern contemporary art…

…and to broaden our cultural literacy.

Saffron

by Chrissy Biello

In true LEAP fashion, we opted for a dinner that would allow us to gain new experiences. Saffron, an Indian restaurant and two-time nominee for the James Beard award, proved to give us that opportunity. The chef, Arvinder Vilkhu, and his wife, Pardeep Vilkhu, opened the restaurant with the purpose of combining their Indian heritage with the New Orleans culture. As we began to peruse the menu, that was extremely evident; options included, Curried Seafood Gumbo and oysters!

For appetizers, we ordered the pickle sampler…

…Chicken Lasooni, and the garlic and chili-cheese naan.

Olivia favored the naan bread, while the Chicken Lasooni was Michelle’s main pick. As for myself, the pickler sample was my favorite; the dish included an eggplant spread, something I had never tasted before, but will confidently try again.

For our main course, Olivia and I shared the Chicken Biriyani. This dish was incredibly flavorful, containing saffron rice, crispy onions, a soft-boiled egg, and yogurt on the side!

Michelle savored the Curried Seafood Gumbo, and Professor Yawn and Stephanie relished the Oyster Bed Roast!

With already full stomachs, it was a surprise that we were tempted by the dessert. To our delight, Chef Vilkhu himself served our table! This included a cake called, “It’s Not Even Your Birthday,” surely named for the multiple layers of chocolate ganache and buttercream that would make anyone believe they were partaking in a treat for a special occasion.

Further, we had the Ginger Crème Brûlée, a definite favorite among the table.

As we had the opportunity to thank Chef Vilkhu for the amazing meal, we were very honored to take a photo with him!

In all, Saffron was a great way to end the first day of our New Orleans trip, allowing us to anticipate the next days of new experiences to come!

LEAP Students Help to Make Smiles Happen!

by Olivia Discon

One of LEAP’s most rewarding acts of volunteerism is the annual donation drive hosted by Huntsville’s local radio station, KSAM. Named after the iconic 1980’s television show, M*A*S*H* allows the Huntsville community to Make A Smile Happen!

For this holiday drive, community members are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items, pet food, children’s toys and games, and monetary gifts.

In turn, KSAM distributes these items to key local non-profits and community organizations, including Boys and Girls Club of Walker County, SAAFE House, CASA of Walker County, Huntsville Independent School District, Good Shepard Mission, Santa’s Helpers, and Rita B. Huff Humane Society of Walker County.

This drive occurs on December 4 and December 5 (and if you’re reading this December 5, 2024–yes, you can donate today!) KSAM gathers the donations amidst a live radio broadcast in the HEB parking lot (look for the military–M*A*S*H*-themed–tents).

LEAP students always enjoy participating in this event, and this year was no exception! Despite the cold weather and rainfall, the students were invigorated with the spirit of giving this year, with many of us soliciting donations by holding out signs for the passersby–despite the less-than-ideal weather.

And although it took some of us longer to get into the spirit…

…I was warmed (metaphorically) by this particular group’s enthusiasm. From Niya and Timi’s inventive cheers, Cinthia’s sign spinning skills, Michelle serving as LEAP’s cheerleader, to the sheer number of honks Victoria and Yajaira were able to elicit from passing truckers, the vivacity of the students on a gloomy day was inspiring and encouraging.

We also assisted the generous people who made donations throughout the day by collecting items from their cars…

…and sorting them into designated piles.

We were happy to see some friendly and familiar faces such as Dr. Bill Hyman…

…Shannon Hollis, Eric Fugate, and Mac and Leanne Woodward.

Their generosity goes without saying, but each of their continued contributions to M*A*S*H* extend to their investment to support the Huntsville community.

Cinthia, who has been ever-improving in her radio-communication skills, took a go at a live interview with KSAM’s Glenn Edwards. She did a tell-all discussion on her studies, volunteerism, and Christmas.

While we can’t yet speak to the final contributions, we ended day one having collected 599 toys, 230 food items, and more than 100 pounds of pet food.

We are optimistic that the Huntsville community will come through with even more contributions on the second day of the event.

In all, making smiles happen for a day was an especially rewarding experience. We greatly appreciate all of the volunteers who came out and to KSAM for organizing an all-encompassing and thoroughly enjoyable community event.

Behind the Scenes with the Huntsville Police Department

Michelle Cardenas

The City Fellows Interns and LEAP Ambassadors recently stepped into the world of local law enforcement with an exclusive tour of the Huntsville Police Department, led by the warm and welcoming Corporal Sanders, Senior Officer Craig, and Officer Jennings. With this tour, we were able to experience multiple aspects of our community and get to know the dedicated officers who work tirelessly to keep our city safe.

They began by sharing the department’s history, proudly showing us old uniforms, historic equipment, and awards that marked the walls. Right by the entrance, we even saw the shiny shovel used to break ground for this incredible facility in 2021!

Walking through the common area, I realized this space was more than just a building; the walls were filled with images and stories of Huntsville’s history. As I examined these photographs, I felt a stronger connection to the community, seeing the legacy left by the officers who served before.

As we entered the gym, Professor Yawn began egging some of us on to punch the punching bag. After some weak and pitiful punches…

…we were led to the locker rooms. We learned that these are not just practical spaces; they include areas for victims in need of privacy. From this, we understood that every aspect of the building was not only built in mind for the officers but also the community.

In the evidence room, we learned a surprising amount about handling and storing evidence. Senior Officer Craig explained the steps for bagging items with precision and gave us a look at the organized system of lockers and refrigeration units.

Moreover, one of the highlights was meeting Senior Lieutenant Curt Landrum. He explained that there are two types of cases that the detectives work on: property crimes and personal crimes. When asked how many cases they work on each year, he noted that it is in the thousands!

Next, we headed outside for a little action! Senior Officer Craig set up a mock traffic stop, and Emely bravely volunteered to be “pulled over.” As Senior Officer Craig went through her routine, she explained all the safety measures she takes, from positioning her vehicle carefully to approaching with full awareness.

Finally, we got to climb aboard the SWAT truck, affectionately known as the “Pitbull.”

It was an absolute thrill to be inside this armored vehicle, knowing it’s there to protect the officers in extreme situations.

Just being in that truck gave us all a feeling of respect for the risks these officers are prepared to take.

We left the Huntsville Police Department with much appreciation for the officers who serve our community. Thank you to Corporal Sanders, Senior Officer Craig, and Officer Jennings for a day filled with learning, laughter, and unforgettable experiences!

The FBI Way with Frank Figliuzzi

by Katherine Burnett

This week’s meeting was a unique one for the Pre-Law Society; the meeting was not only open to current members but also to everyone on campus! There was a reason for this unique approach–we had a unique speaker, Frank Figliuzzi, who is not only an attorney, but also an author and the former Assistant Director of the FBI.

After President Discon went through business updates for the Pre-Law Society members…

…it was time for Figliuzzi to speak. Mr. Figliuzzi wrote the national bestseller, The FBI Way: Inside the Bureau’s Code of Excellence, which he would be discussing with us!

Mr. Figliuzzi started his presentation with a quote by J. Edgar Hoover, “The most effective weapon against crime is cooperation… The efforts of all law enforcement agencies with the support and understanding of the American people.”

Next, he gave insight on his book’s origin, saying that the FBI was under attack, which made him angry and led him to write the book as a way to counter the incorrect assumptions being made. He then went in depth about what he says are the preserving values of the “FBI way,” otherwise called the “7 Cs.”

The first “C” is Code, which refers to the values and principles you stand by. The second is Conservancy, emphasizing the importance of being part of something larger than yourself. The third is Clarity, which involves clearly and honestly expressing your values.

The fourth is Consequences, meaning doing the right thing, even when it is difficult. The fifth is Compassion, which is about striving to understand others’ perspectives. The sixth is Credibility, with the reminder that “people won’t believe in your team if they don’t believe in you.” Lastly, the seventh is Consistency, which involves sticking to your code, no matter what.

He also introduced the term “undercover syndrome,” describing how officers who spend too much time undercover may begin to commit petty thefts and other crimes sloppily, with the subconscious desire to get caught by police. This act of self-sabotage is typically due to the complete subversion of morals and identity that comes along with undercover work. The FBI tries to anticipate this through providing mental health support to its agents and their families.

He finished his lecture with a word of advice to prospective law students: “start viewing yourself as a leader now.” As I looked around the room, I was sure that this advice was impactful to all.

After Mr. Figliuzzi’s presentation, the meeting continued with the cord ceremony for this semester’s graduating seniors. Making it more special, Mr. Figliuzzi corded the seniors while Ms. Loveall gave them their certificates.

These seniors included: Clay Barton, Natalie Bradford, Yajaira Gutierrez Marin, Mark Harkrider, Daniel Pierce, Emily Segovia, Mason Solomon, Grant Threatt, and Alexandra Von Heuvel. While we are sad to see the seniors graduate, we are excited to see all that they will accomplish in the future.

Following the event, Mr. Figliuzzi spent additional time signing books for the students, capping off one of our best-ever meetings with a wonderful personal touch.

The Pre-Law Society would like to give a big thank you to Mr. Frank Figliuzzi for taking the time to speak with Sam Houston students. His presentation was incredibly captivating, informative, and humorous!

Exploring Graduate Programs–and Public Service–with TAMU’s Bush School

Michelle Cardenas

The LEAP Center had the privilege of hosting Kathryn Meyer from the Texas A&M Bush School of Government and Public Service to speak about their Master of Public Service and Administration (MPSA) and Master of International Affairs (MIA) programs. The event was an opportunity for students to learn about the many options available in public service, reinforcing LEAP’s commitment to ensuring students are aware of all the paths they can take to make a difference. Meyer, who has worked with Professor Yawn since 2007, brought a wealth of knowledge and insight to the event, offering a detailed look at the Bush School’s programs and their potential to shape careers.

She explained that the Bush School offers two distinct graduate programs, each tailored to different career aspirations.

The MPSA is designed for those interested in domestic public service roles such as non-profits, local government, homeland security, and federal agencies like the FBI or ATF. In contrast, the MIA focuses on international affairs, preparing students for careers in diplomacy, foreign aid, economic policy, and analytical roles within government agencies. For MIA students, a second language is a requirement, reflecting the global scope of the program.

Meyer also discussed the admissions process, emphasizing that the Bush School looks for well-rounded candidates with strong academic backgrounds, internships, professional development, and community service experience.

Each program admits 80-90 students annually, and remarkably, all admitted students receive scholarships, with the average award amount being $5,000. The school only accepts applications once a year, so proper planning is essential for prospective students.

A standout feature of the Bush School is its focus on practical application. Students are required to complete a summer internship, which provides hands-on experience and helps bridge the gap between academic studies and professional careers.

The school’s extensive network ensures that students are connected to opportunities that align with their goals, whether they aspire to work in city management, public policy, or international diplomacy.

Meyer highlighted the strong culture and traditions of the Bush School, describing it as a close-knit environment where students remain actively engaged through organizations and clubs. For those passionate about public service but uncertain about pursuing law school like myself, the Bush School offers an excellent alternative, blending rigorous academics with practical experiences that prepare students for impactful careers.

Meyer’s presentation prompted several questions, as well as some after-the-program discussions…

…suggesting that the concept of combining service and a graduate education resonated with the students at SHSU.

This event was a reminder of the many avenues available to students who want to serve their communities and the world. The Bush School equips its students with the tools and opportunities to make meaningful contributions, and for those who want to combine their passion for helping others with a focus on policy and administration, it’s a path worth considering.

A Timely Discussion of “Character Matters” with Jean Becker

Brock Williams-Rodriguez

On October 30^th, Jean Becker came to Sam Houston State University to give a special presentation about her time as Chief of Staff to President George H.W. Bush, Deputy White House Press Secretary to Mrs. Barbara Bush, and her book Character Matters. Although that was almost a month ago, it seems appropriate to post this now, in the midst of the Thanksgiving holidays, for we are, indeed, grateful for her visit to SHSU.

The discussion began with Professor Yawn introducing Ms. Becker…

…while also noting that she is on the board of the “Points of Light Foundation”–a non-profit that promotes public service.

In fact, it was noted that President Bush’s motto, “any definition of a successful life must involve service to others,” is similar to SHSU’s motto, “a measure of a life is its service.”

This likely resonated with the 100+ students there, including the Freshman Leadership Program, which was on hand specifically to see Ms. Becker. Professor Hester, Ulbig, and Callaway also attended, as did President White!

Ms. Becker transitioned to discuss the early life of President Bush, including his time in World War II and being a Navy Airmen. A story that left me deeply reflective was about President Bush and two fellow soldiers being shot down on September 2, 1944. Only President Bush survived, a loss that he carried with him for the rest of his life. He frequently asked, “Why me? Why was I spared?” This question fueled his lifelong commitment to helping others and making a positive impact on as many lives as possible.

Next, Ms. Becker shared a light hearted story about how she learned to fear four words, at least when brought to her by President Bush: ‘I have an idea.'” She further explained by illustrating that on the 75th birthday of President Bush, he said those four words to her, conveying his interest in parachuting out of an airplane. After President Bush did this, he parachuted out of a plane for his 80^th, 85^th, and his 90^th birthdays!

Ms. Becker shifted to speak on her experiences as the Deputy Press Secretary to Mrs. Barbara Bush. Before she landed this role, she was a reporter for USA Today and was covering the 1988 Presidential Election between President Bush and Michael Dukakis. Mrs. Bush had noticed how good Ms. Becker was at covering the story, especially the weekly election column with Mrs. Bush and Mrs. Dukakis; this is when she was offered the position.

Ms. Becker was delighted to share her stories of working with Mrs. Bush, from traveling to Hawaii (where she had an unfortunate encounter with a biker gang) to Rome, where she met the Pope. She also discussed Mrs. Bush’s ability to communicate, perhaps best illustrated when she was invited to give a speech at Wellesley College, and the students there protested her choice as commencement speaker. Ms. Becker encouraged us to watch the Commencement Speech and note how Mrs. Bush was able to take an antagonistic crowd and win them over, without giving ground.

Ms. Becker moved into broad topics: the relationship between Presidents Bush and Clinton, which began as competitors but ended up in a type of father-son relationship, one strengthened as they travelled the world to raise funds for natural disasters. The time she met George Clooney…

…and the importance of character in all that you do.

While Ms. Becker might highlight Mrs. Bush’s strong communication skills, we had a chance to see not only Ms. Becker’s skill with speaking, but also her non-verbal communication as well….

…which sometimes was directed at Professor Yawn…

Ms. Becker also engaged in a spirited Q&A session, including a discussion of her 9/11 experiences, when she was stuck in a DC hotel. She attempted to get in contact with President Bush and Mrs. Bush; however, she was told by Secret Service that they were safe but “they were in an undisclosed location” and could not be reached.

A bit worried but assuming “they were safe in an underground concrete bunker somewhere,” she got a call from President Bush. They were fine, he noted, while also offering that they were “staying at a Hampton Inn in Milwaukee, WI.” They had, he continued, walked across the street to an Outback Steakhouse, where the patrons, surprised to see them, broke into a round of applause. “Those people,” he said, “were really nice.” It was, Ms. Becker said, one of the only good stories from a day that involved much tragedy.

Professor Stacy Ulbig, who teaches media and politics…

…also asked an excellent question: “What got you interested in politics and journalism?” Ms. Becker responded, “All the Presidents Men.” This was a fortuitous response, inasmuch as Dr. Ulbig uses the movie and the Watergate Scandal in her class.

It was a wonderful experience, hearing from someone who has lived many stories and developed the communication skills to tell them well. And it was made even more enjoyable when, following the discussion, Ms. Becker graciously signed books for the students.

We would like to give a special thank you to Ms. Jean Becker for sharing her experiences with Sam Houston State University students. Her stories from her time as Chief of Staff to President George H.W. Bush and Deputy Press Secretary to Mrs. Barbara Bush were both inspiring and enlightening. Her insights left a lasting impact on all who attended.

Lighting Up the Holidays: SHSU’s 103rd Annual Tree of Light Ceremony

Michelle Cardenas

With the holidays just around the corner, Sam Houston State University is already in the festive spirit! This year, the university hosted the 103rd Annual Tree of Light Ceremony, making it one of the longest-standing traditions on campus—and a personal favorite of mine. As always, the ceremony was filled with joy, community, and a little holiday magic.

This tradition holds a special place in my heart. Every year, we create an ornament to contribute to the campus tree, and this year was no different. The LEAP Ambassadors crafted one, as did the Pre-Law Society. On our way to check in our ornaments, we were greeted by the merry sounds of festive tunes echoing through Frank Parker Plaza.

In respect for the tradition, some of the SHSU students on the Plaza even opted for jeans rather than pajama bottoms! It was a Christmas miracle!

Beyond that positive outcome, the plaza offered a wide range of activities, featuring everything from a snow globe for photos to a hot chocolate station (complete with sweet treats!) and informational tables highlighting other holiday traditions.

After checking in our ornaments, we staked out the perfect spot in front of the enormous, beautifully decorated tree for some pre-ceremony selfies.

The tree itself was a sight to behold—towering and glittering with ornaments and lights.

The ceremony began with the SHSU Chorale, whose opening tunes set the tone for a warm and welcoming evening.

Our 2024 Homecoming King and Queen, Andre Hagans and Kaci Rowe, served as emcees for the night. They guided us through the program…

…which, it goes without saying, involved annual traditions of mispronouncing names and encouraging attendees to keep their electric candles lit until the tree lighting..

…until the tree itself was illuminated.

We enjoyed an energetic performance by Orange Pride, our SHSU dance team, who wowed the crowd with a routine set to classic Christmas songs.

Following that, SHSU Provost Dr. Michael Stephenson took the stage alongside his family to share some heartfelt holiday remarks before leading us in the countdown to the tree lighting.

Even after witnessing this moment year after year, seeing the tree light up never loses its magic. The glow of the tree lit up not only the plaza but also the faces of everyone gathered.

The evening also reminded us of the importance of giving back. Jared Scott, the Student Government Association president, announced the results of SHSU’s annual canned food drive.

This year, SHSU students donated more than 3,000 canned goods to support the Good Shepherd Mission, which provides meals to those in need. Monte Robinson, director of the mission, shared a heartfelt thank-you, emphasizing the impact of the students’ generosity.

Finally, it was time for the moment we’d been waiting for—the hanging of the ornaments. Each student organization that had checked in an ornament was called forward to place their ornament on the tree. Both the LEAP Ambassadors and Pre-Law Society members proudly added their ornaments, and we took plenty of photos to commemorate the moment.

And with the 103rd Tree of Light Ceremony in the books, and the holidays a little closer, the crowd dispersed, a little more cheerful, much more thankful, and more fully integrated into the campus traditions.

Wednesdays with Rotary: Lessons in Character from Jean Becker

Once or twice a semester, the LEAP Ambassadors are privileged to attend Rotary meetings, and when we do, we often bring the guest speaker. Such was the case a few Wednesdays ago, when we brought in Jean Becker, who taught important lessons, not the least of which is, “Character Matters.”

That may sound a little anachronistic in 2024, but Ms. Becker knows of what she speaks. Working with President George H.W. Bush for more than two decades in his post-presidency, Ms. Becker was witness to massive fundraising for people in crisis; bipartisan coalitions to help others; and some amazing and high-profile acts of kindness.

And she was right at home, because Rotarians do much the same in their community.

Michelle Spencer, President of Rotary, greeted Ms. Becker, who then participated in the “pinning” of Lydia Montgomery, who was recognized as a “Paul Harris Fellow.”

Following a bit of Rotary business, Ms. Becker took the podium, describing various “points of light” she had seen during her 25-year career with the Bushes.

She not only shared her direct observations, but also those of Prime Minister John Major, Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, former President Bill Clinton, former President Barack Obama, and other luminaries.

Ms. Becker has a great sense of humor, and she often left the audience crying from laughter–although some of her more poignant stories brought tears of sadness. In short, she has a wonderful way with words.

But she also is a master of non-verbal communication. Throughout her discussion, she might pause to cast a withering glare, perhaps while discussing those who cannot put down cell phones…

…at other times, she might jab her finger in the air to punctuate a point…

…and pity the fool who is the subject of her disapproving stare.

But it is all in good cheer…

…as captured by Ms. Becker’s engagement with the audience, her regard for others, and the wisdom she shares with a smile.

This positivity was reciprocated by the many in the audience who stayed after to get a photo…

…to share more stories…

…or just to say thanks for an afternoon well spent.

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