Skip to content

Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

Leap At SHSU!

Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

Tag: Felipe Calderon

SHSU Students Meet President Felipe Calderon

Jacqueline Bolden–The Sam Houston State University L.E.A.P. program was invited by the World Affairs Council to attend a presentation and luncheon with iconic political figure and former President of Mexico Felipe Calderon on September 19, 2013.  I was honored to have had the privilege of meeting President Calderon.

President Calderon with SHSU Students
   President Calderon with SHSU Students

Felipe Calderon served as the 56th President of Mexico from 2006-2012.  During his presidency, Calderon focused on economic reform and strengthening Mexico on a global scale.  Former President Calderon was also the first president in Mexico to launch an attack on drug cartels.

Calderon spoke on a variety of topics at the luncheon, from free trade to universal healthcare.  He explained how, during his term, he transformed Mexico into a secure nation with a goal of protecting families from violence and crime.  Calderon believed the government needed to face criminals with full force and not avoid them.  As a result, Calderon opened numerous law enforcement agencies.

Former resident Calderon was truly invested in his citizens’ quality of life.  He created a universal healthcare program with lower rates and better coverage and built 1,600 new hospitals and clinics over the course of six years. 

Education was another top priority during his presidency.  Calderon built 140 universities from the ground up, graduating more than 90,000 people with engineering degrees.  Mexico became the largest exporter of flat-screen televisions and manufacturer of Blackberries (70%), and surpassed Spain in exporting manufactured goods.  Calderon’s efforts created more than 2 million jobs, and the net immigration to the United States nearly reached zero.  

Calderon stated, “Mexico, day by day, is becoming a better nation.”

This event allowed me to see Mexico in a different light:  how the government is working to create opportunities, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for its citizens.  Former president Felipe Calderon is a key component to Mexico’s continued growth and resilience.  He is a passionate leader who stays true to his beliefs, even in the face of adversity, and even if he has to stand alone.  His work as president opened doors for millions of people in his country and around the world. 

Toward the end of Calderon’s speech, he was asked what America can do to improve relations with Mexico.  Calderon replied, “We are not enemies, we are neighbors, partners and allies.”  This statement is a perfect example of Mexico’s push toward progress and bridging the gap with America. 

The event was both insightful and unforgettable–by far, an event to remember and an educational experience that opened my eyes to political and economics topics that are issues on around the world.

Author mikeyawnPosted on October 3, 2013Categories Civic Engagement, PoliticsTags Felipe Calderon, LEAP at SHSU, World Affairs CouncilLeave a comment on SHSU Students Meet President Felipe Calderon

LEAP Ambassadors Are Involved!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Follow Us On Facebook!

Follow Us On Facebook!

Catch Up With Us

  • SHAIP Speaker Series January 28, 2023
  • The Waco Siege: 30 Years Later January 27, 2023
  • Civics 101: Gubernatorial Inauguration 2023 January 20, 2023
  • MLK Day: And Beyond January 17, 2023
  • Congressmen Kevin Brady’s Walker County Goodbye January 3, 2023

Join The Conversation!

Louis Parker on Minding Monkeypox: Expert Pane…
Arrival: Wichita… on Civics, History, and Citi…
mikeyawn on Emergency Services: A Leisurel…
Louis Parker on Emergency Services: A Leisurel…
Louis Parker on An Evening South of the Border…

Find Previous Posts

Jackson Pollock was born 111 years ago this past weekend, but the LEAP Ambassadors celebrate Pollock year-round!

We also have Twitter!

My Tweets

LEAPing Into LEARNing

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics Blog at WordPress.com.
  • Follow Following
    • Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics
    • Join 392 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...