The Houston Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners met last week to discuss medical fraud, particularly as it relates to pharmaceuticals. And with former LEAP Ambassador Bianca Saldierna on the Houston ACFE Board, LEAP students found themselves at the Tanglewood Ballroom alongside approximately 25 certified fraud examiners to discuss pill mills, pharmacy shopping, and the black market.
Following an introduction by Robert Rodgers, the Director of ACFE’s In-Person events…
…featured speaker Yasir Shakoor offered an interesting–and even entertaining–discussion of the diverse types of pharmacy fraud over lunch.
Mr. Shakoor has both a BA and an MHC in Health Care Administration, and he is also a Certified Fraud Examiner, and he was clearly qualified to discuss the different types of fraud.
Following a discussion of common myths and an emphasis on the costs associated with pharmacy fraud, Shakoor made a distinction among (1) fraud–falsely representing services rendered; (2) waste–not reasonably conserving resources; and (3) abuse–which may involve exploiting gray areas in laws or policies and, while perhaps not illegal, is unethical and costly.
The case studies were perhaps the most interesting component of the presentation.
Examples included (1) an individual who hacked into an e-prescription service and issued 18,500 prescriptions (in one day) to purchase sport cars, basketball tickets, and to be “entertained” at strip clubs, (2) a doctor who would offer opioids for the flimsiest of pretenses, and (3) underground organizations that offered substandard, black-market drugs (or, sometimes, just any substance available) in place of the specified medication. It is frightening, costly, and, often, deadly.
Apart from the educational aspects of the lunch, our major reason for attending was to see Bianca Saldierna.
A key LEAP Ambassador in 2016-2017, Ms. Saldierna has remained involved in her alumni years, and she generously invited us to attend this event. With many thanks to Bianca and to ACFE, we eagerly await our next such lunch!
Serving as Student Regent for the Texas State University System was both an honor and a rare opportunity to better understand the intricacies of higher education and governance. From the outset, my goal was simple but ambitious: to learn as much as possible about the system I was entrusted to represent.
In true LEAP Center fashion, I approached this role with intentionality, aiming to grow throughout the entirety of the year-long term.To better understand the broader context of higher education policy, I turned to literature and public resources detailing statewide initiatives and governance structures. This helped me grasp the current landscape, the challenges facing higher education, and situate my responsibilities within that larger framework.
Early in my term, I attended the orientation hosted by the Governor’s Office, where I had the chance to meet the six other student regents from across Texas and the student representative to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. It was great to be surrounded by other students similarly engaged in public service. It was here that I gained a broader perspective of the role and the expectations moving forward.
At the Texas Tribune Festival, I attended sessions focused on higher education policy and heard from leaders such as Chancellor Tedd Mitchell (Texas Tech University System), Dr. Harrison Keller (Commissioner of Higher Education), and Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp. Learning from the leaders across our state in higher education in this setting helped contextualize what I had been learning in “theory” and translate it into real-world context and application.
Serving during a legislative session added another educational component. I had the opportunity to witness, in real time, how policy decisions shape institutions. Beyond watching the many bills being deliberated on, I also had the opportunity to attend some events that only occur during session. This included a gubernatorial appointee training, the State of the State Address, and other events like the TSUS Foundation Gala and Sam Houston’s Birthday Celebration.
Still, the most meaningful part of this experience was participating in board meetings. It was a privilege to sit alongside nine regents—each an alum of a TSUS institution—who have not only achieved success in their respective fields but remain dedicated to advancing public education. Learning from their example was both humbling and inspiring.
Screenshot
Above all, this year reaffirmed my commitment to public service. The role of Student Regent is intentionally open-ended, designed to adapt to the individual. For me, it became a space to explore what civic engagement and leadership mean in practice. With the guidance of the LEAP Center, Sam Houston State University, and the Texas State University System, I was able to take what had once been an abstract interest and turn it into a concrete path forward.
As a first-generation college student—and the first in my family to graduate high school—I wasn’t always sure what my college journey would look like. The time I’ve spent at Sam Houston State University and with the LEAP Center has shaped me in ways I could not have anticipated. I carry that investment with deep gratitude, and I look forward to building on it in the next chapter of my public service career.
Huntsville, Texas is known for its strong sense of community and its commitment to serving others. The Huntsville Rotary Club is, of course, no different. It is made up of individuals who contribute to what makes the community thrive. That is why the SHSU Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics was honored to be invited as the guest presenters at a recent Wednesday Rotary meeting by President Michelle Spencer.
The meeting began with traditional Rotary formalities, including member greetings and introductions. Notable attendees included former Huntsville Mayor Jane Monday, who previously served as chair of the Texas State University System Board of Regents and as Texas Public Commissioner to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Also present were Rhonda Ellisor Smith, Director of the SHSU Small Business Development Center; Darren Williams, Chemistry Professor at Sam Houston State University; Vance Howard, CEO of Howard Capital Management, and Rotary President Michelle Spencer…
…who also serves as CEO of the Huntsville Boys & Girls Club.
During the meeting, Brad Sherman presented the “brag bucket,” allowing members to recognize achievements or introduce guests.
Mayor Humphrey introduced his guest, Tommy Harris, a member of the Huntsville Planning Commission.
Then, Terri Coleman, a local real estate agent, proudly displayed a check from the Vance and Karen Howard Foundation, which matched funds raised at the recent Rotary WineQuest event.
The combined total reached an impressive $102,000 to donate to local nonprofit organizations!
Also celebrated was the induction of Joel Starkey, the newest Rotary member.
Sponsored by Brad Sherman, Starkey received his official Rotary pin during a brief ceremony conducted by President Spencer.
Professor Mike Yawn then opened the LEAP presentation by introducing the program and the ambassadors in attendance. Of the six current ambassadors, three are based in Huntsville, while the other three are working in the Texas Legislature during the 89th session.
He went on to explain that the main focus of the LEAP program is to help students grow, and through that growth, benefit the community.
Highlighted were several of the Center’s initiatives, such as hosting the Texas Tenth Court of Appeals at SHSU and inviting distinguished guests like Judge Alberto Gonzales to speak to students. These opportunities not only broaden the ambassadors’ understanding but also benefit a wider group of individuals, as many events are open to those outside the organization, and sometimes, the university.
Additionally, the presentation touched on how the organization maintains institutional memory from year to year. When volunteering for community events, experienced members train new ones, easing the burden on event organizers and ensuring continuity. New members, in turn, know they will be the ones training others in the future.
A particularly meaningful part of the presentation was the discussion of LEAP’s long-running partnership with the Huntsville Public Library to support local immigrants preparing for the U.S. citizenship test. Gregoria McGuire, who recently earned her citizenship with the assistance of the program, spoke to the Rotarians about what becoming a citizen means to her.
Despite having passed the test, she still attends the weekly Tuesday classes, takes notes, and stays fully engaged–a clear sign of how much it means to her.
To close, LEAP emphasized that while the program includes a focus on law and politics, its mission extends further. The words “Engagement” and “and” are central to its identity. LEAP aims to foster a broader understanding of the world through diverse experiences. Olivia, for example, shared that she has now visited 75 museums through LEAP; this is an especially significant achievement given that she had never been to one before joining the program.
After the presentation, it was time for the weekly raffle. Brad Sherman mentioned that since there was a graduate in the room, it might be fitting for me to draw the winning ticket.
President Spencer then presented a children’s book for us to sign, which will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club.
The meeting wrapped up, as always, with the recitation of the Rotary Four-Way Test (and the Huntsville fifth), a meaningful reminder of the values that guide the organization’s work.
As a LEAP Ambassador, you’re not expected to be an art expert—or even an enthusiast. But after visiting dozens of museums through the program, it’s only natural that some of us become fans… or critics. I’ve now been to 75 museums with LEAP. Before joining, I’d only ever visited one. Among all those experiences, one name has stood out again and again: James Surls. Of those many wonderful educational experiences, James Surls is a name I had come to frequent more than most.
Surls is something of a household name in LEAP. As a distinguished alum of Sam Houston State University and a prominent figure in Huntsville, his work has served as many students’ first introduction to art—including mine.
So when we heard about the opening reception for the Surls + Locke Museum and the Heard of G.O.A.T.S. exhibit, we knew it was something we couldn’t pass up!
After being shuttled to the 40-acre property, we went to Surls’ studio, which had been transformed into an event hall for the afternoon. Inside, towering sculptures filled the space, and even the live musicians were performing among the artworks on stage.
We spent a long time taking in the ambiance, discussing which pieces were our favorite. Moya and McCaughan were especially drawn to the work of Charmaine Locke, Surls’ wife and an artist in her own right.
Inspired by the natural world, Surls uses both medium and or composition to emulate life. This presents itself in various ways, but he’s most known for his sculptures that resemble flowers or plants, his eye motif, and sometimes, a combination of the two!
His work stands out not just visually, but intellectually.
While I didn’t initially grasp the depth of his pieces, I’ve come to appreciate their layered meanings over time.
As one article (written by my professor) quotes Surls:
“Right then and there, I drank from the well of true belief in something far greater than myself. I got the calling for my life, and I answered the call with a resounding ‘Yes, I will do it.’”
That sense of purpose resonates with me—and with LEAP as a whole. It reminds me of why we serve and why we learn.
We later walked through the Gift from the Bower exhibit, which featured a series of outdoor installations on its final day.
We spent a lot of time here, discussing meaning, appreciating how the pieces interacted with the environment, and—for Chrissy—getting eaten alive by bugs.
I personally enjoyed Sonic Overlook by Patrick Renner…
and Chrissy liked Learning to Fly by Sherry Owens and Art Shirer.
We had the opportunity to meet Surls himself and have him sign photos we took of his work at the Gaertner Performing Arts Center. It was an honor to meet the artist behind the incredible work that so many LEAP students have enjoyed over the years, and it’s an experience I will cherish for a long time.
Victoria McClendon-Leggett, former LEAP President, also had the opportunity to meet Surls.
As for the Heard of G.O.A.T.S. exhibit itself, the gallery was filled with other famous names. John Alexander…
Lynn Randolph…
and Bill Haveron…
Michelle took a liking to a piece called His and Hers Red Nest by James Drake. She found that the nests looked like angel wings and fittingly posed for a photo upon discovery.
Chrissy, on the other hand, enjoyed a much moodier scene, Siddhartha by Carlos Canul.
Interestingly enough, the Terry Allen sculpture was on display on the outdoor patio. Titled Bust, the piece depicts a man in a suit that is blowing against an imaginary force of wind. Like all of his pieces, this was thought provoking and visually interesting. It’s no surprise that this bust is courtesy of the Surls + Locke Museum’s collection!
In all, this was an experience that reminds you why LEAP exists—to open minds, spark curiosity, and connect students to opportunities and perspectives they might not have encountered otherwise. It was an incredibly memorable experience, and one I will always be grateful for.
In today’s competitive job market, the difference between landing a job and missing an opportunity often lies in how well one presents themselves in both formal and social settings. Recognizing this, the Career Success Center at Sam Houston State University hosts an annual Etiquette Dinner every spring, designed to equip students with essential dining and professional etiquette skills.
Career Success Director Benji Cantu Introduces Ms. Gottsman
This highly anticipated event is led by Diane Gottsman, an internationally recognized etiquette expert and founder of The Protocol School of Texas. With more than two decades of experience, Gottsman is widely respected for her practical, modern approach to etiquette.
Her philosophy is clear: etiquette isn’t about rigid rules but rather about fostering confidence, showing respect, and making positive impressions.
To set the tone for the evening, Ms. Gottsman encouraged engagement from the start, inviting students to ask questions throughout the event. This approach created a welcoming environment—which evidently paid off, as several thoughtful questions came from attendees.
One of the first things we covered was understanding the layout of a formal place setting. Ms. Gottsman introduced the “B and D” hand signal, a simple mnemonic to help guests remember the correct placement of their bread plate (left) and drink (right).
This was followed by a presentation of proper utensil layout, illustrating the rule of “outside-in”: always use the outermost utensils first, moving inward as each course is served.
As we prepared for the meal, Ms. Gottsman emphasized napkin etiquette, explaining that the napkin should be placed on the lap with the fold facing toward your waist. If stepping away from the table, the napkin should be placed on the chair, not the table.
She also advised against placing purses on chairs or using purse hooks at formal events.
Posture was another key point—encouraging everyone to sit upright by imagining a ball behind their back as a way to maintain poise without seeming stiff.
We also learned to “prepare” our iced tea, where Ms. Gottsman explained to stir quietly, avoid clinking the glass, and place the spoon behind the glass once finished.
She also touched on the circumstance where if you are given a drink with the lemon on the side, you should place it in the glass or behind it—but do not drink it with it on the rim.
The first course was gazpacho soup…
…during which we learned to spoon the soup away from the body to avoid spills and to sip quietly from the side of the spoon—no slurping.
Ms. Gottsman shared a helpful distinction between smooth and chunky soups: while smooth soups should be sipped directly from the side of the spoon with minimal movement, chunkier soups may require small, discreet cutting motions with the spoon to break down larger pieces—always maintaining grace and control.
Throughout the evening, students posed thoughtful questions. LEAP Ambassadors Christina Biello and Olivia Discon were among those who contributed. Christina asked about the proper way of wiping your face with a napkin, prompting a detailed explanation from Ms. Gottsman on napkin positioning and handling. Olivia inquired about how to eat a sandwich or burger properly—whether deconstructing was acceptable. Ms. Gottsman emphasized the importance of ordering wisely in formal settings, reinforcing that certain dishes—like salads or spaghetti—are best avoided.
She also mentioned what to ask for and what not to ask for while dining. Unless there are fries on the table, ketchup should not be requested; and ranch dressing should never be ordered. Requests for ranch and ketchup, Ms. Gottsman noted, send a message to the chef and the table that the requester is accustomed to cheap, low-quality food.
Another thoughtful question involved excusing oneself from the table. Ms. Gottsman advised simply saying, “Excuse me” without offering unnecessary details and always pushing in your chair and placing the napkin on your seat, not back on the table, during the temporary departure.
The main course featured chicken, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. During this course, Ms. Gottsman introduced the “resting” and “finished” utensil positions—important non-verbal cues for servers. When pausing between bites, utensils should form an inverted “V” on the plate, with the fork tines face up and the knife stays on the right.
When finished, both utensils should be placed parallel across the plate, with the fork tines up and the knife blade inward. These signals help maintain a seamless dining experience and show respect for the meal and staff. Also adding in the differences between American and European dining styles, encouraging students to become familiar with the European method for a more polished approach.
The evening concluded with a delicious red velvet dessert cake and coffee.
In formal dining settings, coffee is typically served after the main course, often accompanied by dessert. When passing cream or any condiment, always pass it to the left (counterclockwise) of the person sitting next to you.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Gottsman spoke of the importance of first impressions—how a teethy smile, confident presence, and genuine attentiveness can leave a lasting impact.
Many attendees, including myself, left the event feeling not only more confident in formal dining settings but also more aware of how small, thoughtful gestures reflect professionalism and poise.
This advice encapsulated the essence of the evening: that etiquette is not about perfection but about presenting oneself with confidence and respect in every interaction, and we can toast to that!
Many thanks to the Career Success Center and Ms. Gottsman for a wonderful program.
The weekend of April 12 was a vibrant celebration of community spirit in Huntsville, packed with events that really showed off the city’s sense of unity. After months of planning, registration, and preparation, it was incredibly rewarding to see Junk-A-Palooza come to fruition in Downtown Huntsville.
The City of Huntsville Main Street Program brings several annual events to Huntsville, and as intern for Main Street, my role this semester was helping with Junk-A-Palooza, which proved to be a success. With more than 100 vendors and an estimated 300-400 attendees, the event demonstrated its ability to bring people together and showcase community collaboration.
Junk-A-Palooza is a community-wide garage sale that gives people a chance to declutter and repurpose their old or unused items. Families, individuals, and groups set up booths filled with a wide variety of items, from unique treasures to everyday essentials—artwork, furniture, vintage items.
Following much work from Main Street Director Amanda Schillaci, Event Coordinator Angela Robinson, and myself, the event officially kicked off bright and early at 7 a.m., with booths set up ready to go and many already downtown checking out everything the booths had to offer.
One vendor featured a mystery box that sold out almost immediately, while one of the most memorable finds for me was collectable toys of red vintage cars.
This year’s Junk-A-Palooza coincided with the Wynne Home’s Easter Egg Hunt and the Pineapple Run, a 5K held in memory of Peyton Irwin. The race benefited the Peyton Irwin Foundation, which aims to educate others on the dangers of distracted driving while also awarding scholarships to students.
The Pineapple Run added to the festive atmosphere, with a bouncy castle, costume contest, and food stands supporting a great cause, not to mention the pineapple I purchased!
The combination of Junk-A-Palooza and the Pineapple Run created a day full of fun and community spirit in downtown Huntsville. Junk-A-Palooza was a huge success, thanks to the efforts of many community members.
The events showcased the best of Huntsville, highlighting its sense of unity and community spirit. Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, and attended!
For fourteen consecutive years, the LEAP Center at Sam Houston State has been proud to host the Texas 10th District Court of Appeals on our campus. With a newly elected Chief Justice, Matt Johnson, a newly appointed Justice, Lee Harris, and 3 thought-provoking cases, the LEAP Center was grateful to help coordinate and host this event for the Huntsville community.
Appellate Courts are fascinating, due to the fact that they have, of course, been heard in trial court previously. Distinctions between interpretations of case law, the handling of the case, and legalese can be found at the 10th Court of Appeals.
The other unique thing about this experience is that each attorney has three minutes reserved for a brief overview of their argument, during which they can turn to the audience to speak.
It is here that attorneys can provide context about the initial case and its history, along with their chief arguments they will make before the Justices.
The lawyers then have twenty minutes each to make their argument, along with a five-minute rebuttal from the appellate attorney.
For the Ambassadors, the primary tasks were to (1) ensure the room was ready, and Ms. Rowley from the Criminal Justice Center was very helpful in this regard; (2) ensure all the equipment worked; (3) provide questions and the identities of elected officials to the Justices and Clerk Williamson;
…and (4) to take photos.
Having the opportunity to view legal proceedings of this nature on our campus is an incredible opportunity.
We had several community friends join us for the day, including Pat Graham, City Councilmember; Linda McKenzie, GOP Republican Party Chair; Scott Swigert, City Manager; Judge David Moorman of the 12th District Court; Dr. Kim Webb, Justice of the Peace of Jacinto County, Pct. 4. Will Durham, District Attorney of Walker County, was of course in attendance, given that they were the Appellee on 2 of the cases that day!
After the 11am case, the court graciously opened up for a brief Q&A session with our students. We got some new insights on the manner in which the courts are organized and how they make it to the 10th Court of Appeals.
We then had lunch with the Justices before the final case of the day. This experience is always a pleasure, and having the opportunity to connect with such esteemed individuals as students who are interested in the field of law is incredible.
After a full day of court hearings, and a Pre-Law Society meeting to attend to later that day, we sadly concluded an event full of learning, law, and community.
Thank you so much to Chief Justice Johnson, Justice Smith, and Justice Lee…
…for your dedication and for continuing this opportunity for our students.
Tucked away in Houston’s vibrant Museum District, the Asia Society Texas Center is a cultural gem that embodies the rich diversity of Asia through architecture, exhibits, and innovative and cultural experiences. Designed by renowned Japanese architect Yoshio Taniguchi, the building is LEED certified, making it a visual delight and a wonder to experience.
As you enter the museum, the North Gallery provides a welcoming space with five touch screens arranged in a circle around a central pillar; each screen contains a globe with the Asian countries shaded in different colors.
Once a country is touched, the person “travels” to the country through a screen that shows the nation’s capital as well as the local time and how many miles it is from Houston.
Similarly, the most Instagram-worthy spot in the entire center is a wall covered with Asian culture-inspired neon signs. Ranging from a glowing lucky cat sign, a bowl of pho, and even one displaying Bellaire Boulevard. Each experience implements an interactive way to learn about Asia’s culture.
The “Gathering Table” interactive section highlights different foods of Asia and, most importantly, where you can find that food in Houston.
This area also offers a scent station that adds a sensory dimension to the experience.
The central section of the Asia Society is the two-story Grand Hall, lined with Jura limestone and wall paneling with American cherry wood. Each of these elements is used throughout the interiors for warmth and connection to the local landscape.
Also in the building is the Brown Foundation Performing Arts Theatre, featuring perfect acoustics, created through carefully designed architectural elements. The stage is an Appalachian white oak, with the maximum capacity at 273 steel-gray seats and acoustic cherry wood wall panels that ultimately create a sumptuous atmosphere.
We also explored the “LEO Bullet Train,” which is a digital bullet train ride through Asia.
This rectangular room is filled with screens shaped to look like windows on a bullet train.
As the ride takes place, videos of all the countries scroll past on the screens, displaying a little touch of different cultures.
On the second floor, the mood shifts to serenity with the Water Garden Terrace. The display is filled with 12,000 gallons of constantly recirculating water. Large glass windows also connect the space to its natural surroundings while designed to withstand 110 mph winds, meeting Houston’s stringent glass structural codes.
Situated next to the water garden is the Louisa Stude Sarofim Gallery, which is composed of the minimalist installation by artist Lee Ufan, named Relatum. It consists of a raw stone and steel plate, arranged in a way that emphasizes spatial relationships and the quiet tension between man-made and natural forms (we assume). Relatum doesn’t demand attention; rather, it provokes the viewer to think, so the perception is up to the viewer.
The gallery also displayed intricate Japanese art pieces of cutting and using paper stencils to dye textiles. The art combines contemporary international design with an understated elegance that reflects Asian aesthetic principles.
My personal favorite of all Museum pieces was a miniature version of the building.
The exhibition space features rotating shows of traditional and contemporary Asian art, from holograms and push-button lessons on how to say words like “Houston” and “Texas” in Japanese and many other languages.
The Asia Society Texas Center blends both modern design with traditional Asian style. From the exhibitions to the building itself, it combines contemporary international design with modest beauty and calm one may associate with Asia. It’s a special place in Houston where people can learn about and connect with Asian cultures in a meaningful way!
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 