LEAP Center – Page 5 – Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

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.

An Evening with Malcolm Gladwell: Insights on Change and Inequality

Saara Maknojia

To end another busy day, Chrissy Biello, Michelle Cardenas, Emely Garcia, Michelle Moya, and I ventured to Houston for yet another fabulous event hosted by the World Affairs Council (WAC) of Greater Houston. This event featured the renowned author Malcolm Gladwell, who captivated the audience with a discussion of his new book, Revenge of the Tipping Point.

Seated alongside Ronan O’Malley, Chief Programs Officer for WAC, Gladwell began by revisiting his groundbreaking book The Tipping Point, which delves into the social dynamics that drive large-scale cultural shifts. The sequel, he explained, explores the unintended consequences of these shifts in modern society…

During the discussion, Ronan O’Malley prompted Gladwell to share his views on higher education and its challenges. Gladwell critiqued the admissions systems of prestigious institutions like Harvard University, highlighting the inequities faced by merit-based students compared to legacy applicants. He also touched on the 2019 admissions scandal, where families falsified their children’s applications, often robbing low-income students of their rightful opportunities. Gladwell’s observations shed light on how these systemic issues contribute to larger societal inequalities.

The wide-ranging conversation also emphasized the idea of “tipping points,” moments when seemingly small events trigger substantial societal change. Gladwell noted how media coverage of scandals often accelerates these tipping points, creating ripple effects that transform public awareness and behaviors. His ability to weave research with engaging narratives left the audience with much to reflect on.

Our group especially appreciated Gladwell’s humorous anecdotes and witty remarks, which drew loud laughter and applause from the audience. Events like these are not only educational but also incredibly enjoyable for students like us. The World Affairs Council of Greater Houston consistently provides opportunities to learn from brilliant minds, expand our perspectives, and engage with global issues. We’re already looking forward to the next WAC event!

Case Closed: Wrapping up Moot Court

Olivia Discon

The moot court competition in Fort Worth was a great experience that challenged our critical thinking skills (or the extent of them, anyways) and gave us a chance to grow as advocates. Fort Worth was the perfect host city, combining a world-class law school with a great cultural scene and history.

For the competition, we stayed at the Hilton in downtown Fort Worth, where President John F. Kennedy spent his final night—which was definitely not a good omen for our performance. The competition itself was held at Texas A&M’s School of Law, which happens to neighbor the Philip Johnson-designed Water Gardens.

As one of LEAP’s favorite architects, Johnson’s work always stands out, and the Water Gardens is an immersive way to experience architecture and ease both law students and moot court competitors’ nerves.

When we had time to explore, we made the most of it. We ensured to make a stop at the Richard Haas mural downtown in Sundance Square.

In the same area, we were lucky enough to stumble across works by James Surls…

…Lichtenstein, and Noguchi—all in one building! Just around the corner, we also found an Alex Katz…

…and Jesus Moroles sculpture.

One of my favorite stops was the Sid Richardson Museum, where we got an extensive look at the works of Frederic Remington and Charles Russell. Both are staples of Western art, but the range of their work was impressive. The museum also gave us a chance to try our hand at some art of our own, offering postcards for visitors to draw and send.

This ties to Remington, who was not well-versed in writing, and would use illustrations to communicate when words fell short. While some of us had more success than others (we’ll leave the details out), it was a fun and creative way to engage with the experience we shared at the museum.

The trip wasn’t just about law and art—we also enjoyed a range of food experiences. While I stayed on the safe side with a soufflé (my first, and it was great!), Maggie stepped up as the group’s culinary adventurer, trying calf fries, escargot, and quail all for the first time. One of the best parts of LEAP trips is the chance to try new things, and this trip was no exception.

After the competition ended, we headed to Dallas. We made a quick stop to see a giant eyeball sculpture…

…which was interesting to say the least, before heading to Thanksgiving Square, another Philip Johnson design.

The Square offers myriad interesting features, including a Norman Rockwell mosaic…

…a “ring of thanks,” which has an echo feature…

…and, of course, Johnson’s beautiful Chapel.

The spiral design, and the beautiful stained glass capture the “infinite upward reach of the human spirit”.

We ended the trip with a visit to Dealey Plaza, the site of JFK’s assassination. Seeing the Grassy Knoll and the surrounding area was a very fitting end to our adventures in DFW.

Overall, this trip showcased what LEAP is all about: taking multidisciplinary experiences—law, art, history, and food—and tying them together in a way that broadens our understanding and appreciation of the world. Fort Worth and Dallas proved to be the perfect destinations for this, with plenty of firsts, surprises, and connections along the way.

LEAPing into Halloween: Celebrating Scare on the Square with Huntsville Main Street

Saara Maknojia

Every year, the LEAP Ambassadors come together to participate in and volunteer at the annual Scare on the Square, hosted by the Huntsville Main Street Program. This year was no different!

In keeping with our tradition of selecting a new theme each year, we decided to dress as the cast of The Wizard of Oz!

While we didn’t officially set the level of creativity for our costumes, some of us went all out, while others kept it simple but stayed true to the “heart” of the theme—except for our very own Tin Man, who cleverly carried hers in her shiny silver purse!

Before the event started, we were visited by McKenna Nonnenmann, the Main Street Intern for the fall semester.

She shared her experience of assisting in organizing this year’s Scare on the Square, something she enjoyed planning from start to finish. Angela Robinson, the Event Coordinator for the Wynne Home Arts and Visitors Center, and Amanda Schillaci, the Main Street Program Manager and the organizer of the event, also stopped by to greet the group and see the setup.

As always, students from Professor Yawn’s classes participated in the event, bringing even more fun to the festivities.

The University 1101 team showed their Halloween spirit by dressing up as the characters from Scooby-Doo. They set up a game of “Spin for Cornhole,” which proved to be a popular attraction.

Simultaneously, the team from the Local Government class, which consisted of Roberto Cardenas, Kayona Denver, Logan Skelton, and myself, was also tuned into the action. For those looking for a bit more difficulty, we hosted a ring-toss game which attracted kids and even parents. Some even participated multiple times in hopes of winning extra Halloween treats!

Scare on the Square is a wonderful opportunity for local businesses, organizations, and the community to come together, enjoy each other’s company, and play fun games.

This year, the event exceeded expectations, providing a safe and enjoyable space for children to celebrate Halloween and make lasting memories.

An Afternoon of Laughter with LEAP: “Noises Off” at the Alley Theatre

by Michelle Cardenas

This past weekend, the LEAP Ambassadors, along with friends and alumni, took our regular trip to Houston for an afternoon filled with laughter, great food, and a little culture. Our destination: The Alley Theatre to see the farcical comedy Noises Off. These Houston outings have become something of a tradition for us—a chance to bond over good food and great theatre, and this time was no exception.

Before heading to the show, we made our first stop at POST Houston, a spot we frequent for its array of restaurants that cater to every craving. From sushi to burgers and international cuisine, POST has something for everyone. After fueling up, it was time for our traditional rooftop photo with the Houston skyline in the background—a moment we capture every time we’re in the area. The LEAP Ambassadors, a few friends, and alumni joined in for the photo op, including Michelle Lyons and her daughter Katherine Burnett, SHSU alum and former SHAIP intern Ashlyn Rodriguez with her husband, as well as Jacob Wessels and Yajaira Gutierrez. With full stomachs and a great group, we were ready for the play!

For those unfamiliar, Noises Off is a comedy about…well, comedy. It’s a play within a play, following a chaotic theatre troupe as they stumble (quite literally) through a performance. Having some theatre background myself, I was eager to see how close this farce would be to the real backstage antics I’ve experienced. Spoiler alert: it was spot on—and absolutely hilarious.

The play is structured in three acts, each highlighting a different stage of a theatre production.

The first act is the troupe’s final rehearsal before opening night, where the director desperately tries to smooth out the rough edges—particularly the constant confusion over a plate of sardines, which becomes a running joke. The second act gives us a behind-the-scenes look, with the audience seeing the backstage chaos unfold as the actors’ personal issues boil over. Doors are slamming, props are misplaced, and love triangles are revealed. And then, in the final act, we witness the disastrous final performance, where everything that could go wrong does. The actors are left to improvise their way through the script, which by now is nothing more than a series of disconnected lines and missed cues.

It was a joy to see our group laughing together, especially as some of us were familiar with the antics that come with putting on a play. Stephanie, in particular, has long been a fan of Noises Off, and by the end of the show, Yajaira had declared it her new favorite too. It’s no wonder—between the witty dialogue and physical comedy, the play is a masterclass in farce.

As we walked out of the theatre, we couldn’t help but keep laughing about the final performance scene—the sardines, the dropped lines, and the general mayhem. It was a perfect ending to a perfect afternoon. In fact, I think the sardines became their own character in the play! It was a delightful reminder that sometimes, when everything goes wrong, it makes for the best kind of theatre…and memories.

We can’t wait for our next Houston adventure!

Huntsville’s Hiring! Community Hiring Event

Olivia Discon

As the intern for the City of Huntsville’s Economic Development Department, I have had the privilege to learn about what makes Huntsville, Huntsville. From what I’ve come to understand, Huntsville’s unique quality comes from the community’s eagerness to support each other. This was further reinforced by The City of Huntsville’s Community Hiring Event, hosted by the city’s Economic Development Department. This event, which was a first for the department, allowed local businesses to showcase their businesses, and hopefully, fulfill some of their vacant positions!

There was a vast array of businesses that participated in this event. From local businesses such as Advantage Specialties and Carolina Creek, to local manufacturers such as Zenner USA and Rock MFG, there was a broad range of opportunities for people to inquire about.

The most rewarding aspect of the hiring event was being able to experience Huntsville’s diverse economic landscape in real time. Educational opportunities such as Sam Houston State University, Tomorrow’s Promise, Bayes Achievement Center, Windham School District, and Huntsville Independent School District…

Services, such as Metroclean, The Color Bar, and Clearwater Pools…

Employment opportunities in the medical field, such as Huntsville Memorial Hospital…

… and some of our major employers, such as Weatherford and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice!

There were even businesses that focus on workforce and staffing, such as Express Employment Professionals and Workforce Solutions, the latter of which provided resources for participants actively seeking employment.

Throughout the evening, businesses had the opportunity to conduct onsite interviews, and participants had the opportunity to show off their resume. With over 150 people in attendance, this event was a resounding success! Events such as these are incredibly valuable to both businesses and potential employees alike, as it helps to reinforce the community support that makes Huntsville so special.

Agent Christopher Combs Talks the Future of the FBI

Michelle Cardenas

After a successful first week of classes, LEAP students headed to The Woodlands for their first World Affairs Council (WAC) meeting of the fall semester. Dr. Gene Roberts, Associate Dean and the Director of Student Legal & Mediation Services at SHSU, graciously joined our coalition of students in this endeavor. The featured guest speaker of the evening, FBI Special Agent Christopher Combs, possesses great insight into the last 20 years of United States affairs. Having served as a Special Agent In Charge of the San Antonio Division, Combs has a particular knowledge of matters concerning border control and domestic terrorism.

The event was hosted by one of WAC’s partners, ChampionX; a chemistry program and drilling technology company. The sunset-casted lakeside view from the building set an elevated tone for the evening.

Before the event began, Chief Development Officer of the World Affairs Council Sandija Bayot graciously introduced us to Special Agent Combs. He went on to share the very qualities that make a prospective FBI applicant stand out, placing a particular emphasis on a strong work ethic and unique experiences they have prior to their application. For example, Combs himself served as a volunteer firefighter for 8 years! The opportunity to speak candidly with a distinguished member of the FBI was incredible, especially for the many Criminal Justice majors in the group.

Shortly thereafter, Ronan O’Malley took the stage and introduced the event moderator, Sandija Bayot and the Director of External Affairs for Champion X, John Breed.

Christopher Combs took the stage with moderator Sandija Bayot and quickly jumped into the conversation. The focal point of Agent Combs’ conversation was to explain the FBI’s role in multiple historically disastrous events. He touched on how extensive FBI investigations are and how much hard work, planning and action takes place on the inside.

After being a part of the FBI for 26 years, Agent Combs has gathered quite a collection of stories; one of them being his experience during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Indeed, he served as the initial FBI On-Scene Commander at the Pentagon on 9/11. He explained how the Bureau received intel about foreign attacks and expected to be attacked in late September. However, the FBI expected an attack overseas, not here in the United States.

Agent Combs expressed great concern for America as technology continues to advance and the threats of competing superpowers and their tactics. The conversation shifted into an audience Q&A, and many topics such as border control, domestic terrorism, and drones ensued. He made a couple remarks on how the battle against terrorism, whether it be domestic or not, is never ending.

Though the conversation was heavy in nature, it ended on a positive note-thanks to Professor Yawn! Professor Yawn asked Agent Combs to speak to the young people in the audience about careers in the FBI. Agent Combs stated he believes in setting oneself apart from the crowd and truly devoting oneself to the greater good. Special Agent Combs closed with a remark that left the crowd at ease and patriotism: “The FBI is simply an organization made up of good Americans who are trying their best to protect Americans”.

BearKats Dine at Katz’s

Following our event we ventured to Katz’s, a New York style deli, to highlight the area in which Agent Combs was brought up. We started our evening with multiple appetizers that included the cheese crisps, spicy meatballs and the stuffed cabbage. We all dug into our savory appetizers as we waited for our entrees. There was a large group in attendance so we had quite the line up. Some of our favorite entrees included the Chicago bill, matzo ball soup, The Reuben, and The Monte Cristo. To end our night with a figurative cherry on top, we decided to indulge in some sweet treats. The delicious desserts we had included caramel raisin bread pudding, Oreo milkshakes and cheesecake milkshakes. The night concluded with new connections, great laughs, and an even greater anticipation of what’s to come in the fall.

“What Remains” with Wendy Walker

June 13, 2023

Yvette Mendoza

One of the LEAP Ambassadors’ beloved bookstores for murder mystery enthusiasts is Murder by the Book, where we had the opportunity to meet the wonderful author Wendy Walker at her book signing. Known for her psychological thriller novels, she is currently on a book tour for her latest release, “What Remains.”

To dive deeper into the book and explore Wendy Walker’s background and writing techniques, Dr. Ashley Winstead, also an author, was on hand to moderate a discussion. Dr. Winstead, as it turns out, was an excellent interviewer.

The inspiration behind Walker’s book was a tragic shooting at King Soopers in Colorado in 2021. This event sparked ideas for the plot, which the author was able to expand and feature a female detective faced with the difficult decision of saving one life at the cost of taking another.

Although the book has intense moments, the structure alternates intensity with more contemplative and investigative elements. According to Walker, this technique was employed to add depth to the narrative, give readers a break from the intensity, and to explore deeper themes.

Walker also drew on her background in family law, which gave her insight into trauma, human nature, and family dynamics. These themes are prevalent throughout the novel, and Walker added additional layers of psychological drama, which, in her words, she “geeks out” over.

During the Q&A period, LEAP Ambassador Olivia Discon asked whether it was surreal to hear your characters’ voices portrayed by actors on audiobook after months of imagining what the characters’ voices, inflections, and verbal mannerisms.

Following the formal event, we had a chance to chat with Ms. Walker and Dr. Winstead. We reminded Ms. Walker that LEAP students had attended one of her book talks in 2017!

So, we enjoyed another photo with Ms. Walker–and, this time, with Dr. Winstead as well. Perhaps we’ll do the same at her next release!

Merus Grill

Michelle Cardenas

After getting our books signed and taking selfies with author Wendy Walker, we headed to Merus Grill in Uptown Houston for dinner. For starters, we indulged in perfectly fire-grilled artichokes and a delicious Avocado Bomb. We were all very big fans of the flavor combinations, and we were eager to dig into our main entrees.

Yvette had the Southern Salad, and Professor Yawn and Stephanie split the Grilled Trout meanwhile Ingrid, Oliva, and I ordered the Old Fashioned Cheeseburger.

Following our main entrees we decided to partake in a sweet treat by ordering the Carrot Cake and “The Very Best Chocolate Cake” served with vanilla ice cream. The dishes and dessert were all very delicious and satisfied all of our expectations.

After sharing a couple stories and conversing at the dinner table we parted ways and concluded yet another successful LEAP event.

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