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Tag: Megan Chapa

Mixing the Future and the Past: The Fall’s First Pre-Law Society Meeting

Typically the first Pre-Law Society meeting of each semester holds a special sense of excitement, as returning members renew acquaintances and new members integrate into the organization.  But this semester’s meeting was particularly special: we featured three LEAP/SHSU alumni who know a lot more about law than we do.

Also making the meeting interesting was kicking off the semester with a new President (Sawyer Massie)…

SHSU, LEAP Center, Pre-Law Society, Sawyer Massie

…and a new Vice President–Membership and Finance–(Ilexus Williams).  We also scheduled an election for the first meeting, to select a new position: Vice President–Historian and Archivist. In terms of officers, our institutional memory consisted of Sydney Perkins, our Secretary, who is now beginning her third semester as a member.

Our first order of business was voting on a motion to donate money to an endowed scholarship for Pre-Law Society members.  That passed unanimously.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Pre-Law Society, Sawyer Massie

And by unanimously, we are happy to announce that we had 65 members on hand, with 10 more members unable to make the first meeting.  With a total of 75 dues-paying members, we have our largest membership total ever.

The second order of business was electing a new Vice-President, and we had three quality applicants:

…Heather Barodi…

SHSU, LEAP Center, Pre-Law Society, Heather Barodi

…Michael Freeman…

SHSU, LEAP Center, Pre-Law Society, Sawyer Massie

…and Olivia Kelly.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Pre-Law Society, Sawyer Massie

In a close race, Heather Barodi–who had an internship with the Attorney General’s Office this summer–won the day, and she began work on photographs right away!

But the stars of the show were our three alumni: (1) Alejandra Galvan, (2) Jessica Rodriguez, and (3) Megan Chapa Martin.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Pre-Law Society, Alex Galvan, Jessica Rodriguez, Megan Chapa

They were ideal alumni to feature in many ways: they had each made good grades, positioning themselves well for the law-school application process; they went to different law schools, offering a broader perspective to us on choosing the right school; they are interested in different aspects of the law, providing diverse viewpoints on potential careers.  All are female, which matches some 85 percent of our membership, and all are 27 or younger, making them better able to relate to our students.

Alex Galvan is a 3L at UH School of Law, where she served as student bar president.  She hopes to work in real estate law, with an emphasis on eminent domain.  While at SHSU, she had internships with the Walker County Republican Women, the DA’s office, and the Texas Legislature (Sen. Lois Kolkhorst).

Jessica Rodriguez is a practicing attorney at Ramsey Law Group, where she specializes in personal injury law. She attended Depaul Law School, before transferring to South Texas College of Law.  While at SHSU, she interned with Huntsville Main Street, worked at the Wynne Home Arts Center, and interned with the Texas Legiaslature, for Rep. Senfronia Thompson.

Megan Chapa Martin is a 3L at South Texas College of Law, where she served as student bar senator.  She also works part-time at the Harris County District Attorney’s office, and hopes to continue work as a prosecutor following graduation.  While at SHSU, she interned at the Wynne Home Arts Center, and was also chosen from a long list of national applicants as one of seven “Running Start Fellows.”  In this capacity, she interned with Rep. Martha Roby in the US Capitol.  Fittingly, she was the first Pre-Law Society President!

The three offered excellent advice.  When asked how to prepare for law school, they encouraged students to take the Mock LSAT as often as possible; make good grades; take advantage of opportunities, even if they didn’t fit a traditional “law-school path;” and to find a mentor.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Pre-Law Society, Alex Galvan, Jessica Rodriguez, Megan Chapa

They also discussed what to expect from law school: lots of reading; critical thinking; an emphasis on communication; and a really challenging first year.  Their takeaway: take classes or learning opportunities that prepare you for these things while an undergraduate.  Alex Galvan was particularly adamant about learning from your classes, even though it’s often easy for smart students to make an A in a class by simply memorizing material.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Pre-Law Society, Alex Galvan, Jessica Rodriguez, Megan Chapa

The alumni also reflected on their time at SHSU, relaying their most memorable experiences and reflecting on what they learned.  For three students who took advantage of many opportunities, it was a pleasant and educational trip down memory lane.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Pre-Law Society, Alex Galvan, Jessica Rodriguez, Megan Chapa

Their experiences included travel to more than 20 states, trips to Presidential and Gubernatorial Inaugurations, participation in political conventions, and attendance at hundreds of events.

Their formal discussion prompted many more questions from the students, who hovered around them following the meeting.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Pre-Law Society, Alex Galvan, Jessica Rodriguez, Megan Chapa

And the three also had a chance to renew friendships with Dr. Ralph Pease and his wife, Linda (it was fitting that we meet in the “Ralph Pease Auditorium” in the Evans Building).  Two of the three had interned for Linda Pease, and all three had volunteered at the Wynne Home.  Interestingly, two other Wynne Home interns are members of the Pre-Law Society, so it was like an intern reunion with the wonderful Peases.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Pre-Law Society, Alex Galvan, Jessica Rodriguez, Megan Chapa, Linda Pease

It was a wonderful cap to a rewarding first meeting.  Our next meeting is October 16, 2019, and we will have three law school deans on hand to advise students “How to Get Into Law School.”

 

Author mikeyawnPosted on September 20, 2019Format AsideCategories Civic Engagement, Law, PoliticsTags Alex Galvan, Jessica Rodriguez, LEAP Center, Linda Pease, Megan Chapa, Pre-Law Society, SHSULeave a comment on Mixing the Future and the Past: The Fall’s First Pre-Law Society Meeting

Megan Chapa: LEAP, South Texas College of Law, And Beyond

Megan Chapa served as a LEAP Ambassador for more than three years, filling the role of Vice-President, President, and Past President.  She also served as founding President of the Pre-Law Society, and she will be a 3L at South Texas College of Law this fall.  She volunteered to write this guest blog on her experiences at SHSU and as a LEAP Ambassador.

I am a third-year law student at South Texas College of Law Houston. I served as a LEAP Ambassador from 2014-2017 as I earned by Bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University. Those three years were the most influential years of my educational experiences, and the opportunities I was offered and the people I met as a LEAP Ambassador have served me extremely well in law school.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Megan Chapa, STCL, South Texas College of Law, Washington DC
                    Chapa at Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, where she interned her senior year

 

As a LEAP Ambassador, I learned to not only balance my school, work, and internships, but also leadership positions.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Megan Chapa, STCL, South Texas College of Law, Arkasas Supreme Court
                                                   Megan Chapa at the Arkansas Supreme Court

This meant managing my time appropriately. Thinking back, many of those days were similar to my first year of law school. I remember some days as a LEAP Ambassador, I would go to class in the morning, intern in the afternoon, and then, about three times a week, I’d attend one of the many programs we participated in or attend a community meeting.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Megan Chapa, STCL, South Texas College of Law, KSAM, Larry Crippen
                                     Chapa and Karla Rosales with KSAM’s Larry Crippen

I would get home with just enough time to study and prepare for the next day. Gaining the skills to manage my time, set me up well for law school.

I served as the President of the LEAP Ambassadors for a full year, a normal term for a LEAP President. During these times, I learned to sharpen my emotional intelligence to better understand how to lead others. I encouraged my colleagues to build on their strengths and work together on tackling the task ahead, and I also had key public speaking opportunities.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Megan Chapa, STCL, South Texas College of Law
                                                              Chapa speaking in a mock City Council

I used similar skills during my tenure as a Mid-Law Senator for the Student Bar Association—South Texas College of Law Houston Chapter. As my experience in LEAP taught me, I did my best to use my strengths in my leadership.

One of my favorite memories as a LEAP student was meeting Michael Morton.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Megan Chapa, STCL, South Texas College of Law, Michael Morton
                                    Alex Galvan, Michael Morton, Megan Chapa, and Kaitlyn Tyra

Michael Morton was wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife in 1987. After spending over twenty-five years in prison, he was exonerated of this crime. Morton spent some of his incarceration in a Huntsville prison. When I met Mr. Morton, he explained to me that it was his first time back in Huntsville since his incarceration. In that moment, I felt honored that the LEAP Ambassadors had arranged that, enabling him to return to the community under more pleasant circumstances and allowing SHSU students to learn from his experiences.

I did not realize that moment would only scratch the surface of how much it really meant to me. In law school, I learned the importance of the Michael Morton Act, an act that requires an open discovery process, and how this act has impacted prosecutors throughout the state of Texas. The fact that I had the opportunity to meet such an influential person in the criminal law community early on, made the world of difference in understanding the importance of integrity and pursuit of justice.

Of course, I had many more opportunities with LEAP, from traveling to other states, such as Arkansas…

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Megan Chapa, STCL, South Texas College of Law, Pinnacle Peak

…Missouri…

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Megan Chapa, STCL, South Texas College of Law, Gateway Arch
            Ryan Brim and Megan Chapa in one of the elevator pods at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis

…Georgia (and about twelve other states)…

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Megan Chapa, STCL, South Texas College of Law, Coca Cola
                    Chapa, Tyra, and Rosales visiting Coca Cola, with the Coca Cola Polar Bear

…visiting Presidential Libraries…

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Megan Chapa, STCL, South Texas College of Law, Lyndon Baines Johnson, LBJ Presidential Library

…meeting artists such as Richard Haas…

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Megan Chapa, STCL, South Texas College of Law, Richard Haas

…and David Adickes…

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Megan Chapa, STCL, South Texas College of Law,, David Adickes

…attending conferences with state legislators….

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Megan Chapa, STCL, South Texas College of Law,, Southern Legislative Conference, Savannah GA

…and even presenting at conferences…

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Megan Chapa, STCL, South Texas College of Law,, ARKPSA

…and also doing charitable work, such as Huntsville’s “Great Muddy Escape”….

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Megan Chapa, STCL, South Texas College of Law,

…or public services such as our “John Wayne Film Festival.”

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Megan Chapa, STCL, South Texas College of Law, John Wayne

…and meeting attorney David Berg, who, at my first LEAP event, shared with us his experiences as a lawyer and his personal family history, including the murder of his brother, as he recounted in his book, “Run, Brother, Run.”

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Megan Chapa, STCL, South Texas College of Law, David Berg, Run Brother Run

Currently, I am an intern at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office where I hope to be employed in the near future. Applying the time management skills, the leadership skills, and taking advantage of the connections I made with others as a LEAP Ambassador have made me the student I am today. I have no doubt that LEAP made a difference in my life. I am a better professional because of my experience with LEAP, something that I think can be said by all the students involved in the program.

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Megan Chapa, STCL, South Texas College of Law,

Author mikeyawnPosted on July 12, 2019Format AsideCategories Art, Civic Engagement, Civil Rights, Fun, Law, Literature, Politics, Travel, VolunteerTags David Berg, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, Megan Chapa, Michael Morton, SHSULeave a comment on Megan Chapa: LEAP, South Texas College of Law, And Beyond

New Leadership Texas: Day 6

By Kaitlyn Tyra,

Today was the last day of the New Leadership Texas, and in preparation for our mock committee hearing, the group’s energy level started out remarkably elevated this morning. As usual, everyone met for breakfast in the eating hall where we discussed the day’s plans and our feelings about the end of the conference before tackling the day.

Our major session of the day focused on our political action project over House Bill 5. Throughout the week, we have been preparing to reenact the House committee meeting discussing HB5. Each participant was assigned to represent a member of the committee, a member of the press, or a constituent who testified during the committee hearing. I was assigned to portray Representative Mike Villarreal, a member of the Public Education Committee during the 2013 legislative session and a co-author of HB5. As a committee member, it was my responsibility to ask questions of those testifying in order to make an informed decision when deciding my vote.

Political_Action_Committee_3

It was intriguing to listen to the various experts, and constituents testify to explain and defend their views on HB5. After listening to all the constituents, the committee voted with a 7-4 vote in favor of HB5. If our committee was part of the real Texas Legislature, HB5 would proceed to the House floor to be voted on by the House of Representatives. By participating in a mock committee hearing, it contributed to a better understanding of the process and what being on a committee truly encompasses.

Political_Action_Project_2

During our last meal as NLT participants, the conversation boomed while participants reflected on their experiences and future plans to run for office. Our group of participants were diverse yet still encouraged each other’s political and career aspirations.

Our final panel discussion consisted of emerging leaders of the next generation. These women were able to give us their wisdom and advice on how to be successful at a young age. Ashley Goudeau, a reporter from KVUE News and SHSU alum, encouraged us to “stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready.”

Ashley_Goudeau_Bearkat

Similarly, Ashley Bliss-Herrera, Assistant Director of Research and Policy, Office of Vice President Division of Diversity and Community Engagement at UT Austin, encouraged us to reach out to potential mentors and role models. In addition, the panel discussed taking time to refresh in order to take care of your health. This was an important reminder as it was not discussed in previous panel discussions. As college students, it is easy to get caught up in the chaos of balancing school, work, and extracurricular activities. It was helpful to hear how each of these successful women schedule time into their day to exercise and stay active. More personal, it was a positive session to end NLT.

Emerging_Leaders_Panel_2

Graduation and faculty-in-residence farewell ended our time at NLT. Reflecting back on our eventful week, we learned an immense about ourselves, our leadership styles, how to impact our community, and how to successfully run for elected office. The program allowed us to meet many women from around the state of Texas who have similar aspirations as we do, which was a pleasant experience. For imparting their knowledge and wisdom, thank you to the faculty-in-residence: Nancy Bocskor, Mavis Knight, and Ryane Ridenour. In addition, thank you to Dr. Ewert, NLT Program Coordinator for organizing this wonderful program. Lastly, many thanks to the SHSU Political Science Department and the LEAP Center for sponsoring Megan Chapa and me to represent Sam Houston State University for the first time at New Leadership Texas.

Author mikeyawnPosted on June 14, 2015Categories Civic Engagement, Law, PoliticsTags Kaitlyn Tyra, LEAP Center, Megan Chapa, Nancy Bocskor, New Leadership Texas, SHSU, Texas HB5Leave a comment on New Leadership Texas: Day 6

New Leadership Texas: Day 5

By Megan Chapa,

This morning started earlier than usual, but that was just fine because we were headed to Austin City Hall.

Austin_City_Hall_FrontThe inside of the building was just as beautiful as the outside! The modern architecture combined with the intricate art pieces made City Hall an enjoyable place to spend the day. As we began to shuffle inside the building we were led to a meeting room. Here we were served a light breakfast that consisted of breakfast tacos, fruit, and coffee. We ate quickly because the Women in Leadership panel was only a few minutes from starting. The panel began with the introductions of the panelists. Present was Austin’s Fire Chief, Rhoda Kerr; Law Department Division Chief, Deborah Thomas; Director of Small and Minority Business Resource Department, Veronica Lara; Elena Ball, VP for Power Production at Austin Energy; and lastly SHSU alumni Margo Fraiser, Austin Police Monitor. The panel spoke about dynamics of their careers, experiences that have shaped them, and gender inequalities (the latter dynamic was overly emphasized, we felt).

Following the panel was a tour of City Hall by Ms. Melodye Foust.

City_Hall_Tour

We learned  interesting facts about the infrastructure and history. The building began its planning and renovation is 1999 and was completed in 2004. Austin City Hall is four stories high and was structure to capture nature. Each floor includes double-sided balconies that overlook the city, and on the fourth floor, Lady Bird Lake.

City_Hall_View_2

Ms. Foust also informed us about the partnership made with an art gallery that allowed them to house their art work. This makes City Hall not only community center, but a museum.

City_Hall_Group

In conclusion of the tour, we loaded on the bus for lunch at Scholz Garten. Lunch was delicious and meaningful because this is a restaurant where “politicians” frequent!

The most exciting part of the day was the tour of the Capitol. Each time I go to the capitol I learn something new.

Capitol_2

My favorite fact during this tour was that funds for the capitol building were raised by selling off 3,000,000 acres of land! After the wonderful tour, we gathered in the House Committee Room and awaited our guest speakers. They were an assortment of representatives, legislative directors, and policy analysts. We also gained insight of the work done at the capitol in and out of session for policy and legislation. Most policy work is done during the session and most constituent work is done immediately following session.

After a long day of learning and exploring we made our way back to our temporary residence. We jumped into comfy clothes and left for dinner. Dinner was quieter than usual because we were all exhausted from the long day of exploration.

To end the night, we made last minute touches to our HB5 presentations that we would deliver first thing the next morning in the mock hearing. I was anxious to hear everyone’s provisions of the bill!

Author mikeyawnPosted on June 14, 2015Categories Civic Engagement, Law, Politics, Travel, VolunteerTags Austin, Kaitlyn Tyra, LEAP Center, Megan Chapa, Melodye Foust, New Leadership Texas, SHSULeave a comment on New Leadership Texas: Day 5

New Leadership Texas: Day Three

By Megan Chapa

Breakfast started at 8 a.m. and there we chatted about the past day’s events and the one before us. It was interesting to exchange opinions about the presentations and workshops and how we were going to practice them in our communities.

Next, was a fundraising workshop, Go Fish: How to Catch (and keep) Contributors, by Ms. Nancy Bocskor. This was an interesting presentation where we learned many fascinating strategies on how to raise money. This was not only beneficial to those interested in politics, but also those who plan to work with non-profits organizations. We also learned the investor triangle and how to access low, mid, and big dollar donors. Fundraising goes hand-in-hand with relationship building and asking for what you want. Furthermore, without mastering the art of negotiation, it’s not possible to raise funds.

After a short break, Ms. Whitney Harp, introduced the Political Action Project that was assigned to us. For the next few days we will be studying House Bill 5 (HB5) and reenacting the committee hearing. This house bill changes graduation plans and introduces endorsements that will replace some of the previous required courses like algebra II. Everyone was assigned someone who played a significant role in respect to this bill. For example, some were arguing in favor of the bill, others against, and even some neutral. I was assigned Representative Alma Allen of District 131, who was in favor of HB5 with the exception that records be kept on the demographics of graduation plans selected by students. This amendment was added to ensure that HB5 was fair and did not serve as a hindrance or disadvantage for lower socioeconomic students. All were excited to see the future of this project.  (editor’s note: the Governor signed this bill the day following this blog.)

Chicken wraps were served for lunch with a side of chips and fruit. We mingled and I conspired with others to help overcome those against HB5. After lunch there was also time reserved to work on our projects. I did some research on Honorable Alma Allen to get a feel of her character and moral integrity, both of which I plan to embody with grace and vigor. She is inspiring who has impacted policy in a positive way.

The afternoon was quite interesting and personal. The concept was to understand others and not be consumed by stereotypes. The theme was “The Danger of the Single Story.” We watched videos of women from Nigeria who have overcome the difficulties and are now represented in parliament. Their story was to defeat the stereotypes and overthrow corruption in Nigeria. This also segued into sharing cultural artifacts we were asked to bring.

Cultural_Artifacts

We broke up into groups of eight and shared a little piece of our culture or background. This time was memorable and moving. I learned about victories, defeats, and most importantly, the growth that was developed through our experiences. I was inspired by Alyssa Davenport-Herbst. Alyssa struggles with a disability that has affected her speech. Despite all, she thrives in her academics and community involvement. She is a brilliant physicist who aspires to write science policy. She brought a book that tells the success story of many innovators and explained how this was where she draws inspiration to make a difference. Cultures are expansive.

Research_2

We had dinner and after a brief discussion on Political Decision Making with Representative Mary E. Gonzales. She told us her story and the difficult situations that have affected her life. It was great insight on what to expect in and out of the political arena.

Mary_Gonzales_Group

To end the night we gathered around the fire and made s’mores!

Smores

I thought it was pretty “sweet” to mingle with my new friends; people who began to unmask and be themselves. I am grateful for their diverse views and their representation across the political spectrum.

 

Author mikeyawnPosted on June 11, 2015Categories Civic Engagement, Law, Politics, VolunteerTags HB 5 Texas Legislature, LEAP Center, Megan Chapa, New Leadership Program, Representative Mary Gonzales, SHSULeave a comment on New Leadership Texas: Day Three

New Leadership Texas: Day Two

By Kaitlyn Tyra

After an evening of rest, we awoke refreshed and ready for a full day of learning and adventure with our fellow NEW Texas Leadership participants.

Group_Photo

Following a quick breakfast, our first session of the day taught us about our leadership style. Each participant took the True Colors assessment which proved to be mostly accurate for much of the group. The presenter of this session, Dr. Smita Ruzicka, Assistant Dean of Students at UT Austin, explained how each leadership style was represented by a color. My true color is gold which means I am dependable, hardworking, punctual, organized, and sensible (editor’s note: sounds exactly right!).  Along with the rest of the description, this leadership style described me almost perfectly.

To prepare for the keynote address and networking reception, Nancy Bocskor, a democracy coach and President of the Nancy Bocskor Company, gave us some of her tips on networking. As an ever-evolving college student, the advice was a great reminder of things I already do to while networking but also of some new ideas to help establish my personal brand.

Participants stole a short break for lunch before walking across campus for the conference’s keynote address. This year, the NLT keynote address was given by Senator Judith Zaffirini from District 21. Senator Zaffirini was the first Latina senator in Texas and has now been serving for 28 years. Throughout her legislative career, Senator Zaffirini has passed an astounding 897 bills. Spending the majority of her presentation giving us power tools to help further our careers, Senator Zaffirini discussed how crucial understanding Bloom’s Taxonomy and the effective use of ethos, pathos, and logos have been to her success in the male-dominated world of politics.

Zaffirini_Speaking

Senator Zaffirini wanted the NLT participants to take away the importance of understanding that representatives are public servants and that politics isn’t about themselves. To be a successful public servant, you have to remember why you are in office; because of your constituents. This served as a refreshing reminder which inspired us to further our aspirations for the benefit of our communities. At the end participants had the opportunity to network with various guests, including Senator Zaffirini and her staff members which many participants enjoyed because it allowed us to learn about other possible career paths.

Chapa_Zaffirini_Tyra

Our last panel discussion of the day prompted participants to consider why we should run for office. The panelists included Representative Carol Alvarado from District 145 and Judge Lora Livingston from Travis County among various other respectable, elected women. Not only did they discuss the challenges they have faced as women in political office, but also ways to overcome those obstacles. The panel consisted of persistent women with a passion for serving others which I personally connected with.

Speaker_Panel_2

The end of the evening proved to be fun and relaxing while we enjoyed pizza and documentaries. True to the theme of the conference, we watched documentaries focused on women’s involvement in politics. With a full day of learning and networking behind us, we retired to our rooms enthusiastic about what tomorrow will bring!

Author mikeyawnPosted on June 9, 2015Categories Civic Engagement, Politics, TravelTags Kaitlyn Tyra, LEAP Center, Megan Chapa, New Leadership Texas, SHSU, UTLeave a comment on New Leadership Texas: Day Two

Radio Stars Are Born

 

LEAP Center Ambassadors Karla Rosales and Megan Chapa met with KSAM‘s Larry Crippen for an “Around Town” session.  This is the seventh time the Junior Fellows/LEAP Center have been featured on Around Town, a six-minute radio program that highlights local happenings on 101.7 and 104.9 FM.

KSAM_Chapa_Rosales_Web

The program, which covers their recent experiences at the Texas Governor’s Inauguration, as well as upcoming events such as the Michael Morton appearance, Nancy Bocskor’s appearance, and the Citizenship Program, aired Saturday (March 14) and Sunday (March 15).

Author mikeyawnPosted on February 17, 2015Categories Civic Engagement, Law, Politics, Travel, VolunteerTags Karla Rosales, KSAM, Larry Crippen, LEAP Center, Megan Chapa, SHSULeave a comment on Radio Stars Are Born

David Berg Booksigning

David Berg has been an attorney for more than four decades, becoming an internationally renowned specialist in white-collar crimes.  But as he became more successful legally, he found himself reflecting more on the death of his brother, which occurred when he was a fledgeling Houston attorney in 1968.  Alan Berg was killed, according to David, by Charles Harrelson (the father of Woody Harrelson) but never convicted.

David revisited the events leading up to the murder in his non-fiction book, “Run, Brother, Run,” which received very favorable reviews by the New York Times, the Christian Science Monitor, NPR, and others.  He also dropped by SHSU to discuss the book and the murder with SHSU faculty, staff, students, and local citizens.

David Berg Speaking at SHSU
David Berg Speaking at SHSU

Berg mixed his presentation with a discussion of crime, law, family relationships, and boom days of Houston, Texas, providing substance for everyone in the audience.  Many in the crowd had their own recollections of Harrelson, who spent time in Trinity and Huntsville (in and out of prison).  Eventually, Harrelson was convicted of murdering Judge John Wood in San Antonio in 1979.  It was the first assassination of a federal judge in the 20th century.

Afterward, Berg spent time speaking with the crowd, giving encouragement to pre-law students…

Megan Chapa & David Berg
Megan Chapa & David Berg

…and, of course, signing books.

David Berg Booksigning
David Berg Booksigning
Author mikeyawnPosted on November 24, 2014November 24, 2014Categories Civic Engagement, Civil Rights, Law, Literature, PoliticsTags Charles Harrelson, David Berg, LEAP Center, Megan Chapa, Run Brother Run, SHSU, Woody HarrelsonLeave a comment on David Berg Booksigning

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