Tag: Mia Gradney

by Olivia Discon

In a week full of reminiscing, celebrating, and reconnecting, the highlight event that truly brings Bearkats home to Huntsville is the Distinguished Alumni Gala.

While our group of LEAP students aren’t quite alumni yet, a few of us are in the final stretch of our undergraduate journeys, making the evening timely and motivating.

We were honored to be guests of Mac and Leanne Woodward (with tickets provided by the Woodwards and the McCarleys)…

…joining them at their table along with Charlie Vienne, Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations and Annual Giving. At another table, Professor Yawn and Stephanie…

…hosted several LEAP students who had the chance to visit with Ken and Nicole Holland.

As the evening began, our groups settled in among warm greetings and lively conversations that filled the room…

…a room filled with many familiar faces from SHSU and the Huntsville community, such as President Alisa White, General Glaser, Dean Lyons, and Dean Li.

After opening remarks by Matt Bethea, Vice President for University Advancement…

…the program began under the direction of our Master of Ceremonies, Mia Gradney, an SHSU alumna and news anchor for KHOU 11.

She guided the evening with professionalism, beginning with the posting of the colors by SHSU’s ROTC and a fantastic performance of the national anthem by a member of the SHSU choir.

Throughout the evening, six remarkable Bearkats were recognized for their achievements, each introduced through short video tributes that highlighted their journeys, impact, and connection to SHSU.

Clyde “Kooter” Roberson, the unmistakable voice of Bearkat Athletics for nearly five decades, kicked off the awards. His long career behind the microphone–calling games for both SHSU and Huntsville High School, and working for KSAM radio–made him a fixture in the community and an enduring symbol of local pride. Fittingly, they displayed a photo of his work for KSAM’s annual food drive, known to Huntsvillians as M*A*S*H (Make A Smile Happen). Upon his retirement in 2019, he has since realized the joy of being able to watch several games at once from the comfort of his own home!

Jenna Zibton was honored for her excellence in journalism and public communication. From her time as a morning anchor at WSLS in Virginia to her leadership in community initiatives like 30 Days of Hope and Solutionaries–which help orphans find homes–and even fostering children in her own home, Zibton’s career has lived up to her alma mater’s motto: “The measure of a life is its service.”

Eddie Blazek, a rancher, businessman, and devoted supporter of SHSU’s agriculture programs, was recognized for his commitment to education and mentorship. His work connecting students with hands-on experiences at Mound Creek Ranch reflects the spirit of giving back that defines so many Bearkats. Additionally, with SHSU’s rodeo program happening over the same weekend, the timing felt especially fitting.

Although Councilmember Tiffany D. Thomas was unable to attend due to a speaking engagement in Washington, D.C., her nephew (currently an SHSU student), accepted the award on her behalf. As the first woman to represent Houston’s District F, Thomas has advocated for housing affordability, equity, and disaster recovery funding. With plans to meet with her the following day (stay tuned for the blog!), LEAP students couldn’t help but feel excited and inspired by her work.

Senator Borris L. Miles was celebrated for his decades of advocacy and leadership. From his early career in law enforcement to his work as a state legislator, Senator Miles has dedicated his life to improving education, healthcare, and public safety for Texans. When he gave his speech, he looked to his children and said, “This is where it all began for your dad.” The entire room felt the weight of that statement.

Finally, Russell Molina, a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, was recognized for his business achievements and community leadership. From revitalizing a business known as The Hat Store, to leading several companies and chairing the Sam Houston University Foundation, Molina exemplifies the values of hard work, innovation, and service that SHSU seeks to instill in its graduates.

After the awards were all dispersed, the evening ended on a musical note. The crowd sang our school song in unison, followed by the lively and well choreographed SHSU Marching Band. 

The Distinguished Alumni Gala reflected what makes Sam Houston State special: a community built on service, resilience, and purpose. What stood out most by the end of the night was the connection between the honorees and the students in the room. Each story carried the same mix of persistence and pride that runs through SHSU’s history. The evening served as a reminder that the values shaping our time here are the same ones that carry forward long after graduation.