Sam Houston State University – Page 38 – Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

LEAPing Through West Texas

It was an early morning for a Thursday during a Christmas break. But it was a LEAP trip, so of course it was early. With a first-day itinerary that included a law-school tour, two art museums, and an eight-hour drive, we needed to begin at dawn.

TAMU Law

By Cinthia Villarreal

As aspiring attorneys and with “Law” representing the first letter of the LEAP acronym, the first stop of our Southwest Trip was, naturally, the Texas A&M School of Law (TAMU Law)in Fort Worth.

Olivia and I walked through the front door thrilled for the tour that awaited us. I was personally elated, as this was my first time ever being in a law school. Dani Cortez, the Admission Recruitment Coordinator, was kind enough to set a tour for us with current TAMU Law Ambassador, Dalia El-Giar.

As a second year law student, Dalia was able to share a firsthand account of the law school and was candid about her journey so far, which included the typical class environment, internship opportunities, and housing.

We started at the Dee L. Kelly Law Library, which happened to be our favorite aspect of the visit; the coolest feature of this library being the motorized bookshelves! After she showed us the classrooms, courtrooms, and the lounge areas, we couldn’t resist but imagining ourselves sitting in one of those chairs as law students. Throughout the tour, we learned about the resources the school offers which range from international travel opportunities, externships, to legal clinics. TAMU Law is one of the top law schools in Texas, and getting a glimpse of the school’s culture truly made our aspirations a bit more realistic and a lot more exciting.

We then had the opportunity to talk to Mr. Cortez to address any questions about the tour and admission process. When we asked about personal statements, he emphasized the importance of showing our personality and passions through our writing. Before ending a very successful tour, it was an absolute must to visit the school bookstore and buy some matching swag!
Many thanks to the A&M School of Law staff for their hospitability, Mr. Cortez for his kindness and insight into the admissions process, and Dalia for her approachableness, honesty, and eagerness to share her perspective as a student.

Architecture & Art

Following our wonderful tour of TAMU Law, we hustled to a couple of nearby architectural marvels. The first was Philip Johnson’s Fort Worth Water Gardens, right across the street from the law school. Designed to neighbor the Fort Worth Convention Center, the “gardens” have at least five components: an entrance…

…an “aerated” pool…

…a quiet pool, a mountain, and a sunken water garden.

The latter element was fascinating, with its many layers and levels for water to cascade down—not to mention the steps you can skip across to access the lowest tier. It was on this tier that we posed for a long-exposure photograph—one that emphasized the cascading nature of the water (and our ability to stand still for eight seconds….).

With both of us working for the City of Huntsville, we also had to stop by Sundance Square to see the Richard Haas mural of the Chisholm Trail. This is a piece that completely transformed this area of Fort Worth, and it is also one of the pieces that prompted Linda Pease to reach out to Haas to do art work in Huntsville.

Such adventures, however, only foreshadowed our art experiences to come.

Amon Carter Museum of American Art

The first of these was the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. Here, we were able to refresh our familiarity with Frederic Remington, whose work pervaded the museum.

We saw this western motif in many of its manifestations. Much of the collection from the 19th century, which included artists such as Albert Bierstadt, Thomas Moran, and Martin Johnson Heade, involved western symbolism. Moreover, we had a chance to see several of Georgia O’Keeffe’s works, including her painting of the San Francis de Asis, which we will be seeing later this trip!

It was a great visit, a chance to brush up on some artists and learn new artists.

The Old Jail Art Center Museum

A couple of hours from Fort Worth is one of the state’s best hidden gems: Albany’s Old Jail Art Center.

Their collection, which consists of more than 2,000 pieces, includes such luminaries as Paul Klee, Picasso, Thomas Hart Benton, Amedeo Modigliani, Peter Hurd, Bror Utter, Jesus Moroles, and James Surls.

We met several of the staff, all of whom were very nice. Kellie Bellah was on hand to greet us and get us started in the Museum; Patrick Kelly, the Museum’s Director, gave us a tour; and Amy Kelly, the Museum’s Collections Curator, gave us some in-depth information about several pieces in the collection. They were nice enough to take us to the “vault,” where we had a chance to see a Benton, two Grant Woods, two Picassos, an Alexander Calder mobile, and a Charles Pebworth!

While we immediately recognized the Surls’ piece in the Museum, it took us a minute to identify the Moroles’ pieces in the courtyard. In retrospect, the pieces should have been pretty easy to identify, but they were different than the totems we have seen in the past.

We also enjoyed seeing the artists in their exhibit galleries. Leigh Merrill had some very impressive photography…

…and Karla Garcia had some thought-provoking pieces in the historic section of the Museum—the actual “Old Jail.”

Although art can be intimidating, the fact that the Museum is set in an actual historic jail made us both feel right at home!

Seriously, though, it was a great first day on our southwestern tour: law, art, and architecture–just a few of our favorite things.

Exploring East Texas with Lee Jamison

By Michelle Cardenas

Although the semester has officially come to an end, the learning experiences for the LEAP ambassadors continue. This week we headed to the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, Texas to indulge in “Ode to East Texas,” a beautiful art show created Lee Jamison.

Lee Jamison is currently a resident of Walker County and was kind enough to give us a personalized tour of “Ode to East Texas.”

As a native of East Texas, Jamison wanted to celebrate the true essence and culture of the region. He achieved his goal by highlighting various aspects of the lifestyle in the region such as nature, small towns, people, and even animals.

Walking into the exhibit, one is immediately captivated by the diverse array of colors and techniques used by Mr. Jamison. My attention was particularly drawn to a canvas with warm tones of autumn, one featuring a bridge, titled, “The Turning Bridge.” Interestingly, Mr. Jamison shared with me that the depicted bridge is actually located in Walker County.

During our conversation, he delved into the fascinating history behind “The Turning Bridge,” describing it as a true testament to the passage of time and a symbol of development and evolution. Mr. Jamison took us on a journey, recounting how the Trinity River once served as a port that significantly contributed to the local economy. However, as the locomotive industry gained prominence, the shipping of goods gradually diminished, becoming less and less common.

This poignant narrative woven into the artwork adds a layer of depth and historical significance, transforming “The Turning Bridge” into a powerful reflection on the evolution of the East Texas landscape.

A standout piece within this collection is the homage to SHSU’s iconic Old Main. The building was known for its stained glass, Gothic architecture, and intricate details.

The painting skillfully encapsulated the building’s beauty, but it transcended what was on the canvas. Lee Jamison’s artistic vision took us beyond the two-dimensional realm, delving into different aspects of the structure. Not only did he capture Old Main’s visual beauty, but he also carried on its subtle message to inspire dreams.

Upon closer inspection, it is evident that Jamison is a master of detail. From the intricate play of sunlight filtering through his pieces to the subtle expressions on the faces of his subjects, every element is meticulously crafted. This attention to detail serves to draw the viewer into the intimate moments that define life in East Texas.

“Ode to East Texas” by Lee Jamison is more than an art exhibit; it’s a celebration of a region’s spirit, culture, and natural beauty. Through his mastery of the canvas, Jamison invites us to embark on a visual journey, encouraging a renewed appreciation for the landscapes and stories that shape East Texas.

We express our gratitude to Lee Jamison for graciously taking the time to guide us through his remarkable collection, “Ode to Texas,” and for sharing valuable insights about his exhibition.

Charles D. Jones Returns to SHSU

Charles Jones graduated from SHSU sixty years ago, but he still has a presence here. That presence is in his art work on display in the Hoyt Art Building on SHSU’s campus; in the reputation he has formed as an artist and printmaker; and, most recently, in his generous donation of several art works to the Thomason Room at SHSU.

Jones graduated from SHSU in 1963, went on to earn two Master’s Degrees, and embarked on a polymathic career that has involved art, printmaking, music, and academia. After serving as a Professor of Art for many years at Stephen F. Austin State University, he retired to run La Nana Creek Press and was, in turn, named Professor Emeritus at SFA.

Jones is a master of the woodcut, which he often pairs with the written word in various books or other publications. He thinks of these, he says, as a “duet, with image and text achieving a balance.”

LEAP Ambassadors had a chance to see that balance, poetry, and art at the Thomason Room in the middle of finals week. With a mix of faculty, staff, locals, and the LEAP Ambassadors on hand, Joe Kirkland introduced Jones…

…who discussed his interesting works, which were on display around the Thomason Room. Intriguingly, the books took up every table in the room!

Jones discussed his varied career, the printing work he’s done on different topics (including insects, with his co-author, David Kulhavy, whose son, Aron, is the Huntsville City Manager), and his work with Ezra Pound’s widow (Dorothy) and son (Omar). In short, there was something discussed for everyone, and it was a very enjoyable afternoon.

But it wasn’t over! Barbara Kievit-Mason, the University’s Archivist, generously provided us a tour of the archives, where we saw old yearbooks (some, more than 100 years old), newspaper articles, and, most impressively, artifacts uncovered from the Old Main ruins, which followed the 1982 fire that destroyed the structure.

We saw old Sammys…

…pins…

…found some old friends in the yearbooks, and had an all-around enjoyable and educational day!

Many thanks to Charles Jones for his donations to Sam Houston State University, to Ms. Mason for our personalized tour of the archives, and to the Library staff who hosted such an enjoyable event!

MASH: Making A Smile Happen in 2023

M*A*S*H* may have gone off the air in 1981, but KSAM’s “Make A Smile Happen” event has been going strong for the past 17 years.

This annual event, which solicits gift donations for six local non-profit organizations in time for the holidays, is sponsored by KSAM, and is supported by a host of community businesses and organizations–one of which is the LEAP Ambassadors.

And so it was over a period of 20 hours on December 6 and 7, the LEAP Ambassadors worked dusk till dawn to market the event, accept donations, and sort and sift donations.

The on-air personalities such Bryan Reeder, Tracey Downey, and Glenn Edwards performed their jobs on-site, promoting the events, bringing sponsors on-air, and, of course, playing their normal music sets.

In addition to the on-air personalities, the Ambassadors had the chance to spend time with old friends such as Tim Johnson (KSAM’s GM); some of the sponsors such as Dr. Lane Aiena and Tim Rushing; and some of the beneficiaries. Perhaps most inspiring was seeing the big-hearted generosity of many of the donors. The Heberts and the Rushings, for example, combined to donate 21 bicycles!

Scores of people stopped by, donating food, pet food/supplies, and toys. This year, the big winners were children, with some 1,771 toys donated. But the drive also elicited more than 1,147 canned items, hundreds of pounds of pet supplies, and, perhaps most important, $10,461.85 donations in cash and gift cards.

These donated items go to one of six local non-profit organizations/ government organizations: HISD’s Social Services, Rita B. Huff, SAAFE House, Good Shepherd Mission, Boys & Girls Club of Walker County, and Santa’s Helpers. Also, Vera Bank matched $1,000 in donations, helping us bring the total donations over the $10,000 mark.

Obviously, this helps fill the goal of the event, which is to support local families during the holidays. But beyond its designed benefits, it also helps the LEAP Ambassadors learn more about the community and the non-profits that benefit the community.

Today was the last day of finals, and we were working while also worrying a bit about grades and the stress of the last week of school. But this event has a way of reminding us of our good fortunes: the love of family, many friendships, the opportunities afforded to us by SHSU, and the good fortune we share by living in a generous community.

The CIA’s Jim Olson Discusses Spies and Lies

With finals in full swing, LEAP Ambassadors and friends stole away to The Woodlands for a few hours to attend another wonderful World Affairs Council event, this time with Jim Olson, former Director of Counterespionage for the CIA.

As always, it was an entertaining and educational event, with Olson and his wife, Meredith (who was also in the CIA), particularly enlightening.

In a particularly nice touch the WAC’s Sandija Bayout asked, Morgan Robertson, President of the LEAP Ambassadors, to introduce Mr. Olson.

Olson discussed four spies he met and encountered during his career: Aldrich Ames, Clayton Lonetree, Eddie Howard, and Felix Bloch. Olson went in-depth into the threat posed by spying, and he had great contempt for the men he profiled. His greatest contempt was reserved for Aldrich Ames, who was one of the costliest spies in agency history. His wife, Rosaria, was complicit in his crimes, and she is out of prison, having served only five years.

Olson had less contempt and more pity for Clayton Lonetree, whom, according to Olson, never should have been in the position he was in. He had alcohol problems and was psychologically unstable and, in fact, didn’t originally make the cut as Marine Security. His crimes ultimately didn’t affect US Security much, and he has completed his prison sentence. Olson seemed to agree with General Alfred Gray, who during sentencing, indicated that Lonetree’s crimes were not the result of “treason or greed, but rather the lovesick response of a naïve, young, immature and lonely troop in a lonely and hostile environment.”

Meredith Olson also took the floor, discussing her career and the familial difficulties of a two-CIA family.

The Olsons told their children about their profession after receiving a death threat at their home. Their children were in their teens when they learned about their parents’ profession and, by extension, that their lives could be in jeopardy as a result. That’s a lot of weight to carry around, and that sort of helped us put our finals in perspective.

We had the chance to speak with the Olsons afterward, and a few of us purchased his book (and some of us already had it) and had him sign it. As usual, it was a wonderful event hosted by the World Affairs Council and a great way for us to cap the end of the semester.

LEAP Lunches with Rotary

As an organization that aspires to serve the community, it is appropriate that LEAP spent yesterday’s lunch with Rotary, an organization with a long history (more than 100 years!) of helping the local community.

And it was an honor to present to Rotary and to share LEAP’s story with some new faces, many familiar faces, as well as some friends and mentors.

Rotary meets every Wednesday at noon at the Walker Education Center, where they cover their regular business and then open up the floor to the guest speaker, which, as already noted, was the LEAP Ambassadors.

With us being in the midst of finals, however, we didn’t have extensive time to prepare. But since this program is about our own experiences in LEAP, which we already knew, we could just discuss!

For many of us, this was our first public presentation, so nerves were natural. But we all had a chance to speak: Jessica discussed her time and growth at SHSU, including travel and educational experiences; Olivia talked about her tenure as President of the Pre-Law Society; a lively Michelle shared anecdotes about her travel;

…Cinthia discussed attending the 10th Court of Appeals, which she claims is her “first time in a courtroom.” And Morgan did a wonderful job of moderating the discussion.

We appreciated the questions and comments from the audience. Michelle Spencer noted that she saw several of us in the Texas Legislature during the 88th Legislative Session; Derrick Birdsall brought up assistance we’ve provided at some of the Museum’s events; another Rotarian mentioned that, if this program had been there when she was at SHSU, she “might have spent less time at the Jolly Fox.”

The entire lunch was wonderful, and apart from the chance to promote our program, it was a great opportunity for us to work on our public speaking and communication skills.

More impressively, we had this opportunity in a professional environment, one made comfortable by the Rotarians’ warm hospitality. It was a holiday treat indeed.

On behalf of the LEAP Ambassadors, we would like to extend our sincerest thanks and gratitude for the Rotarians for allowing us to share more about our organization, thank you to Derrick Birdsall for taking photos for us while we presented, and thanks to President Michelle Lyons for allowing us this opportunity.

A Holiday Murder Mystery: Fall Festivities with Pre-Law Society!

By McKenna Nonnenmann

The Pre-Law Society kicked off the semester with a bang at the Wynne Home Arts and Visitor Center, hosting a festive potluck imbued with the spirit of the holidays. Little did we know, our evening of laughter and camaraderie would take an unexpected turn when tragedy struck! Professor Yawn, our beloved advisor, met an untimely demise, and we found ourselves in the midst of a gripping murder mystery.

An ominous note to the otherwise beautiful Wynne Home

In a thrilling twist, the Pre-Law members became detectives, working collaboratively to uncover clues scattered throughout the Wynne Home and unveil the motives of five suspects. Revelations surfaced as members stumbled upon incriminating emails exposing each suspect’s top law school choices, with one, in particular, catching our attention. Mark Harkrider, known for terrorizing children and pilfering their Halloween candy, found himself barred from law school by Professor Yawn.

Professor Yawn and Harkrider in happier times

As the night unfolded, conflicts between the suspects and the late professor emerged through the discovery of evidence.

My own motive, as McKenna Nonnenmann, was revealed to be Professor Yawn’s disdain for cats, particularly my beloved feline companion, Loki. The tension reached its peak when the autopsy report was revealed, tying all the pieces together. The verdict was unanimous—Mark Harkrider was responsible for Professor Yawn’s demise, and justice prevailed.

Following the gripping murder mystery, the Pre-Law Society embraced the competitive spirit in a game of Jeopardy, vying for a coveted Target gift card. Questions ranged from pop culture to the society’s own meetings, sparking excitement as members tried to outwit each other. Ariza Martinez, Cinthia Villarreal, Nicole Erazo, and Mark Harkrider emerged victorious, claiming the prize amidst cheers and applause.

The evening, filled with suspense and laughter, concluded with members relaxing at the Wynne Home, sharing food, and engaging in lively conversations.

Special thanks were extended to the Wynne Home Arts and Visitor Center for graciously hosting our social, and heartfelt appreciation was directed to the Pre-Law Society fall planning committee for orchestrating the memorable activities.

To all the members who attended, your enthusiasm and participation made the night unforgettable. This was truly a night to remember, and we hope to make future events such as these a habit, with the exception of harm to Professor Yawn.

Community Talent on Display: SHMM Photo Contest

Morgan Robertson

When the year nears the end and the sun sets earlier, it is time for the Sam Houston Memorial Museum’s Annual Photography Contest! Stephanie, Michelle, Cinthia, Olivia and I joined the museum patrons for a wonderful exhibit. There were many submissions, which showcased the community’s talent, and we enjoyed chatting with friends and perusing the different photos.

This year, I chose to try my hand in the contest and submitted three photos! There was great competition; although I didn’t walk away with a ribbon, I was still honored to have been in the ranks of some amazing photographers.

This event is enjoyable for many reasons, but by far the best reason is to see the world through the eyes of each photographer. After a brief reception, Curator of Exhibits, Jude Routh, addressed the audience and explained that the photos were ranked by a committee, with winners being selected by overall ranking.

In addition to Curator’s Choice and Best in Show, rankings occurred across the following categories: Academia, Texas History, Natural Devastation, Love and Birds.

Curator’s Choice: Angela Dunham (submitted in the “Love” Category)

Best in Show: Cade Crippin (“Natural Devastation”)

Reserve Champion: Capucine Buzzini (“Love”)

Academia/Education category: C. Buzzini (3rd place) E. Day (2nd place) and C. Buzzini (1st place)

Texas History category: Thomas Rice (1st), Cade Crippin (2nd), and Dustin LeNorman (3rd).

Love category: Capucine Buzzini (1st), Angela Dunham (2nd), and Loretta Crow (3rd).

Natural Devastation category: Teresa Cook (1st), Cade Crippin (2nd) and Stacy Adams-Roberts (3rd)

Bird category: Capucine Buzzini (1st), Cissy Saccomanno (2nd), and Capucine Buzzini (3rd)

Of course, we all had our favorites, and we enjoyed seeing all the entries.

On behalf of the LEAP Ambassadors, thank you SHMM for hosting such an amazing and community-centered event. And congrats to all the winners!

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