SHAIP Lunch & Learn: Insights at the Texas State University System Office
by Cinthia Villarreal
With a few days of Capitol work under our belts, the SHAIP interns attended our first lunch-and-learn at the Texas State University System (TSUS) administrative headquarters, O. Henry Hall. The building, formerly a Post Office, Federal Court House, and University of Texas System headquarters is a historical and educational marvel in and of itself, making for an excellent site to learn more about the capital of Texas.
We had the privilege of sharing lunch with Chancellor Brian McCall, Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations Sean Cunningham, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations Johanna Sheffield, Vice Chancellor for Academic & Health Affairs John Hayek, Director of External Relations Malú González, and Vice Chancellor for Marketing & Communications Mike Wintemute. Joining us were LEAP students Macey Schank, Michelle Moya, and TSUS Student Regent Olivia Discon.
Chancellor McCall explained the role TSUS has throughout the legislative process, including the vitality of state funds the system receives. Vice Chancellor Hayek also shared a few fascinating facts, noting that TSUS, established in 1911, was the first higher education system in Texas. It now serves over 95,000 students across seven institutions, including Sam Houston State University.
A highlight of the lunch was hearing from Vice Chancellor Cunningham, who reflected on his own internship experience working for then-Representative McCall, giving us valuable perspective on how these opportunities can shape careers.
After lunch, Assistant Vice Chancellor Sheffield took us to the TSUS balcony, where we enjoyed a stunning view of Austin’s lively downtown.
We are sincerely grateful to the TSUS leadership for taking the time to meet with us, share their insights, and offer their support as we begin our journey.
Learning from Leaders: Melva Gomez and Steve Munisteri
by Olivia Discon
Following our visit to the Texas State University System (TSUS), the LEAP Ambassadors had the privilege of meeting with Melva Gomez, a former LEAP Ambassador who has risen to impressive heights in her career. Melva recently transitioned from her role as Chief of Staff for Representative Caroline Harris to serving as a Legislative Liaison in Governor Greg Abbott’s office.
Congratulations to Melva on this remarkable achievement! As current LEAP Ambassadors, we found it inspiring to see the impact of Sam Houston State University alumni in such important roles within the Capitol.
During our visit, we admired a Tom Lea painting in the Governor’s Office—a nod to Texas history—before heading to Steve Munisteri’s office.
Munisteri, who has an incredible career spanning politics, martial arts, and now serving as Senior Advisor to the Governor’s Office, shared fascinating stories and artifacts with us. He graciously showed us a bit around his office, which was lined with incredible artifacts spanning his career. We were amazed at the opportunity!
A Quick Tour of the Texas Capitol
by Macey Schank
Visiting the Capitol was the highlight of my trip, especially since it was my first time there. As soon as I stepped inside, I was struck by the building’s beauty and the meticulous attention to detail, right down to the custom door hinges. Every element of the design brings attention to the Capitol’s historic significance, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Austin.
During my tour, I had the opportunity to visit several important spaces, including the House of Representatives and the Senate chambers. It was so cool to stand in places where many important decisions have been, and continue to be, made.
One neat part of the visit was discovering multiple iterations of Sam Houston, including a portrait of him hanging in the Capitol in recognition of his time as Governor of Texas. As a student at Sam Houston State University, it was especially meaningful to see these tributes to such an important figure in Texas history, which of course we had to take a selfie with!
It filled me with a sense of pride to be attending a school named after such a remarkable man.
Overall, my visit to the Capitol was an unforgettable experience. I had a great time exploring the building and learning about its history and the important work that takes place inside.
ASTI Trattoria
by Michelle Moya
To finish off our short but eventful Austin trip, we ended with a dinner at ASTI Trattoria to celebrate the SHAIP interns before their busy session ahead! The moment we stepped inside, the restaurant’s warmth and soft lighting truly cultivated the vibe of the restaurant perfectly. Notably, the kind of cozy that promises the Italian hospitality making you forget about the freezing Austin weather entirely!
We kicked off our feast with appetizers that set the tone for the night. We ordered the stuffed mushrooms and the polpetti. While mushrooms aren’t usually my thing, even I had to admire their presentation. Polpetti, being comprised of meatballs, came drenched in a rich red sauce that beautifully displayed a proper introduction to ASTI’s commitment to authentic Italian flavors!
When it came to main courses, our table truly showcased everyone’s love for pasta. Three of our group—Olivia, Cinthia, and Michelle—chose the Rigatoni Amatriciana, each plate crowned with a shower of freshly grated cheese.
Saara decided to branch out and get the Capellini Neopolitano, and Macey and Sarah synchronized their orders with the spaghetti carbonara, while Professor Yawn went for the Lasagna Rotolo, which, at first glance, I mistook for soup. I veered off the pasta path and chose the grilled rainbow trout. It came perched atop sweet potato ricotta gnocchi—which truly was great! The lemon on the side really pulled it together.
Dessert was where things got interesting. This is where we decided to venture out and ordered a little bit of everything: a Ricotta Brulee that put an Italian spin on the French classic, an Affogato, which is coffee and ice cream mixed, a classic Tiramisu, and a homemade ice cream topped with chocolate syrup. Thanks to past LEAP events I’ve attended, I’ve developed quite the palate for crème brûlée variations, but that Tiramisu? I have to give it to the Tiramisu for the night.
We capped off the evening with a photo alongside Chef Bryan Beneke, the prime mover behind our feast. As far as farewell dinners go, ASTI Trattoria proved that nothing brings people together quite like good company and great food. The SHAIP interns might be heading into a busy session, but at least they’re going with full hearts and a happy stomach!
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 