Aside – Page 50 – Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

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.

SHSU’s Lowman Student Center at 60

Named for SHSU President Harman Lowman, the Lowman Student Center has been at campus center since 1963. LSC staff made the most of this anniversary, inviting all students, past and present, to attend a celebration, share memories, and join in food, fun, and games.

The event was a joint venture of the LSC staff and the Alumni Association, with Anna Pursley (LSC) and Donna Gilbert (AA) doing the heavy lifting. But volunteers from numerous student organizations, including LEAP (we manned the Photo Booth), were on hand to help.

Chris and Debbie Tritico were there, as were Frank and Mary Thornton. Toni Bruner attended; so did Ruth Lynn Parker and Paula Armstrong. Shannon Higbie was there, too.

Derrick Birdsall was on hand, and Frank Parker, looking like retirement agreed with him, enjoyed the festivities.

Many students were there, too, hovering near the food line.

A few played games. Others listened to the music, which was a generational mix, with songs from the 60s to more recent times. Interestingly, two of the last songs played dealt with rain, and they came just as Huntsville ended what has seemed like a summer-long rain drought!

We had a wonderful opportunity to meet University staff such Donna Gilbert and Joellen Tipton, renew acquaintances with alumni, and even make some new friends!

Many thanks to the LSC and Alumni Association for putting this event on, bringing current and former students to mingle, and for the work they put into making SHSU a wonderful place to go to school.

Sleuthing from the Cheap Seats: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

It was a sunny and bright day, but murder was in the air. We were at the Alley Theatre, and its cast was performing Agatha Christie’s “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.”

It was a nice mix of people, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP alumni, and “friends of LEAP” together for an enjoyable afternoon. With lunch at Post Houston, a new favorite recommended by LEAP alum Will Phillips, we caught up, talked about classes, and explored food from multiple continents.

But we had come to Houston for the play, and it was something of a process to actually see the play. Many of us had read the book, with at least half of us stopping before the end so as to not spoil the “whodunit” aspect of the performance. In July, we attended a Murder by the Book presentation by Mark Shanahan, the play’s director, a presentation that left us even more excited.

Unfortunately, when we drove to our scheduled performance, the Alley had to cancel the showing because a cast member wasn’t available!

So, with more than a month of anticipation and at least one false start, we were more than usually ready for the play to begin.

And it did not disappoint. It was expertly adapted to the stage by Shanahan, with clever techniques of compressing time and space.

It was humorous, with a wonderful cast that included two SHSU alums (Dylan Godwin and Melissa Pritchett)!

During intermission, we speculated as to who the culprit might be. Victoria couldn’t identify a key suspect; Nick, with all the creativity he could muster, thought “the butler did it;” and Katherine thought that the house staff conspired together to kill their employer, Roger Ackroyd. (If I were Katherine’s employer, I’d lock the doors at night.) Morgan, whose literary tastes lean toward bodice-ripping romance, had trouble keeping up with the characters and the narrative. She nodded a lot as we discussed things.

The second act was delightful, with more humor and variation in pacing. The plot, as they say, thickened, ending with all the cast gathered together to identify the murderer. We will, of course, stop there, and engage in no spoilers. But it surprised all of us–with the exception of Olivia, who, when it was over said, “I knew it all along” to an incredulous group and an ever-nodding Morgan.

Kudos to the cast of the Alley, the timeless appeal of Hercule Poirot, and the camaraderie of LEAP students, present and past.

The Luck of the Draw–City Elections

August 23, 2023, Yvette Mendoza

To gain a deeper understanding of Huntsville’s City Government and community, the LEAP Ambassadors attended this year’s 2023 city election ballot-order drawing. Held at the Huntsville Public Library, this event not only was a civic ritual of sorts, but also allowed us to explore the library’s art collection and the different library departments.

City Secretary Kristy Doll coordinated the event, while Mayor Brauninger was the person who, literally, pulled the names from the box. This lottery determines the names on the ballot, which interestingly, can actually make a difference in an election, as noted in research conducted by SHSU Professor Darren Grant.

Mayor Brauninger’s first selections addressed ballot order for Mayor, with Russell Humphrey winning the top “spot” and candidate John Jafreh drawing second the slot. For Councilmember of Ward 2, the order came in as: Casey Cox and Yolanda M. Scott. In Ward 3, where three candidates are vying for Council, the order came in as: Russell Barnett, Benjamin J. Sessions, and Anissa Antwine. Wards 1 and 4 are unopposed. Although this entire process took only a few minutes, it was fascinating to witness, and interesting to see the lengths that municipalities (and other governing entities) go to ensure fairness.

What proved even more captivating was the tour conducted by our colleague and LEAP Ambassador, Jessica Cuevas, who had previously interned at the Huntsville Public Library. It was a great experience for Olivia Discon and me to explore the Genealogy room where Jessica previously worked. The room housed an array of historical documents and textbooks donated to the genealogy department across the country.

Our visit not only enhanced our knowledge of city government and the genealogy department but also allowed us to appreciate the exquisite artwork displayed throughout the library, much of which had strong ties to Huntsville. We marveled at the Austin Hall drawing, David Adickes’ painting “Three Friends with Birds,” and the work of Lee Jamison, a renowned East Texas artist, “Virginia Gibbs Smith Gathering Place Jamison.”

This event was filled with valuable insights into the election ballot system, a journey through our city’s public library, and an appreciation of the artistic heritage that enriches our community!

Around the Town with KSAM

Ashlyn Parker

Once a semester, KSAM’s Larry Crippen hosts the LEAP Center for a discussion that airs on “Around Town.” The program focuses on one person or organization, but since LEAP is an engagement organization, the program inevitably covers many aspects of the University and the community.

And so it was the LEAP Ambassadors, along with their advisor Mike Yawn, that met with Larry Crippen at the KSAM radio station for a short discussion of the upcoming fall semester. For example visits from Jeff Guinn to discuss his book Waco: David Koresh, the Branch Davidians, and a Legacy of Rage and Chris Tritico to discuss his successful law career .

Along with annual community service projects LEAP always enjoys being a part of such as M*A*S*H, Scare on the Square, and Christmas on the Square.

We also shouted out our past, recent, and current internships we have got the opportunity to do over the last year such as the Sam Houston Austin Internship Program, my summer internship with The Normandy group in DC, and the City of Huntsville Internship Program.

It was one of several collaborations with the media this year–undertaken by us and our advisor. And while we may never get accustomed to speaking into a microphone or camera, it was an enjoyable event, in part because we also work with KSAM every fall on their Make A Smile Happen gift drive

Taking down a “Texas Sky”

Although it was the first day of school, a new beginning, it was also the last day of Derrick Birdsall’s excellent exhibit at the Wynne Home, “Under a Texas Sky.”

Since some of our students hadn’t seen the exhibit, and since all of our students enjoy Birdsall’s photography, we made a stop at the Wynne Home for a look at his photos and to have a discussion with him.

For some of us, it was a bookend, having been at the opening reception. But this time, we had more of a small-group setting, with a chance to ask questions and learn. As always, he was pleasant and helpful, giving tips on settings, lenses, editing, and the positioning required for a good shot. As photography enthusiasts ourselves, and as fans of Mr. Birdsall’s photography, it was a great way to kick off the semester!

Note: While Birdsall’s “Under a Texas Sky” came down, Molly Campbell’s artwork will soon be going up. The opening reception for her work will be on September 5 from 5:30-7:00pm.

Murder and Other Grave Matters

Morgan Robertson

To stay with our trend of Sunday outings to the theatre, prospective, current and past LEAP students headed south to enjoy the Alley Theatre’s rendering of Agatha Christie’s Murder of Roger Ackroyd. Olivia, Yvette, incoming freshman Katherine Burnett, Alum Victoria and her boyfriend Nick, and I planned on meeting Jessica, and Alums Bianca and Esme prior to the curtains opening.

We were a bit ahead of schedule, so we stopped by the nearby Police Memorial Sculpture, done by Jesus Moroles, an artist with whom we are very familiar.

We had, however, never seen the Memorial. The Memorial is very large and beautiful, done a manner similar to a Mayan Ziggurat.

We were fortunate to run into Officer Golden, who provided information to us about the Memorial and offered us some encouraging words. It was a treat to meet her and tour the Memorial with her.

We then stopped at Post Market, a great lunch venue for a group such as ours with varying levels of culinary tastes. There was a vast range of meal selections amongst the group ranging from mine and Yvette’s South-African coconut curry and chicken bowls, to Professor Yawn’s oysters and Victoria’s Dim Sum. Overall everyone was pleased with their selections!

As we were about to head to the Alley, we received some grave news by email. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the performance of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd was cancelled. There’s nothing like an illness to get in the way of a murder.

While this might be , LEAP does a wonderful job of teaching students to think a few steps ahead. For a group such as ours, it can be rare that we all get to experience something new together. Professor Yawn suggested that we head back towards Huntsville, but make a stop at The National Museum of Funeral History.

The subject of the Museum gave us a bit of apprehension, but upon entering the museum, we were absolutely fascinated with the display and quantity of the exhibits.

We began with the Presidential Funeral exhibition and learned more about how our nation remembers and honors the lives of our Commanders-in-Chiefs.

Katherine enjoyed examining a collection of rare pennies honoring President Lincoln…

…and I was shocked to learn that the museum has an embalming machine that was used on the body of President Truman.

This museum put the “fun” back in funerals with an exhibit on famous funerals throughout entertainment history. From the King of Rock and Roll, Lucille Ball, to Marlon Brando; the museum did a wonderful job of displaying the importance these stars played on influencing our world.

We spent a considerable amount of time exploring the history of Papal funerals. The funeral of Pope John Paul II was one of the largest in history, and devoted much attention to this event. For example, when a Pope passes, his seal ring is smashed with a silver hammer to prevent forgery, and the doors of his apartment are sealed in wax until the final resting of his body is complete.

We also learned about post-mortem photographs, the jazz funerals of NOLA, and variations on the coffin.

Despite our skepticism in the beginning, rest assured that we departed with a newfound knowledge on the importance of funerals. Though our plans for the day were unexpected, it was a satisfactory and intellectually stimulating endeavor nonetheless!

A Journey Tribute, Main Street Style

The Huntsville Main Street Program does a lot of good things for the community, and one of these is its “Summer Music Series.” This summer’s series closed with “ESCAPE,” Houston-based tribute band. And although they are Houston-based, the band’s founder, Bobby Cayton, is actually a Huntsville native, and he seemed–along with everyone else–to enjoy his return to Huntsville.

Whether it was the return of this Huntsville native, or nostalgia for 80s Rock, or a free event on a Saturday night, there was a very large crowd.

Approximately 250 people were on hand, and their enjoyment of the band its music was obvious. The band offered directions–join in chants, wave your arms, come to the front, and the crowd obliged.

It was a special treat for City staff, who not only put on the event but also had a chance to enjoy it. Rebekah Kolb (Main Street Manager) supervised the program, with help from Angela Robinson (Program Coordinator for the Wynne Home). Aron Kulhavy was on hand, along with many music-series mainstays: Lois Stehlik, Darren and Marsie Grant, Derrick Birdsall, and Russell and Tish Humphrey.

Adding to the fun and sense of nostalgia was the band’s frequent trivia interventions, asking the audience to participate on matters such as, “Who was the band’s third drummer?” The audience proved remarkably knowledgeable, and they often, in turn, tried to direct the band, requesting specific songs and encouraging a longer playlist.

The ninety-minute set, though, was just right, a nice end to the summer break and a nice kick-off to the fall semester.

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