Top Ten Moments: June 2024
1. Talking with PBS About Standardized Testing
2. Students Take Flight with Aviation Program
3. Congressman Casar Helps Fund Water Research
![President Damphousse (left) poses for a photo Congressman Greg Casar and large check.](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/694999/w/2000/RM291oKnVtcT/Casar.jpg)
The summer sun didn’t stop us from celebrating at Spring Lake for The Meadows Center receiving a $500,000 federal grant to help protect Texas water. With this funding, we will study how climate change affects contamination along Texas beaches. Thanks Congressman Greg Casar for learning about our research and for your advocacy.
4. Ranking in Top 25 Drama Schools in the World
![TXST alum actors celebrate at a 125th anniversary alumni event.](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/695004/w/2000/EVGmdfhbM_lJ/Drama.jpg)
I’m so proud of the strides we’ve taken to get our Musical Theatre Program to the next level. That work is paying off, and people are noticing. “The Hollywood Reporter" just named us as a top 25 drama school in the world. We’ve produced so many talented alumni, including the actors we recently saw perform on Broadway.
5. Partnering with Collin College for Academic Alliance
6. Visiting Alumni, Accounting Students in DC
7. Chatting with Alumni in El Paso
![President Damphousse (left) poses for a photo with Brooks Hull, Don Flores, and Travis Comer.](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/695005/w/2000/0-tNOOk_gRFZ/El%20Paso.jpg)
Brooks Hull, Travis Comer, and I enjoyed spending the day with two successful alumni in El Paso— Don Flores and Richard Castro. These two men have accomplished so much after they graduated from TXST and it’s very inspiring.
8. Meeting with Sun Belt CEOs
![President Damphousse poses for a photo with a group of Sun Belt Conference CEOs.](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/695007/w/2000/Vd10xYFVE8qr/Sun%20Belt.jpg)
Lots of fun was had gathering with the Sun Belt Conference CEOs before our meeting. I loved learning about their lives and the challenges they face. It’s nice knowing we all root for each other’s teams in non-conference competitions.
9. Learning from Staff at Coffee with Kelly
![President Damphousse (left) poses for a photo with a group of TXST staff.](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/695000/w/2000/ByIn5csbntL8/Coffee.jpg)
The June version of “Coffee with Kelly” was a great chance to hear from several of our staff members and their challenges, hopes, aspirations, and concerns. They are a major part of what makes TXST so special.
10. Recognizing TXST Staff for Deeds of Valor
![President Damphousse (left) poses for a photo with Amy Beck.](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/695003/w/2000/jD7aiOtK9wCg/Deeds.jpg)
Inspired by the words in our alma mater, we began our Deeds of Valor monthly recognition program for faculty and staff members this year. Our June honoree is Amy Beck, director of the University Advising Center.