Top Ten Moments: November 2024
1. Jumping in for Bowl Eligibility
A new tradition has started! After our victory over Southern Miss during Homecoming Week, we all jumped in the river to celebrate being bowl eligible for the second year in a row. Bowl selections will be finalized and announced on December 8, so keep an eye out and make plans to attend.
2. Celebrating our 125th Anniversary
What a Thursday night it was at CELEBRATE 125. Thank you to our Special Projects and Student Success teams for making it happen, to Bobcat Marching Band, Cheer, and Strutters for entertaining us, and to Grupo Fantasma and Josh Abbott Band for serenading us with their music.
3. Honoring Distinguished Alumni
Beth and I enjoyed hosting our third Distinguished Alumni Gala where we recognized 38 of the near 300 DAs that we have honored since LBJ was our first in 1957. It was wonderful catching up with old friends while sporting cowboy chic.
4. Hosting the Tomás Rivera Awards
I was honored to host TXST’s 29th annual Tomás Rivera Children’s Book Award luncheon. Congratulations to honorees Michael Genhart and John Parra (Spanish is the Language of My Family), Carmen Tafolla, (Warrior Girl), and Pedro Martín (Mexikid).
5. Attending the APLU Meeting
I had a successful first time attending the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities meeting with TXST leadership. I caught up with old friends, made new friends, and watched Beth recruit UCF students.
6. Welcoming Home Alumni
The Alumni Luncheon was a fantastic way to welcome home alumni who served in Cat Camp, Student Foundation (now Gold Star Society, and Student Government. So many smiles watching everyone rekindle friendships.
7. Speaking at Collin College’s Summit
Thank you to our partner Collin College for inviting me to speak on their Expanding Educational Access Through University Partnerships panel at their annual Leadership Policy Summit. I learned a lot from my fellow panelists.
8. Meeting Students at Wurstfest
What a first time at Wurstfest in New Braunfels! Beth and I had a great time at their College Night. We ran into so many TXST students who were enjoying their time. It’s always fun sharing adventures like this with good friends.
9. Awarding Eva De Arment
Congratulations to Eva De Arment, the first TXST student to be awarded our Deeds of Valor award. When outsiders came to our campus to display homophobic, misogynistic and racist signs, she used her own freedom of speech to counter them with her message of love and hope.
10. Touring our Newest Residence Hall
We are making great progress on our newest residence hall. A few years ago, TXST could only house 5,000 students on campus. After we finish the next one, we will have 12,000 students living on campus. And yes, more parking is on the way!
BONUS: Congratulations to Volleyball!
Our volleyball team recently won the Sun Belt Conference Tournament Championship by defeating Arkansas State. After not dropping a single set in the entire Sun Belt Tournament, they improved to 22-8 on the year and are Sun Belt Champions. Congratulations to Head Coach Sean Huiet and the entire team for their success this season!
