Top Ten Moments: October 2024
1. Participating on an EdExcelencia Panel
I enjoyed being on the EdExcelencia “Making College Affordable: Latino Students & Institutions” panel with Trellis Research’s Bryan Ashton, Lumina Foundation’s Katie Berger, and Florida International University’s Elizabeth Béjar.
2. Attending my Third Sacred Springs Powwow
I had a great time making my third appearance at the annual Sacred Springs Powwow on our San Marcos campus. The master of ceremonies Tim Tall Chief always makes me feel comfortable, and having a dance performed in your honor is very humbling. All the children there had a wonderful time.
3. Unveiling the Minerva Statue
Many thanks to the Art and Design students and faculty who assisted Beth and I in unveiling Adam Parker Smith’s “Minerva” statue in front of the JCK building, which is our newest public art on the San Marcos campus. She’s a beauty! Adam will be here on Nov. 7 for a reception and artist talk.
4. Narrating Copeland’s Lincoln Portrait
What a joy it was to narrate the School of Music’s Wind Symphony’s performance of Aaron Copeland’s Lincoln Portrait. Our music program is second to none with all the incredible student and faculty talent we have. Thanks to Caroline Beatty for the invitation.
5. Big Turnout for Bobcat Day
Our Office of Undergraduate Admissions team had another huge Bobcat Day. Our TXST faculty, staff, and students are all in when it comes to recruiting high school seniors. We had 612 students participate in October, a 15% increase from last year.
6. Celebrating 20 Years of "Terrys"
Thank you to Terry Foundation Executive Director Yvonne Moody for celebrating TXST’s 20th anniversary of our becoming a “Terry” school. More than 400 TXST Terry Scholars have received more than $24 million in scholarships over those 20 years.
7. Catching up with Retired Faculty/Staff
It was fun catching up with the TXST Retired Faculty and Staff Association at their annual steak dinner. I’m grateful for the legacy these men and women left us as we build the university of tomorrow. Thanks to the students and friends who volunteered!
8. Congrats to the Peña Family
Congratulations to the Peña family for being awarded Family of the Year. It was lovely visiting with Abigail, a senior in McCoy, and her mother Valerie. After learning about them, I popped by the Dean’s List event to congratulate those exceptional students.
9. Enjoying the Annual Faculty Dance Concert
Thanks to Associate Professor of Dance Amanda McCorkle for inviting me to the 40th annual Dance Division’s Faculty Concert. Our faculty performed in several pieces and choreographed all of them.
10. Speaking at the CHP Scroll Ceremony
I’m so proud of our College of Health professions students and faculty as they committed to the welfare of humanity as they begin their studies. It was a honor to speak at their Scroll Ceremony at the Round Rock campus.
BONUS: Catching “Broadway Our Way”
As usual, the annual “Broadway Our Way” production by our Musical Theatre students was spectacular. We are one of the top five programs in the country, and performances like this shows it. Thanks to the students for letting me wear a witch hat after the show.
