Dear Friends:
This weekend, our nation celebrates its 250th birthday. This year, I also mark my 23rd year of being a U.S. citizen after arriving at Sam Houston State University in 1985. I never dreamed that motorcycle ride from Canada would eventually lead me to becoming president of the best university in Texas.
For me, this 250-year milestone gives us the opportunity and responsibility to reflect on the role TXST has played, and will continue to play, in shaping our country and improving the lives of Texans. I hope you are as proud as I am to be part of that legacy.
For 127 years, TXST has served a purpose larger than itself. We prepare the next generation of teachers and leaders, advance life-changing research, strengthen our economy, and enrich lives and experiences through the arts. We train first responders to make communities safer, lead research to protect our water resources and the environment, and work to make Texas schools more secure. These are just a few examples of our widespread impact. Together, our work builds stronger communities, a stronger Texas, and a stronger nation.
Few universities can claim a place in America’s story quite like TXST, which includes being the only university in Texas to graduate a U.S. president, Lyndon Baines Johnson. President Johnson once said, “If we seek only after light, then we and our children and our children’s children shall know the greatness of the wonderful, beautiful land we call America.” His words remind us that education has always extended beyond earning a degree. It is about expanding opportunity, pursuing knowledge, embracing service, and equipping each generation with the ability to leave the world better than they found it. That has been the enduring mission that has guided TXST since 1899.
At commencement, I always tell our new graduates that while I hope they do well, I also hope they do good. There is a difference. We recently surpassed 250,000 living alumni, and I know the amount of good they have done and will do in the future honors us all as Bobcats.
I am most proud that our university has long been committed to serving those who have selflessly served our country. Veterans and military-connected students make up almost 11% of our student population. TXST is consistently named as one of the top ranked universities for the services we provide to make sure every veteran and military-connected Bobcat feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.
This weekend, the TXST Strutters will perform in the National Independence Day Parade and take part in other 250th celebration events in Washington D.C., showcasing the pride and spirit that define our Bobcat community as only they can. I am so proud of them!
For many of us, there will be fireworks and get togethers over the next few days. Here in San Marcos, we will light the star on top of JCK red, white, and blue in honor of July Fourth and the 250th birthday celebration for our country. As we each commemorate this historic event in our own way, I hope we also spend time reflecting on how TXST, and all of us together, will continue to play a role in writing America’s story through education, discovery, and service.
Enjoy the holiday weekend and thank you for everything you do for our students, our university, the people of Texas, and our nation.
Stay safe and States Up!