Top Ten Moments: November 2023
1. Voting Early With Beth, Texas University Fund (TUF) Passing
Beth and I voted early during my lunch break and were greeted by some of the friendliest volunteers in the LBJ Student Center. Our Bobcat community can now celebrate the passing of Proposition 5 and creation of the Texas University Fund!
2. TXST Homecoming Fun - Rain or Shine!
The rain didn’t stop us from celebrating Bobcat pride and spirit during our new tradition, Thursday Night Lights! We drew a wonderful crowd at the pavilion led by Boko, Texas State Cheer, the Strutters, the Rally Cats, tight end Konner Fox, running back Lincoln Pare, and so many others. Thank you to Student Involvement and Engagement for all your work during Homecoming Week!
3. Celebrating an AFROTC Distinguished Alum
It was an honor to celebrate Lieutenant General Giovanni Tuck, a 1987 graduate of Southwest Texas State, who received the Air Force ROTC Distinguished Alumni award. Our TXST ROTC has many alumni who have gone on to impactful military careers, and we all greatly appreciate their service and dedication to protecting our country.
4. Recognizing Distinguished TXST Alumni
Beth and I got dressed up to celebrate the accomplishments of TXST Bobcats at our annual Distinguished Alumni Gala. We were treated to several selections from “Rent” by our Musical Theatre program throughout the evening. Congratulations to our Rising Star awardee Anna Uzele, Denise M. Trauth awardee Kaitlin Hopkins, and all our other awardees!
5. Highlighting First-Gen Latino Scholar Students
We celebrated 15 López Scholar students at our inaugural López Scholars Banquet with Hector & Gloria López Foundation President and CEO Sergio Rodriguez joining us. The foundation’s support is changing the lives of first-generation Latino students at TXST, and we are forever grateful!
6. Remembering Lyndon B. Johnson's Life and Legacy
Over 500 TXST faculty, staff, students, and community members turned out for the book launch of “LBJ’s America: The Life and Legacies of Lyndon Baines Johnson” in the LBJ Grand Ballroom. The panel discussion with the book’s editors prompted many great questions with fascinating responses.
7. Celebrating New Alpha Kappa Alpha Members
Joy filled the room during Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Sigma Epsilon chapter’s new member presentation! It was such a fun night recognizing their new members with alumni cheering them on.
8. Honoring Our Courageous Military Veterans
We recognized TXST veterans for their service and commitment at our Veterans Day Ceremony. I am proud we have a strong reputation for being especially supportive of our 3,900 veterans and dependents of veterans at TXST. Thank you to all who are serving and who have served.
9. Recognizing Our Wonderful Faculty
What a wonderful evening recognizing all the TXST faculty members who recently earned tenure and promotions and who excelled in research, teaching, and service at our inaugural Faculty Awards Night ceremony! Many thanks to the School of Music’s VocaLibre for the beautiful music throughout the ceremony.
10. Dancing and Singing During Diwali
I delighted in the food, dancing, singing, and fellowship at the Indian Student Association’s Diwali celebration! I ran into Swathi the next day, who performed a contemporary dance that night.
BONUS - Jumping In for Bowl Eligibility
When I first arrived at TXST, I made a promise that the first time I jumped in the river would be when our Bobcats became bowl eligible. Well, promises made, and promises kept. I’m immensely proud of Coach Kinne and all our players, coaches, and staff for all their success this season. Eat ’Em Up!