Art and supernatural power: Dr. Kent Reilly at the Art Institute of Chicago
November 2007—Dr. Kent Reilly, Professor of Anthropology and noted scholar of Mesoamerican and North American Indian art, presented new findings on imagery from early civilization in the American Midwest and South, Nov. 1 at the Art Institute of Chicago. In his talk, Reilly emphasized that figures of legendary heroes and mythological creatures show how ancient rulers legitimized their power through visual art, reflecting access to supernatural power. This way of asserting a "political charter" featured cosmic signs and symbols as settings where rituals of state were enacted.
Politics and the Texas environment: TECQ Chair Buddy García
October 2007—Commissioner Buddy García (second from right), Chairman of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, visited campus to speak to Geography and Public Administration classes. The Commissioner, who received a bachelor's degree from Texas State, also met with student interns in the Government Partnerships Program. Pictured with the Commissioner are Geography Professor Dr. Robert Larsen (left), College of Liberal Arts Dean Dr. Ann Marie Ellis, and Political Science Department Chair Dr. Vicki Brittain (right).
2007 Distinguished Alumnus: Michael R. Young
October 2007—Restaurateur Michael R. Young, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Geography from Texas State in 1971, was honored during Homecoming as a 2007 Distinguished Alumnus of the University, by the Texas State Alumni Association. Mr. Young is a major stockholder and President of Chuy’s Comida Deluxe, Inc., which operates several restaurants that have become Austin landmarks—Chuy’s Fine Tex Mex, Hula Hut, Shady Grove, and a new restaurant called Garrido’s that is scheduled to open on Lake Austin in 2008. He also sponsors a number of high-profile community service projects that raise money for children.
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Rebuilding Cambodia: Sister Luise Ahrens
October 2007—"We're still trying to find the people who will help us get things started again," said Sister Luise Ahrens, a Mary Knoll nun who, as Vice Rector for the Royal University of Phnom Penh, is working to rebuild Cambodia's educational and economic infrastructure after its destruction by the Khmer Rouge during the Cambodian civil war. Sister Luise has been instrumental in helping Texas State to establish an exchange program with Cambodia, and she visited the College of Liberal Arts to share her experiences and discuss internship, student-faculty exchange, and study abroad opportunities in the Southeast Asian country. More information about exchange opportunities in Cambodia is available from the
Center for International Studies,
mm89@txstate.edu, (512) 245-2339
