By Eva D. Coleman
Lifestyle & Culture Editor
Texas Metro News
They entered the massive doors decked out in orange and white and full of pride. The Sam Houston State University Alumni Association and university leaders traveled up and down the hallways of the Texas State Capitol building in teams during their annual legislative event, delivering gifts to senators and representatives on Feb. 25, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
The gift was a wooden storage box with Sam Houston’s etched signature on top. Inside were two engraved beverage glasses and a velvet pouch containing chilling stones. A special invitation was inside as well, requesting the presence of legislators to attend the Sam Houston birthday celebration that evening at The Allan House in Austin. There were many oohs and ahhs from offices as staffers saw the box and contents inside, with many commenting, “Sam Houston always gives the best gifts!”
Later that evening at the Sam Houston birthday celebration, Alumni Association president Amanda Lyons and university president Dr. Alisa White greeted guests in a patio-styled atmosphere that featured passed hors d’oeuvres, drinks and a buffet. It was an evening of engagement and conversations about the university many in attendance graduated from. Smiles and laughter told the story of the love for the bearkats of SHSU.
