Dome" audience, including Professor Sherri Greenberg and LBJ School Dean Angela Evans.
LBJ alumni, students and state government officials and their staff gathered in the Texas State Capitol on Feb. 5 for the LBJ School's biennial networking reception, Under the Dome. LBJ School dean Angela Evans and clinical professor and former state Rep. Sherri Greenberg welcomed attendees and touched on the importance of an event that strengthens the relationship between the 86th Texas Legislature and the LBJ community.
"The legislative session is always an exciting time. This event truly brings home the fact that the LBJ School is a perfect combination of academics and real-world experience," said Greenberg. "It's the fifth time we've hosted it, and we are privileged to have it in the Lieutenant Governor's Reception Room. It's such a pleasure to see our alumni and current students working with the legislature."
Many LBJ students go on to work with the Texas Legislature and many current students intern in the Lege or with organizations that work with it. Laura Gorksy, a second-year MPAff student at the LBJ School and policy aide for state Rep. Donna Howard (D-48), attended Under the Dome after spending her day working on policy initiatives centered around women's health and access to health care. "I am at this event so that I can meet other LBJ students and alumni and talk to them about what their experience is like working in the Capitol," she said.
Two of my @TheLBJSchool students discussing #texleg at the #LBJalumni "Under the Dome" event pic.twitter.com/DuEs8mdBKp
— Ruth Wasem (@rewasem) Feb. 6, 2019
Two LBJ alums who currently serve in the Lege, Rep. Gene Wu (D-137) (MPAff '04) and Vikki Goodwin (D-47) (MPAff '91), were also in attendance. Wu shared his life story with the audience and stressed the importance of an LBJ School degree.
"I'm here because of the LBJ School and Sherri Greenberg," he said. "The LBJ name carries weight. It means you know facts matter. If you're ever in the Capitol and you knock on my door and tell me you're an LBJer, you're good."
Brady Franks (MPAff '18) is the director for government relations for The University of Texas at Austin and attended Under the Dome to give back to his alma matter. "I'm here tonight to help provide professional advice to students in the same way I receive it as a student."
Left to right: LBJ MPAff student Alex Meed, state Rep. Vikki Goodwin (MPAff '91) who represents the 47th District, LBJ clinical
professor and former state Rep. Sherri Greenberg
I may be just a tad bit biased but we have the BEST students! https://t.co/Ab0LopRTv4
— Victoria DeFrancesco (@DrVMDS) Feb. 6, 2019
So proud of @TheLBJSchool students who are working at the Texas Legislature this term. pic.twitter.com/0dGJq7LTOQ
— Ruth Wasem (@rewasem) Feb. 6, 2019
Special thanks to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick for hosting the LBJ School in the Lieutenant Governor's Reception Room and Sen. Kirk Watson for sponsoring the LBJ School's use of the historic room.
Learn more about upcoming LBJ alumni engagement opportunities.