Hobby School of Public Affairs

Houston Mayor John Whitmire credits a University of Houston professor for his start in public service. At the recent Hobby School Annual Luncheon benefiting the Hobby Fellows program, Mayor Whitmire sat down with that professor, Richard Murray, for an insightful conversation on the mayor's first year as chief executive officer at Houston City Hall. They traced Mayor Whitmire's run for public office to Murray's political science class, taking the audience through his journey from state lawmaker?working in Austin?to the leader of a major city with complex challenges, ranging from homelessness and public safety to infrastructure. Watch discussion highlights and view the photo album at uh.edu/hobby/luncheon2025.? ? A community of supporters gathered to?celebrate the Hobby Fellows program and?hear the lifelong public servant reflect on his administration's priorities and vision for shaping Houston's future. Named for the school's founder, former Lt. Gov. Bill Hobby, Jr., the Hobby Fellows immerse themselves in state policymaking and government during the biennial session.

The Hobby School of Public?Affairs pays tribute to U.S. Rep.?Sylvester Turner. The congressman was a longtime champion for Houston and an inspiration to Coogs eager to make a difference through civic engagement and future public service careers. He supported the Hobby School's mission, welcoming Civic Houston Interns to various Houston City Hall departments for meaningful experiences outside the classroom. Rep. Turner's impact and legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched.?

Today is UH Giving Day! Give a gift of any amount to support the Harris Fellows program. The summer internship program places UH undergraduates in Harris County offices as full-time staffers. Students learn how county government works and boost their education with on-the-job experience. No amount is too small! Give at https://bit.ly/3QDFzJa. #AllinforUH

As our community mourns the loss of a lifelong public servant and champion for Houston, I reflect on my conversation with Rep. Turner in January last year, shortly after his tenure at Houston City Hall. He took viewers through his upbringing, his days as a University of Houston student, what drove him to run for office, his leadership approach to tackling evolving challenges, and his advice to our students interested in a public service career. Bottom line: Rep. Turner was Houston through and through. His legacy of serving others lives on.

Political philosopher?Elizabeth?Anderson?delivered the 2025 Richard Gelwick Endowed Lecture on modern American work ethic and the socio-economic policies that support it, followed by an interactive question-and-answer session. The University of Michigan professor shared her insights into the historical road to current practices and challenged listeners to apply them to today’s thinking around jobs and work conditions. The?Elizabeth?D. Rockwell Center on Ethics and Leadership sponsors thought-provoking lectures, conferences and events that foster cross-disciplinary dialogue about the ethical dimensions of policy issues and leadership challenges. The lecture series honors the memory of Richard Gelwick, an ordained minister and scholar who encouraged exploring and discovering how science, faith and reason can help improve solutions to challenging issues. Watch the lecture at youtu.be/NWSooPUCX9c.

The University of Houston mourns the passing of Sylvester Turner, a proud UH alumnus whose leadership shaped our city and state. His dedication, resilience and passion for service will not be forgotten. During a memorable commencement speech as Houston’s mayor in 2018, Turner reminded CLASS graduates of the resilience and determination that define Cougar pride: “The road will not always be easy, sometimes it will be highly challenging. But Cougar pride don’t turn back. Live your life in such a way that when all is said and done, be able to say you have no regrets. Go Coogs — make your history as only you can.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/g-Ar8Fny

In today's political roundup on "Houston Matters with Craig Cohen," the Hobby School's Renee Cross and UH Political Science Department's Jeronimo Cortina discussed the sudden passing of U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner, reflecting on his legacy of public service and civic leadership, and commented on highlights from President Trump's address to a joint session of Congress. They closed with news from the Texas Capitol, including the latest on an education saving account program, and how federal tariffs may affect the Texas-Mexico border economy. Listen to the entire roundup at https://bit.ly/41qoRlo.

The Hobby School is accepting applications for the newest cohort of Harris Fellows through Friday, April 4. The paid summer internship is for University of Houston undergraduates interested in immersing themselves in local government by working full-time at a county office on constituent services, research, policy analysis or other special projects. Apply today at bit.ly/3DSlwPS.

Join a webinar cohosted by the UH Law Center and the Hobby School, which will cover pressing legal and policy implications for the new administration with experts on the economy, higher education, immigration, energy and the environment. Hobby School's Jim Granato, M. C. Sunny Wong and Pablo M. Pinto will lead and contribute to the discussions.

March Hobby Happenings includes a chance to support the Harris Fellows program, public service recognition on stage, civic leadership training, and a thought-provoking discussion on the future of public education. Participate in UH Giving Day. Get tickets to the 2025 Public Officials of the Year Awards, honoring passionate leaders from across the region whose dedication and professionalism improve their communities. Mark your calendar for a talk with education policy expert Robert Podiscio and sign up early for the Spring Civic Leadership Boot Camp. See more at https://lnkd.in/g-t_684s.