Spirit of LBJ Award
The Spirit of LBJ Award, started with seed and matching funds from Ben Barnes, recognizes students whose commitment to the greater LBJ Community goes ‘above and beyond’ the normal to capture Lyndon B. Johnson’s spirit of vision, leadership and action. The Austin Alumni Chapter gives the award to incoming second year student(s) who have demonstrated leadership, commitment to the LBJ School and the greater Austin community; and exhibit a strong sense of ethics and integrity.
2012 Recipient
Garry Davis (MPAff '13) was chosen as the 2012 Spirit of LBJ Award recipient and presented with a check for $500 at the Austin Alumni Association Chapter's fifth annual Welcome Back Happy Hour on August 29, 2012.
Nominated by former Chapter President, Ginger Lowry (MPAff '85), Garry's qualitifications met the criteria with ease, "(Gary has a) proven academic excellence, active commitment to promoting the School, event and organization leadership skills combined with a demonstrated interest in serving others while building communities of service both within and outside of the LBJ academic environment."
In his role as GPAC president for 2012-2013, Garry participated in and coordinated events for the incoming students at Camp LBJ, organized a student organization leadership conference, began creating a GPAC website, and sits on the board of the LBJ School of Public Affairs Austin Alumni Association.
He participates in and outside of the School leading sports and service organizations focused on equality policy and advocacy, including the Harvey Milk Society and the Public Affairs Alliance for Communities of Color. He co-chaired the 2012 Barbara Jordan Forum, and participated on intramural football and softball teams.
Garry talks about receiving the award in this short video:
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Past Recipients
2011 Recipients
The LBJ School of Public Affairs Alumni Association’s Austin Chapter is pleased to announce our winners of the Fourth Annual Spirit of LBJ Award. This year's deserving winners, who merited equal recognition, are Mr. Wes Ven Johnson (MGPS '12) and Ms. Sophia Checa (MPAff '12).
“Wes and Sophia both represent the character and commitment that President Johnson envisioned from an LBJ student,” stated Austin Chapter President Ginger Lowry. “Wes and Sophia exemplify the best of the LBJ School, the LBJ community and The University of Texas at Austin.”
Wes Ven Johnson and Sophia Checa’s nominations noted their commitment to serving the school and fellow students, raising money for student organizations while keeping their outside commitments in the greater LBJ and Austin community. Sophia and Wes served on the GPAC Committee. Both were involved with the Grindstone Community Service Organization and the Social Health and Economic Policy organization. Wes worked the Barbara Jordan Forum Week and Sophia served as the Harvey Milk Society Co-Chair.
For their efforts Mr. Ven Johnson and Ms. Checa, both received $375 at the Annual Alumni Welcome Back Social for Students held Thursday, August 25, 2011.
2010 Leah Boho (MPAff '12)
I am honored and grateful to receive an award that represents the essence of the namesake of our school. Being presented with the Spirit of LBJ Award reminds me of the reasons that I chose the LBJ School and of all that I am learning here and will soon take out into the world. Thank you, Alumni Association, for all that you do!” --Leah Bojo, 2010 Spirit of LBJ Award Winner