Spirit of LBJ Award

2011 Recipients

Photo of Ginger Lowry Wes Ven Johnson Sophia Checa Dean Robert Hutchings
After consideration of an excellent group of nominees, 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 expected) and Ms. Sophia Checa (MPAff '12 expected).

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. “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.

Past Recipients

Photo of Naila Ahmed (MPAff '06), Leah Bojo and Ginger Lowry (MPAff '85)2010 Leah Boho (MPAff/ '12 expected)

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

2009 - Sarah Hutt Chen (MPAff '10)


2008 - Agnes Sekowski (MPAff '11 expected)