Events
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Class XXVII in June
June 12, 2009
By Michele Cowart
  • Leadership Houston Class XXVII had a fabulous June 2009. Three major events were held to commemorate the ten months of hard work and new found friendships. Closing Retreat, the Class Project Unveiling, and Graduation Dinner were the perfect endings for the newest "best class ever."

    Class XXVII
    South Shore Harbor Resort and Conference Center in League City was the site for this year's Closing Retreat. The 2 day session, beginning Friday, June 5, showcased impressive small group collaborations, including the famous (or infamous) Road Rally experience and the recently added Year in Review, a small group opportunity for interpreting each class day through creative expression. To view pictures of the Closing Retreat, please click here.

    The lakeside retreat included guest speakers: Bryant Boutwell, Dr. P.H., Associate Vice President for Accreditation and International Programs, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston; Uchenna Agu, winner of the 7th edition of CBS' Amazing Race; our favorite Myer's Briggs Facilitator, Norma Barr and LH Chairperson, Caroline Baker Hurley.

    The Class Project was unveiled Tuesday, June 9 at Hubbard Financial Services, 2615 Montrose Blvd., where the colorful, mosaic mural entitled, "This is Houston" is on permanent display. This $25,000+ vision was made possible by generous community partners and dedicated class members.

    "Our project truly embodies the work of 44 diverse individuals," said Peter Acquaro, Class XXVII and Senior Vice President of Development at Wealth Development Strategies, L.P. "We came together and grew as a family, developed our skills as leaders, provided financial, emotional, physical support while giving back to Houston in a civic-minded and deeply respectful manner".

    Special thanks to MOCAH (the Museum of Cultural Arts Houston), Waste Management, United Way of Greater Houston, Ursula and Angel Jimenez, CenterPoint Energy, AT&T, Chamberlain Roofing, J.E. Dunn Construction, Texas Business Alliance, Hubbard Financial Services, Sean Carter, Jeff Wallace, Raquel Bone and Marilyn Brown for their support.

    The culmination of Class XXVII was held Wednesday, June 10 (that's 3 big events in 6 days if you are counting), at the Plaza Club overlooking Downtown Houston at sunset. Class Chair, Sean Carter, Class XIX, LH Executive Committee Member and Chief Development Officer at the Rothko Chapel, made his final emcee performance for this emotional graduation dinner.

    "Watching this class grow from the opening retreat to their graduation was truly an honor", said Sean. "And thanks to many LH Alumni, each class day offered such amazing experiences and learning opportunities. I know we each have strong loyalties to our own class, mine being Class XIX, but for now...I would like to think that Class XXVII is the 'Best Class Ever!'"

    Unique awards were given for perfect attendance and outstanding civic leadership values. The legendary Patrice Johnson Award for Excellence, Ethics, Values and Commitment, was presented to Macy Bodenhamer, Class XXVII, chairperson of the Class Project and Principal of Four22 Creative.

    "Receiving the Patrice Johnson Distinguished Alumnus Award was such an unexpected and incredible honor, especially among the many accomplished leaders in my class," said Macy. "The recognition inspires me to be a better leader, to continue to work towards the example that Patrice set in her commitment to integrity, the community and accomplishing great things."

    One highlight of graduation dinner came as a surprise to LH staff and volunteers, as a custom Leadership Houston mosaic for the office was unveiled. This beautiful and custom art was funded, designed, hand-cut, assembled and framed by Class XXVII and MOCAH. It is proudly displayed in our office.

    "What a wonderful surprise," said Marilyn Brown, President and CEO of Leadership Houston. "We love the mosaic piece and it goes perfectly in our new office. We hope future classes will follow in this class' footsteps."

    As these new Leadership Houston Alumni move forward with their business careers and civic involvement, it is important to remember the saying Caroline Baker Hurley shared with us, "leaders know the way, go the way, and show the way."