2025 Leadership Symposium

On November 11, 2025, the Patman Center brought together students, alumni, faculty, and friends to celebrate a year of growth and accomplishment at its annual Leadership Symposium. The event highlighted the Center’s programs and the people who make its work possible—students, alumni, Advisory Committee members, former speakers, and community partners—while creating space for connection, reflection, and learning.

This year’s symposium focused on civility and bipartisan friendship in a polarized moment, a theme that felt especially timely. The evening began with a lively networking reception where students, mentors, alumni, and supporters connected, shared stories, and built new relationships. The atmosphere was energetic and welcoming. 

As one Patman student shared, “It felt like everyone in the room genuinely wanted to learn from each other — you could feel the energy of community and purpose.”

The formal program opened with remarks from Dean JR DeShazo, who welcomed guests and reflected on the LBJ School’s mission to prepare the next generation of civic leaders. He emphasized the importance of bipartisan dialogue, strong leadership development, and meaningful engagement across differences, setting the tone for an evening centered on service, community, and principled leadership.

Because the event was held on Veterans Day, the Center invited Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Van Wie, a U.S. Army Goodpaster Scholar, to offer reflections on public service and sacrifice. He spoke about the sacrifices made by military families and the shared responsibility of civilian and military leaders to strengthen democracy.

During dinner, the program recognized members of the Patman community whose leadership and service reflect the Center’s mission. Students highlighted included Janet Shensky, Adriel Bustillos, Madison Lyndsey, and Ellie Cole, whose work—from democracy research to advocacy learning in Washington, D.C.—illustrates the reach and impact of Patman opportunities across both undergraduate and graduate programs at UT.

The evening also honored Patman Center founders Ambassador Carrin Patman and Jim Derrick, whose vision and generosity continue to shape the Center’s direction. Their presence reflected the importance of investing in the next generation of leaders and sustaining a strong tradition of civic engagement.

Following dinner, guests gathered for the keynote conversation, “Common Ground: A Conversation on Civility and Bipartisanship.” At a time of deep political polarization, the discussion focused on the importance of respectful dialogue, shared values, and principled leadership. The conversation highlighted why cross-party friendships matter—as a vital part of effective public service rooted in listening, persuasion, and mutual respect.

The keynote featured two distinguished leaders from different ends of the political spectrum: Dr. Malcolm and Johnny Sutton. Dr. Malcolm, the first woman elected Chair of the Texas Democratic Party, is widely recognized for her lifelong advocacy for public education, voting rights, and women’s political representation, as well as her leadership in higher education and civic life across Texas. Johnny Sutton, former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, shared insights from a career grounded in the rule of law, public accountability, and ethical leadership, including his work on public integrity cases and his service within the U.S. Department of Justice.

Together, they offered a powerful example of how respect and shared purpose can transcend political differences. In a moment defined by division, their conversation served as a timely reminder that democracy depends not only on institutions, but on people—willing to listen, engage, and find common ground.

The Patman Center extends its sincere thanks to its speakers, committee members, students, and supporters for making the 2025 Leadership Symposium such a meaningful evening. 

Check out our entire photo album from The Patman Center's 2nd Annual Leadership Symposium HERE.