Events

The Patman Center hosts thought-provoking events with speakers across the partisan spectrum and are designed to strengthen civic leadership at every level. From practical skill-building trainings to in-depth discussions with political professionals or elected officials, our programs offer valuable insights for anyone engaged in public life.

audience member taking photo of speaker with phone

Speaker Series

Throughout the semester, The Patman Center will host civic leaders at the school and give students the opportunity to learn, directly from the professionals, how to help our democracy thrive. 

Photos of our audience

Check out photos from our LBJ Conversations with Evan Smith and Renewing Democracy Speaker Series events.

View and download photos from our events. Tag @LBJSchool and @PatmanCenter on social!

group photo with Patman center sign front and center

Undergraduate Leadership Weekend

Each year, The Patman Center hosts a transformative public service weekend for undergraduate students considering careers in public service. In July 2023, 45 undergraduates from 31 colleges participated in the four-day program to develop skills and hands-on training in public speaking, oral testimony preparation, conflict resolution, and coalition building.

silhouette of person speaking into microphone

Leadership Symposium

Each year, The Patman Center recognizes graduating Patman Scholars, welcomes incoming Patman Scholars, honors the recipient of The Patman Research Award for Advancing Democracy, and thanks its Senior Fellows for their contributions and mentorship.

The Patman Center Events

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LBJ Conversations with Evan Smith: A Conversation with Ron Nirenberg, former Mayor of San Antonio and candidate for Bexar County Judge

Event Status
Scheduled
Monday February 2, 2026, 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm
LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
Join us for a conversation with the former Mayor of San Antonio and current candidate for Bexar County Judge. He will discuss his campaign, the politics and pressing civic issues of the moment, and what public leadership looks like in an increasingly polarized time.
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LBJ Conversations with Evan Smith: Joe Straus, former Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives

Event Status
Scheduled
Monday February 2, 2026, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
Hear from Joe Straus, former Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, in a conversation about today’s most pressing political issues. From Texas governance to national party politics, Straus will explore how political norms are changing—and what those shifts mean for policy, leadership, and civic life.
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LBJ Conversations with Evan Smith: Bobby Pulido, award-winning Tejano artist and candidate for U.S. Congress (TX-15)

Event Status
Scheduled
Tuesday February 3, 2026, 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm
LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
Join us as we talk to the native of the Rio Grande Valley and a lifelong resident of Edinburg. Pulido will discuss his campaign for Congress while also engaging in a timely conversation about the news and issues shaping our community and country today.
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Speak to Impact: Crafting Stories That Move and Motivate

Event Status
Scheduled
Thursday February 5, 2026, 12:15 pm - 1:45 pm
SRH 3.247
A hands-on session designed to help students connect with their key audiences through powerful storytelling and compelling evidence. Learn how to tailor your message for maximum impact and inspire action in your advocacy efforts.
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LBJ Conversations with Evan Smith: The Honorable Julián Castro

Event Status
Scheduled
Monday February 9, 2026, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
A Conversation with Julian Castro, CEO of the Latino Community Foundation, former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and former Mayor of San Antonio. Join us as Castro draws on his leadership experience to deliver candid insights into today’s political landscape and a forward-looking discussion on the challenges and opportunities shaping our great state.
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Writing for Change: Effective Communication in Civic Engagement

Event Status
Scheduled
Tuesday February 10, 2026, 12:15 pm - 1:45 pm
SRH 3.247
This session will teach students how to craft clear, persuasive messages for decision-makers, on issue briefs and advocacy leave-behinds. Students will gain practical skills to make their voice heard and drive meaningful action in their community.
View all Events

Event News

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Cultivating the Next Generation of Civic Leaders: Fall 2025 Recap

Dec. 16, 2025
As The Patman Center concludes another productive semester, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the breadth of work accomplished and the momentum built across the UT-Austin campus. Guided by its mission to cultivate civic leaders, strengthen democratic participation, and expand hands-on learning opportunities, The Center experienced strong growth in attendance, broadened its bipartisan programming, fostered meaningful civic dialogue, and deepened student involvement.
A large group of Patman students

2024-2025 in Review: Memories from the Patman Center

June 11, 2025
At the close of the 2024-2025 academic year, The Patman Center proudly reflects on a year of growth, innovation, and impact.
Photo of two Patman Center students

Students On Their Experience Taking Patman Center Classes

Nov. 7, 2024
To celebrate the Patman Center’s one year anniversary, we are highlighting two LBJ students who have taken classes at The Patman Center. In the past year, The Patman Center has offered six courses at The LBJ School. Learn what its like to take a Patman Center class!
JC Dwyer headshot

Lifelong Learners On Why They Come To Patman Events

Nov. 1, 2024
The Patman Center prides itself on making civic leaders and lessons on democratic participation accessible to the public. Each week, all Patman Center events are open and free to all members of the public. Learn more about what this life-long learner gets out of attending our events.
Miles Andres

LBJ student taking Patman Center courses reflects on their impact

April 8, 2024
This month, The Patman Center is pleased to highlight one of our students, Miles Andres. He’s taking "The Politics and Issues of the Election Cycle" and "Skills for Civic Leadership", both Patman Center affiliated courses. Miles says choosing to take both classes was an easy decision.