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NFL hall of famer, legendary running back and businessman, Earl Campbell, has been an MVP on and off the field. Starting his football career as a freshman at the University of Texas, he found such success that he was chosen as the 1977 Heisman Trophy winner and named “Best Running Back in the Nation.” By the next year he was the number-one draft pick for the Houston Oilers. Earl Campbell Meat Products, Inc. packs and sells over 600,000 pounds of meat a month.

During his 30-year military career, Major General (Ret.) James “Spider” Marks has attained a variety of achievements, all leading him to becoming an accomplished businessman and expert on terrorism. He is currently a military and intelligence expert for CNN, Fox News, CBS, MSNBC, and BBC. Marks is CEO of InVisM, which provides training, simulations, and learning products; Managing Partner for Ergo, a research and consulting firm; and CEO of Linguist Solutions, providing linguistic solutions to the military in Iraq. 

From athletes Moses Malone, Gary Sheffield and Julio Lugo to Timothy McVeigh, and the Houston Federation of Teachers, SHSU alumnus Chris Tritico has worked as a defense attorney in cases from environmental law to capital murder.  Chris is the legal analyst for and host of the “Chris Tritico Show” on News Radio 740 KTRH and legal analyst for Fox 26, KRIV in Houston. His work has led to appearances on Good Morning America, World News Tonight, Night Line, CBS Evening News, Meet the Press, Dateline NBC, 20/20, CNN, Fox News Channel, Court TV and others, both nationally and internationally. 

From its prize-winning Fudge Bars to over 66 flavors of ice cream, Blue Bell is an institution in Texas. Having received praise by R.W. Apple of the New York Times, the “Little Creamery in Brenham” is more than just a small Texas creamery—available in most of the South, it enjoys a countrywide reputation for deliciousness. Under the leadership of CEO and President, Paul Kruse, a third-generation Blue Bell manager, the company has maintained its level of success. While Blue Bell is available in only one-fourth of the nation’s grocery stores, it ranks among the top three ice cream brands sold in the U.S.   Paul will share the history and success of “The Little Creamery in Brenham”.

Alex Sutton and his business partner, Tim Welbes, had a vision for The Woodlands: mixing urban and suburban lifestyles, where people could work, live, relax, and play. Today, with the Exxon campus continuing to move forward with construction, The Woodlands has boomed, with new shops revitalizing the mall, crowds of people flocking to the pavilion for entertainment, and businesses eagerly booking up as much commercial real estate as they can lay their hands on. Future projects include condominiums, parking garages, refurbishing the conference center, and more office buildings. Alex will discuss what this economic expansion means for us and what is on the horizon.

Known for predicting the current economic crisis, author of 4 books; conference speaker; columnist and economist, Jerry Robinson specializes in educating American businesses and the public on the current global financial crisis and what they can do to protect themselves.   Jerry is a frequent commentator on global economic issues and has appeared on numerous radio and television programs, including Fox News Network. Jerry will discuss 12 key strategies for protecting your finances in these uncertain times.

SHSU geography graduate Jason Doss was so moved by the Rabbit Hill Tornado, which struck a Georgetown, Texas daycare in 1985 that storm watching became a hobby. After taking atmospheric science classes at SHSU, Jason resolved to make a career out of the thrilling and dangerous field of storm chasing. Working with the SevereStudios.com chase team Jason captured the April 2012 Dallas tornado outbreak that was featured on CBS Evening News, NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams and The Weather Channel. Chase storms with Jason as he describes his experiences “in pursuit of a storm”. 

Currently one of Texas’ hottest cookbooks, Green Beans and Guacamole celebrates nearly 50 prominent Texas chefs and benefits the ARC of Greater Houston and Katy. These non-profit organizations provide therapy, activities and support for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The cookbook for-a-cause was inspired by Katy resident and lifelong ARC member, Austin Hanson, who has flourished from the assisted benefits of the organization. Featuring recipes from SHSU alumni Tony Mandola of Tony Mandola’s and Damian Mandola of Damian’s Cucina Italiana and many others, Green Beans and Guacamole has been named one of “Top 10” cookbooks by the Houston Press and “Best of the Best” by Texas Magazine.

Tom Perini arrived in Washington D.C. on September 9, 2001 proud to be catering the annual Congressional Picnic at the White House. Little did Perini know that two days later while preparing to leave the hotel for the event he would hear sirens, open the window and smell the smoke from the third plane that struck the Pentagon. In Tom’s words, “The only day that compared to this was the day President Kennedy was assassinated. I was in Dallas that day, and you heard sirens and everything, and it was a very emotional day.” Perini Ranch Steakhouse has developed a reputation for excellence. Academy Award-winner Robert Duvall had found his way to the remote restaurant, as had Billy Bob Thornton, who told Men’s Journal that Perini’s smoked brisket was the best he ever ate. Perini’s culinary fame eventually reached the Texas governor’s mansion, where he regularly catered barbecues for George W. Bush. Join Tom as he discusses Perini Ranch Steakhouse and the events he witnessed on 9/11.

Lilian “Lili” Gordon was born in 1941 on a livestock train car crammed with people who had lived there for two months in filth and lice.  Her family was fleeing from the Nazi’s.  Arriving in the United States in 1949, Lili has vivid memories of the “Oz-like” experience of leaving a gray and frightening world for one of color and freedom.   SHSU alumna, Susan Llanes-Myers, is the executive director of the Holocaust Museum Houston.  An authority on the Holocaust, Susan has studied with historians in Poland, Israel, and the US and was appointed by the International Task Force to teach Holocaust education to the educators of Roman. She has received recognition from the White House for her work on reconciling and remembering genocide in Rwanda.  Both devoted to educating this generation about the Holocaust, you will experience Susan’s passion and the dangers of hatred, prejudice and apathy that led to the Holocaust and Lili’s personal experience of surviving the Holocaust. 

Distinguished alumnus and stockbroker, Bob Rod has been described as honest, hard-working and well-respected as a person and business man. Rod has managed the account for the Lyndon Baines Johnson's family for over 20 years. His business endeavors include being founder and chief executive officer of the National Bank of Waller County, now Texas Premier Bank; owning Redi-Smoke, which he later sold to Mr. Smokey; and purchasing the potato chip company that became Bob's Texas Style, which he sold to a publicly-traded company.  Bob has chaired and been the honoree of many charities, such as the American Diabetes Association, the Ronald McDonald House, the National Rifle Association, Houston Safari Club, and many others.  Join Bob as he discusses what it takes to be successful not only in business, but also in life, especially in these challenging economic times.

Since 1972 Bob Phillips has traveled the backroads and told the stories of real Texans - ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Texas Country Reporter celebrates the history, emotion and beauty that make Texas and Texans so unique. Hop in and travel with Bob as he reminds us that the backroads aren’t just a place, it's an attitude.

Several TV series, news spots, and books depict the end of the world by conjuring images of grizzled men in fatigues stockpiling MRE’s and weapons. But the new face of preparedness is…a homemaking mom? “The Survival Mom,” Lisa Bedford feels it’s only natural to consult a mom for emergency preparation tips. A mother’s number-one priority is to take care of the family. She lays out simple steps on her website and blog “The Survival Mom” to help families plan and prepare for any eventuality, from financial disaster to natural disaster.  Featured on The Today Show and on the National Geographic series "Doomsday Preppers", Arizona prepper mom, Lisa fears that the collapse of the U. S. economy will bring on hyperinflation.  Join Lisa as she discusses how to prepare for natural disasters, alternative sources of energy in a power's-out situation, food storage and everything you need to know to keep your family safe and secure - no matter what.

With gas prices sky rocketing everyone wants a new source of energy. But the question on everyone's mind is, do we drill for more oil sources or research more alternative energy sources? In the long run, alternative energy sources will better benefit mankind. Dr. Faruk Yildiz, professor of Industrial Technology at Sam Houston State University, will explore this point by covering the risks of relying on oil and fossil fuels, the costs and benefits of alternative energy sources and the environmental impact that both oil and fossil fuels and alternative energy sources have on the planet.

Dr. Jean Bodon, Chair of Sam Houston State University’s Mass Communication Department and international film director and producer, captures real life on camera. He will be sharing, in a new documentary, how Nazi fugitive Laszlo Csatary, 97, a previously convicted war criminal, was discovered hiding out in Hungary. Bodon’s previous work includes “Howling with Angels,” a documentary about his father Jan Bodon’s experience fighting the Nazis in the Czech resistance. During the course of research for that film, he discovered his own family was Jewish, though he had suspected it while growing up in France.  Bodon’s new film, “Operation Last Chance,” will cover Csatary’s fate: will he be returned to Slovakia to face a second trial, or will his advanced age allow him to stay in Hungary for what remains of his life?

Legendary non-violent activist Mahatma Ghandi said that forgiveness is an attribute of the strong. When SHSU alumna and retired professor, Linda White lost her daughter to rape and murder in 1986 her ability to forgive the killer gave her the strength to help herself and others progress through the grief.  Determined to become a mediator with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice's Victim Offender Mediation/ Dialogue Program, she spoke with the director and got a surprising answer: “heal your own wounds first”. To get the answers and closure that she needed, White and her granddaughter met with the killer. She feels that the dialogue between victim and offender forces the offender to face the victims and see the consequences of their actions and that through this process they too may find the strength to transform.  Linda has appeared on Oprah Winfrey and Larry King Live to tell her story.

In 1980, 7-year-old Christopher James Greicius was battling leukemia, and dreaming of the excitement of being a police officer. Special Agent with U.S. Customs and distinguished SHSU alumnus, Tommy Austin, a friend of Greicius had promised him a ride in a helicopter, but as Austin made arrangements with Ron Cox of the Arizona Department of Public Safety the plans soon evolved into a full day of adventure. When Christopher passed away, Austin and his mother began a modest effort to grant more wishes. Since then, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® and Make-A-Wish International® have grown into an organization with more than 60 chapters in 40 countries and more than 275,000 special and unique wishes have been granted to children with terminal illnesses. This year Make-A-Wish expects to grant over 14,000 wishes.

Houston is known as one of the largest hubs for human trafficking, also known as modern day slavery, in the United States and often leads to the illicit sex trade industry.  Local spas designed to look legitimate are often covers for houses of prostitution and indentured servitude.  Constable Ron Hickman created a Regulatory Enforcement Unit designed to intervene and hold accountable those who deal in the sex trade industry.  Hickman’ office was recently recognized by the “Free the Captives” Anti-Human Trafficking Association for their interest and efforts in fighting human trafficking and sex trade in Houston.

For Houston-based ghost hunters, things that go "bump" in the night aren't reason to hide under the covers, they are a motivation for adventure.  Armed with equipment, a lot more hi-tech than a flashlight, these paranormal investigators seek explanation for the inexplicable.  Former firefighter and director of Houston Ghost Town Paranormal Investigators, Jon Strohbehn, along with his experienced team conduct scientific investigations by examining with rationality and seeking scientific reasoning and logical explanations before labeling the events as paranormal for those experiencing unnatural activity. 

Privacy is gone today and will never return! In this world of technology and instant access to databases all tied together over the internet, access to information is now the “gold” of the future. Information full of your PII (Personally Identifiable Information) can be found in open source documents just by searching Google or other search engines.  With new technology growing every day comes an easier method of finding out where you live, what you’re wearing, who is associated to you by work or family and even WHERE YOU ARE RIGHT NOW! Chuck and colleague Ron Plesco, from Boston, MA, will share revealing insights on how trends in technology are eroding “Privacy” as we once knew it.

Fred Campos

President, Fun City Social Media, LLC

funcitysocialmedia.com/

Fun City Social Media specializes in “bringing clients to your fun stuff.” Fred has worked with large companies like General Motors and individuals like New York Times Best Selling authors. Through a combination of Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and even websites and blogs, he helps businesses gain online exposure and find potential clients. Fred's company builds platforms, sells social media services, and trains clients on how to use social media effectively. He is also the author of "Social Media Success in 31 Days" a small business workbook to aid do-it-yourself clients. Join Fred as he combines humor and business as he explains how to enhance and support your business and your clients’ bottom line and how to generate more exposure through social media.

Dave Fougeron encountered his first homebrew one dark and stormy night in 1989, and the seeds of intrigue were planted. Dave began home brewing in 1993 in College Station, Texas while attending Texas A&M University winning several medals in local home brew competitions. After graduation Dave took his first “real” job in 1997 as an assistant brewer at the renowned Saint Arnold Brewing Company, eventually becoming the head brewer in 2001. Six years later, he left to form Southern Star Brewing, a microbrewery in Conroe, Texas.  The brewery distributes in Texas, Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and South Carolina.  Dave is heavily influenced by the brewing styles and traditions of England and Germany.  Dave will discuss the brewery, the beers and the microbrewing industry.