Today@Sam Article

Plan To Arrive Early For Commencement

April 27, 2017
SHSU Media Contact: Julia May

Scott McClelland	Fred McClure	Tolbert Chisum

Approximately 2,500 Sam Houston State University students have applied to receive degrees during the five Spring Commencement ceremonies, May 11-13, in the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum.

The number includes 2,008 undergraduates, 410 graduate students, and 20 doctoral candidates.

With the large number of degree candidates, as well as the numerous construction projects in progress across campus during this time, SHSU officials encourage guests to arrive early and be prepared to walk from available parking areas that might not be close to the coliseum.

Designated parking will be available for visitors with mobility impairment, signage will be provided, and University Police will be on hand to answer questions.

Scott McClelland, president of H-E-B’s Houston Division, will address students in the College of Education and Department of Nursing at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 11.

Frederick McClure, executive director of The Leadership Initiative at Texas A&M University and former CEO for the George Bush Presidential Library Foundation, will serve as the commencement speaker for the College of Criminal Justice at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, May 12, and the College of Health Sciences, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and majors in general studies that afternoon at 2:30 p.m.

On Saturday at 9:30 a.m., SHSU Distinguished Alumnus Tolbert Chisum, who enjoyed a career in investment and financial services, will be the speaker for the College of Business Administration. He will address students in College of Fine Arts and Mass Communication and the College of Science and Engineering Technology later at 2:30 p.m.

McClelland joined H-E-B in 1990, after a 10-year career at Frito Lay. He served in a number of marketing and operations positions before moving to Houston and becoming the division president. McClelland is the local face for H-E-B, appearing in TV commercials along with J.J. Watt, Craig Biggio and other local notables.

Prior to joining the George Bush Presidential Library Found at Texas A&M University in College Station, McClure acted as the Washington, D.C. managing partner for the international law firm, SNR Denton, now Dentons US, LLP. He has also served as assistant for legislative affairs to President George H.W. Bush and as special assistant for legislative affairs to President Ronald Reagan.

Chisum spent 27 years with Aetna in the employee benefits division, specializing in group pensions and financial services. Later, he joined a group of investors to form Wintrust Financial Corporation, a public bank holding company headquartered in Illinois. He initially served as bank president and head of marketing and was later promoted to executive vice president of the Chicago Trust Company. He currently serves as trustee of the Modern Group in Beaumont.

Chisum is also one of the founders of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation in Springfield, Illinois. He served on the board of the foundation in numerous leadership positions, including two years as chairman, president and CEO. He negotiated and purchased the largest private collection of Lincoln artifacts and memorabilia in the world for the foundation, which is currently on exhibit in Springfield.

- END -

This page maintained by SHSU's Communications Office:

Director of Content Communications: Emily Binetti

Asst. Director Content & Social Media: Emilee White

Communications Manager: Mikah Boyd
Telephone: 936.294.1837

Communications Specialist: Campbell Atkins
Telephone: 936.294.2638

Please send comments, corrections, news tips to Today@Sam.edu