De la Garza Putegnat: Why the Texas Lyceum matters

The history of how the Texas Lyceum came to be is pretty fascinating to me. In 1980 a group of young Texans from the business, professional, and academic communities came together in Dallas to discuss an idea. 

They realized that Texas was at a turning point in its history between the oil boom, urbanization and the growth of major cities, the rise of the tech industry, political realignment and demographic shifts. 

They thought Texas had an opportunity and really a responsibility to be the greatest state. So, these leaders concluded that there was a need to bring together the various segments of the state in a non-partisan, non-political and non-adversarial setting to solve the problems facing Texas. And, voila, the Texas Lyceum was born.

Today, the Texas Lyceum is considered the state’s premier non-profit, non-partisan statewide leadership organization that is focused on cultivating the next generation of Texas leaders and developing solutions to our state’s challenges. 

Notable Lyceum alumni include President George W. Bush, Texas governors Greg Abbott and Rick Perry, U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and Kay Bailey Hutchison, Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp, and many other elected and appointed public service officials, as well as accomplished leaders of major corporate, non-profit, educational and civic organizations.

Many leaders and pillars of the RGV community are also Lyceum alumni, including Texas Transportation Commissioner Alex Meade, former State Representative Veronica Gonzales, UT Regent and Harlingen CISD board member, Dr. Nolan Perez, Mission Economic Development Corporation CEO Teclo Garcia, Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza, former Texas A&M McAllen CEO Manny Vela, Judges Dan and David Sanchez, David Garza and many more.

National Campaign for Civility

This year, as we celebrate the Texas Lyceum’s 45th Anniversary, under the leadership of our fearless and visionary Lyceum president, Crayton Webb, we launched a national campaign for civility, calling on elected officials at all levels of government to embrace civic discourse as they govern our communities, state and nation. 

The campaign also challenges everyday Texans to hold themselves accountable for how they treat one another, and encourages them to engage in civil and respectful dialogue on important issues affecting the state and the nation. 

Given the tumultuous political arena we find ourselves in, this civility campaign is more important than ever. There’s an article in the Texas Monthly by my Lyceum sister, Jennifer Sarver, a Lyceum alum from the RGV, and she said it best: ‘Civility starts with me.’

How we talk to each other and about each other matters. We can disagree without being disagreeable. Of course, we’re going to have different opinions or beliefs, but we need to remember to focus on the issues and not attack each other. We can think differently while still treating each other with respect and luck and kindness. 

Look, it’s no secret I’m a conservative gal, but I also have many friends, people whom I truly respect and love who have opposing views, and while I may not agree with them at times, listening to them has helped me better understand many issues, and that’s what the Texas Lyceum is all about, civil discourse. 

Who Makes Up the Texas Lyceum? 

The Texas Lyceum is governed by a 26-member board of directors representing all parts of Texas and diverse industries and occupations. These are Texans who have demonstrated leadership abilities in their communities and some even statewide. They are active, engaged and eager to contribute their talents and time to the betterment of Texas. 

What Does the Texas Lyceum Do? 

The Lyceum acts as a catalyst to bring together diverse opinions and expertise to focus on national and state issues. The Lyceum’s top three goals are: One, to identify and cultivate the next generation of top leadership in the state of Texas; Two, to educate its directors on the issues facing Texas, to provide a better understanding; Three, engage and empower directors to take that knowledge and understanding to their communities and the state’s key decision makers and drive public policy that creates positive change. 

How does Lyceum do that? The Lyceum conducts the nationally acclaimed Texas Lyceum Poll, convenes programs, offers graduate students and academics opportunity through the Texas Lyceum Fellowship, and host conferences where we discuss key economic and social issues of the state and the nation.

Editor’s Note: The above guest column was penned by Lizzy de la Garza Putegnat, a director of the Texas Lyceum. The column appears in the Rio Grande Guardian with the permission of the author.

Editor’s Note: In a new Rio Grande Guardian podcast, Lizzy de la Garza Putegnat previews an upcoming conference being hosted by the Texas Lyceum in Mexico City. Click here to watch the podcast.

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