The program at the Rotary Club of Kerrville last Wednesday featured a short history on the founding of the Republic of Texas, and an examination of what makes our state unique. It included a video primer on the development of our state by Schreiner University professor Don Frazier. The video was produced by Ben Friberg, also of Schreiner University, and several students from Schreiner University and Howard Payne University followed, expanding on a current day examination of Texas.
The students were beneficiaries of scholarships from the Sumners Foundation. These competitive scholarships encourage critical thinking, and recipients are expected to become politically informed and become good citizens by participating in democratic process on the local, state and national level.
Professor Don Frazier
Dr. Frazier explained that the early Texans who declared their independence were a diverse group that came from all over the United States and Mexico. They were merchants, farmers, lawyers, doctors and other varied occupations. They had in common a strong belief in self government and personal liberties.
Several former Sumner Scholars explained the benefits of having participated in the program. And, current student scholars noted some of the unique aspects of Texas including geographic diversity, friendly business attitude, plenty of opportunity, a large sense of identity and self sufficiency.
