The final class day, Quality of Life, established the mission of “Uncover & Rediscover,” where they highlighted some of the things that make San Antonio a great city in order to maintain and improve our quality of life. The activities of the day explored what quality of life means to San Antonians.
The day began at Mission Reach where class members listened to a kayaking overview and were given the opportunity to kayak down the river. The Mission Reach Ecosystem Restoration and Recreation Project is transforming an eight mile portion of the San Antonio River into a quality riparian woodland ecosystem. The project restores the ecosystem, reintroduces native plants, enhances aquatic habitat, restores historical connections and adds recreational opportunities.
The group then visited Mission Concepción Sports Complex, where they were joined by Deborah Walton, the Sales and Marketing Executive of Mission Concepción Sports Park. The multi-sports complex provides opportunities for physical fitness for youth and young adults through many different sports programs. Former Mayor Phil Hardberger, paid a visit to the class and discussed his involvement in growing San Antonio’s park space by acquiring Voelcker Park and the San Antonio River expansion. He also put the city on the path toward going green with the Mission Verde initiative. In recognition of his former leadership and his devotion to quality of life projects, the City of San Antonio changed the name of Voelcker Park to Phil Hardberger Park.
The next stop of the day was at Southwest School of Art (SSA). Paula Owen, President of SSA, gave a presentation about the different classes that SSA has to offer for youth and adults. The mission of the institution is to teach, preserve and advance the visual arts. Their goal is to expand the creative potential of our community and connect cultures around the world through participatory learning experiences.
Class 38 then split up into two groups and boarded river barges. During the river barge ride one group heard from Irby Hightower, founding principal of Alamo Architects, and the other group heard from Ann McGlone, founding principal of Ann Benson McGlone, LLC. The barges arrived at the Pearl for lunch, where everyone enjoyed an interactive food demonstration at Nao. When lunch was over Henry Feldman, CEO at Martin Feldman Hospitality Managment, briefed the class on the San Antonio Food Bank and the impact it has on our city. He also spoke about the hospitality industry in San Antonio. Feldman is currently serving as Chairman for the San Antonio Tourism Council, Board of Directors for the Texas Hotel & Motel Association, and Board of Directors of the Greater San Antonio Hotel & Lodging Association.
Everyone then took a tour of the Culinary Institute of America before boarding the bus to the AT&T Center. The Spurs’ Coyote and the Rampage Mascot, T-Bone, greeted the class as they unloaded the bus. Once everyone had the opportunity to meet the mascots, Kim Bowers, President and CEO of CST brands, Inc., spoke to the class about her inspirations throughout her leadership journey. Bowers joined CST Brands, Inc. after over 15 years of service with Valero where she served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel since 2007 until accepting her current position. Following Bowers, was former Spur, George “The Iceman” Gervin, who founded the George Gervin Youth Center in 1991. It is a nonprofit organization whose primary focus is to assess and meet the individual needs of the whole person, specifically aimed at the needs of at-risk and disadvantaged youth.
Next, Tom Paquette, VP AT&T Center General Manager, was introduced to the class. He shared facts about the facility and the impact Spurs Sports and Entertainment has on the quality of life in San Antonio. Paquette then introduced the final speaker for the day, Laura Dixon, Executive Director of Community Relations/Silver and Black Give Back. Silver and Black Give Back is a public charity that works to engage youth to enrich their communities through two initiatives: Team Up Challenge and youth sports programs, such as the Spurs Youth Basketball League.
The members of LSA Class 38 are grouped into committees responsible for developing agendas for each of the eight class days. The agenda for Economic Development and Infrastructure Day was developed by class members:
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Mark Barrera , Attorney/ Shareholder,
Cox Smith -
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LSA is a joint partnership of The San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Click here for more information on LSA or email Priscilla Camacho.