Conversation alive and well at UTSA

The idea that stimulating table conversation may be a dying art was certainly disproved February 16 at the fifth annual Great Conversation! La Sobremesa, which raised $124,500, including three new endowed scholarships, for the UTSA Honors College.

The 500 participants conversed at tables of 10 on topics as diverse as “The Culture of Creativity,” led by local businessman Bill Sinkin, to “NFL Football from a Woman’s Point of View,” facilitated by Minnesota Vikings co-owner Charline McCombs (in photo, center). UTSA President Ricardo Romo guided a discussion on the value of education for a community, and Ambassador Martha I. Lara, Consul General of Mexico, facilitated a conversation about building a democracy.

Chairing the fundraiser were volunteers Cristina and Eddie Aldrete, Tova Rubin and Robbie Greenblum, and Debbie and John Montford, all of San Antonio. Honorary chairs were President Romo and his wife, UTSA associate professor of sociology Dr. Harriett Romo.

“What a wonderful evening,” proclaimed Dr. Harriet Romo, who announced that the firth annual event had raised more Honors College scholarship funds than the previous four Great Conversations combined.

The Honors College, which 570 students this spring, was established in 2002 and is open to incoming freshmen, transfer students and current UTSA students. Admission is competitive and based on grade point average, ACT or SAT scores, an essay and letters of recommendation. In addition to core curriculum classes, Honors College students participate in honors seminars that encourage in-depth study of themes and issues on the cutting edge of knowledge.

To learn more about the UTSA Honors College, visit http://www.utsa.edu/honors.