Gov. Perry continues SFA tradition of leaving handprints for posterity

Gov. Rick Perry visited SFA Thursday to participate in a handprint tradition. He added his handprints to those of four other distinguished Texans’ including former president George W. Bush. The collection serves as a tribute to leaders who have left a permanent impression on SFA. 

The governor was joined by Dr. Baker Pattillo, members of the board of regents, State Sen. Robert Nichols and State Rep. Travis Clardy. The Baker Pattillo Student Center Spirit Lounge in the student center was filled to capacity with onlookers. A large group of nurses from the Richard and Lucille DeWitt School of Nursing and students from SFA Charter School came to show their support for Perry. 

“As I look around this campus I see (Perry’s) handprints everywhere,” Pattillo said, “the childhood research center, the nursing school. Now I think it is time that we have your handprints visible on campus for other people to see.”

Pattillo, Nichols and Clardy all advocated to the governor for the Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) building SFA hopes to build. Pattillo explained that we have a critical need in this state and in this nation for STEM educated Texans. 

“We excel in those very areas, we simply do not have the facility,” Pattillo said. Nichols and Clardy both have bills (SB 177 and HB 556) working their way through the legislature to secure funding for a STEM center at SFA. 

The governor acknowledged that higher education is vital to the future of Texas. He made mention to the greatness of the $10,000 college degree and recognized the drive of young Texans who realize the importance of higher education. He said that he wanted to “ensure that any student that wants a degree can earn one with hard work and dedication.”

SFA’s handprint tradition was inspired by the Hollywood Walk of Fame. SFA’s Hall of Fame began in 1998. The full collection stands with handprints from Governor Rick Perry, U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, U.S. Sen. Phil Gramm, former president George H. W. Bush and former president George W. Bush. The prints can be viewed in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Spirit Lounge, across from Panda Express.