Mentors and Sages

In October 2011 the late Dr. Steven Murdock presented his impactful demographic research to the audience of the Future of State Universities Conference in Dallas, Texas. That same month he would help us launch the Texas Latino Leadership Roundtable in Montgomery County, TX (Texas Familias Council). We had been discussing for some time the need to support our growing young Latino population. He understood the challenges Texas and the nation faced in working across ethnic communities with very different generations. The passing of the baton was well underway in 2011, and we both felt compelled to raise awareness and urge greater investment and collaboration with our young communities. Dr. Murdock's work continues to speak to me after all these years. As the acceleration of technology has changed so many of our systems, our behaviors, and interactions, his assertion that education is central to a thriving economy and society continues to hold true. Indeed, education holds the key to our capacity to think freely, create freely, and pursue goals that provide us with stability and greater opportunity. I have missed Dr. Murdock's wisdom and encouragement over the years, but when I listen again to his narrative woven from undeniable numbers, I remember well the shared belief that this great nation is at its best when it is focused as a unified community on the nurturing of the human spirit and its immense capacity to create solutions to barriers. Thank you dear Dr. M- the work continues.

Dr. Steve Murdock and Our Changing National Community