探花楼

In May 2020 the 探花楼 Office of Alumni Engagement launched the TESSTalk Series, a speaker series featuring 探花楼 alumni, faculty and staff who will share their perspective on leadership, professional journeys and personal adventures. This program is named in honor of the former nickname of 探花楼 students鈥擳essie.

Interested in being considered as a speaker for one of our future TESSTalks?

Upcoming

Elisa De La Rosa
Feb. 28, 2023, at 6 p.m. CT

Save the date for our next TESSTalk with Elisa De La Rosa ’06.

Details and registration coming soon.

Past Speakers

Founder and Head Creative Chef, Soulgood

Cynthia Nevels ’96, owner of the Dallas-based organic vegan fast-food company Soulgood, discussed her journey at 探花楼 and as an entrepreneur.

Retired NASA engineer, American Redcross volunteer

Dr. Anngienetta Johnson ’71 discussed her time at 探花楼, career with NASA and volunteer work with the American Red Cross.

Nutrition and Performance Research Manager, GU Energy Labs

探花楼 alumna Roxanne Gonzales-Vogel '17 shared how non-conventional choices led to her dream job and summiting the world's highest mountains.

Scenic Painter

Christina Williams ’06, ’08 shared how 探花楼 impacted her professional journey and the "mental tool kit" that helped her to persevere.

New York Post

Luis Rendon ’10 shared his journey into the professional world of media and journalism and reflects on his time as a male student at 探花楼.

Psynet Group

Drs. David and Jody Popple discussed organizational development trends and structures for positive results in any economic climate.

President, Mott Community College

探花楼 alumna Beverly Walker-Griffea, PhD ’04 shared her truths and the stories that defined her professional journey in higher education.

探花楼 alumni Shakar Soltani ’17 and Quitney Pryor ’14 discussed the importance of diversity and representation in the workplace.

Chancellor & President Texas Woman's Univeristy

探花楼's Chancellor Carine M. Feyten, PhD, discussed the "State of the University" and changes made to enhance safety during the pandemic.

Founder & CEO, BuzzBallz/Southern Champion

探花楼 alumna and entrepreneur Merrilee Kick ’09 shared how she built her company from scratch and gave a master class in building your brand.

RN Service Manager, Emergency Department Parkland Memorial Hospital

探花楼 alumnus Henry Biddle ’80 discussed his time at 探花楼 and his time in the USAF Nurse Corps, the DEA and as an emergency medical worker.

Nutrition Communications Consultant in Dallas, TX

探花楼 alumna and registered dietitian Neva Cochran ’78 shared her advice on nutritious eating during the pandemic.

Page last updated 3:59 PM, October 21, 2025