Alumni Association brings meaningful connections for Lone Star College System graduates

HOUSTON, TX -- Attending a recent kickoff event for Lone Star College System’s Alumni Association led to a surprising connection for Shaylee Sunday, LSC-Montgomery alumna.

When Sunday shared her plans to pursue a career in law, Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. David Yebra, LSCS chief veterans officer, offered to set up a meeting with his longtime mentor, the Honorable Judge Alberto Gonzales. The Rice University and Harvard Law School graduate started his legal career at a Houston-based law firm and later served as general counsel to Gov. George W. Bush, Texas Secretary of State, Texas Supreme Court justice, White House Counsel member, and the 80th U.S. Attorney General.

“One thing Gonzales said that stuck with me is that you will meet people who may be smarter and more capable than you, but developing relationships with those who inspire you and challenge you to grow will open doors you never expected,” Sunday said. “He never planned for his career to progress as far as it did, but you never know when something will come along and change everything.”

There was a time when Sunday didn’t think she would be where she is today—graduating from Sam Houston State University and preparing to apply for law school.

Sunday attended LSC-Montgomery after high school because it was the most cost-effective option for her family, and she wanted to solidify her career aspirations before transferring to a four-year university.

But when she struggled to grasp the concepts taught in her first semester, she was grateful for small class sizes and professors willing to invest in her education. She soon learned that her math skills were at an eighth-grade level, and she was reading at a tenth-grade level.

“If I had gone straight to a four-year school, I probably would have failed out,” Sunday said. “I honestly feel like my time at Lone Star College-Montgomery was the best experience I could have had. It gave me discipline and taught me the foundation for what I want to do with my life. The smaller classes gave me one-on-one time with professors that I probably wouldn’t have gotten at a university. Lone Star College System is always going to have a special place in my heart.”

Her professors and tutors at the campus writing center helped her catch up, boosted her confidence and fostered a love of learning. Sunday graduated with an associate degree in summer 2024 and transferred to SHSU that fall. She plans to take a gap year after graduating to travel the country, study for the Law School Admission Test and apply for law schools.

“So many different types of people come to Lone Star College System, so my time there opened my eyes to the world around me more than my high school experience ever could have,” Sunday said. “During my gap year, I want to see more of the country and the people that I will one day represent as a lawyer.”

Gonzales encouraged Sunday to enjoy this time to recharge and not rush to start law school right away. Overall, his words inspired her to be open to new experiences, people and learning opportunities.

“We want the Lone Star College System Alumni Association to be a powerful network for former students to connect and strengthen our community,” said Carolyn Donovan, LSCS associate vice chancellor, Alumni Relations & Engagement. “Shaylee’s experience shows her fellow alumni that putting yourself out there to build relationships can lead to exciting opportunities.”

Alumni can learn more about the new Lone Star College System Alumni Association at The Launching Point, a virtual event on April 30. Learn more at LoneStar.edu/Alumni-Highlights.