Presidents Bush and Clinton applaud inaugural class of Presidential Leadership Scholars

President Bill Clinton and Munson Steed, CEO of Steed Media Group
President Bill Clinton and Munson Steed, CEO of Steed Media Group

President Clinton and Bush speak to class of 60 scholars from diverse backgrounds and geographies

Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush shared the stage at the graduation for the inaugural class of Presidential Leadership Scholars, a project sponsored by four presidential libraries —George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Lyndon B. Johnson — that offer leadership training for mid-career professionals who work for nonprofit groups, private-sector firms, state and local agencies and the military. The event was held at the Bush Presidential Center in Dallas on Thursday, July 9.


Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban lead a conversation where he remarked about change, saying it’s something we all control and can implement with effort.


Cuban, a “Shark Tank” investor, affirmed the country is in a great position, is filled with geniuses, great products, new services, amid questions about an unsuccessful attempt to keep DeAndre Jordan from reneging on his verbal agreement with the Dallas Mavericks. Cuban, who’s an avid reader of books and enjoys consuming information for three hours a day, noted that family time was also essential and imperative.

Kevin Hooks, President & CEO at Las Vegas Urban League; former first lady Barbara Bush and Munson Steed, CEO of Steed Media Group
2015 Presidential Leadership Scholar Kevin Hooks, president and CEO at Las Vegas Urban League; former first lady Barbara Bush and Munson Steed, CEO of Steed Media Group

Greeted by a full house, both presidents were able to share their visions. The two Yale graduates started off talking about their grandchildren. Clinton shared how he walked in the room and his granddaughter, Charlotte Clinton Mezvinsky, was able to say, “granddpa.” He described it as a new love like no other … falling in love all over again. President Bush chimed in, with a one-up joke saying his spoke to him in Mandarin but later suggested he too has experienced the “unconditional love.”


Their union is apparent. The relationship forged between the 41st, 42nd and 43rd presidents is cordial.

Honored scholars included Kevin Hooks, CEO of the Urban League of Las Vegas, an indivudal from the Dallas Federal Reserve, distinguished individuals who figured out how using technology made it necessary for federal judges to have cyber security, who are feeding the hungry in Zambia, and who are helping veterans recover and adapt to their new lives.

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