Everything Nac

State Rep. John Zerwas, M.D., will offer the commencement address during Stephen F. Austin State University’s fall graduation ceremonies Saturday, Dec. 19.

Serving his fifth legislative term, Zerwas represents the Texas House of Representatives’ District 28, which includes northwestern Fort Bend County, one of the fastest-growing regions in Texas. He serves as chairman of the House Committee on Higher Education and is an advocate for increasing access to higher education and growing opportunities for graduate medical education.

Zerwas earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston and his doctoral degree in medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. He has been a physician for more than 30 years and is one of four medical doctors in the Texas House of Representatives. Zerwas’ sons Brandon and John Jr. both graduated from SFA.

Zerwas serves on the Committee on Public Health, where he offers firsthand experience and knowledge of health-care systems and policy. He is past-president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists and co-founded a Houston-area group practice that recently became part of U.S. Anesthesia Partners. Zerwas remains active in the partnership operations. Previously, he acted as president of the Memorial Hermann Health Network Providers and served as chief medical officer for the Memorial Hermann Hospital System.

Recently, the Biotechnology Industry Organization recognized Zerwas as “BIO Legislator of the Year” for writing critical legislation that will preserve patient access to innovative and cost-effective biologic medicines in Texas. Zerwas also has earned numerous accolades for his dedication to public service, including being named one of the “Ten Best Legislators” by Texas Monthly twice and receiving the 2014 Coalition for Texans with Disabilities Award and the 2014 American Cancer Society Cancer Action Award.

Graduates from SFA’s James I. Perkins College of Education and College of Fine Arts will participate in a 9:30 a.m. ceremony. Candidates from the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, the Nelson Rusche College of Business, the College of Liberal and Applied Arts, and the College of Sciences and Mathematics will participate in a 2 p.m. ceremony.

An estimated 984 degrees will be awarded, including 817 bachelor’s degrees, 159 master’s degrees and eight doctoral degrees. More than 170 students will graduate with honors, including 76 cum laude, 54 magna cum laude and 43 summa cum laude.

Master’s and doctoral candidates will graduate with their respective colleges, and Zerwas will provide the commencement address at both ceremonies.

The SFA Gardens will host a garden seminar “Deck the Halls—Using Evergreens to Decorate for the Holidays” from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 5, in the Ina Brundrett Conservation Education Building at the SFA Pineywoods Native Plant Center, located at 2900 Raguet St. in Nacogdoches.

Evergreen branches and garlands once served as symbols of enduring life and a fruitful year to come. Join Dawn Stover, research associate at the SFA Mast Arboretum, to learn how to create elegant wreaths and garlands using materials from the garden. Participants will learn principles of wreath, garland and centerpiece construction. Participants also will make a wreath to enjoy at home for the holidays. In addition to the traditional wreaths and garlands, Stover will introduce new crafts using natural items from the garden and forest. All materials will be provided.

Class size is limited, and participants are encouraged to register in advance for this holiday seminar. The seminar costs $25 for SFA Garden members and $30 for non-members. To register or for more information, call (936) 468-1832 or email sfagardens@sfasu.edu.