The Garnet Coleman Award for Student Excellence honors former Texas state Rep. Garnet Coleman for his legacy of public service and support for the programs and students at the Hobby School of Public Affairs.

This award is presented to at least one graduating Hobby School student each year for outstanding academic performance and understanding of public service. A committee of Hobby School faculty and administrators selects the honorees. Selected students receive a commemorative plaque and individual recognition during the spring commencement ceremony.

About Garnet Coleman

Rep. Garnet Coleman has been a steadfast advocate for the Hobby School mission and its leadership role in policy research, data analysis and public service education. He was instrumental in the Center for Public Policy’s first legislative appropriation in 1999, and he remained an undeniable driving force behind the establishment of the Hobby School of Public Affairs as a stand-alone school in 2016. He also championed state funding for a new Hobby School building and consistently hosted and mentored numerous Civic Houston Interns and Hobby Fellows in his offices in Houston and Austin.

Former Texas state Representative Garnet Coleman represented parts of central and southeast Houston in state House District 147 for thirty years. The Houston Democrat made strides in health care, voting and social justice while advocating for local communities.

At the time of his retirement in 2021, Rep. Coleman ranked fifth in seniority among the 150-member House. As chair of the House County Affairs Committee since the 2009 legislative session, he worked to provide Texas county residents with policies and resources to support economic development and human services, earning the respect of his peers and the trust of his constituents. He also chaired the Texas Legislative Study Group, a research caucus in the lower chamber. 

Coleman continues working for Texas and Houston through the Center for Civic and Public Policy Improvement, a “think-and-do tank” he founded that aims to “promote human, civic, social and economic justice." 

Garnet Coleman Award for Excellence Recipients

Lorenzo Salinas is a Master of Public Policy/Master of Social Work candidate. Through the Hobby School, he worked on research initiatives during the 2023 legislative session, partnered with an area nonprofit on a data analysis project during a summer internship and was a teaching assistant. In the community, he serves on the City of Houston  Food  Insecurity Board. 

"The Hobby School has equipped me with the analytical and technical skills to be an effective public servant and has reinforced my belief that policy must always be grounded in values and ethics. These lessons will continue to guide my work as I advance a career focused on public service and policy change. To be honored in the name of Rep. Garnet Coleman, a lifelong advocate for health equity, mental health care and justice, is a reminder of the legacy I hope to build—one rooted in service, guided by values and accountable to the community.” - Lorenzo Salinas, MPP/MSW '25

Public policy major Danielle Guevara has engaged in classroom and leadership learning opportunities to fulfill her goals and build a community. She worked as a Hobby School peer assistant, participated in two Civic Houston Internship Program assignments, and helped found the Hobby School Registered Student Organization. 

"As a public policy major, my experiences in the classroom, internships, and leadership opportunities have equipped me for a future career in public policy. The courses have taught me that a successful leader pays attention to details, works as a team to achieve outcomes, and, most importantly, considers the philosophy behind politics and policy. These components have been key to my ability to compromise and step outside of my comfort zone to become an effective leader." - Danielle Guevara, BS '25

Spring 2025: Lorenzo Salinas and Danielle Guevara 

Spring 2024: Cruz Almonaci and Andrea Duhon

Spring 2023: Karen Banda

Spring 2022: Matthew Moseley

Spring 2021: Matthew Farmer

Spring 2020: Aparajita Datta

Spring 2019: Will Janowski and Laura Rodriguez

Spring 2018: Alexander May

Spring 2017: Thomas Brown