Press Releases

SHERIFF NEUSTROM TO VISIT WITH THAILAND’S PRIME MINISTER

Monday, October 21, 2002

Sheriff Michael W. Neustrom will attend the Sam Houston Humanitarian Award Dinner, October 23, 2002 where his former classmate, Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand will receive Sam Houston State University’s highest honor. Sheriff Neustrom and Prime Minister Thaksin were classmates at Sam Houston State while pursuing their doctoral degrees in Criminal Justice. Prime Minister Thaksin is currently finishing up the second year of his six-year term as Prime Minister of Thailand. Sheriff Neustrom notes the common paths both men have taken since completing their advanced academic studies in the late 1970’s. “Thaksin excelled in quantitative methods and was always the one who led the study sessions on advanced statistical methods. Thaksin would help the group with statistics and we would help him understand our system of justice. After graduation, he went into business in Thailand and I returned to Lafayette and started teaching at USL. Twenty-five years later we’re both involved in government. I can’t wait to compare notes with him over some Texas barbeque.”

The Sam Houston Humanitarian Award was established in 1993 in honor of the two hundredth anniversary of the birth of American statesman and Texas hero Sam Houston. Selection criteria include evidence of the same qualities exhibited by Sam Houston: Responsible and distinguished leadership and service; Notable contributions to humanity; Record of civic and cultural involvement; Pursuit of educational and scholarly quests; and Empowerment of others toward equality for humankind. Past award recipients include George H. W. Bush (1998), Lech Walesa (1996) and James A. Baker III (1993).

Donna Delahoussaye
Media Relations/Projects Coordinator
Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office
337-236-5814