Interim Term in a Night
Session 1: 7:00-7:45PM
Navigating the Art World: Tidbits from an Art Advisor
Liz Riddle Anders ’98, Principal at Liz Anders & Associates
Since 2006, Liz Anders ’98, has been working with clients to create and manage meaningful art collections, both private and corporate. This talk will include an overview of the process of working with an art advisor and will provide foundational guidance for aspiring art collectors. We will explore the state of the art market, recent exceptional auction records, and also be inspired by Houston’s diverse art scene with information about upcoming exhibitions and happenings in our own hometown.
The AI Inflection Point: Preparing Students for a World We're Still Discovering
Vinnie Vrotny, Kinkaid’s Director of Innovation and Technology
AI isn't just changing education—it's fundamentally reshaping how we think about learning, work, and human capability. What happens when half of entry-level white-collar jobs could disappear in the next five years? How do we teach students to use AI as a tool that enhances their abilities while maintaining their independence and critical thinking? In this session, we'll explore the real-world impacts of AI in K-12 classrooms today and the larger forces at play: massive energy demands, emerging job market disruptions, and the ethical challenges of preparing students for a future that's arriving faster than we can plan for. Drawing from Kinkaid's pioneering strategic AI integration work, you'll leave with a clearer understanding of both the remarkable opportunities and the sobering challenges ahead.
Session 2: 8:00-8:45PM
Behind the Build: The Making of the Kinkaid Campus Transformation
Brandt Bowden ’96, Managing Partner at Hanover Company
If you’ve ever wondered how the Kinkaid campus transformation came to be, this session is for you. We’ll explore the story behind Kinkaid’s ambitious undertaking, from the earliest design concepts to the development of full architectural plans. You’ll experience the Board presentations and the key facts that shaped their decision making process. We’ll also delve into the challenges of permitting, fundraising, and construction. This session offers a complete behind the scenes look at the largest school transformation in the State of Texas, concluding with an in-person tour of the Bowden Upper School.
Startup Stories: Inside the Journeys of Two Kinkaid Entrepreneurs
Dr. Ed Harris, Kinkaid’s Director of Gordy Family Center for Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Finance
Join us for a dynamic Q&A with Dr. Ed Harris and two Kinkaid young alumni who have forged bold entrepreneurial paths. Clemmie Pierce Martin ’12, founder of Beyond Bench, is part of an investor group bringing new capital and visibility to professional women’s sports through NWSL ownership focusing on franchise value, strategic partnerships, and expanding opportunities in women’s athletics. Franco Silva ’09, a sports enthusiast turned entrepreneur, first launched Kizazi, a socially driven sporting goods company focused on ethical production and poverty alleviation through microloans. His current venture, The Dog Academy, is now one of Houston’s top rated pet care operations and he recently expanded into pet nutrition with his acquisition of St. Hubertus Dog Food Company, founded by late alumnus Sterling Reckling ’13. Together, Clemmie and Franco will share insights on building mission minded businesses, navigating growth, and leading with purpose.