Shelby's Social Diary

Young professionals rock Rice campus at grafitti-inspired "Club Berlin" bash

For its 20th anniversary, the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy at Rice University shed its buttoned-down image for a rip-roaring party introducing a young professional crowd to the lighter side of the think tank business. "Club Berlin" rocked the Rice campus as 700 revelers responded enthusiastically to the invitation to join "the night awash in digital graffiti."

This was not the notorious pre-World War Berlin that the thirtysomethings and friends embraced, rather the Berlin of 1989 when the wall came down and when James A. Baker III was Secretary of State under President George H.W. Bush. The beauty of this party was the fact that it took place on the same day that the wall fell, Nov. 9. When the Baker Institute's Ryan Kirksey announced the coincidental date, the crowd erupted in cheers and as one Twitter writer posted, "For a moment, it is like we are there."

And, yes, flat screens around the party tent, erected in front of the Baker Institute, spotlighted related Twitter feeds and Instagram photos that guests posted throughout the night. And that was just part of the hipster vibe that kept the energy level soaring. Kudos to "Club Berlin" chairs Kristen and Lee Nix, Molly Ward and Cody Sutton and to honorary chairs Jenna Bush Hager and Henry Hager.

Jenna and Kristen are close friends from their time together at the University of Texas and the former president's daughter answered to the affirmative when asked by Kristen to join the party.

"Luckily, this worked out that we had three events in a row," Jenna said, "and three events that we care about. Houston Methodist — my grandfather was treated there last year and it's an amazing hospital so I try to support it — and then obviously James Baker has been a great friend of our family for a long, long time. So we're thrilled to be here last night and tonight."

New York celeb DJ Kiss kept the turntables spinning while guests danced, chilled in the sleek lounge set-ups and grazed through food displays put on by three of the city's top chefs — Bryan Caswell, Philip Speer and Ronnie Killen, each of whom was on the scene to mix with the guests. Just as he did the night before at the 20th anniversary party, Richard Flowers of The Events Co., worked the party magic.

The graffiti theme inspired all manner of dressing from sedate cocktail attire to the wild and wicked, particularly those mohawk wigs, some in psychedelic colors.

Tripping this night fantastic were Geraldina and Scott Wise, Sheridan and John Eddie Williams, Cynthia and Bucky Allshouse, Channing Allshouse, Susan and Chris Peters, Kari Gonzales and John Dagley, Kathrine and Mark Yzaguirre, Kourtney and Andy Cyrus and Jennifer and Michael Hanson.

Ronnie Killen of Killen's Steakhouse shared his culinary talents with guests at the Baker Institute's "Club Berlin" bash.

11 4108 chef Ronnie Killen of Killen's Steakhouse at Club Berlin Baker Institute party November 2013

Photo by George Wong

Ronnie Killen of Killen's Steakhouse shared his culinary talents with guests at the Baker Institute's "Club Berlin" bash.

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Barbara’s Legacy

Tom Selleck headlines Houston literacy luncheon, helps raise $775K

Barbara Bush Foundation literacy luncheon 2025

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Lina Lorelle and Tom Selleck.

Tom Selleck may have played many roles throughout his decades-long career — private investigator, cowboy, police commissioner — but at an event in Houston, the Hollywood icon stepped into a new one: literacy advocate.

The Emmy and Golden Globe winner headlined the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation’s 10th Annual Power of Literacy Luncheon: Opening Doors to Literacy, bringing personal anecdotes, quiet wisdom, and his signature mustache to the sold-out crowd at The Post Oak Hotel.

“I first met Barbara Bush in Hawaii, when I was doing Magnum P.I.,” he shared from the stage. “She hosted a small reception, and I have to say we really hit it off.”

That connection made his participation all the more thoughtful.

Selleck reflected on stories from his 2024 memoir You Never Know, keeping the audience rapt with his tales of humor and humility. When asked what he hopes readers take away from his book, he offered an introspective insight.

“Getting there isn’t such a big deal, because there is always somewhere else to go,” he said. “The real value is in the journey.”

That sentiment struck a chord with the 800 attendees, who helped the Ladies for Literacy Guild raise a record-breaking $775,000 to fund literacy programs across Houston.

Co-chaired by Sidney Faust and Betty Hrncir, the luncheon honored the guild’s 10th anniversary and the 100th birthday of Barbara Bush. The event began with an invocation from students at Barbara Bush Elementary, followed by a rousing performance from the Saint Thomas’ Episcopal Pipe Band. Emmy Award-winning journalist Linda Lorelle emceed the afternoon.

Guests were also treated to a pearl-themed raffle courtesy of Tenenbaum Jewelers—a nod to Barbara Bush’s signature style—along with florals donated by H-E-B. Phillips 66 led the charge as Title Sponsor, joined by Literacy Champion Sponsor ExxonMobil.

Showing their literary love were Sarahbeth and Pierce Bush, John Hrncir, Nancy Ames and Danny Ward, Maggie Austin, Jamie Barrere, Tony Bradfield, Cheryl Byington, Cathy and Joe Cleary, Amy Chronis, Sue Conway, Patricia Cornelius, Tammy Genovese Davis, Stick Delaup, Deborah Dunkum, Lesha Elsenbrook, Tena and Tyson Faust, Julie Finck, Gail Garland, Rhonda Graff, Katy Hays, Maureen Higdon, Leslie Hix, Courtney Hopson, Lisa Jakel, Jenny Joy, Patti Kroll, Laurie Lashier, Julie Little, Tama Lundquist, Cora Sue Mach, Martha Adger Madget, Anne McClellan, Mary Hale, Lovett McLean, Marsha Montemayor, Trish Morille, Barbie Prusak, Tenley E. Raj, Regina Rogers, Mary Sage, Sandra Shenkir, Tharen Simpson, Rhonda Smith, Deborah Stavis, Andrea Suarez, Suzi and William Dore, and Jacqueline Hamilton Taylor.

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Lina Lorelle and Tom Selleck.

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