SAN ANGELO, Texas — For nearly seventeen years, Odessa native Mike Conaway has served West Texas as a congressman for District 11. However, as he is not running for re-election, the few months of 2020 we have left will be his last serving on Capitol Hill.
"I am stepping down from a job that I still dearly love. I love this job, and I've only had this job because of the support from the folks in District 11," Conaway said during a speech at Angelo State University on Tuesday afternoon.
As a way to remember and honor Conaway's years of government service representing West Texans, Angelo State University will be forming a new exhibit in the university's Mayer Museum (which has not been constructed yet). The exhibit, which will be named after Conaway, will be a dynamic, educational and interactive record of Conaway's career; including historical materials, memorabilia and themed displays.
"The fact that we've got a place for it where it can be shared with the good citizens of District 11 and the students of ASU is really a pleasure," Conaway said.
In addition to the exhibit, Conaway and ASU are partnering up to establish a $250,000 endowment that will help fund agriculture and national security fellowship programs in Washington D.C. The fellowship will be open to Angelo State graduate students, based on merit. The endowment will cover their housing and per diem expenses.
Congressman Conaway spoke about the exhibit, endowment, and his career representing District 11 with gratitude and emotion.
"Anyone that’s run for election knows, when you’re asking someone to vote for you, you’re asking them to trust you. In West Texas, trust is a really valuable commodity. It’s probably the most valuable commodity you can have from people. The fact that you’ve trusted me for 16 years, to do this job… It couldn’t be more heartfelt when I say thank you. It’s inadequate because it doesn’t really express the depth of how much I appreciate the good folks of San Angelo, Tom Green County, the Concho Valley, and all across District 11 for letting me do the job I love," he said through tears.
ASU did not disclose when they will break ground on the exhibit or when the endowment program will begin.