Richard Whiteley (‘93, JD ‘99)

PAYING IT FORWARD

The University of Houston celebrated the opening of the new John M. O’Quinn Law Building on September 23. Poised to secure its place among the nation’s top tier law schools, the state-of-the-art facility will provide both students and faculty access to globally competitive research and scholarship. Among the guests that attended the dedication ceremony was UH Law alumnus, Richard Whiteley (’93, J.D. ’99). “I always felt that the previous Law building failed to represent the incredibly talented faculty, students and staff that were inside the building,” said Richard. “Now, we have a building that is truly representative of how great the Houston Law Center is, and how important it is to the community.”

Growing up in Houston, Richard developed an affinity for the University of Houston. “My uncle would take me to various sporting events,” said Richard. “I fondly remember the Phi Slama Jama days and attending football games.” After Richard graduated with his bachelor’s degree, he went to work for a manufacturing firm. During that time, he became involved in a wage dispute. “I actually represented myself and ended up winning the case,” said Richard. “Because I so enjoyed that experience, I decided to take the LSAT.”

Fast forward to today. Richard is recognized as one of the more experienced commercial litigators in Texas, serving as a partner at Bracewell LLP and co-heading the firm’s construction litigation practice group. “The skills and the litigation experience that I honed from my time at UH Law Center have been a major contributor to my success thus far,” said Richard. “Soon after I graduated, I made it a point to become involved with the University.”

In addition to serving on several UH boards, including the UH Alumni Association Foundation Board and

committees, Richard also supports various UH initiatives, one of which was the new Law Building campaign. “I believe that contributing and helping the University move forward is a way for me to give back what was offered to me and the advantages my degrees have provided for my family,” said Richard.

For his gift to the new John M. O’Quinn Law Building, the University has named the leadership reception area on the fifth floor, The Richard Whiteley Family Reception Area.

UH ALUMNI SURVEY RESULTS

WE HEARD YOU! ALUMNI AFFINITY 97%

Rate their decision to attend UH as a “good” or “great” decision.

68%

Say they promote UH to others “regularly” or “all the time.”

The UH Alumni Association completed year two of a five year survey initiative regarding alumni and their connection to the University. A big thank you to those who took part in the survey thus far. The findings from the 2022 survey, which are shown below, will be used to help guide future engagement activities to provide the best possible alumni experience.

ALUMNI OPINIONS AND ATTITUDES

Alumni attribute the following as important to their opinions about UH:

» Value/respect for degree » School rankings » Availability of scholarships » Accomplishment of alumni and faculty » A diverse and inclusive environment

» Success of athletics

ALUMNI COMMUNICATIONS

96%

Describe their current opinion of UH as “good” or “excellent.”

77%

Describe their alumni experience as “good” or “excellent.”

88%

Would recommend UH to a prospective student.

87%

of alumni regard the frequency of communications (email, printed materials, social media, invitation to alumni events) as “about right” or would welcome more.

ALUMNI PROGRAMMING

Alumni are most interested in and would welcome more information in the following areas:

» Identifying job opportunities for graduates » Mentoring students » Networking with other alumni

» Attending general alumni and other university-related events » Understanding the benefits of being an alumnus(a) » Hearing about alumni and their accomplishments » Learning how UH degree prepares graduates for lifetime wellbeing » Serving as ambassadors in promoting UH