June 2021 A Magazine for UH Alumni
A Look Back in Time
The Houston Cougars during the 1984 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament and ultimately making it to the Final Four. The Cougars reached that milestone 37 years later. Learn how UHAA celebrated our team on page 24.
Welcome to the latest edition of Alumline! We’re always happy to share stories of our alumni and their accomplishments as well as inform you of the latest news and events occurring at UHAA. This year so far has been jam-packed — with the debut of the newly enhanced alumni website (houstonalumni.com), the webinar
Alumni Association Foundation Board of Directors
tribute to our Cougar 100 businesses, the Day at the Capitol webinar, and the
Drue DaSilva (’93, M.S. ’99) President
launch of the new alumni platform, CoogsConnect.
Wayne Luckett (’74) Incoming President
If you have not done so already, sign in at coogsconnect.com and start reconnecting with fellow Coogs, explore mentor opportunities, browse jobs and
Laurie Rutherford (’86, M.B.A. ’91, M.S. ’04) Immediate Past President Shazia Khan (’84) Secretary
much more. This is a secure place where you can leverage the power of your
Richard Whiteley (’93, J.D. ’99) Treasurer
network — all in the company of other Coogs!
Michael Sachs (’97) Member at Large
On other fronts, mark your calendars for October 29, 2021 when we will come together for the 66 Alumni Awards Gala. The event will be held at the Bayou th
Erik Barajas (’99) Member Katy Caldwell (’78) Member
City Event Center. Visit houstonalumni.com/awards to reserve your tickets. We
Edward Carrizales (’13) Member
so look forward to connecting with you as we honor our alumni award recipients.
Judy Chong (’69, ’76) Member
In the meantime, know that we are here to make your alumni experience all that you want it to be. Continue to keep in touch and share your stories. All the best,
Kelly Coleman, M.D. (’98) Member Keith Cornelius (’83) Member Lisa Cushing (’01) Member James Hong (’05) Member Charlene Johnson (’91) Member Margo Kaplan (’03) Member Sandy Lee (’84) Member
Drue DaSilva (’93, M.S. ’99)
Thomas May (’88) Member
President, University of Houston Alumni Association Foundation
Amanda Montag (’02) Member Alex Obregon (’09, M.B.A. ’14) Member Trent Perez (’83) Member Scott Rando (’83) Member David Roland (’83) Member Eugenia Vance (’90) Member Agnes DeFranco (’83, M.B.A. ’89, Ed.D. ’93) Ex Officio Darren Randle (’12, M.A. ’14) Ex Officio Young Alumni Chair Eloise Brice Ex Officio Vice President for University Advancement Mike Pedé (’89) Ex Officio Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations & UHAA
University of Houston Alumni Association Staff
Table of Contents The Legacy of a 75-year Ring Tradition
Chuck Arnold (’94) Executive Director of Alumni Relations cwarnold@uh.edu Miguel Cabrera (’05) Affiliated Alumni Associations Director mjcabrer@uh.edu Justin Carrier Graphic Designer jcarrier@uh.edu Nancy Vecera Clark (’76), CFRE Alumni Legacy Programs Director nclark@uh.edu
8
Come with us as we celebrate a 75-year of the UH Class Ring.
Elaine Duke Program Coordinator evduke@uh.edu
The Hispanic Alumni Association Rises to the Occasion
Kendra Hakanson Program Director kahakanson@uh.edu Carolyn Hartmann Communications Director cwhartma@uh.edu Ashleigh Hildreth Program Coordinator ahildret@uh.edu Mike Pedé (’89) Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations & UHAA mlpede@uh.edu
18
See how one Alumni Association gets creative with their engagement.
Anneka Roberson Executive Administrative Assistant arroberson@uh.edu Kirstyn Speich (’16) Life Member Manager klspeich@uh.edu
Alumni Connections With a Twist
20
Meet three UH alumni who are making the world a better place through their talent and expertise.
6 Serving with Purpose 15 UH Alumni Oral History Project 24 For the City
A digital version of Alumline is available online at houstonalumni.com/alumline.
CHECK OUT THE NEW RING OPTIONS It’s never too late to get yours and wear the UH tradition proudly!
UH Class Rings available at balfour.com/uh
Serving with Purpose Major General Barrye Price, Ph.D. (’85)
6 Alumline
hen choosing a college, many
His interest in history and the con-
Elaine, passed away from cancer.
people employ various crite-
tributing factors surrounding civil
As therapy for his own grief, Price
ria. For Major General Barrye Price,
unrest began with his Dissertation,
chronicled his experience in his
Ph.D. (’85), it came down to climate
entitled, From King to King: A Portrait
book, Life, on the other side of you.
— a warm one at that. “When I was at
in Paradox or Parity. Price has since
“I met Elaine at UH,’’ said Price. “She
the military academy in Lexington
followed up with his latest book,
was the greatest person that I have
Missouri, we had to do formations
Homeland Defense: Civil Unrest and
ever known. To this day, I receive
every day, often times, in very cold
Federal Intervention within the United
letters and unsolicited notes saying
weather,” said Price. “Due to its
States of America. “We’re facing a very
how much my book contributed to
location in seasonably warm weather,
interesting time in our country,” said
their own healing.”
the University of Houston seemed to
Price. “In my book, I explore the
To continue his late wife’s
be the obvious choice.” While at UH,
dynamics surrounding the recent
legacy, Price established the Elaine
Price studied organizational behavior
protests and their relationship to
Cook-Price Memorial Scholarship
and management in the C.T. Bauer
police conduct. I have the upmost
Endowment in the C.T. Bauer
College of Business.
respect for authority and the police,
College of Business. “I was amazed
but want us to better understand why
at the reaction that I received from
certain situations are occurring, and
the University when I created the
what we can do as a society to make
endowment,” said Price. “I met the
it better.”
Dean at Bauer as well as Ted Bauer
W
“How organizational cultures are created has always interested me and has served as the foundation for my leadership throughout my career.”
The passion that Price has for
and Michael Cemo (’68, Honorary
issues that he cares about is illus-
’17). The University wanted to have a
trated not only through his books,
genuine relationship with me. It was
Price began his leadership journey
but by his vocation. Price currently
not just about the money.”
when he joined the U.S. Army after
serves as President and CEO of the
Price continues to engage with
receiving his Bachelors in Business
Community Anti-Drug Coalitions
the C.T. Bauer College of Business
Administration from the University
of America (CADCA), which is the
and was recently featured in the
of Houston. Serving in the U.S. Army
leading substance abuse prevention
College’s podcast, “Working Wisdom.”
for 31 years, both domestically and
organization in the U.S. “I had a
In between Major General Barrye
abroad, Price remembers the sense of
roommate while I was at UH who
Price’s role at the CADCA and his
community he felt among those with
was introduced to cocaine during my
various speaking engagements, he
whom he served. “You’re placed in
final semester at UH — he later died
finds time to enjoy watching movies
extraordinary situations where you
from his addiction,” said Price. “I was
with his wife and son, going on nature
have to depend solely on each other,
ill-equipped to help my roommate,
walks and fishing trips with his son
and it is the relationships that allow
so I decided to do something where
and walking his puppy. As Price says,
you to overcome the hardships,” said
I could actively help scores of others
“I find joy in making history in the
Price.
who are suffering.”
While serving, Price received his
Price has also helped people
M.A. in History as well as his Ph.D. in
cope with grief after losing loved
History from Texas A&M University.
ones. In 2001, Price’s first wife,
lives of my Treasure — those people whom I am privileged to lead.”
Spring 2021
7
8 Alumline
n 1946, the University of Houston was celebrating record
wearer’s degree, a façade of the Ezekiel W. Cullen Building,
enrollment. With the war at an end, returning service-
and the University’s founding date, 1927. Tradition dictates
men and servicewomen enrolled at UH to take advantage
that current students wear the ring facing inward, with only
of the G.I. Bill. Some came because they had trained here
alumni wearing the ring facing outward. Each class ring
during the war while others were attracted to Houston’s
spends the night before the Ring Ceremony with the live
booming job market. During this time, the Cougar Band was
mascot, Shasta VI, in the cougar habitat at the Houston Zoo.
formed, performing in parades and at Frontier Fiesta, and the University joined the Lone Star Conference, its first official intercollegiate sport conference. Among the events that were shaping the University amidst the post-war period was the beginning of a coveted tradition — the UH Class Ring. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the official UH Class Ring. Wearing a UH Class Ring is a time-honored expression that is recognized by Cougars worldwide. It is a cherished symbol of the UH experience and an acknowledgement of hard work and academic achievement. The interlocking UH logo adorns the top of the official class ring. The right shank presents the University seal — a
Shasta VI guarding the UH Class Rings at the Houston Zoo
variation of Sam Houston’s coat of arms — that features flanked martlets, two greyhounds, and a winged hourglass with the motto “In Time” above it. The wearer’s graduation year is also featured on this side. The left shank bears the
Spring 2021
9
he old saying, “the best things in life are worth waiting
I wanted to share the tradition with my daughter, who also
for,” rings true for Dayna Krueger (’91) in more ways
wanted to receive her class ring, and my mother who is also
than one. On December 6, 2020, Dayna received her
a Coog.”
official UH class ring at UHAA’s Ring Pick Up celebration
Dayna’s mother was especially delighted to be part of the
alongside her daughter, Gillian Gorski (’21) and mother,
special day. “When my sister, Pat Ikard (’58), heard that we
Janice Smaihall (’63). “I had always longed for a class ring
were all going to enjoy the event together, she decided that I
because I truly value the education that I received from
should have a UH class ring also,” said Janice. “She gifted me
UH,” said Dayana. “At the time, however, my priorities were
her ring from 1958 since at the time of my graduation I was
more along the lines of buying diapers and raising my first
saving money for a wedding dress.”
child. When I found out about UHAA’s Ring Pick Up event,
Dayna Krueger (’91), Gillian Gorski (’21) and Janice Smaihall (’63) showing off their UH Class Rings
10 Alumline
Keeping UH in the family, Janice also wore her brother’s
For Dayna, she will always remember December 6 to
Frontier Fiesta jacket from 1957 to the Ring Pick Up cele-
be a day that represented something very special. “The fact
bration. “When we arrived at the Alumni Center, we couldn’t
that three generations of women, each who graduated with
get over the number of people,” said Janice. “We were then
honors from UH, were receiving a symbol of our hard work
greeted by the Alumni Relations team who were just as
and dedication, is indescribable.”
happy to be there as we were.” For Dayna’s daughter, Gillian, receiving her class ring proved to be bittersweet. “While many members of my family attended UH, I originally wanted to go down a different path,’’ said Gillian. “I am so grateful that I decided to attend UH. I am graduating in May 2021 with a degree in Human Nutrition and Foods and have been accepted into UT Health Science Center’s combined Dietetic Internship and Master of Public Health (MPH) program. Wearing my class ring is a great reminder of what I have accomplished.”
Janice Smaihall (’63) sporting her brother’s Frontier Fiesta jacket from 1958
SHOW YOUR PRIDE WHILE YOU DRIVE
SHASTA27 With every $30 specialty plate purchase or annual renewal, the University will receive $22 that will go toward funding student scholarships. For an additional $40 fee, you can take your license plate to the next level and personalize it with your name, favorite Cougar Spring 2021 11 slogan, catchphrase or year of graduation.
LEVERAGE THE POWER OF YOUR NETWORK • Tap into the UH alumni community and expand your professional network • Volunteer as a mentor and offer advice to fellow alumni • Post jobs for your company and recruit UH alumni • Plot your next career move and browse new job opportunities • Get involved with UHAA and join one of our Alumni Associations
VISIT COOGSCONNECT.COM TODAY!
UHAA
13
BOOK CLUB
EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF READING WITH FELLOW COOGS t UHAA, we want to offer our alumni innovative ways to create meaningful connections and strengthen ties with their beloved alma mater. In this spirit, we created our Virtual Book Club where alumni can interface to enjoy books related to lifelong learning, social issues, literature and more. The UHAA Virtual Book Club connects through a private online forum where Coogs can discuss the current book and network with each other. Members are responsible for acquiring a copy of the book, either by purchasing it or by visiting the local library. We will spend approximately two months on each book, so you’ll have plenty of time to finish reading. PBC Guru manages our Book Club and will moderate to help make this program a great experience for all. Visit houstonalumni.com/virtual-book-club to get in our latest installment, The Beauty in Breaking by Michele Harper. Participate in insightful online discussions as we lose ourselves in this powerful New York Times bestseller.
We customize. You could save $947.1 The University of Houston Alumni Association has chosen to partner with Liberty Mutual Insurance, so now you could save $9471 with customized auto and home insurance.
Auto Insurance
Teaming up with people you trust gives you the peace of mind you need to live life your way. Millions of people across the country trust Liberty Mutual to protect what’s most important. Join them and take advantage of a special discounted rate on:
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Savings validated by new customers who switched to Liberty Mutual between 1/2020-10/2020 and participated in a countrywide survey. Savings may vary. Comparison does not apply in MA. 2The property damage must be covered by your policy, and repairs completed by a Guaranteed Repair Network Vendor. Guaranteed Repair Network not available in Rhode Island or Massachusetts. In Massachusetts we offer you our Superior Service 14 Alumline Program (SSP), which is similar to the Guaranteed Repair Network, however, the estimate is completed by a Liberty Mutual appraiser. For more information, speak with your Liberty Mutual Claims Representative. 3Not available in all states. Coverage provided and underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance and its affiliates, 175 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116 USA. Equal Housing Insurer. ©2019 Liberty Mutual Insurance 14086438 AFF686950-11 CW-AH 2019/09 This organization receives financial support for offering this auto and home benefits program. 1
UH Alumni Oral History Project Every Cougar has a story, and we want to hear yours! UHAA is kicking off an exciting initiative to help preserve the enduring UH legacy for generations to come. In partnership with Publishing Concepts (PCI), we are launching the UH Alumni Oral History Project to collect stories from our alumni, which will be assembled into a publication. This endeavor is an opportunity to gather stories and collect treasured memories that will bring your UH experience to life. We have partnered with PCI to gain access to its experienced, trained staff. PCI associates will listen to your stories and assemble the information into a publication. There is no cost to share your story, and we invite all alumni to participate. If you are interested, you will have an opportunity to reserve the publication as a hardbound book or digital collection. The final publication will be delivered in book and digital formats in the spring of 2022.
Watch for a post card and/or email from our trusted partner, PCI, asking you to participate and share your story.
Spring 2021
15
E T A M I T L E U H T IN
Y W A D E M A G L L A B T O O F E C N E I R E EXP
SHOW YOUR COUGAR PRIDE by becoming a Life Member and get a chance to win the Ultimate UH football game day experience for the Homecoming game against the East Carolina Pirates happening on Saturday, October 23, 2021.* BECOME A LIFE MEMBER and be entered in the UH Alumni Association Foundation (UHAAF) drawing of the Ultimate Football Game Day Experience. One lucky winner and their guest will receive this one-of-a-kind opportunity! Plus, Life Members have access to the exclusive Life Member tailgate that includes free food and drinks!
EXPERIENCE INCLUDES: • Inclusion in the traditional Cougar Walk before the game. (Value: Priceless) • Side line passes to watch warm-ups before the game. (Value: Priceless) • Premium tickets and a parking pass. (Value: $650) • Photos with Shasta and Sasha (Value: Priceless) • Ultimate game day swag bag (Value: $50) Total Value: $700
PLUS everyone who becomes a Life Member will receive this pair of socks! (FMV $14)
Being a Life Member unlocks a world of benefits, including special discounts, first access, exclusive experiences and networking opportunities. Your membership will fuel the Legacy Scholarship that helps future generations of Cougars be successful! To be included in the drawing, become a Life Member and submit your first payment by 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2021. Multiple payment plans available and all memberships are a tax-deductible.
JOIN BY JUNE 30 AT HOUSTONALUMNI.COM/LIFEMEMBER *Terms & Conditions: All UH Life Members of The University of Houston Alumni Association are eligible. New members must join and make the initial payment by 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2021. Drawing conducted by the University of Houston Alumni Association Foundation, 3204 Cullen Blvd. Ste. 201, Houston, TX, 77204. The winner will be chosen at random and notified on July 9, 2021. Only one entry per person allowed. Making a purchase or gift of any kind will not increase your chances of winning. Questions? Contact klspeich@uh.edu.
Spring 2021
17
Turkey Trot
The UH Hispanic Alumni Association
has over 30 active alumni
“Last year, we were able to award
after receiving a B.A. in Communi-
associations who work
$10,000 in scholarships to seven
cation from UH. “I was lucky that
to help fellow Coogs deepen their
Hispanic students,” said Mónica
I didn’t have any school loans so I
connection to the University while
Rojas-Hidalgo (’16), Interim Presi-
was able to concentrate on my job
contributing to the rich alumni expe-
dent of the HAA. “Beyond everything
and make time for other activities
rience that defines UH. We recently
that we do as an association, allowing
like HAA,” said Mónica. “It’s been
caught up with the UH Hispanic
deserving students to receive a UH
amazing to see how we’ve grown in
Alumni Association (HAA) whose
education without undue financial
just a few years from membership to
mission remains steadfast in the
hardship is our number one priority.”
events and even our fundraising.”
UHAA
midst of challenging times. 18 Alumline
Mónica joined the HAA in 2016
The enthusiasm among the
association’s members and volunteers has proven to be the key to its success. “Right before everything shut down last spring because of the pandemic, we were able to hold our fashion show, which helps raise
ow
Fashion Sh
funds for student scholarships,’’ said Mónica. “After that, we had to really shift our plans and get creative with our events.” Despite the pandemic, the HAA was able to hold its virtual Lotería Night where over $3,500 was raised for scholarships. The association also held its first-ever 5K Turkey Trot last November as well as a virtual and limited-access pop-up art gallery. When asked what has contributed to the association’s ongoing involvement and participation, Mónica said, “The HAA was formed by individuals who were serious about the mission and wanted to make a difference. We truly owe our success to date to their vision and leadership.” If you would like to learn more about our Alumni Associations or are interested in forming your own group, please contact Miguel Cabrera at mcabrera3@uh.edu or 713-743-1523. leanup
y Service C
Communit
Loteria N
ight
Spring 2021
19
Alumni Connections With a
For the Twist Bioscience Corporation, the old adage, “good things come in threes,” holds special meaning. Among its talented team leading the way in DNA synthesis are three UH alumni who are raising the bar through their unique talent, passion and diversified experience.
20 Alumline
Emily’s interest in DNA synthesis began to crystalize when she met Twist Co-Founders, Bill Banyai and Bill Peck. “They had developed a new way to synthesize DNA on a silicon chip,” said Emily. “The technology was a gamechanger, and they needed a CEO to run the company and turn their idea into reality. By miniaturizing the chemistry of making DNA, we are able to make 10,000 genes at the same time, where competitive technology could make only one, and offering synthetic DNA at scale truly enables our customers to change the world for the better. In addition to the ability to synthesize large amounts of DNA, we coupled this with an intuitive e-commerce system and software infrastructure.” As Twist continues to leverage the capabilities of its
Emily Leproust (Ph.D. ’01)
line of synthetic RNA positive controls that are used for the
CEO & Co-Founder, Twist Bioscience
development and monitoring of diagnostic tests for COVID-
synthetic DNA platform, the company has introduced a
19. “While COVID-19 has been very bad for the world, it has riginally from France, Emily Leproust (Ph.D. ’01),
allowed us to broaden our offerings and play a significant
came to the University of Houston to complete
role in fighting the pandemic,” said Emily. “In addition to
her French MSc in Industrial Chemistry, but
these developments, I often say there is so much cake to eat,
ended up joining the University’s Ph.D. program in
we have to be organized in cake eating.”
Organic Chemistry. “At UH, there were a number
While Emily navigates a promising landscape at Twist,
of great options for my research focus, and I joined the lab
she continues to use her passion to make the world a better
of Professor X. Gao, which focused on DNA structure and
place. “My favorite molecule is DNA — and I have spent my
DNA synthesis,” said Emily. “At the time, this seemed like
entire career dedicated to using synthetic DNA to improve
a small decision, but in retrospect, it may have been the
health and sustainability,’’ said Emily.
decision with the most profound implications.”
Last year, Emily was honored with the 2020 Rosalind
Emily found her time with Professor Gao to be quite
Franklin Award by BIO Impact for her significant
challenging, yet rewarding. “Professor Gao’s drive, work
contributions to the biobased economy and biotech
ethic and scientific prowess proved to be extraordinary,
innovation. “I was incredibly honored and humbled by the
and while I had to work very hard, I was able to contribute
support of the Rosalind Franklin Society, particularly in the
some novel applied research to the field of DNA synthesis
year that Rosalind Franklin would have been 100 years old,”
and gained the foundational knowledge for the rest of my
said Emily.
career,’’ said Emily.
Spring 2021
21
Erin Smith (J.D. ’10) Senior Vice President of Government Affairs & Public Policy, Twist Bioscience or Erin Smith ( J.D. ’10), attending a UH Natural Science and Mathematics awards event as a plus-one with UH System Vice-Chancellor of Governmental and Community Relations, Jason Smith (’09) proved to be life-changing. “At the awards ceremony, Emily Leproust was being honored,” said Erin. “Her ambition and energy took over the room. A “slight” French accent sealed the deal; I studied French in college and speak it fluently. I introduced myself to her in French after the event, and told her someday she and Twist would need a government affairs
Erin’s role at Twist
person, and it was going to be me. We stayed in touch over
and her involvement in the
several years, and one day she called me.”
UH Law Center allow her to merge
Serving as the Senior VP of Government Affairs at Twist,
her passions in healthcare and public policy.
Erin credits her relentless prioritization and direct commu-
“I am passionate about healthcare and life science
nication to her success. “I spend a lot of energy maintaining
policy, centering on innovation and patient access
relationships, and it has been one of my best investments,’’
to innovation,” said Erin. “Public policy is a con-
said Erin. “Learning to navigate conflict without burning
stant discourse with opportunities to prime the
bridges and continually improving your communication
environment for relentless innovation. This is
skills are topics that I focus on in my courses at the UH Law
where government leaders and the private sector
Center, where I serve as an adjunct professor.”
have fascinating collaborations to address some of
Erin began her UH journey when she met University of
society’s greatest challenges, and I love that nexus.”
Houston health law professor, Seth Chandler. “I met Seth
As Twist continues to create new in-roads in
when I was working on health care policy in then Governor
research and technology, Erin is pleased with the
Rick Perry’s office,” said Erin. “I ended up working with Pro-
collaborations that have taken place to address
fessor Chandler when I was student at the UH Law Center.
some of society’s greatest challenges. “Collabo-
During her time as a law student, Erin came to appreciate
rating with government agencies in response to
the challenging curriculum and unique learning environ-
COVID-19 has been very rewarding,” said Erin.
ment. “The UH Law Center remains one of the most diverse
“Our strategic partnership and recent publication
learning environments I’ve experienced and has proven
with other thought leaders like Johns Hopkins Health
that diversity and academic excellence are not mutually
Security journal has been equally exciting. The synergy in
exclusive,” said Erin. “President Khator and Dean Baynes are
this space is palpable, and the possibilities are endless, which
deeply committed to this vision, and it is inspiring.”
creates its own excitement.”
22 Alumline
Jan Johannessen (’79) Advisor to iGlobe Partners, Board of Directors, Twist Bioscience orn and raised in Oslo, Norway, Jan Johannessen (’79) journeyed to the University of Houston to attend the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management. “I was originally plan-
Twist. “There
ning on a career in the hospitality industry and
is no doubt that
was accepted to the renowned school in Lausanne, Switzer-
synthetic DNA will
land,’” said Jan. “I then learned about the highly rated Hilton
change the world, and I
College and thought Texas would be a more exciting place
found the prospect of again
to go, having never been to Texas nor the U.S.” While Jan’s
being part of such a journey was a timely opportunity, and
initial interest gravitated towards the hospitality industry, he
believed my experiences could add value to Twist’s devel-
changed his focus to international business. “Houston is one
opment,” said Jan. “But, perhaps the most compelling reason
of the most cosmopolitan cities in the U.S., and I quickly got
was the vision, courage and character of Emily Leproust. She
immersed in the international scene while at UH, including
is very unique and is continuing her blazing progress as the
a part-time job as the Manager of the Norwegian American
top executive of a publicly listed company.”
Chamber of Commerce,” said Jan.
Beyond Jan’s accolades for Twist and its ground-break-
After receiving his M.B.A. in international business
ing technology is his excitement for what is to come. How
from UH, Jan embarked on a long career that centered
Twist’s enabling DNA technology can potentially be a game-
around technology start-up companies and venture capital
changer for drug discovery and thus help make the world a
investments. “My first job was in the then emerging
better place is incredibly exciting,” said Jan. “The pandemic
semiconductor market, which turned out to be an
has clearly illustrated the power of Twist’s DNA synthesis
industry that eventually changed the world by
platform and the company’s ability to rapidly adapt to new
making computers, smart phones and the
challenges; e.g. Twist was quickly able to provide products
Internet possible, while at the same time making electronics available to the entire population,’’ said Jan.
across a broad range of research needs for COVID-19.” As Jan looks forward to new inroads at Twist, he remains focused on what he attributes to his career longevity thus
As Jan continued to leverage his
far. “I believe my success can be primarily attributed to the
international technology experience, he
following: 1) a global view on business and life; 2) under-
first became aware of Twist through a
standing the value and power of key relationships and to
prominent Singapore venture capitalist
treat them accordingly; 3) velocity and execution of critical
who was an investor in
decisions and ability to embrace risks; 4) clarity of strategy, priorities, goals and objectives with clear deliverables and accountability from top to bottom of the organization,” said Jan.
Spring 2021
23
GOING THE DISTANCE FOR OUR COOGS
we had better go,” said Aristotle. “I
While in Indianapolis, Aristotle
immediately sent out feelers to get
and his children, Ari (’21), Athiná, and
n mid-March, the hashtag,
tickets. In the meantime, we learned
Anna (’24) were able to take in the
#ForTheCity, swept across
that UCLA, where I got my M.B.A.
sights, catch up with fellow classmate,
social media as the Houston Cougar
after UH, had also made the Final
Associate Vice President for Alumni
Men’s Basketball Team headed to the
Four-what a bonus! Unfortunately,
Relations, Mike Pedé (’89) and attend
NCAA Final Four for the first time
my wife, Hanneke Faber (’90, M.B.A.
the UH rally at the Soldiers and
since 1984. The faceoff between the
’92), couldn’t make it because of work
Sailors Monument. The highlight, of
Cougar Men’s Hoops and the Baylor
commitments, but she was with us in
course, was the game. “The spirit by
Bears took place in Indianapolis at
spirit, all the way.”
Coog fans was super,” said Aristotle.
I
Lucas Oil Stadium. For Aristotle
“Unfortunately, Baylor was too much
Economon (’89) and his family, being
for us in the first half, but I think our
able to cheer on the Coogs in-person
team has a lot to be proud of. Regard-
was a must, even it meant traveling
less of the result, my kids loved the
over 4,000 miles to do it! “When we
experience. It is something that only
knew UH had made the Final Four,
helped make our family bond with
3:30 am Amsterdam time, I thought
UH even stronger.”
to myself, “We haven’t been to the Final Four in 37 years, and I probably won’t be around in 37 more, so 24 Alumline
Aristotle Economon (’89) with his children, Ari (’21), Anna (’24) and Athiná
UH fans in front of the Indiana State Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Indianapolis
CELEBRATING IN STYLE Whether in-person at Indianapolis Lucas Oil Stadium or various watch parties, UH fans celebrated in true “Cougar” style. UHAA team at the Indianapolis Lucas Oil Stadium
Indianapolis Lucas Oil Stadium Court
President Khator and students in Indianapolis
Dallas/Fort Worth Alumni Association
Black Alumni Association
Hispanic Alumni Association
Katy Alumni Association
Webster Alumni
Fort Bend Alumni Association
Valenti School of Communication Alumni Association
Technology Alumni Association
Spring 2021
25
26 Alumline
University of Houston Alumni Association Alumni Center 3204 Cullen Blvd. Suite 201 Houston, TX 77204-6000
Non-profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Houston, Texas Permit No. 5910
2021 Football Schedule Texas Tech SEPT 4 | NRG STADIUM
Rice SEPT 11 | HOUSTON, TX
Grambling SEPT 18 | TDECU STADIUM
Navy SEPT 25 | TDECU STADIUM
Tulsa OCT 1 | TULSA, OK
Tulane OCT 7 | NEW ORLEANS, LA
ECU OCT 23 | TDECU STADIUM
SMU OCT 30 | TDECU STADIUM
USF NOV 6 | TAMPA, FL
Temple NOV 13 | PHILADELPHIA, PA
Memphis NOV 19 | TDECU STADIUM
UCONN NOV 27 | HARTFORD, CT
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