Alumline (Summer 2022)

Summer 2022 A Magazine for UH Alumni

IMPACT

2022 UH FOOTBALL SCHEDULE UTSA SAT, SEPT 3 | SAN ANTONIO, TX

Texas Tech SAT, SEPT 10 | LUBBOCK, TX

Kansas SAT, SEPT 17 | TDECU STADIUM CELEBRATE HOUSTON

Rice SAT, SEPT 24 | TDECU STADIUM FAMILY WEEKEND

Tulane FRI, SEPT 30 | TDECU STADIUM HISPANIC HERITAGE / BLACKOUT GAME

Memphis FRI, OCT 7 | MEMPHIS, TN

Navy SAT, OCT 22 | ANNAPOLIS, MD

USF SAT, OCT 29 | TDECU STADIUM HOMECOMING

SMU SAT, NOV 5 | DALLAS, TX

Temple SAT, NOV 12 | TDECU STADIUM HEROES NIGHT

East Carolina SAT, NOV 19 | GREENVILLE, NC

Tulsa FRI, NOV 25 OR SAT, NOV 26 TDECU STADIUM SENIOR NIGHT / FAN APPRECIATION

AMERICAN FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SAT, DEC 3 | LOCATION TBD

Greeting Cougars, Welcome to the latest edition of Alumline! In this issue, we bring you some heartwarming and inspirational stories of alumni who are creating impact

Alumni Association Foundation Board of Directors

in unique and substantial ways. Whether through lending service to their

Drue DaSilva (’93, M.S. ’99) President

community or sharing their talents to make a difference, Cougars always manage

Wayne Luckett (’74) Incoming President

to step up to the plate. Within our Cougar family, we are truly blessed to be among those who have taken their UH education and used it for the greater good.

Laurie Rutherford (’86, M.B.A. ’91, M.S. ’04) Immediate Past President Shazia Khan (’84) Secretary

This is one of the reasons why I so enjoy attending all the great UHAA programs

Richard Whiteley (’93, J.D. ’99) Treasurer

and events. You never know who you are going to meet and form a lasting

Michael Sachs (’97) Member at Large

connection. And speaking of connection, remember to sign on to CoogsConnect at coogsconnect.com to catch up with fellow alumni, browse jobs, join a group, and seek out mentor opportunities.

In the meantime, continue to stay looped in to all that is happening by visiting houstonalumni.com and following us on Facebook and Twitter at @houstonalumni and on Instagram at @houston_alumni. You want to make sure you’re ready for all the exciting things UHAA has planned now and in the future.

Erik Barajas (’99) Member Katy Caldwell (’78) Member Edward Carrizales (’13) Member Judy Chong (’69, ’76) Member Kelly Coleman, M.D. (’98) Member Keith Cornelius (’83) Member Lisa Cushing (’01) Member Agnes DeFranco (’83, M.B.A. ’89, Ed.D. ’93) Member – Ex Officio

As always, thank you for being an integral part of our mission to foster enduring pride through meaningful connection and engagement.

Cathy Frank (’80) Member – Ex Officio James Hong (’05) Member Charlene Johnson (’91) Member

All the best,

Margo Kaplan (’03) Member Sandy Lee (’84) Member

Drue DaSilva (’93, M.S. ’99)

Thomas May (’88) Member

President

Amanda Montag (’02) Member

University of Houston Alumni Association Foundation

Alex Obregon (’09, M.B.A. ’14) Member Trent Perez (’05) Member Scott Rando (’83) Member David Roland (’83) Member Eugenia Vance (’90) Member Eloise Brice Ex Officio Vice President for University Advancement Mike Pedé (’89) Ex Officio Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations

University of Houston Alumni Association Staff

Table of Contents Leading with Purpose

Listed alphabetically Chuck Arnold (’94) Executive Director of Alumni Relations cwarnold@uh.edu

Learn how one alumna is putting passion and determination into action.

Beth Borck (’03) Director of Affiliated Alumni Associations bkborck@uh.edu Leia Burroughs Student Engagement Manager lnburrou@uh.edu Mayra Castillo (’19) Digital Content Strategist mcasti27@uh.edu

8

Julian Cearley Senior Graphic Designer jcearley@uh.edu

Staying True to Yourself

Nancy Vecera Clark (’76), CFRE Director of Legacy Programs nclark@uh.edu Mikayla Collins (’18, MA ’20) Special Events Operations Coordinator mmcollins@uh.edu

Discover how this alumnus is using his talents for the greater good.

Kendra Hakanson Director of Events and Special Programs kahakanson@uh.edu Carolyn Hartmann Senior Communications Director cwhartma@uh.edu

12

Ashleigh Hildreth Program Manager ahildret@uh.edu

Shaping a Part of History

David Palomo (’15) Program Manager of Corporate Partnerships dmpalomo@uh.edu Mike Pedé (’89) Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations mlpede@uh.edu

See how one alumnus contributed to a part of Houston’s history.

Anneka Roberson Project Manager arroberson@uh.edu Taylor Rouleau (‘16, M.A. ‘17) Program Manager, Affiliated Alumni Associations tarouleau@uh.edu.

Kirstyn Speich (’16) Life Member Manager klspeich@uh.edu

22 6 13 18 20 24

New Logo Announcement | Word Search Author Spotlight Providing a Solution Matches Made at UH Making a Difference

A digital version of Alumline is available online at houstonalumni.com/alumline.

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UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON COLLEGE OF MEDICINE Perspective Rendering - Aerial

PROGRESSING

FORWARD

T

he University of Houston continues in its bold

vision to become a Top 50 public university. The University is literally laying the groundwork by

enhancing and renovating its facilities so both students and

TILMAN J. FERTITTA FAMILY COLLEGE OF MEDICINE RENDERING

faculty can have the resources they need to be successful.

This fall, we will see the unveiling of key buildings for the UH Law Center, Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine,

UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTO

and the Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership. The fall of 2022 will also be filled with the anticipation of what’s to come as UH prepares to join the Big 12 Conference in July 2023. “Without a doubt, this is an exciting time in the life of the University,” said Mike Pede (’89), Associate Vice President, Alumni Relations. “The pride that our alumni must feel right now must be off the charts.”

UH HILTON HOTEL RENDERING

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6

Alumline

UH TO JOIN BIG 12 CONFERENCE IN JULY 2023

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July 2022

7

LEADING [with] PURPOSE 8

Alumline

W

hen you first speak with UH alumna, Dr. Laura

It is this type of drive and perseverance that defines Murillo.

Murillo (’89, M.Ed. ’98, Ed.D. ’03), you are

“If my immigrant parents can cross the Rio Grande, make a life

immediately taken in with her infectious energy

for themselves and support their nine children, I can manage to

and positivity — all grounded in humility with an appreciation

accomplish what I set out to do as well,” said Murillo. “When I

for the experiences that have

was eighteen years old, I was held

helped her become the person she

at gunpoint. From that experience,

is today. In her new book, “LEAD IN LIFE: People. Passion. Persistence: Succeed in the New Era of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,” Murillo describes the defining moments in her life that have contributed to her success, and how her journey has informed her keen perspective on diversity, equity and inclusion in today’s world.

Murillo’s determination to succeed began at an early age when she started working at her family’s restaurant at the age of ten.

“Working alongside my father was an invaluable experience; learning how to interact with people; customer service, all served me well,” said Murillo. “I continued to work at the restaurant, in addition to my other two jobs, while attending UH as a full time student.” While at times, balancing

“From that experience, I became even more determined to achieve my goals.”

I became even more determined to achieve my goals. Life is too short.”

Murillo’s ability to press on has allowed her to flourish both

professionally

personally.

When

and

Murillo

worked at the University of Houston, she was hand-picked by the President to head up the Urban Experience Program.

She also became the youngest Director in UH history. In her current role as President and CEO of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, she has brought national prestige to one of the most influential Chambers in the nation.

Among her many honors, Murillo was named the “2021 Global Leader of Influence Honoree” by the World Affairs

her commitment to her education

Council. She was named Texas

proved daunting, Murillo stayed

CEO Magazine’s “Top 30 Texas

the course. “I remember studying for my Comprehensive

CEOs” during COVID-19 for exceptional leadership in 2020,

Statistical Analysis exam and helping my mother who was

and was featured in Global Influence Magazine’s “Championing

recovering from a heart attack,” said Murillo. “At the time, I

the Success of Women in the Workplace.” Now, with her new

was also pregnant and parenting a toddler. Forty students took

book, Murillo can add international best-selling author to the

the Comprehensive Statistical Analysis exam, and I was one of

list. “The fact that my book is a #1 international best-seller in

four students who passed it.”

fifteen categories in three countries, including the U.S., Canada

July 2022

9

and Australia, is very exciting,” said Murillo. “For ten years, I

accomplishment to be her two daughters, Marisa and Mia. “My

have been wanting to share my story and the challenges I have

daughters have achieved so much in a short amount of time,”

overcome to allow others the opportunity to learn and grow.”

said Murillo. “My daughters have achieved so much in a short

Murillo’s willingness to share her journey as inspiration to

amount of time,” said Murillo. “Marisa earned a mechanical

others is important to her. “Several years ago, Dr. Renu Khator

engineering degree from Columbia University and is an

and then, Dean Rooks invited me to a private dinner at UH,” Astrophysics Researcher, living in New York City, and Mia said Murillo. “I was overwhelmed with happiness when they

is a junior at Georgetown University. While everyone’s path

asked if I would donate my personal and professional archives

is different, I will always maintain that you can accomplish

so they could be housed at UH and shared as a part of the UH

anything you set your mind to. I am a proud product of H.I.S.D.

Collection of Archives. Of course, I agreed; tremendous honor.”

and Austin High School and was able to find my way through

As Murillo reflects on the success of her book and the high points of her dynamic career, she considers her greatest

10

Alumline

hard work, passion and determination.”

July 2022

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StayingTrue to Yourself RICARDO BATES STAYS TRUE TO HIMSELF AND INSPIRES OTHERS TO DO THE SAME

W

hen Ricardo Bates (’11) is in the throes of

and how the act of mentoring and providing guidance

producing his next film, he remains grateful

can change lives. From the book, Ricardo produced the

for staying true to himself and inspiring

“FRUIT” documentary. “When we had the film’s premiere

others to do the same. “I firmly believe that we were put

in Montgomery, it was literally sold out and has since

here to make use of our gifts and fulfill our purpose,” said

received several awards,” said Ricardo. “We are now looking

Ricardo. Ricardo’s interest in writing and filmmaking

at several distribution and streaming platforms.”

began to take root when he was a young boy. “I experienced

With the success of “FRUIT,” Ricardo continues on his

a rather significant event involving my father that gave

next venture; a feature film, which is roughly based on his

way to my creativity and ability to paint a picture through

life. Entitled “Sound of Glass,” the film focuses on a young

words,” said Ricardo. “When I went to the University of

boy who is facing a mental tug of war between who he

Houston to play football, my curiosity in the creative arts

wants to be and who his father wants him to be. “For many

remained constant.”

people, it is hard sometimes to be your authentic self and

Soon after Ricardo graduated from UH, he began work

not conform to others’ expectations,” said Ricardo. “With

on his first documentary, “The Prattville Way” about a high

“Sound of Glass,” I hope people remember to embrace who

school football team in Prattville, Alabama that overcomes

they truly are and make use of their gifts and talents.”

the odds and gains national recognition. The documentary,

Taking his message to heart, Ricardo hopes to continue

available through Amazon, met with rave reviews and

creating impact through his work and be of service to others.

was featured in six film festivals. Ricardo’s next project

“If we are to be truly happy, we have to acknowledge what

involved collaborating with his mentor, Anthony Brock

we were put on this earth to do and share it with others for

who he has known since he was a young boy growing up in

the good.”

Prattville, Alabama. “I was from a single parent household, and Anthony was there to offer me true kindness and confidence,’’ said Ricardo.

Highlighting the importance of mentoring, Ricardo and Anthony partnered to author a book called “FRUIT,” which chronicles an all-boy school in Montgomery, Alabama,

July 2022

13

THANK YOU FOR BEING A LIFE MEMBER!

Congratulations to those who are on the 2021 Life Member panel, which is installed in Life Member Plaza located in front of the Athletics-Alumni Center on Cullen Blvd.

The names that appear on the panel are those who fulfilled their Life Member pledge within the 2021 calendar year or paid in full.

If you have questions about your Life Membership, please contact Life Member Manager, Kirstyn Speich (’16) at klspeich@uh.edu.

14

Alumline

^

Flip up to see the 2021 Life Member panel!

July 2022

15

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D

uring March Madness, UH fans came out in droves to cheer on our Men’s Basketball team in true Cougar fashion. Among the alumni who lent

their support were Glynda (’89, UHCL M.A. ’91) and Carl

(’85) McGinnis. “Going to UH games is a large part of our social life now,” said Glynda. “Every time we go, whether in Houston or away, we always form new connections with some great people. It is a wonderful tight-knit community.”

In addition to attending various sporting events, Glynda and Carl also can be seen at many UHAA events supporting tailgates as well as other UH Alumni Associations. “UH means so much to both of us. That is one of the reasons why we are Life Members,” said Glynda. “When we were at the University, it was mostly a commuter school and did not have nearly the prestige it has now,” said Carl. “Now, thanks in large part to President Khator’s dream and vision for UH, having a degree from UH really means something.”

While Glynda enjoys attending many UH events, she also volunteers her time serving as the president of the LGBTQ Alumni Association. “In looking back I was determined to graduate college and know beyond the shadow of doubt, my UH degree gave me a competitive advantage among other applicants to get my foot in the door.”

“All three of our children graduated from UH, and we couldn’t be more proud.”

July 2022

17

SHAPING A PART OF HISTORY

18

Alumline

SID FROST (M.S. ‘75)

M

any of us have received or will probably

The jury lists had to be typed from the slips drawn then the

receive at some point a jury summons. Have

list was sent to the sheriff’s office, and the jury summons

you ever wondered how you are actually

were typed individually.

selected? In Harris County, Texas, the process for selecting

“To make this process more efficient, I was tasked with

potential jurors is quite efficient, thanks, in part, to UH

writing the program that randomly selected the potential

alumnus, Sidney Frost (M.S. ’75) who played a significant

jurors,” said Sidney. “When it was all said and done, the

role in modernizing what was at one time an extremely

shuffling of names and addresses that was once done by

manual and laborious endeavor. “I was in the process of

hand was done by computer. The massive jury wheel was

receiving my Masters at UH when two of my professors

replaced by a much smaller one, which holds the magnetic

enlisted me to work on the jury selection system in Harris

computer tapes that house the prospective jurors.”

County,” said Sidney. “Back then, the jury selection process was very tedious and time-consuming.”

After Sidney completed the project for the jury selection system, he moved to San Antonio where he worked as a

Sidney went on to explain that under the old system

consultant for the criminal justice system. From there, he

prospective jurors’ names and addresses were typed on cards,

went on to various career endeavors in the computer

which were cut into strips then shuffled manually. The strips

industry. When Sidney retired, he discovered a love for

were then placed into a six foot in diameter stainless steel

writing and is the proud author of six novels to date. You

container called the “Jury Wheel.” Jurors were selected by

can find Sidney’s books on Amazon.

drawing the required number of slips from the jury wheel.

July 2022

19

20

Alumline

Providing a Solution QIANA JAMES (‘03) OFFERS A FRIENDLY FACE FOR SENIORS

A

ccording to Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures,

“With my grandmother and now my father who suffers

an annual report released by the Alzheimer's

from Alzheimer’s, I have seen firsthand the challenges that

Association, more than 6 million Americans are

families face when having to decide how to care for their loved

living with Alzheimer’s. By 2050, this number

is expected to rise to nearly 13 million. Additionally, more

ones who fall ill,” said Qiana. “I am so grateful that my agency can provide a viable solution in these situations.”

than 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for people

Since Qiana formed Friendly Faces Senior Care, she

with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. Taking these facts to

advises people to be proactive when it comes to taking care

heart prompted UH Alumna, Qiana James (’03) to do what she

of their elders and research the choices that are available

could to assist both the elderly and those who care for them.

before it becomes an emergency type of situation. “Many of

“Since I was eight years old, I had dreams of starting my

our clients come to us in a reactive state where they need

own business,” said Qiana. “Thanks to the education that I

assistance immediately,” said Qiana. “I encourage everyone

received at the University of Houston and the experience I

to start making plans for such things as long-term care. With

gained when I was in the Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Center for

so many of us living longer, the necessity to plan ahead is

Entrepreneurship, I learned how to develop a solid business

becoming more and more essential.”

plan and turn my dreams into reality.”

When asked what advice she would give to young

Initially, Qiana wanted to open a hair salon but soon

students who dream of starting their own business, Qiana

realized that another calling took prominence. “When my

says to “exercise patience and diligence and listen to your

grandmother became too ill to care for herself, my mom began

inner voice for motivation.” Qiana also cautions others not

taking care of her,” said Qiana. “I saw how important it was

to be afraid of failure and learn from those experiences. “The

for my grandmother to be able to stay in her own home and

key is knowing that the journey is not going to be easy and

have some sense of independence. That was when my idea for

persevering, regardless.”

Friendly Faces Senior Care started to take shape.”

Friendly faces Senior Care was named as one of the fastest

In 2010, Qiana launched Friendly Faces Senior Care, which

growing alumni-owned companies in the University of

offers private in-home, non-medical caregiver services for

Houston’s Cougar 100, ranking 15 out of 100, and has received

seniors, allowing seniors to live quality, independent lives.

several other awards including: Provider of Choice, Employer

Soon after Qiana opened her agency, Qiana formed The

of Choice and the 2017 Top Home Care for Houston Award.

Doll Foundation, which provides resources and education to caregivers and seniors in need of assistance.

July 2022

21

S E H C T MA H U T A MADE

The University of Houston is a place where meaningful connections happen on a daily basis. Sometimes, these interactions are fleeting while others

Melanie (‘91) and Mike (‘89) Pede

last for a lifetime. We thought we would share with you the ones that are standing the test of time. If you married your Cougar sweetheart, let us know at alumni@uh.edu.

22

Amanda (‘06) and Shawn (‘06) Bijani

Beth (‘03) and Hans Borck (‘03)

Anne King (‘18) and Amanda Austin (‘18)

Diane (‘78) and Chris (‘76) Vaughan

Deborah (‘17) and Mark (‘17) Lazenby

Emily (‘16, M.S ‘18) and Nathan Pitchford (‘16, M.S ‘19)

Alumline

Joy (‘88) and John (‘92) Dees

Kaitlyn Palividas(‘17) and JP Dowling (‘16)

Madeleine (‘17) and Jonathan (‘17) Gerescher

Maria (‘14) and JP (‘12) Cavanaugh

Lisa (‘01) and Matthew (‘99) Cushing

Mayra Castillo (‘19) and Anthony Salcido (‘20)

Mikaela (‘19) and Daniel (‘18) Oatman

Sylvia (‘88) and Jonathan (‘92) Brogdon

Sydney Lopez (‘18) and Erik Trejo (‘18)

July 2022

23

Making a

Difference K

athy (UHCL ’79) and Larry (’72) McClaugherty may bleed red when it comes to their alma mater, but when it comes to Children’s Association for Maximum Potential (CAMP), their vision is now in bright colors.

Due to their generosity, CAMP now has an entry sign that truly makes a statement, for the first time in its 43-year history.

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Alumline

Neal McClaugherty surrounded by friends at CAMP.

On a beautiful afternoon on February 22 in the Texas

Kathy earned her Bachelor’s degree in Health

Hill Country, the McClaughertys, CAMP leadership, staff,

Administration from UH-Clear Lake in 1979, while Larry

and the Board of Directors unveiled the new sign - a huge

graduated from the UH College of Pharmacy in 1972. Larry

stone engraved with “Children's Association for Maximum

also served as adjunct clinical faculty and active preceptor

Potential,” and its colorful logo, in honor of their son, Neal

for the UH, UT, and Texas Tech Schools of Pharmacy, as well

McClaugherty who enjoyed ten years as a camper at CAMP.

as teaching the dispensing pharmacy and non-prescription

Since 1979, CAMP has strengthened and inspired individuals

drug courses at UH. Kathy and Larry also established a UH

with special needs – and those who care for them – through

scholarship for Pharmacy students in honor of their son.

recreation, respite, and education.

Neal passed away in 2010 at the age of 27. It is so hard to

At the dedication of the new sign, Kathy said, “Today, we

capture how Neal spread joy and hope to all those around

are here to celebrate champions! Each camper, counselor,

him. Here is a small glimpse of the impact Neal had on so

medical staff, support staff, and your wonderful CAMP Board

many: bit.ly/NealMcClaugherty. His life story is also

– you are all CHAMPIONS, with very special functions. We

eloquently captured in the book, “Neal: Champion,” written

chose the name, NEAL - which is Irish Gaelic for Champion

by Kathy and Larry McClaugherty and 21 of Neal's closest

- for our son. So, Champion has meaning for us.”

friends, including Hope de Lemos, a former CAMP Director

At the University of Houston and at CAMP, Larry,

and daughter of a CAMP Co-Founder, who said, “I became

Kathy, and Neal are, in fact, the Champions. Besides being

absolutely smitten with a young man with an infectious

UHAA Life Members, their pharmacy consulting business,

smile and charming disposition. Neal was an extraordinary

McClaugherty Consulting Services, was recognized in the

testimony to intelligence and wit. He knew how to command

Cougar 100 in 2014 and 2015 before the company was sold

a room, and without fail, was one of the biggest flirts known

in 2015.

around our little slice of heaven.”

July 2022

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At CAMP, all programs are designed for camper participation, and activities are adapted to meet the unique needs of each camper. Through a one to one camper to counselor ratio, CAMP maximizes every opportunity for success. While campers reach their goals through recreational opportunities, caregivers and other family members experience a period of respite, high school students and young adults develop leadership skills, and health care professionals receive first-hand experiences while earning continuing education credits.

Just as Neal spread joy during his time at CAMP, so do his parents. The incredible welcome outside CAMP’s gate is such a fitting tribute to Neal who greeted everyone with his huge infectious smile. As Kathy and Larry’s commitment to CAMP runs deep, they encourage their UH friends to learn more at campcamp.org and see the many ways to support the non-profit in helping children who have developmental, medical, behavioral, or physical disabilities. Kathy and Larry also urge their fellow Cougars to lend support to UHAA and its many alumni engagement programs.

Kathy (UHCL ’79) and Larry (’72) McClaugherty

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