2019 ALUMNI REPORT
“These are exciting times in the life of the University, and you are an essential part of what we envision in our bold future.� -Renu Khator
President, University of Houston
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December 2019 Dear Fellow Cougar, As a Cougar, you belong to an exclusive group of dedicated individuals who help preserve the life and vitality of your esteemed alma mater. Forever bonded, your shared experiences become coveted chapters in our enduring story. In this spirit, we are delighted to share the 2019 Alumni Report for the University of Houston Alumni Association (UHAA) as we reaffirm our commitment to your long-term engagement with the University of Houston. With over 295,000+ members, our alumni network plays an integral role in moving us forward as a nationally competitive public research institution. Recognizing this importance, it is our hope that this publication will reinvigorate your involvement and connection with the University. As always, we work to create opportunities that enrich your life and are committed to doing so in new and substantive ways. Accordingly, we have included the UHAA Five-Year Strategic Plan, which provides the framework for strengthening and nurturing alumni relationships around the globe. These are exciting times in the life of the University, and you are an essential part of what we envision in our bold future. Go Coogs! Sincerely,
Renu Khator
President, University of Houston
TABLE OF CONTENTS 05 Since 1935, the University of Houston Alumni Association (UHAA) has served and supported the University of Houston, its over 295,000 alumni, its friends, and the community it calls home. Our goal is enabling and encouraging lifelong alumni relationships with the University of Houston. From student scholarships, to alumni networks and communications, UHAA is working to enhance the value of your degree and your alumni experience. The University of Houston Alumni Association Foundation (UHAAF) is the name of the independent, 501(c)(3) organization that closely partners with the University by providing advice, advocacy and outreach on behalf of the University and the Alumni Relations program. UHAAF provides oversight, through its Board of Directors, for Constituent Alumni Associations, Endowed Scholarships, Life Member program, affinity & corporate partnerships, revenue generation and legislative advocacy on behalf of issues important to UH Alumni worldwide.
Mission Serving and supporting the University of Houston, its alumni and its students.
Vision The University of Houston Alumni Association is a global
community of alumni and friends committed to and sharing pride in the growth and support of the University of Houston as a premier institution. Our commitment and pride are demonstrated through active participation, leadership and financial support.
Core Values
Commitment, Leadership, Integrity, Inclusiveness, Fun, Teamwork
HoustonAlumni.com
06 07 09 10 14
What does University of Houston Alumni Association do? UHAA Five-Year Strategic Plan Supporting Strategy #1 Supporting Strategy #2 Supporting Strategy #3 2018-2019 Year in Review
17 29 30 37 40
UHAA Upcoming Events
42
UHAAF Executive Committee & Board of Directors
46 47 48
Legacy Scholarship Spotlight Guide to Alumni Relations Alumni Spotlight UH Traditions
UHAA Staff UHAAF Audited Financials UH Alma Mater & Fight Song
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We are excited to present to you our new annual Alumni Report for the University of Houston Alumni Association. As we approach the year 2020 and more than five years after the successful merger of the formerly independent alumni association into the University of Houston and under the brand of UHAA, we want to share with you a look back on the trials, successes and challenges of the past six years and evaluate where we are on the goals we have set for alumni engagement and the overall strategy for alumni relations at the University. Alumni participation and engagement are the main goals for our association. Alumni participation not only helps us in national rankings, but also supports the programs, initiatives and scholarships at UHAA that create a phenomenal educational experience for our current students. As you read through the Annual Report, we ask that you keep in mind the many ways you can be involved with UHAA and UH in general. You may have noticed that we have put significant effort into new focus areas in student programming and strengthening our existing individual associations that support our colleges and special interests. We are more efficient with our efforts with UH to provide our alumni with superb communications, to upgrade programs and we have added new programs aimed at underserved areas to better enhance our alumni experiences. Our new strategic initiatives outlined in the annual Alumni Report will hopefully continue to educate you on areas where you can engage in the most rewarding way. We are intent on serving our alumni in real and substantial ways, keeping in mind our main initiatives: improved college-based partnerships for alumni programming; expanded opportunities for student engagement before graduation; enhanced national associations around the world; spirited support of our outstanding athletics program; encouraging new business to business opportunities that include career services; lifelong learning; robust recognition of alumni achievement; and proactive communications and marketing with our constituents. We intend to continue to propel the UH alumni experience to one of the best in the nation through these ambitious goals – and as you will see in this report, we will continue to grow our existing programs that have proven to be successful., As you peruse the Annual Report, please note the great alumni stories we have highlighted, take note of the cherished traditions and upcoming events with UHAA, not only this year but into the future. If it is in the report today, it will be here for the foreseeable future. So, we look forward to having you join us in person, virtually or in any of the growing ways we can stay connected in 2020 and beyond. Know that you always have a home at the University of Houston. As always, we look forward to seeing you on campus and at our many events. GO COOGS! True We’ll Ever Be,
Laurie Rutherford (‘86, M.B.A. ’91, M.S. ’04) President, UHAAF Board of Directors 2019-20
Katy Caldwell (’78) UHAAF Board of Directors Chair, UHAAF Strategic Planning Committee
Mike Pedé (’89) Associate VP for Alumni Relations
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“The foundation for my successful career began at UH so I am indebted for its role in my success. I will continue to give back and ask other alumni to give back as well.” -Bill Hickl (’86) UHAAF Board of Directors
2019 Alumni Report University of Houston Alumni Association
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WHAT DOES
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DO?
UHAA is the brand that all alumni relations occurs at University of Houston. UHAA provides University of Houston alumni, current and former students unique and meaningful programs and services to ensure lifelong engagement with the University. An engaged alumni base sustains school pride, generates additional University prestige and increases opportunities for community and career networking and personal success. Those who engage with our programs and services have fun, receive benefits, create lasting memories and are continually shaped by UH experiences, developing a greater affinity for giving new and larger gifts. Prior to 2013, UHAA operated as an independent organization closely affiliated with UH, collecting annual member dues. In that year, UHAA merged with the University to create more opportunities for alumni and annual membership became automatic for graduates. Former students become members of UHAA after making their first gift to UH. Under the University’s banner, UHAA has taken on broader initiatives to better serve our fellow Coogs and has increased the number of programs and services we offer. This united focus has indisputably helped us advance our common goals: student success and alumni connection to our alma mater.
SEVEN MAJOR INITIATIVES OF UHAA
Constituent Associations Awards & Recognition Career Development & Networking Philanthropic Opportunities & Corporate Partnerships Student Programming Supporting Athletics Traditions & Engagement
The Board of Education of the Houston Independent School District founded Houston Junior College as a public institution. HISD superintendent E. E. Oberholtzer became president of the college (a post he held until 1950). Classes were held at San Jacinto High School on Holman Street. By the fall, Houston Junior College had 232 students and a faculty of eight. The first issue of “The Cougar” was published.
1927
6 UHAA Five-Year Strategic Plan
FIVE-YEAR
STRATEGIC PLAN
2019-2024
STRATEGIC PLAN IMPERATIVE
Our strategic imperative is simple - increase alumni engagement. This includes the various ways alumni can be involved with their alma mater. We will measure this engagement and the success of our endeavors through various metrics, noted in the details of each section.
ROADMAP
Three main strategies provide our roadmap to increased and deeper alumni engagement.
STRATEGIES:
1. Capturing and reporting of the ways alumni are engaged with UHAA and University of Houston. 2. Marketing and branding UHAA programs and services to communicate our many engagement opportunities. 3. Expanding our currently available programs and services to alumni in Houston, the U.S. and across the globe.
The college’s name changed to the University of Houston when HISD made the college a four-year private institution. UH offered day classes for the first time to its 909 students at Houston’s Second Baptist Church.
1934
STRATEGY
#1
7
SUPPORTING
Reporting of alumni engagement
The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) has recently developed four main definitions that will soon be adopted as a national benchmark. This holistic view to count all the ways alumni engage with their schools counts everything in four main categories: • Volunteer (V) • Experiential (E) • Communications (C) • Philanthropy (P)
This new measurement looks much further than only alumni giving as a measure of alumni satisfaction. By using the four main engagement categories measured against multiple alumni segments (undergraduate, graduate, former students, etc.), CASE hopes to establish new national standards for all university alumni groups to more accura tely measure themselves aga inst peer institutions.
SAMPLE ENGAGEMENTS FOR EACH CATEGORY: Volunteer (V)
Experiential (E)
Communications (C) Philanthropy (P)
Advisory Board
UHAA events
Class notes
Campaign giving
Non-Board support
Party on the Plaza
Social engagements
Planned gifts
Mentoring
Alumni Travel
Form submissions
In-kind
Classroom speakers
Awards & recognition Surveys
Life Membership
Career development
Athletic events
Nominations
Cougar Pride donations
Annual meetings
Networking events
Emails from alumni
Endowments
Legislative advocacy
Parades
Alumni app users
Legacy scholarships
Volunteer fundraisers
Reunions
Alumni card requests
Student recruitment
Ring blessings & ceremonies
Interviews Social Media bloggers
First Annual Commencement was held at Miller Memorial Theater for 80 graduates. Ora D. “O.D.” Brown walked with the first graduating class even though he graduated in 1934. He would go on to become President of Alumni Division from 1940-1944. The first issue of The Houstonian yearbook appeared. Published in just two weeks’ time, the 32-page annual sold for $.75 cents.
1935
UHAA Five-Year Strategic Plan
New Definition of Alumni Engagement:
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“The time I spent as a student at the University of Houston played a pivotal role in my growth, both personally and professionally; so for me, it is important that I give back to the University that has been so instrumental in molding me into who I am today.” -Sharon Spillman (’97, M.Ed. ’03, Ed.D. ’11) UHAAF Board of Directors
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STRATEGY
#2
Marketing and branding UHAA
An engaged alumni base relies on our ability to maintain communication with alumni currently in our database and finding those alumni who have simply lost contact with UH for whatever reason. Some alumni groups are highly engaged like Life Members, Constituent Groups and recent graduates. Engagement can also come from targeted prospect groups like young alumni, former students and current students. We also have the opportunity to introduce UHAA to all alumni through the use of our Alumni Center and expanding the distribution of various
marketing and communications such as annual Alumni Reports, the Alumline Magazine, monthly “Happenings” e-newsletters, alumni surveys, social media, advertising campaigns and other communications. Alumni awards and recognition offer a great way to introduce UHAA to our alumni. For example the Alumni Awards Gala (now in its 66th year) and Cougar 100 (now in its 6th year) continue to recognize outstanding alumni and their contributions to the University of Houston.
After an early proposal to locate the campus in Memorial Park collapsed, the University of Houston acquired nearly 110 acres of land for a permanent campus southeast of downtown from donations by the Settegast and Taub estates, between St. Bernard Street (now Cullen Boulevard and Calhoun Road). The gift stipulated that construction of the university’s first building must begin by January 1, 1938.
1936
UHAA Five-Year Strategic Plan
SUPPORTING
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SUPPORTING
#3
STRATEGY
Provide programming for alumni engagement opportunities UHAA Five-Year Strategic Plan
1. Constituent Associations
Our goal is to provide more opportunities for alumni to become engaged based on their interests and affinity. College-based alumni associations, regional alumni associations and special interest groups offer many entry points for alumni. The University of Houston alumni network has never been stronger with 39 different alumni constituent associations. Our goal is to grow that number to 47 in the next five years. New associations can be formed in markets where we have high concentration of Cougar Alumni, newly identified special interest groups and adding some college-based associations that do not currently exist. Our constituent associations also provide an opportunity for volunteer development where we find future leaders to serve on UHAAF Board of Directors. New constituent associations planned for the next five years include Honors College, College of the Arts, soon to open College of Medicine, San Francisco, San Antonio, Atlanta, Chicago, and Seattle. There is a small start-up cost for each group, averaging $500-$1,000, but once started, associations become self-funded. The launch of the Young Alumni program opens up many ways for recent graduates (10 years from graduation) and Young Alumni (under the age of 35) to stay connected to UH. Currently, more than 53,000 alumni qualify as a Young Alumni. By creating this platform, we can create mentoring opportunities, career development and a connection with our Cougar 100 and other Cougar-led or owned business alumni. Young Alumni are active event attendees, heavily engaged socially and tend to share their experiences with others. With a discounted Life Member program and other exclusive discounts and offers, Young Alumni will have many reasons to stay connected to UH and eventually give back in time, talent and resources.
Key metric- Increasing the number of associations to 45 and increasing the volunteer participation within each group as measured by event and meeting attendees and other types of engagement.
2. Awards and Recognition
The Annual Alumni Awards is still going strong, recognizing exemplary volunteers and our highest-achieving alumni with Distinguished Alumni Award, Rising Star Award, Chair’s Award, Distinguished Service Award & Faculty Award. Several alumni constituent groups also hold their own awards programs. The Cougar 100 luncheon, now in its 6th year draws more than 600 attendees annually. In addition to recognizing our outstanding alumni, we also recognize deserving students with Senior 27 awards, the Rodeo Scholars lunch and the awarding of our Legacy Scholarships and constituent association scholarships. Key metric- Increasing attendance at signature events like Alumni Awards Gala, Cougar 100 Luncheon and UHAA Celebrity Golf Classic.
3. Career Development and Networking
Our goal is to create more opportunities for alumni to connect with each other and provide career services to those looking for employment support. The Cougar 100 spotlights fastest growing Cougar-owned or led businesses and creates a strong network. In turn, they support “give-back” opportunities like career fairs, internships,
University of Houston’s first Alumni Association started in 1936 under then president, Rev. Max M. Groeschel (FS). Since then, there have been 63 other Presidents of UH Alumni Association and over 400 alumni that have served as Board of Directors members. There are now over 295,000 UH graduates all-time.
1936
Key metric- Increasing Cougar 100 nominations, identification of Cougar-owned or led companies, participation in volunteer opportunities.
Life Member
Being a UH Life Member is an active commitment to the University and its past, present and future students. Life Members are pillars of the UH family whose dedication, combined with their generous annual support, continues to build a stronger University and a resounding declaration of Cougar pride. Life Members have accounted for 58% of all alumni giving in the last five years. We will continue to grow the Life Member program in the next five years by more than 350 new members each year and doubling the current Life Member Endowment. The vision for the Life Member program over the next five years is a big one! While planning, there were many things to consider while deciding on the future plans of the program. Essentially the five-year strategic plan is broken down into four key components that go hand-in-hand to ensure the program continues to flourish.
1. Membership growth is the most vital piece. UHAA has set membership goals for every year with the number steadily increasing year over year. These goals will help with accountability and show progress. 2. The endowment growth is dependent on the increase of memberships. Memberships provide increased funding to the endowment which helps provide Legacy Scholarships to children of UH Alumni. Currently, the Life Member program is self-sustaining. 3. Having compelling additional benefits for current and potential Life Members will help membership growth. These benefits will create additional value for members, creating increased excitement and a stronger word-of-mouth encouraging those who are not Life Members to join. 4. Stewardship of Life Members is very important. If kept engaged, they will share on social media and communicate this to fellow Coogs. With exclusive stewardship events held throughout the year, this will keep current Life Members engaged and give them exclusive access to special events.
Marketing of Life Member Program
The four components will be dependent on a strong marketing plan. Since the Life Member program was redesigned in 2014, it has started to take off. Awareness of the program is crucial in growth. UHAA will need to stay current with trends to ensure they’re properly reaching the correct audiences. The brand will be marketed to alumni, students and recent graduates. Marketing efforts will include Google, social media, and various
Frontier Fiesta is founded and featured musical and theatrical performances, carnival booths, cook-offs, and concessions. The festival has enjoyed three runs: 1940-1941, 1946-1959, and 1992-the present. During its second run, the event grew to its greatest popularity, and Life magazine proclaimed it to be the “Greatest College Show on Earth.� During its heyday, Frontier Fiesta attracted as many as 100,000 people to the UH campus, including celebrities and visitors from across the nation, including Ed Sullivan, Kenny Rogers, and Humphrey Bogart to name a few. Early Fiestas raised money to address campus building needs. Currently, Fiesta funds scholarships for entering freshman and current students.
1939
UHAA Five-Year Strategic Plan
4. Philanthropic Opportunities & Corporate Partnerships
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mentoring, knowledge-sharing and networking. The launch of a business-to-business directory will offer a great resource for Cougars to do business with other Cougars. Those alumni will have the opportunity to mentor and share their expertise with students and young alumni on life skills, financial literacy and other empowering topics.
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SUPPORTING
#3
STRATEGY sponsorships on campus. This will also increase brand awareness.
UHAA Five-Year Strategic Plan
Key metric- Growing the Life Member program to over 10,000 Life Members by 2024 and almost doubling the Life Membership endowment.
Corporate Partnerships
UHAA programs and services are made possible, in part, by the support of our corporate partners and sponsors. Additionally, through a number of partners, UHAA is able to provide valuable benefits and services to alumni and all members of the Cougar family. Through their generous support, revenue generated allows UHAA to operate with remaining revenue flowing back to UH.
UH Class Ring Program
Proceeds from the sale of class rings go to UHAA. This allows us to provide revenue to UH and to support UHAA programs. 1,400+ rings were sold in FY18. With an attainable growth rate of 11% over the next five years, our goal is to achieve 2,000+ rings sold, generating more than $250,000 in revenue. Key metric- UH Class Ring revenue exceeding $250,000 per year by 2024 .
CONT.
and the “Senior Decal Drive-Thru” experience. As UHAA, we want to connect early on with the student experience and build relationships before they step foot on campus. We hope that this awareness of UHAA will encourage students to participate later in all our alumni programs and become active alumni. Overall, UHAA has become a greater and more recognizable presence in UH programming, and we’ve only just begun. Key metric- Continue to provide programming to students and opportunities to introduce them to UHAA in the hopes they become actively engaged alumni.
6. Support Athletics Our goal is to organize new and improved events at UH Athletics home games, as well as road events for expanded national constituencies. Party on the Plaza turns every home football game into a mini-reunion. Watch parties for games continue across the country, and our road events turn rival stadiums into Coogs House. Now, every basketball game is played in style at our new Fertitta Center. UHAA also provides travel opportunities for our alumni to cheer on the teams at bowl games, NCAA tournaments and other national competitions. Key metric- Continue to grow current athletic support programs and implement additional opportunities for alumni and constituent associations to become more aware and involved with UH Athletics events.
5. Student Programming Our goal is to unite student and alumni programming and provide new offerings to enhance the Cougar experience. UHAA has increased its presence at Cub Camp, Family Weekend and Homecoming, providing a home base for alumni attendees. Some new programs will be partnerships with colleges around graduation, including a Cougar 100 Career Fair
7. Traditions and engagement No matter the location, background, interests or UH major, UHAA has a way for all alumni to get involved with their alma mater. By keeping UH traditions alive, alumni will always have a reason and an invitation to stay connected. Alumni have many ways to participate in the UH conversation whether on social platforms, alumni engagement apps or various communication pieces. We ask them to keep us updated on life events with Class Notes and solicit their opinions in alumni surveys. UHAAF also empowers alumni to politically advocate on behalf of the university. Key metric- Identify opportunities to keep UH traditions alive. UHAA will continue to partner with UH, student organizations, constituent associations and alumni to identify new and meaningful ways to demonstrate our traditions.
13 UHAA Five-Year Strategic Plan
“University of Houston gave me the skills to be successful both professionally and in my community. It is important for me to give back to the University that helped me so much!” -Shazia Khan (’84) Executive Committee, UHAAF Board of Directors
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2018-2019
YEAR IN REVIEW
EVENTS • 342 EVENTS MANAGED BY UHAA THROUGHOUT THE YEAR • 600+ ATTENDEES AT ALUMNI AWARDS GALA • 600+ ATTENDEES AT COUGAR 100 LUNCHEON • 6,675 ATTENDEES AT FALL & SPRING CLASS RING CEREMONIES • 115 ALUMNI ATTENDED UH DAY AT THE CAPITOL RECEPTION IN FEBRUARY IN AUSTIN
CONSTITUENT ASSOCIATIONS • 39 ACTIVE CONSTITUENT ASSOCIATIONS • OVER 7,000 ATTENDEES AT CONSTITUENT ASSOCIATION EVENTS IN FY19
SCHOLARSHIPS • 124 STUDENTS RECEIVED UHAA SCHOLARSHIPS • $157,250 IN TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS LIFE MEMBER • 367 NEW LIFE MEMBERS IN FY19 • CURRENTLY OVER 7,000+ LIFE MEMBERS
PHILANTHROPY & REVENUE • $241,121 IN LIFE MEMBER REVENUE RECEIVED IN FY19 • 1,373 UH CLASS RINGS SOLD IN FY19 • OVER $800,000 IN REVENUE PROVIDED TO UH FROM UHAA
UHAAF LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY • OVER 3,500 ALUMNI PARTICIPATED IN ADVOCACY EFFORTS FOR UH • 12,000+ LETTERS FROM ALUMNI WRITTEN IN SUPPORT OF UH COLLEGE OF MEDICINE LEGISLATION • 1,600+ LETTERS FROM ALUMNI WRITTEN IN SUPPORT OF UH LAW BUILDING LEGISLATION
The official University of Houston Alma Mater was the culmination of an assignment by Associate Professor of Music, Bruce Spencer King. He assigned his harmony class the task of composing a song that was suitable to become the University’s Alma Mater. The song has been a part of the University lore from that day on.
1942
2018-2019 Year in Review
ALUMNI COUNTS (AS OF 8/31/2019) • 297,979 ALL-TIME UH ALUMNI • 273,261 LIVING UH ALUMNI • 208,922 UH ALUMNI IN TEXAS • 177,522 UH ALUMNI IN GREATER HOUSTON AREA
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UHAA BY THE NUMBERS
16 2018-2019 Year in Review COUGAR 100
The Cougar 100 identifies, ranks and celebrates the fastest growing UH Cougar-owned and Cougar-led businesses, demonstrating to all that UH alumni are among the finest commercial and industry leaders in the world. In addition to an awards lunch, a series of networking events are scheduled for the Cougar 100 honorees from current and past years. We will also be launching a business-to-business directory to include any Cougar-owned or Cougar-led businesses. The goal of both of these programs is to promote Cougars doing business with Cougars.
Event Center. A new color, glossy design of the Cougar 100 directory was handed out and mailed to Life Members and select alumni who own, operate or manage a business in Houston. This new version will provide business-to-business opportunities for companies on the list and the alumni behind them. BE A PART OF THE COUGAR 100 BY VISITING: Cougar100.com
The 2018 Cougar 100 celebrated its fifth anniversary at a luncheon with more than 600 attendees. Thirty two companies were new to the Cougar 100 list for 2018. A special pre-reception was held to celebrate the 35 companies that have appeared on the list in all five years. This provided a great networking opportunity for those members. The 2019 Cougar 100 awards luncheon was held on October 21, 2019 at the Bayou City
The first UH Class Rings were awarded. The UH logo adorns the top of the official class ring, with the right shank showing the university seal and graduation year. The left shank has the recipient’s degree, the Ezekiel Cullen Building’s façade and UH’s founding date, 1927.
1946
COUGAR PRIDE facebook.com/houstonalumni @houston_alumni @houstonalumni
12/6/19
Ring Blessing at Houston Zoo
12/7/19
Fall 2019 Ring Ceremony
12/12/19 – 12/14/19
UH Fall Commencement
1/7/20
4th annual MPA Alumni Banquet
1/15/20
Bauer Alumni AssociationMeet the Dean
2/21/202/23/20
UH Baseball in Round Rock Classic
2/22/20
UHAA Float in Mardi Gras Galveston Parade
2/29/20
UHAA Float in Rodeo Houston Parade
3/3/20
Rescheduled UHAA Celebrity Golf Classic
3/9/20
24th Annual Coach Bill Yeoman Scholarship Golf Tournament
3/12/20
UH Day at the Rodeo
3/12/20 – 3/15/20
UH at AAC Basketball Tournament- Fort Worth
4/25/20
66th Annual Alumni Awards Gala
MAY/20
Spring Ring Ceremony (TBD)
youtube.com/houstonalumni
HELP US KEEP #TRUEWELLEVERBE TRENDING! The University of Houston joined the Lone Star Conference, its first official intercollegiate sport conference. A crowd of 11,000 arrived at HISD’s Public School Stadium (later renamed Jeppesen Stadium) on September 21, 1946 for UH’s first football game. The Cougars lost 13-7 to Southwestern Louisiana Institute, but the loss by no means dampened the fans’ Cougar spirit. That inaugural season also brought the first bonfire, Sadie Hawkins Dance, and Homecoming celebration, including a barn dance complete with hay and animals.
1946
2018-2019 Year in Review
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65TH ANNUAL ALUMNI AWARDS DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD Thasunda B. Duckett (’96)
2018-2019 Year in Review
Thasunda holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Marketing, and is now the CEO of Chase Consumer Banking, where she oversees more than $800B in deposits and investments, 5,000 branches, 16,000 ATMs and 48,000 employees serving 24 million US households.
More than 600 alumni, friends, supporters and students attended the 65th Annual Alumni Awards Gala on April 27, 2019. UH President Renu Khator, 2018-2019 UHAAF Board President Brent Chinn (FS ’82), and many other prominent faculty, staff, deans and members of the University community dressed their best to celebrate outstanding UH alumni. In a special presentation, the Outstanding Volunteer Award was renamed the Billie Schneider Outstanding Volunteer Award for her tireless efforts supporting UHAA and the University of Houston over the last 50+ years. Billie graciously accepted a plaque memorializing the change and made brief remarks to a standing ovation. (See photo in upper left corner) The evening concluded with the presentation of awards to the following individuals:
RISING STAR AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT • Alexander W. Obregon (’09, M.B.A. ’14) BILLIE SCHNEIDER OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER AWARD • Michael Alcorn (‘07) CHAIR’S AWARD • Ted Estess • Steph Sherrodd DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD • Preston Johnson, Jr. (FS ’87, UHCL M.B.A. ’83)
The Honorable Jim P. Wise (’66) Since earning his Accounting degree, Jim has served over 55 years in Board, CEO, President, and CFO positions. He regards his greatest contribution to UH was as a Board of Regents member, serving on the Search Committee, and ultimately casting a vote, to hire Renu Khator as Chancellor and President.
Hanneke Faber (’90, M.B.A. ’92) Hanneke, who attended UH on a diving scholarship, earned a BA in Journalism from the Honors College, and a Bauer MBA, and now serves as the President of Global Food & Refreshments for Unilever.
David Ashley White (’68, M.M. ’74) David is the C.W. Moores, Jr. Professor of Music at the University of Houston Moores School of Music. With degrees from the University of Houston (B.M. and M.M.) and the University of Texas at Austin (D.M.A.), he served as Director of the Moores School from 1999-2014. His secular and sacred compositions are widely performed and published, and he has received numerous commissions. His vocal and instrumental music has been recorded on several commercial labels and sung by numerous choirs.
To learn more about Alumni Awards Gala, go to
HOUSTONALUMNI.COM/AWARDS The first of six live UH Cougar mascots, a seventy-five-pound, fifteen-month-old puma, was purchased by Alpha Phi Omega. After she arrived by private plane, excited students escorted her to campus. Student Joe Randol won a contest to name the mascot, calling her “Shasta” because “Shasta have a cage, Shasta have a keeper, Shasta have a winning ball club, Shasta have the best!” The cougars lived on campus until Shasta V died in 1989, and the school switched to human mascots.
1947
ALL DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENTS James L. Sibley (FS ’49) Ernest Mayeux (FS ’52)
1987
Hon. Dorothy E.F. Caram (Ed.D. ’82)
Ned Battista (’62, M.M. ’64) Roy H. Cullen, Jr. (’57)
2008
1951
Marvin D. Nathan (’65, J.D. ’69)
1952
Jack Valenti (A.S. ’42, B.S. ’46, H ’02)
Jack M. Rains ( J.D. ’67)
Col. Barrye L. Price (Ph.D. ’85)
1953 1954
Hon. Sherwood Crane (’47) Johnny Goyen (’47)
1988 Duane B. Adams (’54) Joseph Rodney Canion (’66, M.S. ’67)
2009
Christopher Theofanidis (’90) Karen W. Katz (M.B.A. ’82)
1955
William W. Sherrill (FS ’50)
Larry W. Gatlin (’70)
Miguel R. San Juan (’74)
1956
Charles A. Saunders (’45)
1989
Sam P. Douglass (’54)
Alvin L. Zimmerman (’64, J.D. ’67)
1957
Joel H. Berry, Jr. (’42)
Dr. Louis Green (’47)
2010
Richard Coselli (’55, J.D. ’58)
1958
Harry H. Montgomery, Jr. (’40) Thomas Menefee (FS ’42)
Hon. Elizabeth Ghrist (M.Ed. ’67)
Jim Perdue (’61, J.D. ’62)
John J. Toomey (’50, J.D. ’69) Ralph Poling (’56)
1962
Walter M. Rainey, Jr. (’49)
1991
1963
Roger W. Jeffery, Sr. (FS ’38)
1967
Judge Roy Hofheinz
1959
Congressman Tom DeLay (’69) Hon. John J. Moores (’70, J.D. ’75, H ’95) Leonard Rosenberg ( J.D. ’53)
1968
1992
1969
John McGivney (’47) Congressman Bob Casey ( J.D. ’67) Dan Rather (FS ’57) Arleigh Templeton (M.Ed ’50, Ph.D. ’60) 1970 Hon. Welcome Wilson, Sr. (’49) LeRoy Melcher, Sr. (’33) 1971 Harry H. Hedges, Jr. (’40) Elsa Rosborough (’46, M.L. ’63) 1972 Larry Blyden (’47) Judge Bill Elliott ( J.D. ’51) Reverend Rene H. Gracida (’50) 1973 Guy V. Lewis (’47) Judge Wendell A. Odom ( J.D. ’51) 1974 Judge Criss Cole ( J.D. ’54) 1975 Howard W. Pollock ( J.D. ’69) John B. Van Ness (’51, ’56) 1976 Byron G. “Pappy” Bond (’50) 1977 Rabbi Hyman Judah Schachtel (Ed.D. ’48) 1978 Roy Wiese (’54) Dave Williams (’89) 1979 Robert W. Baldwin (’47, ’49) Archie Bennett, Jr. (’62) 1980 Elvin Hayes (’85) Hon. Leonard Rauch (FS ’47, H ’07) 1981 Richard “Racehorse” Haynes ( J.D. ’56) Kenneth Reese (’54) 1982 Hon. Charles B. Marino (’50) Kathryn J. Whitmire (’68, M.S. ’70) 1983 Peter H. Roussel (’65) Judge Shearn Smith (’51, J.D. ’69) Judge Ruby Kless Sondock (’59, ’61) 1984 E. Virginia Barnett (M.B.A. ’56) Hon. John E. Kolb ( J.D. ’55) Hon. Charles E. McMahen (’62, H ’02) 1985 Hon. Dr. Kenneth L. Lay (Ph.D. ’70) Vassar Miller (’47, M.A. ’50) 1986 Mickey L. Herskowitz (’56) Kenneth L. Schnitzer (FS ’56) James C. Shindler (’57)
Katherine Mize (’61, M.A. ’65) Jim Nantz (’81)
Don D. Sykora (’57) 1993 Carl Lewis (F.S. ’82) Shirley Rose (’60, M.Ed. ’69, Ph.D. ’73) Hon. John O’Quinn (’65, ’67, J.D. ’69) 1994 Dr. Bernard Harris (’78) Tom Jarriel (’56) Regina Rogers (’70) 1995 Valerie King Freeman (’70, M.Ed. ’72) Congressman Gene Green (’71) Hakeem Olajuwon (FS ’84) 1996 Doug Drabek (FS ’83) Elizabeth D. Rockwell (FS ’42, H ’99) 1997 Jane Cizik (’83) Hon. Gene McDavid (’65) 1998 Hon. Morrie Abramson (’56) Emyré Robinson (’70) 2000 Burdette W. Keeland (’50) Kenneth L. Barun (’81) Judge Mary E. Bacon ( J.D. ’72) B. Montgomery Pettitt (’75, Ph.D. ’80) 2002 Dominique Sachse (’90) Cynthia Woods Mitchell (’43) Judge Vanessa Gilmore ( J.D. ’81) Melvyn Wolff (’53) 2003 Hon. Michael Cemo (’68) Hon. Vidal Martinez ( J.D. ’77) Kathryn “Kaye” Stripling (’67, Ed.D. ’85) 2004 Leroy Burrell (’94) Rose Cullen (FS ’57) Charles Matthews ( J.D. ’70) 2005 Anastacio Mindiola (’02) Hon. Margaret Spellings (’79) Dr. Herman Suit (’48) Patricia Potter Wilson (Ph.D. ’85) 2006 Carol L. Lewis (’91) Hon. Jack Moore (’77) Senator John Whitmire (’75) 2007 Hon. Gerald McElvy (’75) Hon. Martha Wong (’76, Ed.D. ’83)
2011 David Bertman (M.M. ’98) Cheryl Creuzot (’81, J.D. ’92, M.L. ’99, M.B.A. ’12)
Hon. Leroy Hermes (’66)
Hon. Beth Madison (’72) 2012
Hon. Durga Agrawal (M.S. ’69, Ph.D. ’74) Lt. General Robert Milstead (’74)
Dorothy T. Nicholson (’77) Brett Cullen (’79) Dennis Quaid (FS ’74) Robert Wuhl (FS ’76) 2013 Dr. Roger Birkman (’47, M.S. ’47) Hon. Alonzo Cantu (’78) Loretta Devine (’71) Hon. Dennis Golden (’76, O.D. ’77) Vicki & Nick (’73) Massad Richard Rawson (’72) 2014 Hon. Doug Brooks (’75) Rafael Ortega (’81, M.B.A. ’85) Andre Ware (’96) Dr. Philip Zelikow (’77, J.D. ’79) 2015 Ken Bailey (’69, J.D. ’72) Aylwin Lewis (’76, M.B.A. ’90) Rushion McDonald (’83) Dominic Ng (’80) Bill Worrell (’69) 2016 Dr. William Brookshire (’57) Billy Ray Brown (’85) Alan Gershenhorn (’82) Pamela O’Rourke (UHCL ’95) 2017 J. Downey Bridgwater (’84) Hon. Jarvis V. Hollingsworth ( J.D. ’93) Star Jones ( J.D. ’86) Hon. Melissa Noriega (’77, M. Ed. ’83) Wade Phillips (’70) Hon. Sylvester Turner (’77) 2018 Hon. Spencer Armour (’77) Otis Birdsong (’88) Hon. James Greer (’54) Laura Murillo (’89, M.Ed. ’98, Ed.D. ’03) Marvin Odum (’95) 2019 Thasunda B. Duckett (’96) Hanneke Faber (’90, M.B.A. ’92) David Ashley White (’68, M.M. ’74) Hon. Jim P. Wise (’66)
The UH Frontiersmen group was organized to promote Cougar spirit, help with Frontier Fiesta, homecoming and serve as campus ambassadors.
1948
2018-2019 Year in Review
1960 1961
Hon. Wilhelmina Cullen Robertson (’44) 1990 Victor Costa (’58) Hon. C.F. Kendall, II (’60, J.D. ’69) Dr. Robert W. Lawless (’64)
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1949
20
UH DAY OF REMEMBRANCE
One of the University of Houston’s most hallowed traditions is honoring and remembering the lives of students, staff, faculty, alumni and supporters who passed away in the previous year at the annual UH Day of Remembrance. This interfaith service takes place each year around the UH birthday of March 7th at noon at the A.D. Bruce Religion Center’s University Chapel. UH Day of Remembrance is a free, open to the public campus-wide event.
2018-2019 Year in Review
Carol (’72) & James (’68, M.Ed. ‘72) Saxe along with Joyce (’70) & Robert (’70) Finch on the Glorious Greece Trip. This was a 10 night cruise aboard Oceania’s Riviera in October 2018.
The memorial service, coordinated by the Campus Ministries Association, includes liturgy from campus ministers and remarks from UH Administrators. It also includes a special candle-lighting ceremony featuring the presidents of the Student Government Association, the Faculty Senate, Staff Council and UHAAF Board President. Details can be found at www.uh.edu/adbruce
COUGARS ON TOUR
Every year, UH alumni and supporters travel to new and exotic locations through UHAA’s Cougars on Tour Alumni Travel program. These unique, experiential excursions promote educational and cultural exchange for our alumni and friends. Within the United States, participants have traveled to Southern California for the Rose Parade and to Arizona for a rail journey to the Grand Canyon and surrounding areas. Internationally, alumni cruised the Mediterranean, floated on the Rhine, and island hopped in the Greek Isles. Cougars on Tour trips are a great way to see the world and have been developed with both new and seasoned travelers in mind. The tours are open to all friends of the University, so feel free to invite your friends and family to join you on a once-in-alifetime experience. When you travel with Cougars on Tour, a portion of your purchase price comes back to UHAA, helping our organization fund scholarships, events and programs.
Below is our newly released lineup for Cougars on Tour trips in 2020. For more information, please visit www.HoustonAlumni.com/travel
COUGARS ON TOUR 3/8/20 – 3/13/20
Great Trains & Grand Canyons
3/15/20 – 3/25/20
Legends to Lagoons – Cruise of South Pacific
4/8/20 – 4/11/20
The Masters Golf Tournament
4/28/20 – 5/9/20
Cloisters of Culture
4/29/20 – 5/3/20
The Kentucky Derby
5/27/20 – 6/5/20
Swiss Alps & The Italian Lakes
5/31/20 – 6/1/20
Exotic Egypt: Valley of the Kings for Young Alumni
6/21/20 – 6/28/20
Portugal Adventures: Castles & Coastlines for Young Alumni
6/29/20 – 7/6/20
Circumnavigation of Iceland
7/18/20 – 7/28/20
The Great Journey through Europe
9/24/20 – 9/28/20
Ryder Cup with Steve Elkington (FS ’85)
10/9/20 – 10/14/20
Albuquerque Balloon Festival
10/8/20 – 10/16/20
Ancient Greece
10/10/20 – 10/18/20 Rivieras of France, Italy and Spain 10/17/20 – 10/25/20 Paris – Art, Culture & People 10/18/20 – 10/25/20 Secrets of Indochina for Young Alumni 12/11/20 – 12/19/20
Holiday Markets Cruise – The Festive Rhine River
The first Distinguished Alumni Honoree was James L. Sibley (FS ’49). Distinguished Alumni Awards would be awarded every year since. In 1954, the Alumni Association hosted its first Alumni Awards Gala to recognize past and current Honorees.
1949
21 2018-2019 Year in Review
HOMECOMING
Homecoming is one of the most exciting events on any college campus. UHAA welcomes thousands of alumni back to campus each fall. Events kick off with Cougars taking to the links at the UHAA Celebrity Golf Classic. Throughout the week leading up to the Homecoming Football game, alumni and friends join the student population on campus for events including concerts, talent shows, pep rallies and lectures.
REUNIONS
In 2018, UHAA hosted a 50th and 40th Reunion for the football teams from 1968 and 1978. The event was a huge success. Football players joined with coaches and trainers, including the legendary Coach Bill Yeoman, to share memories. This reception occurred on the evening before the Homecoming Game. At the game, these two teams were presented on the field to the crowds in the stadium.
The Cougar Hand Sign is rooted in a mishap with Shasta I, when her front paw got caught en route to UH’s first game against the University of Texas. When UT students heard Shasta lost a digit, they mocked her by raising a hand with the ring finger tucked in. Cougar fans adopted the gesture as a symbol of pride and determination.
1953
22 2018-2019 Year in Review
UH CLASS RING STATUE
This fall, we unveiled a replica class ring statue in the Legacy Lounge of the Student Center. The statue measures 54� tall and provides an excellent photo opportunity for students receiving their class ring and promotes the ring to future eligible students. This year we will be launching a class ring scholarship program. We believe this will increase excitement and knowledge about class rings among the students and serve as a way for our alumni to give back to the University for a meaningful purpose.
UH CLASS RING CEREMONIES
Each year, ring ceremonies are held (one in fall a nd one in spring) to award purchased UH class rings to students that have more than 70 hours of college credit. Ring ceremony attendance has steadily grown for the last couple years, and 2019 saw a dramatic increase due to the move into Fertitta Center. These ceremonies draw more tha n 3,000 a ttendees a nd over 500 rings a re awa rded each ceremony. The fall 2019 Ring Ceremony will be held at Fertitta Center on Saturday, December 7.
The UH Board of Regents recommended that the university become a state-funded public institution. After an eleven-day filibuster from three senators, a compromise was struck and the bill won approval by one vote. Once UH officially became a state university, tuition dropped from approximately $700 per year to $100, and enrollment jumped 28 percent to 17,430 in the fall semester. To accommodate the growing number of students, a building boom began, with 25 buildings constructed during the next 10 years.
1963
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UHAA AND
HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW & RODEO RODEO SCHOLARS AT UH
For current students and alumni, Cougar spirit spills out of main campus and into the streets of the entire Houston region each year in February and March. The Spirit of Houston marching band, cheerleaders or Cougar Dolls may make an appearance at the Rodeo Parade and Rodeo events. Wherever there are enthusiastic alumni, the UH spirit rides! A constant presence in the Houston community, UHAA takes great pride in our appearance at Houston’s most spirited events.
UH NIGHT AT THE RODEO
Every year, UH alumni get ready to head ‘em up and move ‘em out in Houston! The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR, or just “Rodeo” to most) is one of the most storied traditions in the Houston community, so as Houston’s university, it’s not surprising that Cougars play a huge part in the festivities. UH Cougar Cookers participate in the HLSR World’s Championship Bar-B-Que cook-off. On UH night each year, University dignitaries lead the grand entry into the rodeo. Since 15% of college graduates in Houston hold degrees received from UH, there’s a good chance you’ll meet a Cougar in the crowd on any given day during the three-week event. On January 20, 1968, the Cougars faced No. 1 UCLA inside the Houston Astrodome in the Game of the Century. Played in front of more than 52,000 fans and broadcast to millions, it was the first nationally televised regular-season college basketball game in prime time, setting the stage for how today’s NCAA Tournament fans enjoy the games every year. In a match-up against two college basketball legends, Houston forward Elvin Hayes scored 39 points with 15 rebounds to outduel UCLA’s Lew Alcindor (later Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) in a 71-69 Houston victory.
1968
2018-2019 Year in Review
The Rodeo provides numerous scholarships to Texas students every year and many of those students choose to be Coogs. At any given time, there are more than 200 Rodeo Scholarship recipients enrolled at UH. Rodeo Scholars are members of the Dean’s List, high school valedictorians and speakers of over ten different languages between them. These scholars are celebrated each year and many speak at various rodeo meetings throughout the year.
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“I am so grateful for my time at the University of Houston. It was the perfect school for me! I felt fortunate as a music student to live and go to school in a city with amazing arts and to hear world class musicians in our symphony, opera and ballet orchestras on a regular basis. UH has many student groups which developed my love for volunteering on campus and in the community and has provided me with life-long friendships. Our University has shaped my life and I am beyond proud to be a Cougar!” -Drue Terry DaSilva (’93, M.S. ’99) President-elect, UHAAF Board of Directors (2019-2020)
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LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY AND
UH DAY AT THE CAPITOL approximately 300 participants including students, alumni, faculty, staff and UH friends traveled on five buses from UH to Austin. Each participant attended legislative training. Once in Austin, everyone was assigned to various legislative offices to share the UH message including the need for a College of Medicine and a new Law Center Building.
UH COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
2019 saw great participation from our alumni base in support of UH College of Medicine. More than 2,300 alumni wrote almost 12,000 letters to their local legislators in support of the UH College of Medicine.
UH DAY AT THE CAPITOL RECEPTION
On February 11th, Dale (’70) & Nancy Lowe, along with the UHAA hosted a reception on the eve of “UH Day at the Capitol”. Over 115 guests came to mingle and hear President Khator speak on upcoming legislative issues and how that will effect what’s happening at the University. This was a particularly important year as UH is in the midst of creating the new College of Medicine.
UH DAY AT THE CAPITOL
Each legislative year, UH student volunteers join with alumni, faculty, administration and community supporters to travel to Austin, Texas to meet with legislators and their associates at the state Capitol. The goal of “UH Day at the Capitol” is to maximize funding for the University of Houston and the University of Houston System. In February,
The UH Alumni Association establishes the Life Member program which has now grown to include over 7,000 members. Life Members are recognized on year-specific plaques in Life Member Plaza in front of the Athletics-Alumni Center.
1969
2018-2019 Year in Review
As a private 501(c)(3) organization, the University of Houston Alumni Association Foundation (UHAAF) is able to advocate for the University of Houston. Because UHAA falls under IRS Tax Code 170(b), employees are not allowed to use state assets with political intent. Therefore, the UHAAF Board Legislative Advocacy Committee is very useful in telling the UH story to politicians, especially during each legislative session. This committee continues to be very active and was previously instrumental in the creation of the Political Action Committee. Today the UHAAF Board Legislative Advocacy Committee focuses on gathering information to educate alumni on legislation important to UH.
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“ The University of Houston has given me incredible opportunities and lifelong friendships. It is a LIFE decision to be part of the history and future of this great University. I’m proud to be a Life Member and give back to a place that gave so much to me.”
-James Hong (’05) UHAAF Board of Directors
2018-2019 Year in Review
2019 was a year full of growth and exciting opportunities for the UHAA Life Member program. It continues to grow and has become more recognizable to students and alumni. The pride that comes with being a Life Member is contagious. It’s truly the next best thing to being back on campus!
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LIFEMEMBERS Life Member contributions benefit the Legacy Scholarship, which is available to the children and grandchildren of UH graduates that are attending University of Houston. In 2019, the program was able to award 15 Legacy Scholarships to deserving students to help further their education.
Life Members were given more than 10 exclusive discounts at retail locations all over the city and exclusive access to various events! Exclusive offers included the 2020 Final Four presale and access to a new theatrical production by UH alumni Brett Cullen (’79) and Sally Mayes (’77) and tickets to numerous different professional sport teams. Additionally, Life Members had exclusive access to five signature events in 2019. These events ranged from a night of wine tasting and pairings to a free baseball game for Life Members and their families. 135 Life Members attended the College Classic held at Minute Maid Park where they got to watch the mighty Cougars take on Texas A&M in the Insperity Club. There were raffles in between innings where Life Members could win a variety of merchandise. It was fun for the whole family!
Don’t miss out on all of the exclusive and exciting things coming up for LIFE MEMBERS. To sign up to become a LIFE MEMBER, visit houstonalumni.com/lifemember or email Kirstyn Speich at klspeich@uh.edu.
UH purchased Jeppesen Stadium from HISD, which had built the facility with WPA funds in 1942. It was later renamed Robertson Stadium in honor of Corbin Robertson, Sr., one of the major benefactors of Houston Athletics. The stadium eventually played host to Houston Football, Houston Oilers football, Houston Dynamo soccer, and a 2002 scrimmage between the Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys. The proud facility was torn down in 2012 to make way for the new TDECU Stadium, which opened in the fall of 2014.
1970
28
SENIOR27
2018-2019 Year in Review
More than 6,300 Coogs graduated in May 2019, joining the proud ranks of UH alumni. The Senior 27 is for our highest achieving students. This honor recognizes the hard work, dedication and energy that 27 of our most highly acclaimed and involved students have exhibited during their time a t UH. New inductees were honored at the Senior 27 Banquet on May 1. These 2019 gradua tes have made significa nt contributions during their time at UH to showcase and grow the University’s profile among students and the community.
Below is the list of students selected in Spring 2019 for Senior 27 Mayyadah Alsabbagh-BioMedical Engineering Justin Brown-Finance Gabby Cabangon-Human Development and Family Studies Mayra Castillo-Public Relations Brenda DeLuna-Education Russey Espinosa-Spanish Enrique Favela-Electrical Engineering Fatema Janoowala-Industrial Engineering Jesus Juarez-Accounting Sydney Mannen-Exercise Science Daniel Meza-Electrical Engineering Karim Motani-Supply Chain Management Elissa Nguyen-BioMedical Sciences Nhubinh Nguyen-Mathematical Biology Katrina Ortega-Supply Chain Management Caleb Pham-Biology Alejandra Rangel-Industrial Engineering Annie Samuel-Psychology & Biology Joel Scarbrough-Industrial Engineering Andrew Seewald-Construction Management Rachel Shenoi-Biology & Psychology Kirbey Smith-Political Science Sven Sorhus-Civil Engineering Macky Soukchanh-Psychology Shannon Steele-Finance Callan Stevenson-Hotel & Restaurant Management LeeAnn Thompson-Marketing
Learn more about Senior 27 at houstonalumni.com/Senior27.
The University of Houston celebrated its 50th anniversary with events throughout the year focused on four themes: resources, technologies, lifestyles, and environments. As part of the UH 50 Fund drive, the Cullen Foundation pledged $3 million to endow nine distinguished professorships contingent upon the university raising $6 million in matching funds.
1977
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LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP
Mark Mathews is a Biology major, with a minor in Spanish and an Honors minor in Medicine & Society. Attending the University of Houston can be a family affair. The Legacy Scholarship encourages the children and grandchildren of University of Houston alumni to continue the family legacy and attend the University. This exciting opportunity ensures that deserving students get the financial assistance they need to receive a Tier One education. One of the many students who has benefitted from the Legacy Scholarship is Mark Mathews (’23), an undergraduate who plans to become a physician one day.
“My father and both my brothers attended the University of Houston. I believe this scholarship provides me with the help needed to continue their successful legacy,” Mathews says. “Also, this scholarship will help reduce my financial burden, which allows me to focus on the rigorous coursework in the Honors College at the University of Houston.” Thanks to the generosity of our steadfast giving community, the University of Houston Alumni Association was able to award over $190,000 in scholarships last year.
2018-2019 Year in Review
SPOTLIGHT
30
GET INVOLVED
Guide to Alumni Relations
We can’t be a thriving alumni association without YOU! We want you to get involved and stay engaged with the University of Houston. Enthusiastic alumni fuel the University with their giving, volunteering and by showing up and enjoying themselves at alumni events. Pick your passion — and let the friendships, memories and good times ensue!
CURRENT CONSTITUENT ASSOCIATIONS
There are multiple ways to stay connected to UH and your Cougar family. College-based, Regional and Special Interest Constituent Alumni Associations, Alumni Networks and much more!
COLLEGE/SCHOOL Architecture & Design Bauer College of Business Education Engineering Hilton College Hobby School of Public Affairs Graduate College of Social Work Master of Public Administration Natural Science & Mathematics Nursing Technology Valenti School of Communication
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS Asian Alumni Black Alumni CenterPoint Energy Communication Sciences and Disorders Cougar Athletic Alliance Delta Upsilon Eta Lambda Eta Mu Frontier Fiesta Graphic Alumni Partnership Hispanic Alumni Association LGBTQ Alumni Energy Alumni Association Sigma Nu Alumni Association Spirit of Houston Alumni Association Tau Kappa Epsilon Alumni Association
Regional Greater China Alumni Association Austin Dallas/Fort Worth Fort Bend New York City Denver Los Angeles Katy Rio Grande Valley Washington D.C. Woodlands
Engage and join us by visiting HoustonAlumni.com or alumni@uh.edu. In the early 1980s, the University of Houston boasted one of the nation’s most exciting, prolific, and high-scoring offenses in the college basketball world. From 1982 to 1984, Phi Slama Jama, “Texas’ tallest fraternity,” advanced to three straight NCAA Final Fours and competed in back-to-back National Championship games.
1982- 1984
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There are lots of ways to engage with University of Houston as an alumnus. We encourage you to look over the ideas below and see how you can get involved and stay connected with us! For more information or more details on how to get involved, please email us at
Join in the COUGAR ENGAGEMENTS! Here are some of the ways you can get involved.
Constituent Groups Offer to volunteer UH Life Member Gifts to UH Advocate on behalf of UH Red Fridays Events Networking Get UH Alumni App Athletics Support get Alumni Store gear endow a scholarship Mentor a student engage a current student notes (Class Notes) travel (Cougars on Tour) social Media
UHAA ACROSS THE NATION
For our alumni outside of Houston, Coogs around the country, including New York, Denver and Dallas, have started putting together group outings including watch parties and baseball games. If you’d like to arrange something in your city, please reach out to us and we’ll assist you in doing so!
MCALLEN STUDENT SENDOFF
Alonzo (’78) and Yolanda Cantu (’78) hosted our biggest Student Send-Off yet, with more than 130 guests made up of alumni, current students and incoming students from the Rio Grande Valley area. It also served as a way to grow the new Rio Grande Valley Alumni Association and help them find more volunteers. We’re looking forward to continuing to grow the UH presence in the Valley!
Carl Lewis (FS ’82) established himself as one of the world’s greatest athletes with his performance at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. With gold medals in the long jump, 4x100-meter relay, and 100- and 200-meter races, he matched Jesse Owens’s feat of winning four gold medals in a single Olympics. He finished his career with 10 Olympic medals, including nine gold, and ten World Championships medals, eight of them gold.
1984
Guide to Alumni Relations
alumni@uh.edu or visit us at HoustonAlumni.com.
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“The University of Houston has provided us a first rate education, real world experience, business networks, meaningful friendships, and an amazing marriage.” -Lisa (’95) & Michael Sachs (’97) Treasurer, UHAAF Board of Directors (2019-2020)
33 Guide to Alumni Relations
UHAA ON PARADE
Rodeo isn’t the only community outreach Cougars are enjoying. The UH parade float can be spotted at community celebrations throughout the year with riders representing the student body, alumni and supporters.
Look for the UH float in these parades: Martin Luther King, Jr. Grand Parade – Houston Mardi Gras Knights of the Grand Momus Parade – Galveston Rodeo Houston Parade – Houston Juneteenth Parade – Houston Houston LGBTQ Pride Parade – Houston Fiestas Patrias Parade – Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade – Houston
UHAA CELEBRITY GOLF CLASSIC
In 2018, UHAA celebrated more than 30 years of hosting the UHAA Celebrity Golf Classic. Last year’s tournament was held at Sienna Plantation Golf Club, with Otis Birdsong (’88) as the honoree. There were more than 100 total participants for the event who enjoyed hole-challenges like “Hit Shasta”, “Air Cannon”, “Closest to the Pin” and “Longest Drive”. The next UHAA Celebrity Golf Classic will be held at Sienna Plantation Golf Club on March 3, 2020. For more information or to register a team, visit https://houstonalumni.com/event/celebrity-golf-classic
Houston quarterback Andre Ware (’96) became the first Cougar to win the Heisman Trophy, given annually to college football’s top player. He threw for nearly 4,700 yards with 46 touchdowns, and set 26 NCAA and 15 Southwest Conference records for passing and total offense. Despite UH not playing a game on television that season, Ware earned college football’s highest honor and led the Cougars to a 9-2 record and No. 14 final ranking.
1989
34
PARTY ON THE PLAZA
For the 5th year, UHAA will be hosting Party on the Plaza before every home football game at TDECU Stadium. Party on the Plaza begins four hours prior to each game and runs until 45 minutes before game time. Join us for food, drinks and networking with friends, old and new, before cheering on the Cougars.
Guide to Alumni Relations
SUPPORTING ATHLETICS
In addition to Party on the Plaza, there are plenty of opportunities to join us on the road with Coogs on the Road. With receptions and tailgates at all away football games and most post-season athletics events, you can find us wherever the Cougars travel. In 2018-2019, in addition to all away football games and the Armed Forces Bowl, Coogs on the Road also traveled to Tulsa and Kansas City with UH Men’s Basketball in the NCAA Tournament. UH Men’s Basketball will be playing in the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic in December.
Visit
www.houstonalumni.com/CoogsontheRoad for more information.
The Frontiersman started operating The Blaze, originally a hand-cranked oil field siren that sounded when the football team scored. In 1996, the Frontiersmen added the tradition of running across the field after each score while holding the Texas and UH flags aloft.
1991
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“UHAA has allowed me to connect to UH in ways other than just going to athletic events. The most significant way has been through Cougar 100. I now have many more business connections with UH alums than ever before. It’s gratifying to do business with my fellow Coogs!” -Katy Caldwell (’78) UHAAF Board of Directors
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Proudly announcing our honorees for the 66th Annual Alumni Awards
SAVE
the
DATE
04.25.20 BAYOU CITY EVENT CENTER The University of Houston has ambitious plans to change the world. On this night, we recognize UH alumni who are doing just that!
w w w. h o u s t o n a l u m n i . c o m/a w a r d s
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD
Jim Culpepper (’67)
Elizabeth Killinger (’91)
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Fermeen Fazal (’96, ’97, J.D. ’00)
Sharmagne Taylor (’86)
Alex Lopez-Negrete (FS ’81)
BILLIE SCHNEIDER OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER AWARD
Edward Carrizales (’13)
Howard Lorch (’67, M.Ed. ’68)
Robert Planck (‘71)
CHAIR’S AWARD
RISING STAR AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT
Dean Dr. William Munson
Justin Yu (’07)
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
A COUGAR’S HOMECOMING
Tagliarino views it as fortunate that he was able to attend UH in the early 1990’s, when it was one of the only institutions in Texas which offered a Sports Management degree plan. His grit and determination, working his way through college and commuting from home, was evident to the Houston Rockets. They hired him after a year-long internship during his senior year at UH. David “Tag” Tagliarino (’93) says that coming home to UH as an alumnus to become the deputy athletics director was, “the easiest and quickest decision” he ever made in his career; a career that has spanned nearly three decades in professional sports management. From Final Four to Super Bowl bids, “Tag is one of those guys who knows everyone in the industry!” says associate vice president for alumni relations, Mike Pedé (’89). “I’m always excited when alumni return to UH to continue their careers,” continues Pedé, who has known “Tag” for nearly 25 years. “Anytime we can get a Cougar back to campus, they bring with them that cultural element that brings so much to the table and helps everyone understand what we need to do to be successful— and how to do it more efficiently.”
The difference between working for the professional sports teams he’s managed in the past and collegiate sports is marked. Student-athletes and parents entrust a lot to the college teams that have recruited them. While Tagliarino boasts an impressive resume which includes management positions with the Rockets, the Houston Aeros, the Dynamo and Tampa Bay Lightning, his passion lies with helping young scholars learn the skills that will ready them for life after college, while simultaneously continuing to excel at their sport of choice. “There’s a bigger calling and focus in helping develop and support student-athletes,” Tagliarino says. “Helping UH’s student-athletes be successful in the classroom and on the field is truly unmatched.”
Tagliarino’s job is best described as the chief operating officer of the Athletics Department at UH—he keeps the trains running on time, so to speak, and oversees “big picture” pieces. He’s learned that you can run most effectively when there is an “all-in” and “team-first” mentality. Tagliarino says the return to his alma mater has been slightly “surreal.” Over 30 years ago, Tagliarino was playing football with Chris Pezman (‘92, M.H.M. ‘97) at Stratford High School. He has worked with Pezman at both NRG Park (formerly
Pictured from left to right: Jordan, Lisa, David, Taylor and Colby.
Renu Khator started her tenure as the eighth UH System chancellor, the thirteenth University of Houston president, the first Indian-American to head a major U.S. higher education system, and the first woman UH System chancellor. During her tenure, UH has experienced record enrollment, research expenditures, and fundraising. Accomplishments include $1 billion construction plan that encompassed TDECU stadium, Fertitta Center and refurbished/expanded University Center, achieving Tier One status, being awarded a Phi Beta Kappa, surpassing the $1 Billion dollar “Here, We Go” fundraising campaign and establishing a College of Medicine.
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Guide to Alumni Relations
Reliant Park) and now, in the UH Athletics Department. “Knowing one another for as long as we have and working together in various parts of our professional careers, we have a strong working rapport, an aligned approach and similar expectations for our athletics program,” states Tagliarino.
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THANKS
TO OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS Guide to Alumni Relations
UHAA Foundation programs and services are made possible, in part, by the support of our corporate partners and sponsors. Additionally, through a number of partners, UHAA is able to provide valuable benefits and services to UH alumni and all members of the Cougar family.
Thanks to our numerous wonderful partners, UHAA is able to offer great deals and savings to all UH alumni. Visit houstonalumni.com/partners/special-offers to take advantage today!
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CLASS NOTES
Did you celebrate a new addition to your Cougar family? How about a big promotion? Did you receive a major award, tie the knot or publish your book? Inspire and inform your Cougar family with a Class Note. Share your latest accomplishments with us so Coogs across the world can celebrate with you!
UHAA “HAPPENINGS”
The University of Houston Alumni Association’s monthly newsletter, UHAA “Happenings”, helps you stay on top of exciting UH and alumni news, events and programs. If you are not receiving UHAA emails or wish to change your preferences, visit uh.edu/subscribe.
ALUMNI COMMUNICATIONS
There are now more ways than ever for alumni to hear from and connect with your alma mater. Make sure you stay connected.
Congratulations Jason Smith(’09), Vice Chancellor, Vice President of Government Relations and his wife, Erin Smith (J.D.’10) on the birth of their triplets.
Update your information online: uh.edu/update Share Class Notes via email: alumni@uh.edu Give: uh.edu/giving/make-a-gift Download the UH Alumni Association App: search “Houston Alumni” from the app store on your phone
Pictured from left to right are Brent Chinn (FS ’82), UHAAF Immediate Past President, Eloise Brice, Vice President for University Advancement and Bill Hickl (’86), UHAAF Board of Directors
UH Alumni Association in cooperation with the Houston Zoo reinstated the live cougar mascot. Shasta VI, the first male Shasta, arrived at the zoo from Washington State, where he had been rescued after a hunter killed his mother. Prior to each UH Class Ring ceremony, the rings are blessed the night before by Shasta.
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Guide to Alumni Relations
Send your class notes to alumni@uh.edu along with photos so we can add a face to your announcement. For best quality, photos should be submitted in at least 3” x 5” size at 300 dpi (or 900 x 1500 pixels). You can also submit online to https://classnotes.uh.edu.
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UHTRADITIONS
Guide to Alumni Relations
From a lovable feline, Cougar hand sign to an all-campus fiesta, the University of Houston builds community and generates fun with a variety of time-honored traditions. Most individual colleges have their own traditions, too, ranging from ‘The Follies’, a generation-old law school tradition where students spend months organizing skits parodying their professors, to the annual Engineering Golf Tournament, where golfers raise money to support the Cullen College of Engineering. Here are just a few of the traditions that the University celebrates as a whole:
RED AND WHITE
The official colors of the University of Houston are Scarlet Red and Albino White, the colors of Sam Houston’s ancestor, Sir Hugh. Scarlet Red represents “the blood of royalty that was spared due to the timely arrival of Sir Hugh and the blood that is the life source of the soul.” Albino White denotes “the purity and perfections of the heart, mind and soul engaged in the effort to serve faithfully that which is by right and reason, justfully served.” In other words, the red stands for courage or inner strength to face the unknown, and the white stands for the good of helping one’s fellow man.
THE OFFICIAL SEAL
The seal was adopted by UH in 1938 in conjunction with the construction of the campus. The official seal of arms of General Sam Houston, as handed down to him from noble ancestors. The simple escutcheon in the center of the seal consists of checkered chevrons denoting nobility, and three martlets, gentle low land birds symbolizing peace and deliverance. A winged hourglass is above the shield and surmounting this, the motto, “In Tempore” (In Time). Greyhounds were placed at the sides to indicate the speed in giving aid. The first official version was placed on the floor of the Roy Cullen Building.
COUGAR HAND SIGN
The “Cougar Sign,” is made by folding the ring finger of the right hand toward the palm. The tradition dates back to 1953, when Shasta I, the presiding cougar mascot, lost a toe in a cage door on the way to a game. While at the game in Austin, the opposing team mocked UH by imitating the cougar’s injury. Cemented in 1976 with a 30-0 win over that same team, tradition tells Cougar faithful the paw is extended on the right hand to demonstrate unity among the UH community.
SHASTA, UH’S COUGAR MASCOT
Between 1947 and 1989,
five live cougars served as mascots; the tradition of a live mascot was revived in 2012 with Shasta VI, our current living cougar mascot, who resides in an environmentally approved habitat at the Houston Zoo. Costumed Shasta mascots have been a tradition for half a century, becoming one of the first two costumed mascots in the country. Shasta and Sasha do pushups after each Cougar touchdown scored, to match the total on the scoreboard. Fans count along as the mascots complete the pushups and their voices are matched with the sounding of the Spirit Bell and the Spirit of Houston Marching Band’s music.
THE UH CLASS RING
The class ring is presented each semester at a formal Ring Ceremony, an event held prior to both the December and May graduations. Tradition dictates that current students must wear the ring facing inward, with only alumni wearing the ring facing outward. Each class ring spends the night before the Ring Ceremony with our live mascot, Shasta VI, in the cougar habitat at the Houston Zoo.
THE BLAZE
The Blaze is an oil field warning siren that was chosen to represent UH’s ties to the petroleum industry. Beginning in 1991, along with other student volunteers, the Sigma Chi Fraternity was given charge of the siren and named it in honor a fallen brother, David Blazek. Blazek played an instrumental role in its creation and contributed to the regeneration of student enthusiasm on campus in the late 1980s. The siren is sounded during the game to alert Cougars, both present and past, of the on-field success.
FRONTIER FIESTA
THE FRONTIERSMEN
The Frontiersmen, a distinct group of spirited UH students representing Houston’s western heritage was formed in 1948. Frontier Fiesta ended its initial run in 1961. Then in 1992, when Fiesta returned to campus, the Frontiersman returned as well, serving as spirit ambassadors across the campus. In fall of 1994, the Frontiersmen began running the UH Flag across the field after each score at football games in full western dusters, cowboy boots and hats, representing the student body at large.
CUB CAMP
Created by UH students seeking a way to grow campus pride and involvement, Cub Camp is a student-run, student-led program held the week before classes begin. For three days and two nights, campers participate in their first tradition as a UH student by learning more about the university, its official traditions, and the on-campus community at an off-campus retreat center. This is an opportunity for new Coogs to come together as a class, have fun, make friends, and learn more about creating a successful life at UH and in Houston. After Camp, students can continue the tradition by attending on campus events, nominating camp namesakes, and joining the Cub Camp staff.
BUGGY BEAUTIES
LEGEND OF THE COUGAR PAW
In honor of UH’s first live cougar mascot, Shasta I, the Legend of the Cougar Paw Statue was installed at Gate 2 of TDECU Stadium that tells the story of the Cougar Hand sign and its genesis. Cougar fans rub her extended right paw for good luck prior to entering the stadium on game day. Cougar fans also “rub the paws” of the cougar statues in Cullen Family Plaza, in front of the E. Cullen Building. It’s especially important during Homecoming. Sometimes students rub the paws for extra luck on their final exams, too.
In the early 1970s, a new spirit tradition was introduced at UH football games. A golf cart was retrofitted with a fiberglass football helmet and painted with the scarlet and white UH logo. After each UH touchdown, the buggy was driven around the stadium. In addition, four female students chosen by the administrative and coaching staffs rode on the buggy and engaged with Cougar fans during the celebration. The tradition continues to this day with the Buggy Beauties serving as spirit ambassadors for UH year-round.
Guide to Alumni Relations
COUGAR RED FRIDAY
Wearing red on Friday is more than just a tradition, it is who we are. We wear red to show our pride and passion for the University. The color unites us, to live and to celebrate together, and behold our individual achievements as a singular legacy of pride. We encourage our campus community and those all around the globe to wear red on Fridays.
COUGAR WALK
Fans can line up to take part in the Cougar Walk two hours before kickoff at home football games. Led by the head coach and accompanied by the Spirit of Houston, the team is dropped off on Cullen Boulevard as they make their way past the UHAA Party on the Plaza, where they then rub Shasta’s paw and continue past Shasta Square Student Tailgate into the locker room.
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Frontier Fiesta was founded in 1939 as a student-run festival and was dubbed “The Greatest College Show on Earth” by LIFE magazine in 1958. After being discontinued for more than 30 years, Frontier Fiesta re-started in 1992 and continues to be a completely student-run event featuring variety shows, free live concerts, carnival booths and a barbecue cook-off.
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UHAAF
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Guide to Alumni Relations
LAURIE RUTHERFORD
(’86, M.B.A. ’91, M.S. ’04)*
BRENT CHINN (FS ’82)*
DRUE DASILVA (’93, M.S.’99)*
WAYNE LUCKETT (’74)
SHAZIA KHAN (’84)
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
PRESIDENT-ELECT
PRESIDENT
MICHAEL SACHS (’97)* TREASURER
SECRETARY
* Strategic Planning Committee
UHAA merges into University of Houston under a Memorandum of Understanding (we were previously an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization). UHAA offices and staff are included as part of the UH’s Advancement Division. UH Alumni Association Foundation remains a separate 501(c)(3) governed by UHAAF Board of Directors.
2013
MEMBER AT LARGE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AMANDA HEATH-MONTAG (’02)
SHARON SPILLMAN (’97, M.Ed.’03, Ed.D.’11)*
KATY CALDWELL (’78)*
JUDY CHONG (’69,’76)
BILL HICKL (’86)*
CYNTHIA OLIVER COLEMAN (’71)
LISA CUSHING (’01)
JAMES HONG (’05)*
MARGO MASSAD KAPLAN (’03)
THOMAS MAY (’88)
DAVID ROLAND (’83)
DARRYL SCHROEDER (’69)
RICHARD WHITELEY (’93, J.D.’99) CHARLENE JOHNSON (’91) DARREN RANDLE (’12, M.A. ’14) EX OFFICIO
EX OFFICIO
MIKE PEDÉ (’89)*
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT ALUMNI RELATIONS, EX-OFFICIO
ELOISE DUNN BRICE
VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT, EX-OFFICIO
* Strategic Planning Committee
It takes a lot of involved alumni and friends of the University to give our former students the best alumni experience possible. The UHAA Foundation Board is composed of individuals who give of their time and talent to ensure that our events are always enjoyable and our message is loud and clear—that it’s great to be a Coog! Likewise, our staff works tirelessly planning and executing everything from UH Day at the Capitol to Homecoming and Reunion events. If you see someone on campus or around town and recognize them from these pages, thank them for the great and important work they are doing for UH.
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
Do you have a passion for the University of Houston and its vital programs and initiatives? Consider joining the University of Houston Alumni Association Foundation’s Board of Directors! We will make the nomination form available on the alumni website at
houstonalumni.com on May 1st. Selections will be made in July for a September 1st seating. A board member is required to attend four board meetings per year and there are various other events during the year the members are encouraged to attend. Some of these events include the Alumni Awards Gala, UHAA Celebrity Golf Classic, football games in the UHAA Suite, Cougar 100 Luncheon and Homecoming events. These other events are not mandatory, but we hope members make every effort to attend. We look for members that have a strong connection to the University, and we look particularly for members that have participated in other constituent group activities before becoming involved with the Alumni Association. To nominate someone to serve on UHAAF Board of Directors, please visit houstonalumni.com/become-board-member
First Annual Cougar 100 Luncheon hosted at Bayou City Event Center. 100 Cougar-owned or led companies were ranked in order of growth percentage and recognized at the luncheon. More than 600 attendees attend the luncheon each year.
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Guide to Alumni Relations
ERIK BARAJAS (’99)
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UHAAF
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“It has been an honor and pleasure serving the foundation and supporting the University of Houston and more than 295,000 alumni, loyal friends and this community. The impact that this great institution has on our students, this city, state and country is invaluable as we continue our growth as a powerhouse in education and research.”
-Brent Chinn (FS ’82) Immediate Past President, UHAAF Board of Directors (2019-2020)
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THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON ALUMNI ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION
PRESIDENTS
1936-37 1937-38 1940-44 1946-47 1947-48 1948-49 1949-51 1951-53 1953-55 1955-57 1957-58 1958-60 1960-61 1961-62 1962-63 1963-65 1965-67 1968-70 1971 1972-73 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979-80 1980-81 1981-82 1982-83 1983-84 1984-85 1985-86
Harry M. Jacobson (’57) 1986-87 J. Pleas Doyle (’57) 1987-88 Shirley Rose (’60, M.Ed. ’69) 1988-89 Donald Sykora (’57) 1989-90 Stanley Binion (’60, J.D. ’62) 1990-91 R. Larry Snider (’55) 1991-92 Matthew Provenzano (’59) 1992-93 Stephen T. Harcrow (’69, ’71) 1993-94 Alvin Zimmerman (’64, J.D. ’67) 1994-95 Hon. Jack Moore (’77) 1995, 2003-04 Glenn Lillie (FS) 1996-98 John Peterson (’76) 1998-99 Al Vela (’62) 1999-2000 Downey Bridgewater (’84) 2000-01 Graham Painter (’72) 2001-02 Sonny Messiah-Jiles (’74) 2002-03 Marvin Nathan (’65, J.D. ’69) 2004-05 Rick Bowen (’88, M.B.A. ’91) 2005-06 Elizabeth Ghrist (M.Ed. ’67) 2006-07 Cheryl Creuzot (’81, J.D. ’92) 2007-08 Mike Baker (’68, J.D. ’71) 2008-09 Judie Lilie (’95) 2009-10 Reece Rondon (’92, J.D. ’95) 2010-11 Ricky Raven (’83, J.D. ’86) 2011-12 John Clarke (’82) 2012-13 Starlet Agrella (’86, M.B.A. ’89) 2013-14 Joe Pogge (’79) 2014-15 Trey Wilkinson (’92, M.B.A. ’02) 2015-2016 Patty Godfrey (’89, M.B.A. ’97) 2016-2017 Bill Hickl (’86) 2017-2018 Brent Chinn (FS ’82) 2018-2019 2019-2020 Laurie Rutherford (’86, M.B.A., ’91, M.S. ’04)
The first regional constituent associations are established to keep UH alumni in other cities engaged. First cities established were New York, Washington D.C., Denver and Los Angeles. Today, there are almost a dozen regional constituent associations serving alumni all across the nation and globe with more cities planned for the future.
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Guide to Alumni Relations
Max Groeschel (FS) Pat Foley (’51) Ora Brown (’34) Louise DeYoung (’67) Charles Saunders (’45) Thomas Menefee (’42) Hon. Jack Valenti (’46) Roger Jeffery, Sr. (FS ’38) Sherwood Crane Joel Berry (’42) Johnny Goyen (’47) John Toomey (’50, J.D. ’69) Walter Rainey, Jr. (’49) Gordan Hollan (’60) J. Cavanaugh O’Leary, Sr. (’57) Harry Hedges, Jr. (’40) Louis Green (’47) John B. Van Ness (’51, ’56) Richard Coselli (’55, J.D. ’58) Hon. Clarence F. Kendall, II (’60, J.D. ’69) Shearn Smith (’51, J.D. ’69) J. Huey O’Toole ( J.D. ’60) Roger W. Jeffery, Jr. (’65) Coulson Tough (’75) Robert Ulmer (’69) Laurence Wayne ( J.D. ’70) Leonard Pizalate (’67) E. Virginia Barnett (’56) Jay Ginsburg (’70, J.D.’72) Elton Porter, Jr. (’50) James Wiseheart (’61) George Thomas Lambert (’69)
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UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON ALUMNI ASSOCIATION STAFF
Guide to Alumni Relations
MIKE PEDE (’89)*
Associate Vice President, Alumni Relations & UHAA
KENDRA HAKANSON*
Program Director (Travel Program, Signature Events, Coogs on the Road)
LINDSEY ALLISON
Program Manager (Constituent Associations)
CHUCK ARNOLD (’94)*
NANCY CLARK (‘76), CFRE
JOSEPH RERA
Director of Alumni Relations
Alumni Legacy Programs Officer (Parades, Rodeo, Historian, Class Notes)
Program Director (Constituent Associations, Scholarships, Party on the Plaza)
ANNEKA ROBERSON
KIRSTYN SPEICH (‘16)
JARRED FANCHER
Executive Administrative Assistant
Life Member Manager
Program Manager (Cougar 100, Class Rings, Corporate Partnerships)
ELAINE DUKE
Program Coordinator (Facilities & Student Programming)
* Strategic Planning Committee
UH Class Ring Ceremonies (which started in 2010 with just over 200 attendees) move to the new Fertitta Center with one event in Fall and one event in Spring. Over 500 rings are awarded with over 3,000 attendees at each ceremony.
2018
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THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON ALUMNI ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION
ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents Investments Accounts receivable Pledges receivable, net Prepaid expenses and other assets Property, net Restricted cash
TOTAL ASSETS
2019
2018
$ 1,185,336 7,662,203 294,868 142,527 103,378 2,151
$ 1,091,854 8,136,830 83,286 342,516 164,544 130,681 2,151
$ 9,390,463
$ 9,951,862
$ 15,122 281,926 53,929
$ 30,931 348,370 61,501
350,977
440,802
8,022,245 1,017,241
8,506,880 1,004,180
9,039,486
9,511,060
$ 9,390,463
$ 9,951,862
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expenses Due to affiliates, net Deferred revenue
TOTAL LIABILITIES NET ASSETS Without donor restrictions With donor restrictions
TOTAL NET ASSETS TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
Guide to Alumni Relations
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION AUGUST 31, 2019 AND 2018
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UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON
ALMA MATER
All hail to thee, Our Houston University. Our hearts fill with gladness, When we think of thee. We’ll always adore thee, Dear old varsity. And to thy memory cherished, True we’ll ever be.
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON
COUGAR FIGHT SONG
Cougars fight for dear old U of H, For our Alma Mater cheer. Fight for Houston University, For victory is near. When the going gets so rough and tough, We never worry cause we got the stuff. So fight, fight, fight for red and white, And we will go to victory.
QUICK FACTS:
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University of Houston
1927 year established 46,000+ annual enrollment 258 degree programs 273,000+ living alumni 29 research centers $6 Billion yearly economic impact (system-wide) $177 Million+ yearly research expenditures • A Carnegie-designated Tier One Public Research University, a claim only 2 percent of the nation’s colleges can make • #2 Most Diverse Campus in the Nation earning both Hispanic-Serving and Asian American-Serving Institution status from the U.S. Dept. of Education • Among one of the “Best Engineering Schools” as listed in the 2019 U.S. News & World Report • Among one of the Best Colleges in the U.S. as listed in the 2019 Princeton Review’s “Best College” Book • 3 Law School Programs Ranked in the Top 10 as reported in the U.S. News & World Report •1st in the Nation Subsea Engineering Master’s Program • No. 1 College of Nursing in Texas ranked by RegisteredNursing.org boasting a 100 percent pass rate on the Registered Nurse National Council Licensure Examination for the last three years • No. 1 College of Pharmacy in Texas and ranked No. 3 in the United States • The Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship ranked #1 “Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Program in the nation” by Princeton Review • 17 NCAA Team Championships • 144 Conference Championships • 67 NCAA Individual Championships • 64 Olympians including 20 gold medalists
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Athletics and Alumni Center 3204 Cullen Boulevard | Room 201 Houston, TX 77204-6000 Change service requested