7 minute read
Giving
A Proud Alumnus
By Keith Herndon
As a 1981 computer science graduate of UTSA, I could never have imagined how the university would grow to be such an amazing institution with the depth of programs, the incredibly talented staff and faculty, the world-class facilities, and the recognition on a national scale of key programs.
I was the first person in my family to complete a four-year college degree. UTSA was very much a new school when I enrolled after high school. I remember voting for the school mascot and picking the school colors. I had a great college experience—playing intramural volleyball, punching computer cards late at night, editing a computer science department newsletter and studying nocturnal mammals around the UTSA campus for a summer research project. But most of all, it was a place to find lifelong friends.
After graduation, I moved to Houston to work for Shell Oil Company and eventually spent 12 years overseas in Muscat, Oman, and The Hague, Netherlands. When I returned to Houston, I received a phone call from Kim Fischer, UTSA’s senior executive development officer, asking me to join the Advancement Council for the College of Sciences. Kim shared with me the latest statistics about the university and the push to be a Tier One institution, and she also highlighted that students from Harris County were the second largest population at UTSA. I was quickly hooked on the opportunity to learn more about UTSA and to see how I could promote the school within Shell and the Houston community.
On my first visit back to campus, I was overwhelmed. Where was the science building? Where was that simple quadrangle outlined with a few four-story buildings? I could not have imagined the physical expansion of the university. I was thrilled to see many of the same professors I had known many years before, still actively involved in inspiring students. As the chief information security officer at Shell Oil, I knew about UTSA’s nationally recognized cybersecurity program. I was inspired to learn more about other university programs and hear about the vision of the College of Sciences.
After 36 years at Shell, I began work at Baker Hughes—an energy transformation company—where I have put UTSA on our campus recruiting schedule. I am proud to have onboarded both permanent staff and interns. I have personally attended several STEM career fairs over the past few years at UTSA and continue to be impressed by the quality of the students. The programs offered at UTSA prepare students to seamlessly join a Fortune 100 company and quickly make a difference.
Keith Herndon, pictured here while a student at UTSA, is a member of the college’s Advancement Council.
Participating on the Advancement Council and hearing about the plans for the College of Sciences and seeing the tangible accomplishments of researchers and their students has inspired me to give back to UTSA. I have been fortunate to work for organizations with a matching gift program, so my financial contributions have a greater impact on the university.
I know that UTSA is on the map for more and more Houston families. I have staff in my department whose sons and daughters are attending UTSA. It is great to see more UTSA stickers as you drive around the Houston community. The new data analytics and cybersecurity programs are getting major publicity in Houston-area schools and businesses. I am proud to know that UTSA is getting the recognition it deserves.
GIVING
Community Champions
By Taylor Bird
As a yearly tradition, the Guerras mark their calendars for the white coat ceremony. The annual ceremony marks the students’ progress in their medical education and begins their introduction to clinical experiences. Dr. Fernando A. Guerra, MD, MPH and his wife, Beverly Purcell Guerra, celebrate the young men and women they have helped reach this milestone.
Through Dr. Guerra’s efforts to protect children from diseases and inspire the next generation of doctors, and through Beverly Purcell Guerra’s efforts to showcase the accomplishments and contributions of outstanding San Antonio women, the couple has served San Antonio for four decades.
Dr. Guerra is a retired pediatrician who also served as director of health for the City of San Antonio and Bexar County for 23 years, and he is a member of the National Academy of Medicine. Beverly Purcell Guerra is a former editor of Vogue; editor of Images, the Sunday magazine of the San Antonio Express-News; and editor-in-chief of San Antonio Woman and Denver Woman.
In addition to their local community support and national involvement, the couple serves on the College of Sciences’ Advancement Council and supports scholarships for students who want to become physicians through the Saint Susie Charitable Foundation.
Dr. Guerra is a trustee of the foundation, which was created to honor the profound legacy of Dr. Doris Grosskreutz, known by her friends as Susie. She was dedicated to supporting medical, educational and religious programs in San Antonio.
“I have seen firsthand the talent, dedication and determination of the UTSA students,” he said. “Supporting them has been tremendously gratifying. They have gone on to become physicians and several have headed up their own programs. They are providing meaningful services.” “I am impressed with how UTSA has changed, grown, and improved. The quality of professors, the student body, the breadth of research and discovery is outstanding,” Beverly Purcell Guerra said. “A city needs great universities and everything that entails to be wellrounded, cultured and attractive to industry. The better UTSA is, the better San Antonio becomes.”
With a smile, Dr. Guerra added, “Beverly and I have had conversations throughout the time we’ve lived here about how we and the community have benefited from UTSA. Our children have grown up appreciating the importance of academic institutions—the students, the faculty and the tremendous opportunity they bring to our city.”
During his time as health director for the city and the county, Dr. Guerra and his staff developed a vaccine registry. “This enabled us to prevent the spread of diseases and save lives,” he explained. “It has been used as a national model.” The San Antonio Health Department also benefited immensely from collaborations with UTSA researchers to develop and enhance access to childhood vaccinations.
For these philanthropists, the value of higher education goes beyond the classroom. “The experiences I gained as a result of my education and my career opportunities have shaped the course of my life,” Dr. Guerra said. “At UTSA, the incredible cross section of communities, cultures, languages and backgrounds adds a layer of benefit to students.”
Investing in the San Antonio community is especially important to the Guerras. They are committed in their devotion to helping others, especially those who may not otherwise earn a degree.
“Many first-generation students from San Antonio, who may not otherwise have the opportunity, attend UTSA as part of their journey to medical school,” Dr. Guerra said. “Through the Saint Susie Charitable Foundation Scholarship, we are helping to prepare the next generation of physicians in our community.”
GIVING Scholarship Spotlights
Saint Susie Charitable Foundation
By Taylor Bird
The Aspiring Physician
Ray Wang is a senior biology major studying in the competitive premed track.
Since he was a child, Ray has dreamed of working in the medical field. He attended Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions in Houston, which exposed him to many different career paths in medicine and prepared him for his current rigorous course load.
Ultimately, Ray plans to attend medical school and become a physician. The driving motivation behind his goal is a deep desire to help people by alleviating their pain and curing their illness.
Also attentive to his own wellness, Ray maintains a very active lifestyle by running, hiking, swimming, and playing football, volleyball, and ultimate Frisbee. He gives his time to various charitable causes, including the San Antonio Food Bank and Any Baby Can.
I am immensely grateful for this award, as it has alleviated some of the financial burden of school from my family. Thank you for recognizing my efforts.
The Future Neonatologist
Chukwudera Okolo is a senior biology major with a minor in global affairs and is a member of the UTSA Honors College. She serves on the Honors College Dean’s Advisory Board and is studying in the competitive premedical track.
During her time at UTSA, Okolo has been involved in numerous service and volunteer opportunities related to health care, science and community. These include volunteering with the Labor Serena Community Garden, Haven for Hope and the Methodist Children’s Hospital, and supporting bone marrow drives. She also traveled to Rancho Margot Ecolodge in Costa Rica to learn about sustainable living and agriculture.
Volunteering in the neonatal intensive care unit at the Methodist Children’s Hospital had a profound effect on Okolo’s career goals. She plans to attend medical school and then complete a residency program and a fellowship to become a neonatologist.
Thank you for your support of UTSA and its students. This scholarship helps overcome some of the financial hurdles that come with higher education and allows me to focus on my education rather than seeking employment to pay for my university fees.
