download - university of houston

0073040572

UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT

306 McElhINNEY hAll

hoUSToN, TExAS 77204-5035

Change serviCe requested

Tell us what you think: www.uh.edu/magazine At The University of Houston Magazine, our goal is to create a publication you’ll be proud to receive, read and share with others. Your involvement as an engaged reader is critical to our success. As we strive to continue to improve the magazine, we want to hear from you. Please help us by going online at www.uh.edu/survey to take a brief survey about your thoughts on The UH Magazine. We want to know whether you prefer the print or the online edition, what sections you most enjoy, what sections you don’t prefer and suggested improvements for our online edition. We look forward to hearing your ideas.

NoN-PRoFIT oRG.

U.S. PoSTAGE

P A I DPERMIT No. 5910

hoUSToN, TExAS

2010ARTSCALENDARSCHOOL OF THEATRE & DANCEApril 16–18, 22–25: Dangerous LiaisonsApril 30–May 2: Spring Dance Concert

New Frontier of Pride From Past to Present, the Cougar Legacy Endures

•UHInspiration

•UHMotivation

•UHDetermination

sPring 2010 Ma

ga

zin

eThe Univer siTy ofHouston

MOORES SCHOOL OF MUSICApril 19: Percussion Ensembles

April 21: Jazz Orchestra /Jazz EnsembleApril 23–25: Symphonic Band/Symphonic Winds

April 24: Choral ArtistsApril 25: Wind Ensemble

April 30: Symphony OrchestraJune 12, 19, 26, July 3: Texas Music

Festival OrchestraJune 8, 15, 22, 29: Festival Artist

Series Concerts

SCHOOL OF ARTThrough April 24: 2010 Masters Thesis Exhibition

BLAFFER GALLERYMay 14–July 31: Tomás Saraceno: Lighter Than Air Exhibition (May 13: Opening Reception)

UHRECEIVES$3.5MILLIONGRANTFORAPPLIEDRESEARCHHUBp.4

“II viaggio a Reims” | Moores Opera House

d | The UniversiTy of hoUsTon Magaz ine | printed on recycled paper

PublIshers

MichaelRierson

VicePresidentforUniversityAdvancement

KarenClarke

AssociateVicePresidentforUniversityRelations

eXeCuTIVe DIreCTOr OF uNIVersITY

MArKeTING & brANDING (Interim) ElisaCrossland(’09)

AssIsTANT DIreCTOr OF MArKeTING

LizSelig

MANAGING eDITOr

JoAnneDavis-Jones(’79)

GrAPhIC DesIGNer

WatsonRiddle

CONTrIbuTING WrITers MikeEmeryKelliFerrell

EricGerber(’72,M.A.’78)AmandaHoseyMichelleKlumpShawnLindsey

MarisaRamirez(’00)

PhOTOGrAPher

ThomasCampbell

ChANCellOr AND PresIDeNT

RenuKhator

uNIVersITY OF hOusTON sYsTeM bOArD OF reGeNTs

WelcomeW.WilsonSr.(’49),ChairmanJimP.Wise(’66),ViceChairmanNeldaBlair(J.D.’82),Secretary

NanditaVenkateswaranBerry(J.D.’95) TilmanJ.Fertitta

JarvisV.Hollingsworth(J.D.’93)

KristenLindleyJacobMonty(J.D.’93)

MicaMosbacherCarrollRobertsonRay(J.D.’02)

send address and e-mail updates to:University of houston

Donor and Alumni Records306 McElhinney hall

houston, Texas 77204-5035www.uh.edu/magazine

send feedback to: [email protected]

The University of houston Magazine is published by the Uh Division of University Advancement.

The University of houston is an EEo/AA institution.

144162 | 04. 2010 | 75,000

Copyright © 2010 by the University of houston.

I’m sure those of you fortunate enough to view the recent “legacy of the Pride” exhibit in the M.D. Anderson library will agree that it was a marvelous and inspiring display. The multimedia presentation, which traced our university’s evolution from a modest junior college founded in 1927 to its current status as a world-class institution, offered arich array of historical artifacts, vintage photographs, period documents and a wonderful video putting this all in context.

The exhibit certainly helped me understand why“You Are the Pride” rings so resonantly with our campus community and our alumni. “legacy of the Pride” was another reminder of what a truly impressive heritage our institution can claim. For those who missed this important exhibit, you can read more on page 8 then treat yourself to an online version at www.uh.edu/magazine/bonus.

We can talk at length about this university’s high-profile accomplishments and trumpet its internationally recognized researchers and scholars, renowned olympic and professional athletes, show business stars, celebrated artists, prominent political leaders and powerful business magnates. That is indeed a legacy of which to be proud.

There is, however, another kind of legacy that is everybit as uplifting and personally pleasing to me.When I’m invited to appear at local functions, I often

ask those in attendance how many of them are Uh students or alumni. A number of hands shoot up, usually making the “Go Coogs” sign as they do! Then I’ll ask the remaining folks how many have a friend or a family member who attended Uh. More hands go up. Then I’ll ask how many work at a business alongside a Cougar? or attended a football game or theater performance on campus?

I invariably wind up with every person in the room holding up a hand.

I could continue, of course. how many have children taught by school teachers and principals who graduated from Uh? Gone to an optometrist or a pharmacist or a lawyer from Uh? Been in homes and buildings designed by our architects? Driven across bridges devised by our engineers? had medical treatment facilitated by our researchers? Eaten at a restaurant staffed by Cougars?

Semester after semester, year after year, decade after decade, the University of houston has played an essential role in shaping and sustaining the city whose name we proudly bear.

And, we share a pride built on determination, achievement and success.

Message from the President

The Univer ofHouston

iTys

Ma

ga

zin

e

spring 2010, vol. 4, no. 2

(Inside Cover) Philip G. Hoffman (HON ’87), UH President (1961–1977) and UH System Chancellor (1977–1979), plays with Shasta IV.

(Cover Photo) Welcome W. Wilson Sr. (’49), UH System Board of Regents chairman, is joined by fellow UH Frontiersmen: (l-r) Stephen Ontiveros, Loy Collin New and Mark Cortez. The group was established in 1948 to promote Cougar spirit.

(All archival photos in this issue are courtesy of Special Collections and Archives, University of Houston Libraries.)

Printedonrecycledpaper.

uh system Chancellor and uh President

2 | The UniversiTy of hoUsTon Magaz ine | printed on recycled paper 3 | www.uh.edu/magazine

The University of houston had only 3,500 students by the close of the 1946 spring semester. A little more than three months later, 10,500 students had enrolled for the fall. I was

one of them. Most were returning GIs from World War II.

There were only three permanent buildings on campus then. To accommodate the tremendous influx of students, housing was in the form of 300 army surplus house trailers located where the Bauer College of Business parking lot is today. My brother Jack and I lived in trailer number 67. The bathroom was a block and a half away — not exactly convenient during a cold and wet winter day.

Nevertheless, the University of houston was an exciting place to be. We had few traditions and few rules. We students, the faculty and the administration were all “winging it.” I got a job as business manager for

The Daily Cougar (then a weekly newspaper). I sold advertising, had six employees, contracted with the printers and, in effect, at age 18, ran a small business. What an opportunity for me! In 1949, I graduated with a business degree and got married the same day to a campus beauty named Joanne Guest. last August, we celebrated 60 years together. I owe much to the University of houston.

My point is this — the University of houston is still a very exciting place. A world-class campus with state-of-the-art laboratories, modern classrooms, nationally ranked academic programs and sports teams, an annual budget of almost $1.3 billion and 37,000 students. We have renowned faculty members who are doing groundbreaking research and are inspiring our students. And we have strong leaders — including our incredible president — who are committed to seeing our university achieve Tier-one status.

This issue of the Uh Magazine explores the meaning of the “legacy of the Pride.” For me, that meaning is simple — I am as proud of our university today, and will continue to be, as I was when I first set foot on campus 63 years ago.

Welcome W. Wilson Sr. (’49) Chairman

Uh System Board of Regents

6

My point is this —the University of Houston is

still a very exciting place.

A world-class campus with

state-of-the-art laboratories,

modern classrooms, nationally

ranked academic programs

and sports teams, an annual

budget of almost $1.3 billion

and 37,000 students.

Mes

sage

fro

m t

he R

egen

ts

8www.uh.edu/magazine

IN EVERy ISSUE

1 Message from the President

2 Message from the Regents

4 Making an Impact

13 Play-by-Play

19 Community Connections

20 Faculty Honors

22 Reflections

26 Giving Matters

Legacy of the Pride... humble Beginnings + Committed

supporters=remarkable future.

Exceptional CougarsTales of inspiration: Cougars remember

special Uh Moments.

Creating a UH Traditionfour families share Their Uh Journey.

Leaders of the Pack spirit of houston Band Pumps Up

the excitement.

6

24

Inside

10

14

10 14 24

4 | The UniversiTy of hoUsTon Magaz ine | printed on recycled paper www.uh.edu/magaz ine | 5

Making An ImpactM

akin

g An

Impa

ct

While Gustafsson, one of the world’s leading hormone researchers, is considered the “superstar,” there are a number of co-stars in CNRCS. Zhang’s work has brought more than $2 million in federal grants to Uh. his team is collaborating with several renowned clinicians in the TMC to take a patented cancer-fighting biotherapy agent to clinical trials — one of a growing number of collaborative opportunities with TMC institutions after Uh became an official member of the world’s largest medical center in late 2009.

“Uh is possibly the most exciting university in the nation right now, especially if you’re interested in the momentous race for Tier-one status, closer ties with the TMC, new breakthroughs in health-related research, and innovative new interdisciplinary health science programs,” says Kathryn Peek (M.S. ’70), longtime biomedical educator spearheading Uh health.

Quick Takes

by Amanda hosey

Since its founding in 1987, the Texas Center for Superconductivity at Uh, or TCSUh, has been making advances in the development of high-temperature superconducting (hTS) wires. The new TCSUh Applied Research hub will make it even easier for the university to partner with industry to transition hTS discoveries to the marketplace. The TCSUh Applied Research hub will help realize the potential of hTS technology and establish houston as a center for hTS applications, especially in the areas of energy and medicine.

The Applied Research hub will build on existing resources and foster key collaborations in an effort to develop hTS applications that have the potential to revolutionize medical equipment and improve the efficiency, security and stability of the next-generation electric power grid.

By partnering with Uh mechanical engineering faculty and leading hTS company SuperPower Inc., the Applied Research hub will create pathways to quickly move superconductivity innovations into industry.

SuperPower’s specialty products facility will provide a pipeline to full-scale manufacturing directly from the hub.

A recent $3.5 million Research Superiority Acquisition grant from the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (ETF) — the second such award for Uh — was the final crucial piece of the Applied Research hub puzzle. The ETF grant allows Venkat Selvamanickam (M.S. ’88, Ph.D. ’92), director of the Applied Research hub and M.D. Anderson Chair Professor in Mechanical Engineering, to round out his team of top hTS researchers and construct research facilities.

“The ETF grant will be used to establish facilities with state-of-the-art equipment to conduct research on superconductor wires, devices and other materials,” explains Selvamanickam, with the goal of transitioning the research to industry.

“The hub will bring together research expertise to translate superconductor products to the energy market and eventually to the medical instrumentation market,” adds Don Birx, Uh vice president for research. Support from the ETF “is key in developing TCSUh’s capabilities and advancing hTS applications to put Uh and the state of Texas at the center of the international stage,” Birx says.

Plans currently are under way for the construction of the Applied Research hub facilities in the Uh Energy Research Park.

by Shawn lindsey

Xiaoliu Shaun Zhang’s career in medicine and cancer research has taken him around the world. he received his medical training in China, a Ph.D. in Australia and conducted postdoctoral work in Australia and the U.K., coming to the U.S. in 1999 as a faculty member with an established lab at the Baylor College of Medicine (BCM).

So, some might consider the five-mile move from BCM to join world-renowned scientist Jan-Åke Gustafsson at the University of houston, a short one. In reality, it has far-reaching implications, as Zhang illustrates the long distance Uh will go to recruit top talent as it builds Uh health and strengthens its ties to the Texas Medical Center (TMC).

Uh health coordinates under one umbrella the existing strengths of the university’s health-related academic programs, including psychology, pharmacy and optometry, and its $61 million in health-related research.

Zhang left BCM to become part of a 40-member team undertaking world-changing research related to understanding and curing complex health problems such as cancer and diabetes.

“Even though my group has only been here for about six months, all the research projects have been going extremely well. I am confident that we have made the right move,” says Zhang, a tenured faculty member in the Department of Biology and Biochemistry.

Under the direction of Gustafsson, who was recruited last year to head the new Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling (CNRCS), the group is part of Uh President Renu Khator’s strategy to build a Tier-one research team through “cluster hires” — acquiring a research superstar with his/her full research team.

The UH Wellness comprehensive alcohol

prevention program is among the nation’s

best, according to the national Association of

state Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors and

the national Prevention network. The program

received the 2009 national exemplary Award

for innovative substance Abuse Prevention

Programs, Practices and Policies.

The UH Law Center is ranked 34th in

the 2010 super Lawyers U.s. Law school

rankings. The list ranks law schools by

the number of graduates included in the

annual super Lawyers list, which is based on

evaluations by peers within legal specialties.

Uh is ranked 14th among the nation’s “best neighbor” colleges and universities,

according to a presentation, “saviors of our

Cities: A survey of Best College and University

Civic Partnerships,” compiled by evan Dobelle,

president of Westfield state College. The

academic institutions were selected for their

positive impact on their urban communities,

including both commercial and residential

activities such as revitalization, cultural

renewal, economics and community service

and development.

The C.T. Bauer College of Business Entrepreneurship Program ranked

second in the top undergraduate category

of the 2009 Best schools for entrepreneurs,

according to entrepreneur magazine and

The Princeton review.

The Young Artist Apprenticeship Program, a six-week comprehensive

art-making workshop for teenagers from

neighboring houston independent school

District high schools, earned national

endorsement with a Coming Up Taller award

and $10,000 from President Barak obama’s

Committee on the Arts and the humanities.

first Lady Michelle obama presented the

award. The program is organized by

Blaffer Gallery, the Art Museum of the

University of houston.

Applied Research Hub Gets Green LightUH Receives a $3.5 Million ETF Grant for High-Temperature Superconducting Technology.

Building the UH Health InitiativeNew Hires and Texas Medical Center Membership Pave the Way to Expanded Health-Care Presence.

Venkat Selvamanickam

Xiaoliu Shaun Zhang


and leaders who are helping to develop and advance society — solidifying its legacy of excellence.

A Bright Future

here we sit at the beginning of a new decade ready to march into 83 more years of achievement — laying the path for many more to add to thelegacy of pride cultivated by thousands of proud Cougars.

This issue of The University of houston Magazine highlights those special memories of pride and tradition. having awarded a total of 253,643 bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and professional degrees since 1927, there is a wellspring of stories to share.

UH P

ride

LeGACy oF tHe PRIde… by Jo Anne Davis-Jones (’79)

Legacy can be defined as the passing of a gift or a precious memory to future generations. The University of houston’s

legacy is filled with an overwhelming number of success stories that paint a beautiful tapestry of promise, excellence and pride.

A Seed is Planted

E.E. oberholtzer, the University of houston’s founder and first president, heeded the call of a small group of eager and enthusiastic working-class high school students who sought higher education. on June 5, 1927, with a student enrollment of 232 and 12 faculty members, their dream began to take form with a few college classes held in downtown houston churches and area schools.

on April 30, 1934, that young college had burgeoned into a four-year institution with a fall enrollment of 909 students under the formal charter name of the University of houston. A secure place to call home, however, still eluded houston’s university. That was until the J.J. Settegast family heirs and Capt. Ben Taub donated two contiguous tracts of swampy land filled with oaks, pines and other native trees and shrubs three miles southeast of downtown houston along St. Bernard Street (now Cullen Boulevard). The only stipulation: construction must begin by Jan. 1, 1938.

The Birth of a University

Enter oilman hugh Roy Cullen, who personally guaranteed that “a university would rise on their land.”

Sure enough, the first building was dedicated June 4, 1939, as a memorial to lillie and hugh Roy Cullen’s only son, Roy Gustav, who died at age 31. When hugh Roy Cullen made that first gift, one of many Cullen family contributions over the years — now totaling nearly $70 million — to Uh and the Uh System, he said, “I have only one condition in making this gift. The University of houston must always be a college for working men and women and their sons and daughters. If it were to be another rich man’s college, I wouldn’t be interested.” Thus, the University of houston’s legacy of promise was born.

Supporting an Evolution

officially becoming a state university in 1963, the university has since grown leaps and bounds in the number of bright and creative students and faculty members who have passed through these hallowed halls. And, those two tracts of swamp land have evolved into a lush, 667-acre campus featuring fountains, sculptures and recreational spaces surrounding modern classrooms, high-tech laboratories, student housing and state-of-the-art facilities.

The Cullen family has remained a strong supporter of the University of houston for decades. leaving a legacy of service and philanthropy including the late hugh Roy and lillie Cranz Cullen; the late Wilhelmina Cullen Robertson Smith (’44, hoN ’88) and first husband, the late Corbin J. Robertson Sr., who were strong supporters of athletics; Wilhelmina E. “Beth” Robertson, former chair of the Uh System

Uh is well on its way to becoming Texas’ next Tier-one university.

Uh is one of the nation’s most ethnically diverse major research universities.

Uh faculty is internationally recognized and includes national Academy of science, national Medal of sciences and national Academy of engineering members, nobel Laureates, and Pulitzer and Tony Award winners.

Uh’s world-class facilities are home to more than 40 high-tech research centers, institutes and laboratories, where faculty and students conduct cutting-edge research.

Uh has numerous nationally recognized programs, including entrepreneurship; health, intellectual property and public interest law; creative writing; pharmacy; music; hospitality; health and human performance; and retention programs.

Uh is honored among the top “community-engaged” universities in the nation by the Carnegie foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

Uh optometry clinics serve more than 40,000 patients annually; Uh students work about 920,000 hours in the community annually; Uh has more than 200 college and faculty outreach projects in public schools.

Uh’s space architecture is the only graduate program of its kind. Uh has the only social work program to have a nobel Laureate on faculty.

Uh’s College of natural sciences and Mathematics has 20 international academic programs in 17 countries. Uh’s Technology Project Management-information systems security program is designated as a national Center of Academic excellence in information Assurance education.

Uh has more than 3,500 alumni who head their own company or are presidents or Ceos and has the second most alumni in the Texas Legislature.

Uh Cougar athletic stars include olympic medalists Carl Lewis and Leroy Burrell; heisman Trophy winner Andre Ware; nBA stars elvin hayes, Clyde Drexler and hakeem olajuwon; golfers fred Couples, steve elkington and fuzzy Zoeller; and MLB pitchers Doug Drabek, ryan Wagner and Woody Williams.

Uh has numerous successful alumni in the arts, including actors Dennis and randy Quaid, Brent spiner, Loretta Devine, robert Wuhl and Jim Parsons; authors Alice sebold and Padgett Powell; singer Larry Gatlin; artists Julian schnabel, Michael ray Charles, “The Art Guys” — Michael Galbreth and Jack Massing; broadcasters Jim nantz, Tom Jarriel, Dominique sachse; clothing designer victor Costa; film producer Walter Coblenz; and Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Adrees Latif, and the list goes on.

14 Reasons to be UH Proud

Hugh Roy Cullen

Humble Beginnings + Committed Supporters = Remarkable Future.

A very young Wilhelmina “Beth” Robertson and Corbin J. Robertson Jr. eagerly wait in the stands of Robertson Stadium prior to a UH Homecoming game.

Dedication of the Ezekiel W. Cullen Building, 1950.

Board of Regents; lillie T. Robertson, friend and supporter of Uh arts programs; Corbin J. Robertson Jr., advocate for the Texas Center for Superconductivity at Uh; Carroll Robertson Ray (J.D. ’02), current member of the Uh System Board of Regents; and Alison S. Robertson Baumann.

With 83 years under its belt, the university’s legacy of pride continues with thousands of other alumni, friends and supporters, such as the late leRoy (’33) and lucile (hoN ’87) Melcher, George (hoN ’84) and the late Cynthia Woods Mitchell, former regent John (’70, J.D. ’75, hoN ’95) and Rebecca (’70, J.D. ’78) Moores, the late C.T. “Ted” Bauer (hoN ’01), the hilton family, Gerald N. hines, Michael J. Cemo (’68) and the list goes on.

Impacting the World

Today, the University of houston, with an enrollment of 37,000 students, is a nationally ranked research institution with a rich legacy that has positively impacted the lives of its graduates, students, faculty and staff members, and a global society. Its legacy can be measured by a tradition of innovation, dedication, distinction and achievements. Uh is a pivotal player in the growth and success of the city of houston, state of Texas and nation.

Uh is a major provider of innovative research and technology, including energy, environmental, biomedical, superconductivity, nanotechnology as well as social and economic research with real-world applications. Uh’s strong creative and performing arts programs have touched tens of thousands locally, nationally and globally. of equal importance, the university continues to provide educational and cultural opportunities and the skilled employees

2

1

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14


UH P

ride Legacy of

the Pride exhibit

UH Pride

A s the University of houston continues its path to Tier one, it’s important to reflect on the institution’s history to understand just how far it

has come. “The legacy of the Pride” exhibit did just that — celebrating the university’s history while highlighting what the future may hold.

The exhibit, held Feb. 8–11 at the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Pavilion in the M.D. Anderson library, commemorated Uh’s glory years and acknowledged the founding fathers who helped shepherd the university from its beginning as a fledgling college to an accredited, metropolitan research institution.

Presented by the Division of University Advancement, the exhibit offered material from the university’s

You Are The Pride Campaign

In a highly competitive landscape of higher

education choices in Texas, the University of

houston needs to distinguish itself from other

institutions. Through the “You Are the Pride”

campaign, launched in the summer of 2009,

Uh explains that it’s our students that set us

apart. At other universities, students get their

identity from the university itself. But Uh gets

its identity from its students, faculty, staff,

alumni and community.

Our stories are their stories . . . stories of diversity and entrepreneurialism,

of accessibility and authenticity, of passion

and sacrifice.

From these stories of astronauts, olympic

athletes, actors, writers and business executives

holding close ties to the university, to the stories

of the everyday students who are committed to

their education, Uh has plenty of which to be

proud. Their stories are Uh’s stories; their pride

is Uh’s pride. (see page 10) We don’t follow the

old mold of other universities, we’ve created a

new mold. We are a reflection of our great city,

and our graduates are ready to contribute to

its workforce.

Throughout the community, the “You Are the

Pride” campaign conveys the rich heritage

of the University of houston. By sharing our

stories, we inspire current and future students

to feel pride in their association with Uh and

to be excited about Uh’s promise for the future.

Everyone’s story contributes to the unique

tapestry that is the University of houston.

By illustrating our strengths, we can raise

the profile of the university, and sustain the

momentum that will take us to Tier One.

“It is gratifying to know that pride and love for this university did not begin during our tier-one campaign. It began when we opened our doors in 1927.”

special collections and archives, a Uh legacy photo gallery, a presidents’ exhibit and a “legacy of the Pride” video presentation. Several colleges, the University of houston Alumni Association, The Daily Cougar, the Student Video Network and Uh Athletics also participated.

“My favorite part in organizing this event has been uncovering the story of the University of houston and presenting it to those who maybe never knew our roots of success,” says Gus Forward (’09) marketing manager and event organizer. “It is gratifying to know that pride and love for this university did not begin during our Tier-one campaign. It began when we opened our doors in 1927.”

“This was a wonderful pride-building tool. I’m so pleased that we could furnish a fitting backdrop to document such a bold assertion — legacy of the Pride. Uh libraries’ Special Collections is home to the University Archives with all the nostalgic memorabilia and documentation that come with a rich past such as ours,” says Dick Dickerson, university archivist and historian. “our legacy is clearly that of a Tier-one university.”

More OnlIne | www.uh.edu/magazine/bonus

From the Hugh Roy Gustav Memorial Building and the Science Building, UH’s first structures, to the College of Nursing, one of the first schools established on campus; from returning WWII veterans playing practical jokes to a young Jack J. Valenti (’46, HON ’02) stealing a kiss, the “Cougar Spirit” has remained strong throughout UH’s history. See more vintage pictures online.


Exce

ptio

nal C

ouga

rs

Hakeem OlajuwonGrowing up in Nigeria, hakeem olajuwon saw his first athletic success on the soccer field, using his fancy footwork to fend off points as a goalie.

But after picking up that first basketball in high school, he found his true passion — one that would lead him first to a stellar career with Uh’s “Phi Slama Jama,” which made it to three Final Fours and two national championship games, and eventually to the Basketball hall of Fame.

one of olajuwon’s fond memories of Uh includes living in Moody Towers.

“It was just a wonderful life for a student to experience,” he says. “When you live on campus, you don’t worry about the outside world.”

he also enjoyed his classes, especially business law, which he says gave him “exposure to the real world.”

Reflecting back on his career, olajuwon says he is thrilled at the opportunities he found at Uh, and couldn’t imagine having gone anywhere else.

“To be here at the University of houston, to be drafted by the Rockets in houston ... that is something that is part of a dream situation,” he says.

exceptional Cougars by Michelle Kump

Tales of Inspiration Cougars Remember Special UH Moments

Barbara PadillaBorn in Guadalajara, Barbara Padilla (M.A. ’04) remembers being touched by opera at a young age. Now she is an opera sensation herself and runner-up in the 2009 season of “America’s Got Talent.”

Diagnosed with cancer in 1996, Padilla underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy near her vocal chords and was even told she wouldn’t be able to sing again. But that didn’t stop her.

While in houston for treatment, she managed to audition for Peter Jacoby, then music director at the Edythe Bates old Moores opera Center, who offered her a full scholarship.

“I just wanted to suck everything in ... like a sponge. Whatever you learn, you learn for life, and I really wanted to seize the moment and learn from all of these people,” she says of her time at Uh. “It’s like working with the greatest opera company.”

Chitra DivakaruniChitra Divakaruni, an award-winning author and poet whose works have been translated into 20 languages, thinks a lot about her early days in America — learning how to cope with missing her family in Calcutta and the traditions of her culture.

her experience taught her that she had stories to tell — stories that could bring people together and reveal the common humanity in everyone.

As a Uh creative writing professor, she’s also inspired by her students and tries to use her experiences to help international students feel comfortable in their new environment.

“one of the things I love about Uh is that while it is striving to become more and more highly ranked in the country, it wants to still remain inclusive ... particularly for students who maybe their family hasn’t been to college before,” she says.

Brett CullenActor Brett Cullen (’79) has garnered many roles in more than 100 movies and hit television shows, including recent stints on “Ugly Betty,” “Friday Night lights” and “lost.”

“The University of houston enabled me to grow as a man, to grow as an artist,” he says. “And it gave me the ability to do what I do now.”

Arriving on campus with hair down to his waist and sand in his flip flops after a summer spent surfing in California, Cullen says he probably didn’t look the part of a serious actor. But very quickly, under the direction of theatre professors Cecil Pickett, Sidney Berger and Claude Caux, he learned the skills that would serve him well in his career.

That experience paid off almost immediately, when Cullen moved to hollywood and landed a part on a television series, “The Chisolms.”

From the young woman born in Calcutta, who draws people together through the power of story, to the twins

from Baytown, who inspire their students to love math, success comes in many forms at the University of Houston.

Each person’s unique story of struggle and triumph, of unexpected victory and determination tells something

about the university and its strengths. Pride at the University of Houston stems from the achievements of the students,

faculty, staff and alumni who have made UH home throughout the years. Their successes provide the foundation

and inspiration for future success. Their stories are your stories, because You Are the Pride.

www.uh.edu/pride-stories/chitra-divakaruni

www.uh.edu/pride-stories/hakeem-olajuwon

www.uh.edu/pride-stories/barbara-padilla

www.uh.edu/pride-stories/brett-cullenPho

to b

y K

yle

How

ard


Exce

ptio

nal C

ouga

rsPlay-by-Play

Binh VuInspired by the death of a brother he never had a chance to meet, Binh Vu is pursuing a career in medicine, hoping to help others with limited access to health care.

Born in Vietnam, the senior biology major was drawn to Uh. Because of Uh’s connection and nearness to the Texas Medical Center, he now works in the pharmacy department at the UT health Science Center and is a researcher at The Methodist hospital.

Vu, a recipient of several scholarships, including a houston livestock Show and Rodeo scholarship, still finds time to enjoy the college experience. “The university has a lot of events where you can have a chance to experience school pride,” he says. After graduation, he says he wants “to stay in houston, close to family and close to Uh. I want to give back.”

by Shawn lindsey

After 18 years, the houston Cougars didn’t sit this dance out. Choreographed by a four-game winning streak and the Conference USA tournament title, the houston Cougars (19–15) managed to two-step their way to the NCAA Big Dance, two points at a time.

“We kept believing and kept the faith through all of the struggles that we had this season,” said national scoring leader and Uh guard Aubrey Coleman going into tournament play.

In 1992, the last time the Cougars played in the NCAA tournament, the team’s oldest member, Sean Coleman, was only 5 years old; freshman forwards Bryce Clark and Kendrick Washington were not more than 13 months old. This team knows how special it is to take this program back where it belongs.

“To know that from now on everyone is going to know us, the 2010 Cougars, as the team that won the Conference USA championship and took houston back to the NCAA tournament, that’s amazing,” says junior guard Adam Brown.

The Cougars earned a No. 13 seed in the first-round Midwest Regional matchup against No. 4 seed Maryland in Spokane, Wash., where they fell 89 –77. head coach Tom Penders resigned a few days later, saying he had achieved his goal of returning Uh to the NCAA tournament and looked forward to the challenge of building another program.

Coach Joe Curl and the Uh women’s basketball team joined the men in

postseason play, traveling to lubbock to play Texas Tech on March 18 in the first round of the Women’s National Invitational Tournament. Though suffering a defeat, the 2010 WNIT berth put the Cougars back in postseason for the eighth time in program history. Curl took the program to new heights, but also resigned after the season, citing ongoing health issues.

For Cougar basketball fans, it may have been a long time coming, but most dances are worth the wait.

Coleman scores Big

Senior guard Aubrey Coleman is a leader,

but not just of his houston Cougars basketball

team. Coleman leads the nation in scoring.

A complete player, he also ranked in the

top 10 in steals and pulled down an average

of 7.4 rebounds per game.

“Aubrey is one of the finest kids, both on

the floor and off the floor, that I have had the

privilege to coach,” says Tom Penders, who

resigned as head men’s basketball coach at

the end of the season. “he is an exemplary

student-athlete in all ways.”

Coleman often made basketball look easy —

but making it to the University of houston was

a bumpy road. After graduating from Gulf

Shores Academy in houston, he enrolled at

Southwest Mississippi Community College.

It was there that Coleman’s unrelenting work

ethic paid off, earning him scholarship offers

to universities across the country. his choice:

the University of houston.

“I’m able to hug my mom and sister after the

game, and it feels good to see a smile on their

faces,” Coleman told NCAA.com.

“he put in hundreds and hundreds of hours

before we even practiced,” Penders told the

NCAA. “I’ve been doing this for 36 years, and he

has, without question, the best work ethic of any

player I’ve ever had.”

—Thomas Campbell

Cougars Make It to the“Big dance”

Marisa and Larisa CoyTwin cheerleaders and middle school math teachers Marisa (’08) and larisa Coy (’08) have learned to shine on the sidelines and in the classroom.

“our mom has this saying — anytime we do anything, whether it is performing or teaching, she always says — ‘You have one shot to do your very best,’” says Marisa Coy.

The twins apply that theory as cheerleaders for the houston Texans and as math teachers in Baytown. They use skills they learned as education majors at the University of houston to inspire students to learn.

“I love math, and I just want to instill that same passion in my students,” says larisa Coy.

one way they do that is by incorporating the technology they learned while students at Uh — something that impresses other teachers.

“They are like, ‘Wow, they really taught you a lot,’” larisa says. “I am really proud to say I learned it here [at Uh].”

www.uh.edu/pride-stories/binh-vu

www.uh.edu/pride-stories/marisaandlarisa-coy


UH F

amili

esUH Families

by Michelle Klump

W hen lauren Aalund (’09) donned her cap and gown to walk the stage for the University of houston’s December

graduation, she looked across the sea of new Uh alums to find two very proud Cougars in the audience — her parents.

“She saw me cry,” says Niels Aalund (’79), lauren’s father.

Aalund already shared his passion for Uh with his wife, Charlotte (’78). But when one of their three daughters decided to attend their alma mater, a wish was fulfilled, and a legacy started.

For the Aalund family, and many others, attending the University of houston has become a family tradition.

“I wanted my daughter to receive a great education and, hopefully, enjoy some of the same things that I enjoyed,” Niels Aalund says.

Aalund loved Uh from the beginning. As a freshman, he walked onto the football team, received a scholarship and played defensive lineman for three years, including 1976 — when the team won the Southwest Conference championship. he lived in Moody Towers, joined the Sigma Chi fraternity and took full advantage of an education he describes as first rate.

Today, he remains active, showing up to nearly every home football and basketball game, even after he has given away his own tickets to encourage others to experience Uh athletics. he serves on the College of Technology Dean’s Advisory Board, co-chairs Uh’s Center for logistics and Transportation Policy and tries to give back to the university he says gave him so much.

Charlotte received her degree in art education and now teaches art at an

Creating a UH traditionFour Families Share Their UH Journey.

elementary school. “My education at Uh fully prepared me for a career I really enjoy,” she says.

The couple always hoped one of their daughters would attend Uh, but feared their chance for a legacy was lost when lauren attended another school her freshman year. But after many visits home, lauren began to give Uh as second look.

“My parents had gone here, so I knew it was a good school,” says lauren. “I had been to Uh so many times, and I liked it. I decided this is where I belonged.”

Thirty years to the month after her father graduated, lauren walked the stage, earning a degree in psychology and sealing the family tradition. Now, she works in Uh’s Bauer College of Business management office and has plans to pursue her master’s degree at Uh.

“We were really pleased,” says Charlotte Aalund. “It just makes you feel close, that we all went to the same place.”

Nnabuife Family

From the moment he stepped foot on campus in 1978, Callistus Nnabuife (’82) felt at home at Uh. Now, it seems natural that his children should find a home here as well, he says.

“I want to create a tradition of my family being a part of the University of houston’s history of education,” Nnabuife says. “We have seen other families do that … we are trying to follow in their footsteps to become a Cougar family.”

As a student, Nnabuife, a native of Nigeria, was thrilled with the diversity that made the campus feel “like an international town.” he spent time attending student activities on campus and he enjoyed playing soccer with friends.

he stayed on at Uh after graduation — working in the library, the chemistry department and, now, in the environmental health department, where he works as a lab safety officer. Nnabuife gives back by participating in campus outreach programs, such as Cougar First Impression, a program designed to welcome new and returning students. he considers encouraging his children to attend Uh another way of giving back.

Currently, his two daughters — ogechi, a biology major, and Emeka, a psychology major — attend Uh.

“As a kid, I was always with my dad. I would go to work with him when I was off from school, so I was here already,” says Emeka. “I had more support here. I had friends and family … and looking at financial packages, Uh was the best.”

ogechi also decided her father’s alma mater provided the best resources for her as well.

“I like the many study areas and the different resources for the courses. I also like the different services they have that help students move into graduate programs,” she says.

With three more children in middle and high school, Callistus says he hopes to see other family members on campus soon.

“I don’t think I would be what I am today without the University of houston,” he says. “Part of my own way of sharing that appreciation is bringing my own kids to the university — having them experience the Cougar spirit and sharing the experience that I had in college.”

“I want to create a tradition

of my family being a part of the University of Houston’s history of education.”

— Callistus Nnabuife

Charlotte, Lauren and Niels Aalund

Emeka, Callistus and Ogechi Nnabuife


UH F

amili

esUH Families

Johnson Family

Joel and Margaret Johnson advertised their hopes for a Uh family tradition on their vanity license plate. When they bought it, ‘VCooGS’ was intended to represent five Cougars — themselves and their three children.

Their oldest, Beth Ann Johnson (’90), made the first step when she decided to attend Uh. After their remaining two children moved away to attend school, it was decided the ‘V’ stood for victory. With Beth Ann at Uh, the family tradition lived.

“obviously, I had been indoctrinated in the Uh spirit,” Beth Ann says. “My parents often told me they were happy to pay for college as long as I went to the University of houston. While they said that in jest, once you repeat it enough times, it starts to sink in.”

The Johnsons’ love for Uh began in the 1960s when the two were undergraduates and living in the same private dorm just off campus. Margaret Johnson (’67) was majoring in home economics education and Joel Johnson (’69) was majoring in electrical engineering. A traffic accident brought them together.

Margaret was injured, and the driver went to the dorm for help. Joel was manning the front desk and went out to assist. Because both of their last names were Johnson, the ambulance drivers assumed they were related and asked Joel to accompany Margaret to the hospital.

“There was no separating us after that,” says Margaret. “We just started going out, and we ended up getting married my senior year.”

Since then, they’ve maintained their interest in the houston Cougars — buying season tickets to football games every year.

“We are both fans of football and the University of houston,” says Joel. “We struggle with them through good years and bad years.”

Along the way, they encouraged their kids to attend Uh. That encouragement paid off for Beth Ann, who credits her time at Uh, including the invaluable experience she gained working on the yearbook and for The Daily Cougar, with helping her succeed in her chosen career as a senior communications manager.

“I was really happy there,” she says of her time at Uh. “It’s fun growing up in a Uh family.”

Carrasco Family

It was cheerleading that started the Carrasco family tradition at Uh. With six brothers and sisters, Rick Carrasco (’92) knew he had to find a way to help pay for college, and after discovering he had a talent for it, he opted for cheerleading.

Raised in Garland, Texas, just outside of Dallas, Carrasco’s first stop was a junior college, and then Sam houston State University. But the University of houston beckoned.

“The University of houston had, and still does have, a phenomenal cheerleading squad,” he says. “They would go to nationals and place high every single year. I wanted to be on the best squad I could be.”

When he tried out and made the squad, Carrasco moved to Uh to begin what he describes as one of the happiest years of his life.

“I love Uh,” he says. “It gave me everything. It gave me my jumping off point for my career, it is where my education was, and I’m still in houston because of my love for Uh and the city.”

Carrasco earned a degree in history and went on to become an attorney. When it came time for two of his

“I love UH. It gave me everything. It gave me the

jumping off point for my career.”

— Rick Carrasco

(L-R) Jenny Lynn, Margaret, Noel, Joel and Beth Ann Johnson

(L-R) Brothers Ramiro, Rafael, Ruben and Rick Carrasco cheer on the Cougars at the UH vs. East Carolina C-USA Championship game.

(continued on page 18)


UH F

amili

es

student news

Erica Fletcher, junior anthropology

and psychology major, has produced

a documentary, “Marianismo,” that

explores hIV/AIDS among latinos

and the cultural factors that contribute

to the spread of the disease among

latino women.

Four Uh students will travel to

Washington, D.C., for a semester-long

internship as part of the Uh Mickey Leland Congressional Internship Program, which is housed in the

Center for Public Policy. The 2010

Mickey leland Congressional interns

are: Rachel Burnett, junior political

science major; Jeneba Haffner, senior political science major;

Kaine Hampton, junior finance major;

and Janae Ladet, junior political science.

Joseph Stromberg, public history

Ph.D. candidate, has been awarded a

grant by the Environmental Institute of

houston for his dissertation, “Atomic

Cowboys: Regulation and Resistance

to Nuclear Power in Texas.” The

$12,500 prize will help him complete

his dissertation, which looks at the

collapse of commercial nuclear power.

The UH David M. Underwood Chapter of American Humanics program

received the 2008–2009 outstanding

Fundraising Benchmark Award by

the National American humanics

organization. The chapter was cited for

the high quality of its annual report, the

variety of fundraising projects and for

its successful fundraising efforts.

Community Connectionsm-pact

Cougar Class of 2023

In 1991 two Uh students, Gina Gardner (’92) and Scott Covell (’92), were young and in love — both with each other and their university.

“If we have a son one day,” joked Scott, “we should name him Cougar.”

Nothing was spoken of the idea until almost a decade later. During a doctor’s appointment while Gina was pregnant with their only child, Scott took the ultrasound paddle like a microphone and, in his best sports announcer voice, proclaimed “In the starting lineup … Cougar Covell!” From that moment on, their little cub was known as Cougar.

“People either loved it or thought we were insane,” says Gina.

Now 9-years-old, Cougar, or “Coog” as his friends call him, is well known in his Florida community.

“I love it!” says Cougar. “My mom says it’s unique, and everybody else says it’s unique, and I like it that way!”

The pitching ace, who tossed a 45-mph fastball during little league last season, hopes to become a student-athlete at Uh — following a long family legacy that includes his parents and grandfather, Jerry Gardner (’70), Uh football captain (1965–69).

“My friends are like ‘What’s the University of houston?’ and I say, ‘It’s the best place in the world!’”

Impacting Math and Science educationUH’s teachHOUSTON Program Inspires Former Regent.

by Michelle Klump

As a long-time education advocate, John Cater watched with interest over the years as he saw great strides being made in reading education, in part due to work done by researchers at the University of houston.

When he heard about the development of the teachhoUSToN program, which encourages math and science students to prepare for careers in teaching, it was enough to call Cater back into service at the University of houston. Cater previously served as a member of the Uh System Board of Regents from 1989 to 1995, including a stint as chairman from 1991 to 1993.

“The program excited me as an opportunity to have a real impact in the houston-area schools,” says Cater, who serves as chairman of the teachhoUSToN Advisory Committee. “Where we have fallen behind is teaching math and science. This program is one that actually seems to be unique in the way it addresses the problem.”

Modeled after UT-Austin’s successful UTeach program, the teachhoUSToN program recruits students early, offers five semesters of opportunities for students to practice teaching and provides strong mentoring extending through the first two years of teaching after graduation.

Jeff Morgan (’81, M.S. ’83, Ph.D. ’86), chair of Uh’s math department and one of the co-directors of the program, foresees the program resulting in more than 1,000 new math and science teachers in the houston area by 2025.

As Advisory Committee chairman, Cater has a dual role — to broaden community awareness and to raise money, both for operations and for the endowment.

of particular importance is a goal to raise $1 million for the endowment by the summer of 2011, to receive matching funds from the National Math and Science Initiative.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to make an impact on what happens in this community,” Cater says of the committee’s work.

“It’s also exciting to be a part of an innovative program at Uh, as the university continues to strive toward Tier one.

“having seen the University of houston grow from when I came to houston 50 years ago, to when I got involved on a day-to-day basis 20 years ago, to where it is now, is really a remarkable story,” Cater says.

younger brothers to attend college, he made the case for Uh. That insistence, along with scholarships and financial aid, soon brought Ruben and Rafael Carrasco to houston.

“It was because of my brother talking so highly of the university,” says Ruben Carrasco (’98). “It was just the perfect place for us.”

Both ended up at the Bauer College of Business, with Rafael majoring in business marketing with an emphasis on advanced professional selling and Ruben majoring in accounting.

“I loved it. It was great … to be able to attend college with your brother,” says Rafael Carrasco (’98), adding that he also felt the professors at Bauer really prepared him for his future as a real estate broker. “It was just a great program to be in.”

The three brothers still love Uh, attending football games when they can — they traveled to North Carolina in 2009 for the Conference USA Championship game — and promoting the university to anyone who will listen. Ruben, who was married on New Year’s Eve, even put the Uh logo on his groom’s cake.

The Carrasco brothers say they would love to see the tradition continue. Rick says if he has anything to say about it, it will.

“My daughter is going to go to Uh,” he says. “She’s only 9, but she’s committed already!”

even on his wedding day, ruben Carrasco (center) and brothers rick and rafael (l-r) couldn’t get enough of that Cougar spirit.

Shasta and Cougar Covell

John Cater

— by Shawn lindsey

(continued from page 16)



Facu

lty H

onor

s

quick takes Faculty Kudos Bookshelf

Uh FACUlTY: YoU ARE ThE PrIDeSUBMITyOUR FACulTY KuDOs: [email protected]

Patricia Belton Oliver has been named dean of the Gerald D. hines College of Architecture. oliver previously served as the senior vice president of educational planning and architecture at the Art Center College of Design, where she created an environmental design department to bridge architecture and product design. She also established the Institute for Community Development to collaborate on projects with low-cost housing

organizations. oliver chaired the 2009 American Institute of Architects National Convention and National Education Committee. She also is a director on the National Architectural Accrediting Board.

Paul C.W. Chu, founding director of the Texas Center for Superconductivity at the University of houston, has returned to campus full time. The T.l.l. Temple Chair of Science, professor of physics and executive director of TCSUh, concluded an eight-year term as president of hong Kong University of Science and Technology, where he continued to lead his productive research group in houston. Chu has received a $2.8 million grant from the

U.S. Air Force office of Scientific Research for his ongoing efforts to search for novel materials that become superconducting at higher temperatures, preferably close to or above room temperature, and with higher current carrying capacity.

Amanda Baumle, assistant professor of sociology, has written “Sex Discrimination and law Firm Culture on the Internet: lawyers at the ‘Information Age Water Cooler’.”

Paul Butler, assistant professor of English, has written “Style in Rhetoric and Composition: A Critical Sourcebook.”

Alice Cepeda, assistant professor of sociology, has written a chapter, “The Relationship of Ecological Containment and heroin Practices,” in “Geography and Drug Addiction.”

Helen Rose Ebaugh, professor of sociology, has written “The Gulen Movement: A Sociological Analysis of a Civic Movement Rooted in Moderate Islam.”

Joseph L. McCauley, professor of physics, has written “Dynamics of Markets: The New Financial Economics, 2nd ed.”

Michael Leroy Oberg, professor of history, has written “Native America: A history.”

Guadalupe San Miguel Jr., professor of history, has co-written a chapter, “latino Education in 20th Century America: A Brief history,” in “handbook of latino Education.”

Spencer Simons, director of the o’Quinn law library and assistant professor of law, has written “Texas legal Research.”

Tamler Sommers, assistant professor of philosophy, has written “A Very Bad Wizard: Morality Behind the Curtain.”

Steve Werner, professor of management and doctoral coordinator, has co-written “Managing human Resources, 10th ed.”

Ira Wolinsky, professor emeritus of health and human performance, has co-edited “Nutritional Concerns in Recreation, Education, and Sport.”

Lisa Alastuey, clinical assistant professor of health and human performance, has been honored with the 2009–2010 southern District University/College educator Award for her research on the physical and emotional health of women and young people. Alastuey also received the 2009 Texas health educator of the year Award.

Kimberly Birtcher, clinical associate professor of pharmacy, has been elected fellow of the American heart Association’s Council on Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and vascular Biology.

Seth Chandler, Law foundation Professor, developed the spatial and dynamic model of jury behavior featured on the numb3rs Tv series on CBs. The model illustrates how jurors may vote to convict or acquit based on a random variable affected by factors such as actual guilt. The show’s plot used the concept to illustrate jury tampering.

Yuhua Chen, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, has received two national science foundation grants, totaling more than $890,000, to develop a multimode switching platform that will allow the transfer of all types of data using one piece of technology.

Diana Chow, professor of pharmacy, with alumnus harshal Bhagwatwar (’95) and U.T. M.D. Anderson Cancer Center’s Borje s. Andersson, received the 2009 inventor of the year Award from the houston intellectual Property Law Association for developing intravenous formulations of a pre-transplant drug for leukemia patients prior to stem cell transplantation.

Mark Clarke, associate professor of health and human performance, is the principal investigator in research that has resulted in a process that grows real human bone in tissue culture, which can be used to investigate how bones form and grow. The technology will examine ways the breakthrough research can be used in a clinical setting for applications such as spinal fusions, facial reconstructions following bomb blasts or the re-growing of an individual bone outside of the patient.

Gavin Clarkson, associate professor of law, had a paper titled “The social efficiency of fairness,” which was co-authored with an MiT economist, listed on the social science research network’s Top Ten download list for Property, Citizenship, & social entrepreneurism.

Seamus Curran, associate professor of physics and head of Uh’s institute for nanoenergy, and his research team have found a rare element in the waste excreted by tiny bacteria that is effective in limiting high-energy light. its applications could range from use in eye glasses to aircraft defense. The findings on tellurium, a scarce metalloid typically used as a semiconductor, have been published in the journal, Chemical Physical Letters. The project was funded by the U.s. Department of energy.

Steven Deyle, associate professor of history, has received the American Antiquarian society’s Joyce A. Tracy fellowship for 2009–2010.

Jan-Åke Gustafsson, robert A. Welch Professor and head of the Center for nuclear receptors and Cell signaling, has received the fernström foundation’s nordic Prize, one of scandinavia’s most prestigious medical prizes, for his discoveries of nuclear receptors and his groundbreaking research on their significance in several common diseases. one of his most important findings is a previously unknown receptor for estrogen (er-beta), which his research group discovered in the mid-1990s.

Thomas T.C. Hsu, John and rebecca Moores Professor of Civil and environmental engineering, has been honored for his contributions to structural engineering. his Universal element Tester is one of only two machines like it in the world. The American Concrete institute and the American Association of Civil engineers sponsored a four-part symposium in his honor with presentations from researchers from around the world who shared their own research that has been heavily influenced by hsu’s accomplishments.

Tahir Hussain, associate professor of pharmacology, and Ming Hu, professor of pharmaceutics, have received $2.65 million in renewal awards from the national institutes of health for their respective research projects into obesity and flavonoids.

Alex Ignatiev, director of the Center for Advanced Materials, received a five-year appointment as World Class University Professor by the Gwangju institute of science and Technology in south Korea. Distinguished University Professor of Physics, Chemistry and electrical and Computer engineering, ignatiev’s research in resistive memory gained international recognition as a possible major paradigm-shifting technology for computer memory.

Craig Joyce, Andrews Kurth Professor of Law and co-director of the institute for intellectual Property & information Law, has been reappointed chair of the American society for Legal history’s Committee on Conferences and the Annual Meeting.

Noah Lim, assistant professor of marketing, has received the 2009 Management science Meritorious service Award for his notable service as a reviewer for Management science.

Brian K. McFarlin, associate professor, and Thomas W. Lowder and Richard J. Simpson, assistant professors of health and human performance, have been appointed section editors for the International Journal of Exercise Science.

Antonya Nelson, Cullen foundation Chair in Creative Writing and award-winning author, has been named the United states Artists fellow for 2009. The prestigious $50,000 fellowship recognizes the best and brightest artist.

Ray Nimmer, Uh Law Center dean, has made the list of The Best Lawyers in America in his dual specialties of information Technology Law and intellectual Property Law.

Carlos Ordonez, associate professor of physics, has been elected a fellow of the American Physical society for his contributions to the “effective langrangian theory of the nucleon-nucleon interaction and to conformal quantum mechanics and its applications, particularly to black-hole thermodynamics, and for extensive efforts toward developing science in Latin America.”

Monica Perales, assistant professor of history, has been elected to a three-year term on the board of directors of humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the national endowment for the humanities.


Refle

ctio

ns

t he capacity crowd at Robertson Stadium was quieted as the public address announcer spoke. his hushed tones conveyed the sobering news of the death of

famed houston attorney and Uh alum, John M. o’Quinn. For a moment, the sea of red shirts was still, as were the voices that would soon cheer their team to victory.

John M. o’Quinn (’65, l.l.B. ’67, J.D. ’69 ), a man who was the consummate Cougar — frequently joining fans in the stands — had been killed on a rain-slicked houston road.

his Uh team kept him close in mind that afternoon. “JMo,” o’Quinn’s initials, adorned the playing field, flowers placed there in respect. Before the first kickoff that began the Cougars’ routing of Southern Mississippi, the crowd joined in one rousing cheer for John o’Quinn.

What does it mean to be a Cougar? For the late o’Quinn, it meant being dedicated, loyal and generous.

“he worked tirelessly on behalf of this university and was one of our most generous financial contributors,” Uh President Renu Khator says.

“The o’Quinn law library and o’Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium are the most prominent examples of his philanthropy at Uh, but they are by no means the extent of it. over the years, he made numerous gifts, including significant donations to the Uh libraries

Reflections

John M. o’Quinn: the Consummate Cougar 1941–2009by Marisa Ramirez (’00)

and to the Uh Spirit of houston Cougar Marching Band. A good deal of this school’s success can be credited to John’s unflagging commitment to making Uh a better institution,” Khator says.

The 1967, magna cum laude graduate remembered his home in the Uh law Center (UhlC) and generously contributed to its renovation. his gift made possible a three-year makeover that began with the top of the plaza’s roof, continued to the college’s entrance, and then inside to the many upgrades in communication and other technologies.

“John was one of those rare ‘larger-than-life’ lawyers who instantly commanded attention and respect in any gathering,” says UhlC Dean Ray Nimmer. “his generosity is recognized in our state-of-the-art John o’Quinn library, and an endowed chair, the A.l. o’Quinn Chair in Environmental law, named in honor of his father.”

All the Uh libraries benefited from his $1.5 million gift, as did the Uh honors College. o’Quinn’s gifts also support the arts, including the Moores School of Music, the Uh Alumni Association, and many scholarships.

“In addition to his generous financial support, John also provided great leadership support to this university,” says Welcome W. Wilson Sr. (’49),Uh System Board of Regents chairman. “he was so enthusiastic about the Tier-one initiative and was looking forward to the day this university would reach that status.”

o’Quinn’s name graces many Uh buildings and halls, including the appropriately named Great hall in the Athletics/Alumni Center.

Great was his passion. Great was his dedication. Great is the legacy of this great Cougar.

t he University of houston recently lost one of its most passionate supporters of the arts. Cynthia Woods Mitchell (’43) passed

away Dec. 27 at age 87.

Mitchell was born in 1922 in New York City. She arrived in houston in 1939 and enrolled at Uh to study art, literature and psychology. Two years later, she met George Mitchell (hoN ’84) on a train ride from College Station to houston. That meeting led to marriage and a lifetime partnership fueled by their mutual dedication to the greater houston and Galveston communities.

her enthusiasm for the arts prompted her to make one of the largest individual grants in the university’s history — a $20 million gift to create the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts. The center cultivates collaboration among artists of different disciplines and forms an alliance of Uh’s School of Art; Moores School of Music; School of Theatre & Dance; Creative Writing Program; and Blaffer Gallery, the Art Museum of the University of houston. The center hosts public events, residencies and curriculum that unite renowned visiting artists with Uh students in all artistic disciplines.

Following a renovation in 2006, the facility housing the Wortham Theatre and the School of Theatre & Dance was renamed the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts. The center has commissioned world-premiere performances and brought renowned artists to campus.

“She was a visionary philanthropist whose dedication to the arts was apparent in the founding of the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center,” says Karen Farber, the center’s director. “Mrs. Mitchell and her family’s generosity has made dozens of significant new art works possible and left a lasting legacy that will continue to infuse the entire university and city of houston with creativity and innovation.”

Mitchell also has provided support for Uh’s Immanuel and helen olshan Texas Music Festival. Each year, the event introduces audiences to student musicians through the Cynthia Wood Mitchell Young Artists Competition.

“The vision and generosity of the Mitchells have added so much to what the festival offers to its participants, and to houston audiences each summer,” says Alan Austin, the festival’s general director.

Through a generous unsolicited gift, she also launched Uh’s Distinguished Authors Program. Mitchell has provided support to the university’s Gerald D. hines College of Architecture as well.

“Just as she lived a productive and creative life with extraordinary commitment to our community, she has left a legacy that will fuel creativity for future generations in our community and far beyond,” Khator says.

Cynthia Woods Mitchell:

by Mike Emery

a Life of Creativity and Community 1922–2010

More OnlIne | www.uh.edu/magazine/bonus More OnlIne | www.uh.edu/magazine/bonus


Keep

ers

of th

e Pr

ide Leaders of the Pack

spirit of houston Band Pumps up the excitement.

by Mike Emery

Keepers of the Pridempact

I t’s halftime, the Coogs are exiting the field for the locker room. Some fans are lining up at the concession stands for their favorite snacks, but

hundreds more are still perched in their seats eager to witness the Spirit of houston Cougar Marching Band sprint on field with their “untraditionally organized chaos.”

Always ready to pump up the excitement, the Spirit of houston Band, Cheer and Dance team exude university pride with every high-energy performance and appearance.

David Bertman (M.M. ’98) has led the band since 2000 and has overseen its immense growth over the past decade. When he arrived at Uh, only 87 musicians comprised the marching squad. Now, there are 280 members. Combined with the Dolls and cheerleaders, it has 350 students committed to promoting Uh.

In addition to wowing Cougar fans, the Spirit of houston is a parade favorite. It also brings its brand of school spirit to pep rallies and other Uh functions.

In 2003, the band played to its biggest audience ever at Super Bowl xxxVIII at Reliant Stadium. More than 71,000 fans were in attendance and approximately 144 million television viewers witnessed the Cougar Marching Band performing alongside Justin Timberlake, Janet Jackson and others.

That performance was a high point for the Spirit of houston, but it was not the group’s creative zenith. According to Bertman, the Cougar Marching Band strives to make every show better than the last.

“It’s hard to do that,” Bertman says. “It’s all entertainment with quality, so we try to add a twist in every show to draw the audience’s attention. We always try to deliver a top-notch performance that will keep people talking about Uh and the band.”

The Spirit of houston began entertaining audiences in 1946. Through the years, it has earned a reputation as one of the country’s top university bands.

In 1969, the arrival of band director Bill Moffitt signaled a new era for the Spirit of houston. With Moffitt’s pioneering “Patterns of Motion” drill techniques and reworking of rock and pop songs into marching band numbers, known as “Sound Power,” Uh served as a model for other college band programs. he passed away in 2008.

Bertman has followed in Moffitt’s footsteps, energizing the student musicians, dancers and cheer squad. In turn, the student performers consistently invigorate Cougar fans with dazzling marching routines and brilliant musicianship.

For the university, the group is not just an entertainment machine. It’s a symbol of Cougar pride, and one that continues to personify Uh’s energy, diversity and commitment to excellence.

“It’s about pride,” Bertman says. “Whenever and wherever the Spirit of houston performs, it’s representing thousands of Uh students and the thousands of alumni in houston and around the world. That’s what drives traditional college marching bands, and that’s what drives us.”

Bill Moffitt

“It’s about pride. Whenever and wherever the Spirit of Houston performs,

it’s representing thousands of UH students and the thousands

of alumni in Houston and around the world.”

— david Bertman

David Bertman and the Spirit of Houston Cougar Marching Band perform at the Moores Opera House during the band’s annual gala.



Creating a Legacyalumna encourages uh supporters to Make a Planned gift.by Shawn lindsey

I n 1977, the price of gas was 65 cents a gallon, Jimmy Carter became president, and Uh beat Maryland in the Cotton Bowl. Dorothy Nicholson (’77) remembers

the year well. It marked her graduation from Uh’s Conrad N. hilton College of hotel and Restaurant Management.

“The college today is a long way from the ‘school’ I attended in the ’70s,” says Nicholson.

“What has been accomplished in the last 30 years is nothing less than remarkable.”

The same can be said of Nicholson, who has enjoyed a successful career as a result of her degree.

She uses her experience and education as principal of Nicholson Interests, a private equity investment firm.

“Following graduation, I was disconnected from Uh for 25 years,” says Nicholson. “An event at my college brought me back and ‘wham!’ ... I was reinspired!”

As a result of her inspiration, Nicholson became involved with her college by taking on the role as chair of the Eric hilton Distinguished Alumni Club, which sponsors a biannual lecture series in honor of Eric hilton. This further motivated her to raise $1.2 million to help fund the

Clinton l. Rappole Endowed Chair, the first time an endowed chair has been initiated by hRM alumni. In addition, Nicholson established a charitable bequest, earning her a place in The 1927 Society, a distinguished group consisting of supporters of the Uh System who have made planned gifts through their wills or other assets.

“Think about what Uh and the hilton College has meant to the city, to education, to thousands of students who went on to make enormous contributions to our world. And many have then given back to Uh so that it would become the premier institution of today. how can I not be a part of that? It’s a small way I can say thanks for the education I received.”

“think about what UH and the Hilton College has meant

to the city, to education, to thousands of students who went on

to make enormous contributions to our world.”

Givi

ng M

atte

rs

Plan a gift that will change lives, beginning with yours.

to learn more about making a planned gift at the

university of houston, contact the uh system office of

Planned giving at 713-743-8680 or [email protected]

or visit www.uh.edu/plannedgiving.

Giving Matters

Plan a gift that will change lives, beginning with yours.

Leaving a legacy — it’s about giving back, investing in the future, enriching the lives of others. Join the growing number of alumni, faculty and friends who are leaving their legacy at the University of Houston with a bequest that will support:

Contact the Office of Planned Giving to learn how you can shape the university’s future through a gift in your will and become a member of

The 1927 Society.

Office of Planned Givingwww.uh.edu/plannedgiving

[email protected]

This information is not intended as legal advice. Please consult your CPA or attorney.

• Presidential Priorities & Initiatives• Scholarships• College/Department Faculty• M.D. Anderson Libraries and Archives• Athletics Programs• Research

Plan a gift that will CHANGE LIVES,beginning with yours.

It was 1963 when Kaye Stripling (M.Ed. ’67, Ed.D. ’85) walked into her first classroom and became a teacher. She was hooked.

This began a decades-long career in education, culminating with her being named superintendent of schools for the houston Independent School District.

Stripling says she owes much of her success to the Uh College of Education.

“They taught me the skills that I needed to be successful,” she says. “They showed a sincere interest in me excelling in my profession.”

Stripling’s career started with Teacher Corps, then a joint program between Uh and hISD to train teachers to work successfully in inner-city schools.

“This gave me the opportunity to really get to know many of the university professors, and they provided guidance and a great opportunity for hands-on learning,” she says.

From there, she held many positions throughout houston-area schools, which led to her appointment as superintendent in 2001. Stripling retired in 2004, but she still wanted to support education.

In 2009, a $7 million gift from an anonymous donor created the Uh Tierone Scholarship program. Stripling was drawn to this program because gifts are matched dollar for dollar, allowing more deserving students to benefit from scholarships.

“It is a great feeling to be able to give back to a university that gave me so much,” she says. “I am proud to be a graduate of the University of houston, and I want to give that same opportunity to others.

“I had a wonderful career, and I owe much of that to the University of houston.”

Giving Back Feels GreatEducation Advocate Credits UH for Paving the Way for Her Success.

by Kelli Ferrell


Givi

ng M

atte

rs A Heart for UHunwavering devotion Leads to decades of generosity.by Kelli Ferrell

e lizabeth Dennis Rockwell (hoN ’99) has always had a place in her heart for the University of houston, and her loyalty and generosity have

never wavered. her journey started in 1938 when classes were still being held in the San Jacinto high

School building, and it continues today, with her presence constantly felt across campus.

Rockwell left Uh in 1944 during her senior year to take a job as a cashier with a mortgage company to begin her long career in finance — becoming widely respected as an expert in retirement, estate, investment and tax planning.

In the mid-1970s, she gained national recognition for her work with IRA rules and regulations. She later became executive director of the Private Client Division of CIBC oppenheimer Corp., retiring in 2001.

As her career spanned decades, she never forgot her Uh roots.

“I decided to support three endowed deanships: one at the M.D. Anderson library, which is the source of information for all fields of learning; one in the Cullen College of Engineering, which takes current scientific thinking and applies it; and one in the College of Education, which prepares the teachers who help students understand prior knowledge and how to use it to make our world better,” says Rockwell, who was awarded a Uh honorary Doctorate of humane letters in 1999.

“I was very proud to receive this honor,” she says. “over time, I have seen Uh position itself at the forefront of higher education in the 21st century.”

Rockwell’s name adorns many facets of the university: the Elizabeth D. Rockwell President’s Suite in the houston Alumni Center; the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Career Services Center in the Bauer College of Business; and the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Pavilion in the M.D. Anderson library.

Rockwell underwrites lectures and events, including the Elizabeth D. Rockwell library heritage lecture Series and the prestigious Elizabeth D. Rockwell Ethics and leadership Series, which brings national speakers to campus.

“I have an interest in two things — the preservation of the past and the direction of the future. And what better way to secure our future than by supporting the education of tomorrow’s leaders,” she says.

SAve The DATe

2010 elizabeth d. rockwell ethics and Leadership LecturesPeaker: nathan Wolfe, epidemiologist and self-described “virus hunter”

date: Monday, april 26

tiMe: 7 p.m.

PLaCe: uh hilton hotel

www.uh.edu/rockwell

UH President Renu Khator and Elizabeth Dennis Rockwell

your UH Connection… YOu MAke The DIFFerence.

This is ryan callard. Talk with him and it’ll be difficult to guess that he has ever been concerned about striking up a conversation with someone he doesn’t know. one of the Uh Call Center’s outstanding students, Ryan may be calling you soon. Motivated in part by gratitude for his Kappa Sigma scholarship, Ryan talks with hundreds of Uh alumni each week about how their support impacts the university and its students. The number of alumni who choose to participate in giving this year can positively impact our Tier-one journey. Ryan also looks forward to receiving your advice.

“My all-time favorite is learning about how a grad’s college experience shaped them for life outside of school. It helps me see what I can look forward to in the future, and it also helps me make some decisions while I’m in school. It’s surprising — the things I learn and what alumni say they would have changed. Some of the answers will make you laugh.”

Why Give?Alumni support is especially important to uh, and it is a university tradition across the united States. Whether you are an alum, the parent of a

student or a member of the houston community, you have

a role to play in the future of the University of houston.

Gifts from individuals have a direct and immediate impact, funding a level of excellence not

supported through state assistance. State support for

higher education has steadily declined — a nationwide

trend. Until now, Uh has relied heavily on an equivalent rise

in student support (tuition and fees) — funding university

programs at status quo.

Individual annual giving is critical to our ability to

enhance and expand support to students and faculty. Gifts in

support of scholarships impact students directly. Today, the

cost of a college degree is higher than ever before.

You can take uh to the next level and make a

difference in the life of a student. At any level, in support of any

college, department or program … it’s your choice.

Give every year, impact every day.

Give online: www.uh.edu/giving

Give by phone: 1-877-755-0559

Give by mail: university of houston P.O. Box 867 houston TX 77001-0867

ryan callardcollege: hrM, SophomoreMajor: hotel and restaurant ManagementMinor: Marketing

hometown: Quinlan, Texas

1989 1999 2009

58%43% 34%

14%26% 38%

11% 17% 13%

17% 14% 16%

StateSupport StudentSupport Grants&FinancialAid Other

University of Houston System Operating Budget

download - university of houston

Documents