28
July
2016
|
17:27 PM
America/Chicago

UHD to Launch All-New Alumni Association

Alumni Association Committee

Spring 2017, has been set for the official kick-off of the University of Houston-Downtown Alumni Association, according to Director of Development, Jaha Williams.

An Alumni Council was organized to form the Association. Williams said, “The establishment of an Alumni Council is instrumental in the planning and development process as we work to ultimately build a responsive more comprehensive alumni association.”

The UHD Alumni Council is tasked with the priority to identify, recruit, engage, track and retain alumni, and is the leadership body which represents and empowers the Alumni Association. Additionally, the Alumni Council will act on behalf of alumni and in collaboration with the University to develop an official alumni association. The Council will partner with UHD, in accordance with the UH System policy on university organizations, to provide leadership and shared governance of the alumni association.

Recommended by the Office of Alumni Relations and appointed by Interim President Michael A. Olivas, 12 elected alumni will serve on the Council: Phillip Ellison (’94), Andrea Shiloh (’95), LaQuitta DeMerchant (’97), Reyna Romero (’98), Mary Torres (’98), Deltra Hayes (’00), Miriam Morales (’01), Albert Alonzo (’03), J.B. Bobbitt (’05), Frank Garcia (’07), Reubenjack Long (’11), and Ivan Sanchez (’13).

The Council will lead the efforts to create an active alumni association in collaboration with the University that articulates the UHD mission, programs and priorities; strengthen connections within the University community; foster long-term relationships and networking opportunities; uphold philanthropic loyalty and support for the University; and encourage and empower UHD alumni by creating a traditional alumni culture that thrives from volunteerism and event participation.

True to the unique UHD experience, the new association will offer a wide array of programs, activities and events, befitting to different alumni interests, including networking and mentorship opportunities, volunteer work, academic programs and exclusive invitations to events. Membership in the UHD Alumni Association is free and open to all UHD graduates. Participation enables alumni to support campus-wide events and get involved with committees, interest groups and chapters.

Membership gives alumni access to a host of benefits and campus services including UHD Sports and Fitness programs in the Jesse H. Jones Student Life Center, the UHD W.I. Dykes Library, the Career Development Center, and the Alumni LinkedIn group. And of course, alumni will continue to receive the UHD alumni e-newsletter and UHD Magazine to stay up-to-date on the latest UHD happenings.

Getting Involved

Stay connected with UHD and the Gator community through the new UHD Alumni Association. Here are key ways to get more involved with the Association:

  • Update your education section on Facebook and LinkedIn and become a resource for other Gators
  • Share and post job openings and internship opportunities on Jobs4Gators
  • Take advantage of exclusive UHD alumni benefits
  • Donate to an existing scholarship for both new and continuing students
  • Serve as a sponsor of signature event or become an official UHD corporate partner
  • Honor your Gator pride by purchasing UHD Alumni Association merchandise from UHD Bookstore, in person or online at uh-downtown.bncollege.com
About the University of Houston-Downtown

The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is the second-largest university in Houston and has served the educational needs of the nation’s fourth-largest city since 1974. As one of four distinct public universities in the University of Houston System, UHD is a comprehensive, four-year university led by President Loren J. Blanchard. Annually, UHD educates approximately 14,000 students, boasts more than 66,000 alumni, and offers 45 bachelor’s degrees, 12 master’s degrees, and 19 online programs within four colleges: Marilyn Davies College of Business, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Public Service, and College of Sciences and Technology. UHD has one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas.

U.S. News and World Report ranked UHD among the nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Applied Administration and Best Online Master’s Programs in Criminal Justice, as well as a Top Performer in Social Mobility. The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranked UHD one of the best colleges in the U.S. for its 2024 rankings, with notable distinctions: No. 1 for diversity (tied) and No. 3 for student experience. The University is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a Minority-Serving Institution, and a Military Friendly School. For more information on the University of Houston-Downtown, visit uhd.edu.