The Hamill Foundation awarded University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) a $100,000 grant to support the UHD Office of Veteran Services, undergraduate student research in the College of Sciences and Technology (CST), and a component of the new Gator Gateway program for first-time-in-college (FTIC) students.

"UHD is grateful for the Hamill Foundation's partnership and generous support of initiatives that further the University's commitment to student success," said UHD Vice President for Advancement and External Relations Johanna Wolfe.

Veterans Services will receive $50,000 to provide scholarship funding for veteran students as well as an emergency fund that will be made available for books and other expenses for veterans needing special assistance. UHD CST will receive $25,000 to provide five undergraduate students the opportunity to work in Department of Natural Sciences Assistant Professor Gabriela Bowden's laboratory on the impact of staphylococcus on young children and gain practical experience toward their future career goals; and $25,000 will fund book stipends for fall 2016 FTIC students enrolled in a new faculty/peer mentor program component of the new Gator Gateway.

The Hamill Foundation was established in 1969 by the late Houston oilman Claud Hamill and his wife Marie, in dedication to the city they loved. Through their foundation, the Hamills ensured their legacy of giving back to the community would continue. The foundation is among the top 25 largest foundations in Houston.