Back in 2013, UHD alum Ivan Sanchez (’13) was a Political Science major and President of the Student Government Association. A night owl, Sanchez would work on projects at school until 2 or 3 a.m. and soon became friendly with the custodial staff working those same hours.

That Valentine’s Day, he decided to purchase a dozen roses to give to his new friends. He was met with reactions of joy and surprise, bringing tears to some. With guidance from Dr. Liza Alonzo, Special Assistant to the President, the tradition of Roses for Janitors was born and has grown over the last decade.

The idea became “official” in 2021, when Sanchez, President of the nationally awarded nonprofit Houston Millennials, made it part of the organization's efforts. Houston Millennials purchased 1,000 roses with the plan to add an additional 1,000 roses each year. This year, Houston Millennials delivered 3,000 roses to multiple organizations across the Houston area! The group removes the thorns from the roses and adds messages created by local high schoolers and middle schoolers.

Sanchez credits the trajectory of his life to UHD, calling it a “high-impact school” because of his experiences with the staff, faculty, and students. 

Prior to heading the nonprofit, he was recruited to work for Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. Sanchez says, “Thanks to UHD, I went from pushing carts at Kroger’s to pushing legislation in Congress.”

The main slogan for Sanchez’s nonprofit organization is “See You at the Top,” and he adds, “What is making it to the top if you don’t know how to give back?”