21
May
2019
|
09:28 AM
America/Chicago

Assistant Director of Technology Learning Services honored at retirement celebration

Summary

By Emily Christiansen

Longtime information technology staff member Lloyd Matzner retired after 38 years this May with a celebration in the Travis Room to honor his contributions to the University of Houston-Downtown.

Matzner has held many roles during his time at the university.

“My first position at UHD in September of 1981 was Coordinator of Audio Visual Services, which were a part of the Library at that time," he said. "In the subsequent years, I have served as Director of Audio Visual Services, Assistant Director of University Relations, Interim Director of University Relations, Director of Multimedia Services and Instructional Television, and Assistant Director of Technology Learning Services.”

He also found time to teach as an adjunct instructor for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and for the Marilyn Davies College of Business.

Matzner graduated from the University of Houston with a bachelor's degree in Broadcast Communications and later earned a master's degree in Educational Technology from the University of Southern California.

During his career at UHD, one of Matzner’s main goals was to encourage the use of technology to enhance students’ learning experience.

“I have been most fortunate to have worked with talented colleagues in Multimedia Services and Information Technology who have shared in the goal to provide up-to-date classroom technology and presentation facilities, “Matzner said. “Multimedia and Video Production Services have worked to enhance and supplement instruction as well as to market our degree programs and showcase university events.”

His colleagues expressed their appreciation for Matzner during his retirement celebration.

David Bradley, vice president for Administration and Finance, described how Matzner was ready to provide a helping hand wherever he was needed.

“Lloyd has been involved in all events, big and small. You’d see Lloyd right in the thick of things” Bradley said. “He reminds me of the early days of the university when we were constantly short-staffed and we all needed to pitch in. He has a willingness to do whatever needs to be done.”

Dr. Hank Roubicek, recently retired professor of Communication Studies, also spoke about how helpful Matzner was for him.

“He has always been there for me, “ Roubicek said, “as a friend first and as a colleague second.”

Erin Mayer, the retired Director of Information Technology, explained that Matzner’s legacy will live on at UHD.

“He is part of the fabric of UHD,” she said. “Even though he is retiring, he is still going to be part of the fabric of UHD due to his mentoring and involvement.”

Matzner plans to enjoy his retirement thoroughly while traveling, teaching part-time, volunteering, and taking long walks with his dog.

 

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.