Cisneros, Garcia to Highlight Gator Grit Series
Two well-known civic and business leaders will highlight the University of Houston-Downtown’s Gator Grit Speaker Series on Wednesday, Oct. 23.
Henry Cisneros, founder and chairman of CityView companies, who also served as former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and longtime mayor of San Antonio will be the featured speaker. Serving as moderator for the event is Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia.
The event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the TDECU Tour Room in the UHD Welcome Center.
Under Cisneros’ leadership, CityView serves as a partner in building with the nation's leading homebuilders to create homes priced within the range of average families. Cisneros is recognized for his role in the political spectrum as a member of U.S. President Bill Clinton’s Cabinet as leader of Housing and Urban Development. In Texas, he is remembered for serving three terms as Mayor of San Antonio from 1981 to 1989. He also served on the City Council from 1975 to 1981.
Garcia, a Houston native, grew up in the Northside area and is serving his first term as Precinct 2 Commissioner. He was previously Harris County Sheriff from 2008 to 2015. He also served five years on Houston City Council, including a term as Mayor Pro-Tem under Mayor Bill White’s administration. In addition, Garcia was appointed Director of the Anti-Gang Office under Mayor Lee Brown. He began his career in public service as a Houston police officer.
This is the third year of the speaker series, which highlights regional leaders who showcase examples of grit that inspire courage, resolve and tenacity within both UHD and the Houston community.
To attend the event, please RSVP.
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.
