Houstonians are getting new views on their daily commutes along the city’s bustling freeways thanks to the University of Houston-Downtown’s 2019-2020 Alumni Campaign that kicks off this fall.

The campaign is intended to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of more than 50,000 Gator alumni.

“This new campaign brings together the diversity, breadth of experience and professionalism of our alumni—from entrepreneurs and public servants to leaders of successful companies and organizations in Greater Houston,” said UHD President, Dr. Juan Sanchez Muñoz.

According to Elisa Olsen, executive director of University Relations at UHD, one of the best ways to show the value of an institution, like UHD, is through its customers—prospective and current students and alumni.

She also emphasized that great care was taken to ensure that first cohort of seven billboards were positioned in areas throughout the city and not just Downtown Houston.

“In selecting where to feature these billboards, we were very deliberate in choosing areas where our students are represented,” Olsen said. “We want to highlight the successful professionals who graduated from UHD to the broadest audiences possible.”

The year-long campaign will feature the first cohort debuting this fall followed by a second group making its debut in spring 2020.

• Marcus Bowers, Co-Founder, She’s Happy Hair
• Ed Gonzalez, Sheriff, Harris County
• Ruby Muñoz Dang, Partner, Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P.
• Jay Norcross, President, Kewit Oil, Gas & Chemical Engineering
• Alan Rosen, Constable, Harris County Precinct 1
• Julie Voss, Executive Director, Susan G. Komen^® Houston
• Mariselle Quijano, Franchise Owner/Operator, McDonald's Restaurants

In addition to the billboards, the campaign also will feature videos, webpages, feature stories, social media and photography. There are near future plans to expand the campaign to other mediums.

This campaign also further validates the overall impact of the University to the Houston-Downtown to the region.

UHD recently completed an economic impact study for Fiscal Year 2018. In addition to adding $2 billion in income to the regional economy, he study also spotlights UHD’s value to its students. For every dollar students invest in attending UHD, they will receive a cumulative value of $6.20 in higher future earnings—a 6 to 1 return on investment.

“Our alumni contribute $1.8 million in added income to our region. It’s not only incredible, it’s one of the reasons UHD exists … to produce dynamic graduates who contribute significantly to our region’s prosperity,” said Muñoz.