12
May
2016
|
15:56 PM
America/Chicago

Faculty, Staff Participate in Mayor's Literacy Leadership Award Breakfast

Thursday, May 12, several University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) faculty and staff attended the 2016 Mayor's Literacy Leadership Award Breakfast at River Oaks Country Club.

At the event, Khambrel Marshall, a member of KPRC Local 2 severe weather team and host of Houston Newsmakers, served as master of ceremonies. Mayor Sylvester Turner spoke about the importance of addressing literacy in Houston, and UHD faculty and staff discussed possible opportunities and potential partnerships with a variety of current and future community partners.

UHD attendees included, Leigh Van Horn, interim dean of College of Public Service, Houston Center for Literacy, board member; Bernardo Pohl, Ph.D., assistant professor in urban education; Jennifer Rowland, Ph.D., director of the Center for Public Service and Family Strengths, and the Institute for Community Research; and Johanna Wolf, vice president of Advancement and External Relations.

Community Partners included, Shirin Herman, HISD, Refugee and Newcomer Schools; Valerie Wade, African-American Library; Charles Savage, executive director, Fifth Ward Enrichment Program; Edward Melton, director, Harris County Libraries; Ann Stiles, president and CEO, Project Grad - Café College Project.

Rowland said, "The Mayor's Literacy Leadership Award breakfast provided UHD faculty and staff with an opportunity to have fruitful conversations with community organizations about ways we can work together to improve literacy in Houston."

The Mayor's Literacy Leadership Award Breakfast brings together many of Houston Center for Literacy's friends, donors, volunteers, legislators, and learners alike, and raises awareness for the need to build a more literate Houston.