Gator Grads "Ring In" A Milestone
By Sheryl E. Taylor
On a breezy Saturday last week, Gators attended UHD’s annual ring ceremony.
The now drive-thru format hosted more than 70 students where new UHD President Loren J. Blanchard presented each student their ring in a customized UHD ring box and a special swag gift bag.
Along with Blanchard, UHD leadership was on hand including David Bradley, Vice President of Administration & Finance and Dr. Meritza Tamez, Dean of Students as well the University’s Special Events team and several staff volunteers to help cheer on the students through a partnership with UHD Staff Council.
This year’s event debuted a new blow-up class ring replica thanks to the University’s partnership with Herff Jones.
“Celebrating our fourth year, the ring ceremony has quickly become a University tradition that the Dean of Students and Alumni Relations offices looks forward to hosting every semester,” said Dr. Liza Alonzo, Director of Events & Alumni Relations. “We pivoted to a drive-thru format this past year, which is such a fun and festive way to celebrate our school pride with our graduating Gators.”
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.
