Let’s Give Back: New Determined Gator Fund
Life always has a way of throwing us a curveball when we least expect it.
You know the unexpected … a flat tire, car accident, or unforeseen circumstances where financial support is a lifeline to get us back on track.
The unexpected can sideline a student and raise barriers to persisting in their academic journey. The Determined Gator Fund provides critical assistance to students in their time of need to help them achieve their academic goals, earn their degrees, and launch (or re-launch) their careers.
Students experiencing financial uncertainty or periods of economic distress can seek support from the Determined Gator Fund in the Office of the Dean of Student Life. Committed to enhancing every student’s opportunity for success and engagement, Student Life uses this fund as one of many tools to facilitate student persistence to graduation.
“Our generous Gator community—alumni, friends, faculty, and staff—are significant partners in our success. Private support has assisted more than 1,000 enrolled Gators during times of disaster and other unforeseen life circumstances,” said Dr. Meritza Tamez, UHD Dean of Students. “One student who received support after a car accident told me, ‘UHD not only helped me with my insurance deductible – they helped me stay in school and meet my other obligations with work and family.’”
Tamez added, “While the importance of this fund and the impact it can have only grow during times of crisis, your support provides urgently needed resources and encouragement to amazing UHD students and their families.”
No matter where you choose to give, your generosity makes a difference. The collective giving from hundreds of generous Gators not only provides urgently needed resources, it’s also a strong vote of encouragement to our students and their families.
You can support the Determined Gator Fund here or any UHD Fund.
UHD students who wish to apply for assistance through the Determined Gator Fund should connect with a Student Life team member who can talk through access to available resources and other basic needs support. For questions, call 713-221-8100 or email uhdstudentaffairs@uhd.edu.
Student Counseling Services is always available to help. After-hours and weekend phone consultations are available at 713-221-8121.
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.
