President's One Main Message: Fall 2019 Commencement This Weekend
Dear UHD Community,
The fall semester is quickly winding down. Whether you are completing examinations or preparing for graduation, I commend your commitment to Finishing UHD Strong.
With three days of finals remaining, many students are working diligently to end the semester on a high note. Be advised that many resources are still available to you this week, including the W.I. Dykes Library, the Writing & Reading Center, and our computer labs. Additionally, areas on One Main Building’s second floor near Student Activities, the Gator Den, and Welcome Center are available for studying.
For those graduating this weekend, I look forward to seeing you at Minute Maid Park. UHD’s 67th Commencement Ceremonies will be events to remember with excellent speakers (spotlighted below) and fanfare fit for our Gator Graduates and their families. I would also like to extend thanks to the faculty and staff who will supporting our graduates during this weekend’s ceremonies.
As a reminder to those returning to UHD in January, spring registration is open. Be sure to enroll on time to secure a spot in the classes you need. Likewise, make sure to complete FAFSA applications to ensure your financial aid eligibility.
As I mentioned in a previous message, fall 2019 has been a tremendous semester for UHD. The University experienced record enrollment and campus growth among other notable accomplishments. Our success this semester was made possible by the efforts and energies of our Gator Community. Your support kept UHD moving forward and will no doubt help us reach new heights in the coming year.
Dr. Juan Sánchez MuñozUHD President
Artistic Addition to Campus
This semester, UHD welcomed the mural “Aztek Revival” to campus. This artwork was created by students … for students. Its creation was truly a team effort and guided by art lecturer Beth Secor. Located near Student Activities (on the second floor of the One Main Building), this sprawling artwork captures the essence of our institution within an Aztec-inspired design. I commend student Angel Quesada for coming up with the design and his classmates for their hard work in bringing it to life. Most importantly, I thank the many students who voted on the different designs considered for this mural. Your pride in our campus made this artwork possible. Now, it will be a permanent part of the University for years to come.
H-E-B President Addressing 2019 Graduates
I am honored to welcome Scott McClelland, president of H-E-B Food/Drug Stores to UHD’s 67th Commencement Ceremonies. Mr. McClelland is indeed a hometown hero, who contributes his time and energies to ensure the economic prosperity of our city and region. Likewise, he is passionate about education, which makes him a perfect choice to serve as our commencement speaker this weekend. Joining Mr. McClelland on stage during graduation will be two outstanding students, James Adams and Ryan Hashem, who will share their stories of Gator Grit and how they were able to Finish UHD Strong.
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.