UHD Day at the Capitol Set for Feb. 26
By Mike Emery
More than 100 Gators are ready to descend on the Texas Capitol and advocate for the University of Houston-Downtown.
On Feb. 26, faculty, staff, students and alumni will trek to Austin for UHD Day at the Capitol. This daylong event will offer the Gator community opportunities to connect with legislators, share UHD’s story, and discuss items on the University’s legislative agenda.
Among those in attendance will be UHD President, Dr. Juan Sánchez Muñoz.
“This is an important day for the University of Houston-Downtown. State lawmakers will learn more about our institution and its vital role across the region and state,” he said. “And they will hear UHD’s story directly from those who are best able to tell it … our magnificent students. I know our Gator students, faculty and staff joining me on this visit to the Capitol will serve as excellent representatives for our city and our University.”
The day will begin at 5:30 a.m. in UHD’s Welcome Center. Buses will depart to Austin at 6:30 a.m. and arrive at the Capitol by 9:30 a.m. Once there, community members will split into groups and venture inside to the House and Senate chambers, where they will be formally acknowledged.
After a quick lunch, they will then meet with legislators and share insights on UHD’s requests. These include:
- Increased formula funding
- Continued and increased funding for the Texas Grant Program
- Increased funding to offset Hazlewood exemptions
- Restoration of special item funding to 2016 - 17 level
- Funding for Harvey recovery and flood mitigation efforts
- Funding for a Student Union facility and new space for University College in the Girard Street Building
- Funding to support an Arts, Sciences, Engineering & Entrepreneurship Center
UHD Community members also will address a proposed student fee that would support the construction of a new Wellness & Success Center, offering sports and fitness facilities, student support services and a lounge/food area.
Members of the University of Houston System Board of Regents will join UHD's "Dele-Gators" during UHD Day at the Capitol. UHS Regents Paula Mendoza (a UHD alumna) and Gerald McElvey will be on hand to discuss the University's legislative requests. Student Regent Andrew Teoh also will be in attendance.
Limited spaces are still available on buses. Interested participants can contact Dr. Liza Alonzo, director of Alumni Relations & Events at alonzol@uhd.edu.
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.
