UHD President Loren J. Blanchard

Dear UHD Community, 

I must say, it is refreshing to arrive on campus to see so many Gators back at work. Although I have only been at UHD since March, the University just isn’t the same without its students, faculty and staff. 

But returning to campus does not automatically mean the University is out of the woods with regards to COVID-19. We all must do our part to remain safe while on campus. Masks are not required (although individuals may elect to wear them), and social distancing is recommended while visiting offices or attending campus functions. Of course, we also urge self-care such as frequent handwashing to support wellness on campus. 

As a reminder, UHD is providing valuable, free resources for our Gators. Next week, the University is partnering with H-E-B on administering COVID-19 vaccinations to students, faculty, staff and family members. This event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon on June 9 in UHD’s Welcome Center. Registrants will be automatically entered into a raffle to win an Amazon Gift Card. The second dose will be available here on campus on July 7. Also, UHD’s COVID-19 testing kiosk is operating from the first floor of the Student Life Center and available to everyone at the University. 

If you have not received a vaccine, consider taking advantage of the June 9 opportunity. Based on my experience at the last on-campus vaccination event, the wait was minimal and the process ran exceptionally smoothly. 

If you are unable to attend this event, please remember that UHD is partnering with UTHealth to also vaccinate members of our campus community, and other hubs throughout the area are issuing the vaccine. 

I am pleased to partner with so many outstanding organizations in safeguarding our Gators and look forward to more collaborations as the start of the academic year approaches.  

In the meantime, consider joining us for the June 9 vaccination event with H-E-B and help ensure our Gator Family stays healthy during these summer months and ready to start the fall semester with a renewed sense of energy and enthusiasm. 

Sincerely, 

Loren J. Blanchard, Ph.D.
President, University of Houston-Downtown