In Memoriam

Dr. Edwin K. Padilla

August 3, 1956 - July 25, 2016

Edwin K. Padilla, professor in the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) Department of Arts and Humanities, passed away on Monday, July 25. Family, friends, colleagues and students gathered at the Santana Funeral Home in Houston on Wednesday, July 27, to celebrate his life.

Padilla was honored with touching tributes from his husband, Jose Artola, his brother, Robert Padilla, his nieces and nephew, and good friend UHD Adjunct Professor Sergio Reyna. Everyone highlighted his gentle soul, sharp wit, passion for baseball, and his love for his dog, dancing, and music. "What stood out most was that he was an outstanding teacher who truly cared for his students," said UHD Arts and Humanities Department Chair Edmund Cueva.

Padilla, originally from Tao Baja, Puerto Rico, completed a M.A. in Spanish at the University of Texas at El Paso in 1992, and a Ph.D. in Spanish at University of Houston in 2001. He began teaching full time at UHD in 1992, became an assistant professor in 2002, and was promoted to associate professor in 2005.

In addition to teaching courses in Spanish language and literature, Padilla served the department as Assistant Chair and Spanish Coordinator. Outside UHD, Padilla contributed valuable service to the profession as a member of the College Board's SAT Committee for Spanish, on which he served since 2002, and chaired for three years. He was a member of the committee for the EXADEP™ (the examination for graduate school admission in Spanish speaking countries), and was an advisor for the Latin American Studies Student Organization (LASSO). As a testament to his dedication to students, Padilla was awarded Advisor of the Year in 2003.

UHD Interim President Michael A. Olivas said, "I am grateful to Dr. Padilla, who dedicated so much to UHD. I knew him when he was a graduate student at UH, and I was always impressed by his good cheer and dedication. He will continue to impact our University community in the hearts and memories of colleagues, and in the minds of countless students he impacted through the years. His family has my sincere condolences."

"Dr. Padilla will be remembered as a hardworking and supportive colleague and teacher, a scholar committed to the profession, and a warm and generous friend. He leaves a legacy of goodwill, faithfulness, humor and love," said Dean of College of Humanities and Social Sciences, DoVeanna Fulton.

Those who wish to make a gift in memory of Dr. Padilla can visit https://giving.uh.edu/uhdowntown/default.asp (check the "In Memory of" box and type "Edwin Padilla Memorial Scholarship" in the text field).