UHD President Loren J. Blanchard

Dear UHD Community,

I hope this note finds everyone safe and in good health following last night's weather event.

Our region anticipated a tropical storm but received a Category 1 hurricane. With that said, many of you are no doubt still recovering from this unexpected turn of events.

Having spent much of my life in Louisiana, I can honestly say that I have experienced far too many tropical storms and hurricanes and know they can be stressful. Please know that my thoughts are with all of you who may have been affected by Hurricane Nicholas.

I am happy to share that despite the damage inflicted on areas of Houston, the University of Houston-Downtown has largely been spared from the storm's wrath. I was briefed earlier today on the status of our campus and was informed that the University did not experience flooding.

Tomorrow, we will reopen campus for normal operations and resume classes. While Nicholas is the latest disruption experienced by the University of Houston-Downtown, it will not slow our progress. As you have proven during other weather-related emergencies and throughout the pandemic, the UHD community is resilient and resourceful.

Let's return to the University tomorrow, ready to resume the semester and prepared for the road ahead.

I look forward to seeing you back on campus, Gators.

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