UHD's Fundraising Program Recognized
University Is First-Time Winner of CASE Award
By Sheryl E. Taylor
The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) has recognized the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) for exceptional fundraising programs with the 2019 CASE Educational Fundraising Award for endowments over $35 Million in the category of public comprehensive institutions.
UHD is among a record number of institutions being recognized for the first time since the awards were established in 1993.
“The UHD Here We Go campaign has inspired donors to contribute to programs and initiatives that are strengthening UHD and preparing us to support future generations of students,” said Johanna Wolfe, vice president of Advancement & University Relations. “We are grateful to CASE for this recognition and to the donors that made it possible. This is one more indication that UHD is recognized as a significant provider of higher education resources in the Greater Houston region.”
As a first-time winner, UHD is among a select group of more than 90 colleges and universities, across the United States, receiving awards this year. The University is being recognized for Overall Improvement, based on blind analysis of three years of fundraising data submitted to CASE’s AMAtlas Voluntary Support of Education Survey. Experienced educational fundraisers review the survey data to determine the following awards:
- Overall Performance: For colleges and universities that show solid program growth, breadth in the base of support and other indications of a mature, well-maintained program.
- Overall Improvement: For colleges and universities that demonstrate significant program growth across the three years of data.
“These institutions have not only demonstrated the highest levels of professionalism and best practice in their fundraising efforts, they have contributed to the betterment of educational advancement worldwide by serving as a model to which others can aspire,” said Sue Cunningham, CASE President & CEO.
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.
