SPRING 2002

ew Horizons NNewUniversity Horizons of Houston-Downtown $1.1 Million for Academic Opportunity and Success

ouston Endowment, a valued UH- Community students get Downtown partner, will give $1.1 specialized academic Hmillion to the university for two innova- counseling and tutoring by tive programs designed to cultivate student peers. A pilot group of success. students received laptop UHD’s Learners Community will receive computers provided $703,000 to help strengthen its program for through a partnership freshmen, most of them identified as first-gener- with Compaq Computer ation college students. Because they come Corporation. from families unfamiliar with higher education, The Jesse H. Jones these students may need additional support to Academic Institute will receive reach their goal of earning a college degree. $441,000 from Houston Endowment to The Learners Community uses a variety of suc- continue its summer enrichment program. Ready for Roses cess strategies for its students. Many students Continued on page 7 Preparing for UHD’s premier scholarship gala are Red Rose Ball honoree Rosie Zamora, travel from class to class in assigned groups CEO of Telesurveys Research Associates, and Elijio Serrano, Chief Financial Officer of Eagle Global Logistics, Inc. Scheduled for April 13 at the Westin Galleria, the event will so that they develop a sense of community. showcase 25 of UHD’s finest students who have earned Red Rose Scholarships. Meet Faculty work together to link topics and assign- the scholars and learn about those who are making the scholarships a reality on page 2. ments between courses to provide continuity. A Star for UHD In addition to the individual attention that all UH-Downtown is in step with Texas and UHD students enjoy as a result of the the state’s efforts to help more of its citizens go to a college or university. The Jesse H. Jones university’s small classes, Academic Institute, a collaboration of public and private institutions, received the Star Award Learners from the state of Texas for “bridging the gap” to higher education. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board recognized the effort that answered Governor Rick Perry’s direct appeal to educational institutions to help put a college degree into the hands of more Texans. “The Jesse H. Jones Academic Institute is a star example of what higher education can do in collaboration with community groups and private and public funders,” says Dr. Castillo. “As a pre-collegiate program, it epitomizes UHD’s commitment to improving the college-going rates and academic performance of high school students.” Students who successfully complete the institute and enroll in college preparatory courses receive a $1,000 annual scholarship, renewable for up to four years. If they enroll at UH-Downtown, the university matches the annual scholarship. UHD was in competition statewide with 87 Heroes other higher education initiatives. Only four universities received a Star Award. They on Campus include Texas Tech University, Southwest Texas State University, and Texas A&M University- A tattered American flag rippling Corpus Christi. The Texas Association of above the towering pile of debris Community Colleges was also recognized. and wreckage. Smoke-smudged faces under yellow helmets. Firefighters. Heroes. There’s more While images from September 11 UHD received the Star Award at a conference of higher education officials in good news inside! remind us of horrific loss, they have Austin. UH System Board of Regents Chair Morrie K. Abramson (from left) • Meet the Red Rose Scholars...... p. 2 renewed our appreciation for those proudly joins Branden Kuzmick, Jesse H. Jones Academic Institute program • PIE for a professor ...... p. 3 director, Jane Thielemann, program coordinator, UHD President Max Castillo Continued on page 7 • Teachers in the spotlight ...... p. 8 and Texas Governor Rick Perry. The Red Rose Scholars

ictured at right are the out- many UHD students, standing students who will she is using her edu- Preceive Red Rose Scholarships cation as a spring- this year. A total of 25 individuals board for graduate will receive $3,000 for the next work. As a junior, academic year, funds that can lift she’s already the burden of worry about paying been accepted The 2002 Red Rose Scholars represent UHD’s brightest and best students, chosen for the competitive for costs such as tuition, fees and into the U.T. scholarship on the merits of their academic achievement and community involvement. books. As one scholar noted, Medical Branch “This scholarship means that I for Physical Therapy. won’t have to work during my Claude Baldree has a fulltime job senior year. I can just concentrate with the Harris County Tax office, on my studies.” where he has put the knowledge They represent UH-Downtown’s gained through UHD’s computer finest, honored for academic information systems degree pro- achievement, leadership potential gram to good use. Claude is an Generous Friends Support and community service. Many active committeeman with the are the first in their family to attend Houston Livestock Show and Red Rose Ball 2002 college, often while working, sup- Rodeo. He has a 3.8 grade porting a family and attending point average (GPA). No doubt you’ve heard the expression “We couldn’t have evening and weekend classes. Dawn Wilton is an accounting done it without you!” That saying holds true — and then some All will have their moment in the major with a 3.8 GPA who par- — for the volunteers working on UH-Downtown’s Red Rose spotlight at the Red Rose Ball on ticipates in UHD’s Professional Ball. April 13. Here are just a few. Accounting Society. She volun- Led by chair Elijio Serrano with Eagle Global Logistics, the Monica Cardenas is currently teers at her daughter’s school and ball committee is a roster of enthusiastic corporate and commu- working with the Houston Museum is active in church activities as a nity leaders with a demonstrated commitment to improving the of Natural Science and NASA/ member of the Women’s Ministry quality of education in the greater Houston area. Thanks to Johnson Space Center as an and the Christian Workers. the energy of committee members, the ball is on target to raise “ambassador” to make science Dawn works fulltime for the $300,000. fun and interesting for kids. Like Houston Community College They are planning an evening that will highlight the accom- System and plans to pursue a plishments of the men and women who have competed for graduate degree. and won the right to be called Red Rose Scholars, a coveted honor at UH-Downtown. The committee will honor a special friend of UH- Downtown, Rosie Zamora with Telesurveys Research Associates. She is a founding co- chair of UHD’s President’s Advisory Council. From Roses, Serving on the ball committee are Jack Blanton, Sr.; previous ball honoree Jonathan Day, Andrews & Kurth, More Gifts Bloom Mayor, Day, Caldwell & Keeton, L.L.P.; Generous friends of UHD are ensuring the success of the Jenard Gross, Gross Investments; previ- Red Rose Ball for years to come by setting up permanent ous ball honoree Joe Hafner, Riviana scholarship funds for Red Rose scholars. Foods Inc.; Tom Harper, The Procurement Centre; President’s Advisory The Marian and Speros Martel Foundation and Council Chair and former ball co-chair Ralph S. O’Connor have both set up $60,000 Larry Jones, Deloitte & Touche; Linda P. endowments that will fund two scholarships each year. Lay; Yolanda Londoño, JPMorgan Chase; Graciela Martinez, El Paso Martel Foundation President O’Connor is Corporation; Trinidad chairman, chief executive officer and Mendenhall, Fiesta Mart, Inc.; president of a Houston-based investment Frank Michel, Houston Chronicle; Rob firm that carries hisusiness name. and O’Connor philanthropic ersityis of civic, b he Univ Mosbacher, Mosbacher Energy wn for ssisted t ctivities, kno e has a ising a ors. H s fund-ra Martel Company; Cindy Olson, ENRON; Beth Robertson, endeav with it Speros . town ian and Systems ston-Down he Mar mation Cockspur, Inc.; and Bill Swanstrom, Locke, Liddell & Sapp. Hou rough t ter Infor ently th Compu most rec ship in Thanks to volunteers, the Red Rose Ball net income has rofessor owed P age 3) artel grown 86% in the last three years and now provides the End ry on p l, the M ted sto Marte ans see rela Speros oustoni funds for not only Red Rose Scholars, but also for the ( rian and many H fter Ma lives of Scholars Academy, transfer student scholarships and acad- amed a ed the N as touch dation h emic discipline-based scholarships. Foun g in 1952. foundin since its The ball is scheduled for Friday, April 13 at the Westin Galleria. For information on tickets or to sponsor a table, contact Karen Alfaro-Chamberlin at 713-221-8045.

2 New Professorship a Result of Partners in Excellence

In recent years, one in five UHD arships and faculty and staff graduates got their degrees in development. The total includes computer information systems a matching grant from the Martel (CIS), a program in the College Foundation. of Business that combines high Thanks to PIE volunteers, tech savvy with business UHD’s excellent business faculty know-how. expanded this year with the addi- A group of enthusiastic volunteers tion of Dr. Pete Chong, the new recognized UHD’s role in fueling Martel Professor in Computer Dr. Pete Chong is UHD’s new Martel Professor in Computer Information Systems, a position made possible thanks to volun- the workforce with qualified, Information Systems. His last posi- teers who raised funds for the Partners in Excellence campaign. knowledgeable employees. tion was at Gonzaga University in Through their efforts in the Spokane, Washington. business world, if you don’t first is matched by his love for teaching. Partners in Excellence (PIE) cam- Of special interest to Dr. Chong is make sure you know what you’re “My teachers changed my life,” says paign, chaired last year by Ann detecting and interpreting doing, you just run off the cliff Dr. Chong. “I love to see students Earnest with AT&T, business lead- patterns that occur in business faster.” have those ‘aha!’ moments, when ers generated a total of settings and understanding the UH-Downtown CIS majors are they connect with the subject matter.” $450,000 in funds for a profes- implications of implementing in demand by Houston area Like many UHD faculty members, sorship in the CIS program, schol- technology. “In the turbo-charged employers who must keep pace Dr. Chong has practical experience with changing technology in in the business world, which order to remain competitive. enhances the classroom experience Dr. Chong’s expertise in the field for his students.

Bragging Rights

Engineered for Success during the day and attend classes UHD Engineering Technology at night and on the weekends. Department student Kevin O’Dell Most, like Kevin O’Dell, are won a national award for a pre- already employed in the field. sentation at an American Society He works at ABB Vetco Gray, for Engineering Education confer- which manufactures oilfield equip- ence. O’Dell, a major in the ment. process piping design program, received the Oppenheimer Award for his presentation of a paper co- PIE chair Suzanne Hauser, left, and Carolyn Lightfoot, president of Chero-Key Piping Company authored with assistant professor Gilbert Groendyke. 2002 PIE Leadership This is just one example of the unique opportunities offered at UH-Downtown volunteers will help cover transportation costs, or they UH-Downtown to undergraduate graduates gain a competitive might be unable to give up students who work side-by-side edge in seeking jobs through the income from part-time jobs in with faculty members in research second annual Partners in order to commit to the hours settings. Excellence (PIE) campaign, chaired required for an internship. Groendyke, like many UHD pro- by Suzanne Hauser, special events Dr. Ann Jennings’ award is a reflection of the quality of the faculty in UHD connects students with a fessors, has years of experience UHD’s professional writing program, which turns out qualified writers who planner and community leader, variety of field work. For exam- working in industry. frequently go on to jobs in technical, medical and science fields. and Carolyn Lightfoot, president of ple, a social sciences major could Students in UHD’s engineering Chero-Key Piping Company and work in a county agency, becom- The Write Stuff UHD alumna. technology program work full time ing familiar Dr. Ann Jennings, associate pro- Through the campaign, PIE volun- with the ser- fessor in UHD’s professional writ- teers will raise funds to support stu- vices available ing program, was honored for the dents performing internships or for families best paper published in a year’s other forms of field experience nec- with emer- time in the Institute of Electrical essary to building a good resume. gency needs. and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)’s The PIE campaign seeks to raise Thanks to PIE Transactions on Professional $50,000 and increase the num- funds, these stu- Communication. The award was ber of people who will serve as dents will not presented by the IEEE Professional champions for UHD. have to give Communication Society. UHD has a long history of up opportuni- Dr. Jennings wrote on ethical and providing students with opportuni- ties for practi- legal issues facing employed stu- ties for practical experience, but cal exposure in dents in higher education. frequently, financial issues can be their chosen UHD’s professional writing pro- a roadblock. In many cases, there fields. gram alumni work in fields such may be no stipend, which can be Assistant professor Gilbert Groendyke, left, in UHD’s The inaugural PIE campaign as corporate communications and a necessity for some students. Engineering Technology Department talks with national attracted a number of new award-winning student Kevin O’Dell, a major in the process science and medical writing. Some may be hard-pressed to donors to UHD. (See related piping design program. Engineering technology students attend evening classes to accommodate their mostly Continued on page 5 story this page) industrial daytime jobs. 3 Generous Friends of

ontributions to UH-Downtown are Patrick C. Eason, ‘84 vital to fulfilling our mission of Marie S.J. Howell, ‘90 providing quality educational Louise Lindsey, ‘88 C Clyde D. Miller, ‘96 opportunities to all students and opening doors to many who might not otherwise be Below $100 able to pursue a college degree. We greatly Donald J. Barnett, ‘86 appreciate the generosity shown to UHD by Pamela J. Batiste, ‘86 the following corporations, foundations and Angelia Belsan individuals between September 1, 2001 Mark W. Bullock, ‘90 9/11 Follow-up Utonda K. Croomes, ‘92 Students says that UHD’s student diversity is one of the university’s greatest strengths. As a result, students were uniquely equipped to cope and February 15, 2002. Please note Verna Mae Hagen, ‘96 with the turmoil following the national tragedy of September 11. Following a recent forum on Muslims and the West, students were eager that numbers following a name signify the Irma Morales, ‘98 year of graduation from UHD. Scott Mueller, ‘88 to continue the discussion with panelists: (from left) student Penny Vick, Dr. Zoubir Bouchikhi with the Islamic Society of Greater Houston, Paulina Cook Stagg, ‘00 UHD Professor Emeritus Dr. Ray Wright, student speaker Mahvish Akhtar, and fellow students JoAnn Coronado and Ericka B. S. Morales. $1,000,000 and Above Houston Endowment Inc. PARTNERS IN EXCELLENCE Gold Underwriter Table ($10,000) The Procurement Centre GIFTS-IN-KIND $250,000 to $500,000 El Paso Corporation Smith Graham & Co. Investment $250 and Above Bison Building Materials Gordon and Mary Cain Foundation Advisors, LP Consultants’ Choice Silver Underwriter Tables ($5,000) Beth Robertson Karen Alfaro-Chamberlin Bryan Emerson $20,000 to $100,000 Andersen W.E. Robertson Fund of the Greater Ergos Technology Partners Fondren Foundation Andrews & Kurth Houston Community Foundation MATCHING GIFTS M. Anne Murphy Mayor Day Caldwell Listed beneath the company names are the donors whose $10,000 to $20,000 Yava and Milton Scott contributions made these matching gifts possible. & Keeton, L.L.P. $250 to $500 AIG American General Mr. and Mrs. Jack Blanton and Michael D. Fabian ChevronTexaco Ray C. Fish Foundation FACULTY/STAFF CAMPAIGN Mr. and Mrs. Peter Wareing Artie Lee Hinds Roberta L. Perry, ‘85 United Way/ENRON Deloitte & Touche, L.L.P. $500 to $1,000 Mitchell Energy & Development H-E-B $2,000 to $7,500 Chaney Anderson Corporation Compaq Matching Gifts Program Carol and Tommy Harper El Paso Corporation Betsy Ballard Barbara and Corbin J. Robertson, Jr. Patrick C. Eason, ‘84 JPMorgan Chase The Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation Max Castillo F.T. (Chip) Webster Locke Liddell & Sapp, L.L.P. Dynegy, Inc. Open Door Education Foundation Roger and Gail Evans Ocean Energy, Inc. Below $250 Milton Scott Rockwell Fund, Inc. Po-Chu Anges Leung Reliant Energy Action Handling Systems, LLC Shell Oil Company Foundation M. Anne Murphy Riviana Foods Inc. and Vaughan, Ashton Company ENRON Matching Gifts Program Ann Bradshaw Stokes Foundation Carl R. Ruthstrom Nelson, Scarborough & Cam and Rod Canion Gilda A. Bartz, ‘93 Stacey L. Neuweiler, ‘96 $750 to $1,000 $100 to $250 McCullough Peter J. Fluor Susan D. Trvino, ‘90 & ‘98 Estelle and Arthur Alpert Karen Alfaro-Chamberlin Union Pacific Railroad Howard Frazier Barker Elliott, Inc. R. Leon Ulrich, Jr. Chantal Foundation Linda Coblentz University of Houston Robert H. Sheridan Hobby Family Foundation Phyllis B. Griffard Bronze Underwriter Tables ($3,500) Halliburton Foundation, Inc. Harold L. Sides Gail Kellersberger MEMORIAL AND HONORARY GIFTS AT&T James E. Stafford, ‘90 Emily and James E., ‘90, Stafford George Pincus Bank One In Memory of Jay Anderson Andrew Giang Thai, ‘87 Robert G. Westerfelhaus Cingular Wireless Jo Jean and Chaney Anderson $100 to $250 Celeste Zamora JPMorgan Chase Foundation Dynegy Inc. Jeff Anderson Dr. and Mrs. Robert H. Chang Katherine Augustine, ‘98 Dr. Michael R. Dressman EGL, Inc. Phyllis Rusk Below $100 Patricia Dominguez, ‘82 Patrick C. Eason, ‘84 Ray C. Fish Foundation Bill Pogue In Memory of Donald Engstrom Tommie Jo Grant, ‘98 Thomas N. Edmonds, Jr., ‘97 Foley’s Geneva Illinois High School Ava Marie Holland, ‘83 Karen J. Hill, ‘95 Houston Chronicle 21st ANNUAL RED ROSE BALL Thomas R.F. Lee, ‘85 David Huckin Class of 1961 David B. Hoffman, ‘86 (Gifts received as of February 15, 2002) Beth and Charles Miller Linda Bailey Pierce In Memory of Edith Jones Harris and Eliza Kempner Fund Tejas Office Products, Inc. and George S. Wong Endowed Scholarships ($60,000) Bob Rose and M. Anne Murphy Estelle and Arthur Alpert Marian and Speros Martel Mir Fox & Rodriguez, P.C. Below $100 Foundation The University of Texas Health In Memory of Evelyn Rambo Monsanto Fund Jamilah Richardson Cummings, ‘00 Ralph S. O’Connor Science Center at Houston Missy Larson Dwayne Edward Yount, ‘95 Evelyn Jacobs-Olowu, ‘00 Vinson & Elkins, L.L.P. UHD Criminal Justice Dept. SBC Foundation Platinum Underwriter Tables John L. Wortham & Son, L.L.P. Roger and Gail Evans Nadeem Altaf, ‘92 ANNUAL FUND ($20,000) Rosie Zamora In Memory of Chaya Efraty Anonymous State Farm Companies Foundation $500 and Above Special Gifts Roger and Gail Evans Duke Energy James L. Saunders, ‘80 Debbie, ‘94, and Bill, ‘79, Taff Linda & Ken Lay Family Fund $1,000 and Above Joan and Stanford Alexander In Honor of Barbara and Gerry $100 to $150 of the Greater Houston BJ Services Company Gunnin Nadeem Altaf, ‘92 Community Foundation Gail and Jenard Gross Allison Scales, ‘96 Tiffany T. Doan, ‘96 HINES

An Opportunity to Support Your Alma Mater CALENDAR UHD alumni will soon be receiving letters and phone calls about the Alumni Annual Fund, and the university is hoping for a particularly warm response. All expenses associated with the fund drive have already been covered, so OF EVENTS every penny contributed to the Alumni Annual Fund will go to the targeted programs. Donations are tax-deductible, of course. Teresa Tapp : health and fitness event, March 24, advanced session 9 a.m.-1 p.m., beginner’s session 2-6 p.m., Jesse H. Jones Student Life Center, The 2002 Alumni Annual Fund will support programs that are vital to UHD. Ticketweb.com Gifts to the fund will help: in concert, March 30, 7 p.m. cash bar, 8 p.m. performance, Janis Ian: • provide scholarships and program funds in the Learners Community, Wilhelmina Cullen Robertson Auditorium, 3rd floor, Academic Building, Ticketweb.com Community Justice Institute and Scholars Academy Red Rose Ball 2002: April 13, 7 p.m., Westin Galleria, 713-221-8045 • support a speaker series to continue forging links between UHD curriculum, Social Sciences Alumni Lecture: featuring civil rights figure Roger faculty, students and community interests, and Wilkins, April 27, 7 p.m., Wilhelmina Cullen Robertson Auditorium, • enhance faculty and staff development throughout the university. 713-221-8014 Additional information about the Alumni Annual Fund is available from the University Advancement Office, UH-Downtown, One Main Street, Suite 990-S, Houston, TX 77002, 713-221-8045.

4 ALUMNI NOTES

David Tolkov (‘92) is working as a techni- fication from UHCL. Julia married in cal account manager, managing multiple September of last year. Fortune 500 accounts with Microsoft Premier Jamilah Richardson Cummings (‘00) Support Agreements. His focus is on customer graduated with a BBA from UHD. She has satisfaction by understanding and managing 13 years of engineering industry experience, support needs, and helping the customer over 12 of which were with NAK & understand Microsoft’s future direction. Associates, Inc. Since graduation she was GIS at UHD David provides or assigns support software employed by DBR Engineering Consultants, GIS (Geographic Information Systems) technology was the focus of GIS Day, an exposition and conference at UH-Downtown engineers to assist in remote consulting ser- Inc., as director of human resources and held in partnership with the Houston/Galveston Area Council. UHD President Max Castillo (left) chats with David Dignum with vices while building and maintaining strong Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. GIS technology is used throughout our planet in areas such as law enforcement, became certified as a Professional in Human urban planning, banking and real estate. UHD students use GIS in the Department of Engineering Technology. client relationships. Resources (PHR). She looks forward to David’s brother Murray Tolkov (‘92) and beginning work on her MBA. wife Sonia Tolkov (‘99) also graduated Jailed Writer on UHD Faculty from UHD and have been very successful in In Memoriam their personal and professional lives. “We At a news conference held at UH- Leggett was incarcerated for the are all very proud to have graduated from John M. Golden, CPL/ESA Downtown, UHD lecturer and freelance longest period of any writer in U.S. UHD!!!” (‘85) passed away October 26, writer Vanessa Leggett told reporters that history for refusing to reveal information 2001 after a seven year battle she defended the first amendment of the or share her notes with prosecutors in a Sean Meyer (‘97) is a graduate of the with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. U.S. Constitution by spending more than grand jury. Natural Sciences department. Since gradua- He graduated with a B.S. in five months in jail for not turning over tion he has worked as a critical care technician During her research on her book, she Petroleum Land Management. information gathered from interviews in in the ICU of Conroe Regional Medical Center spoke exclusively with Roger Angleton, a murder investigation. and as an aseptic technician for Pfizer in jailed for suspicion of murdering his sis- Lincoln, Nebraska. In December he became a She asked UHD to host the press ter-in-law, Doris Angleton. He committed graduate of Creighton University in Omaha, conference held immediately fol- suicide, leaving investigators unable to Nebraska with a Bachelor of Science in lowing her release. In atten- question him; therefore, they turned to Nursing and will begin working as an RN in dance were her attorney Mike Leggett for her notes. When she refused the surgical intensive care unit at UTMB in DeGuerin, U.S. Representative to release her findings, she was taken Galveston. Sheila Jackson Lee and Leggett’s into custody. husband, Doak. Julia Pace-Hutcherson (‘98) would like The FBI has since arrested Robert to let everyone at UHD know what she has Angleton, Doris Angleton’s husband, to been doing recently. Julia currently works at be tried in a federal court. Leggett Meyer Park Elementary as an elementary could still be subpoenaed to testify school principal. This coming summer she in the trial. plans on finishing her Master’s in Education Vanessa Leggett Her immediate plans include writing a along with obtaining a reading specialist certi- book about the murder of Doris Angleton and spending time with her family and friends. Leggett is taking a break from lecturing this semester. She teaches in ALUMNI TAKE NOTE: the Department of English.

Let other alumni know where you are and what’s happening in your business and personal life by submitting an item for the next Alumni Notes column. Your information will also be posted on www.uhd.edu. Just e-mail your informa- tion to [email protected] or complete the special form on this page and mail it to Alumni Relations, University of Houston-Downtown, One Main Street, Suite 990-S, Houston, Texas 77002, or fax it to 713-221-8509. Bragging Rights Continued from page 3

“Alumni Notes” Update Form Promoting the Power of Peers Name: ______Student Name: ______(if different) UHD’s Halbert Sykes is advisor, counselor, Graduation Year: ______coordinator and Home Address: ______buddy to members of student organizations City: ______State: ____ Zip: ____ Home Phone: ______whose chief goal is to Employer: ______help others. And, he is one of a handful of Business Address: ______individuals to receive City: ______State: ____ Zip: ____ Bus. Phone: ______national recognition Members of Bacchus PASS staff a booth during their alcohol awareness program. for his efforts. They are (from left) students Harry Ogbogu, Rosa Rodriguez, Donovan Brown, E-mail address(es): ______advisor Halbert Sykes and student Esmerelda Del Fierro. Sykes was honored as News for the “Alumni Notes” page in the next publication and at www.uhd.edu: ______an outstanding advisor by the Bacchus and Gamma Peer Education ______Network, the national organization for a UHD group called Bacchus PASS Peer Educators. ______PASS stands for “Preventing the Abuse of Substances and Self.” Student ______members of the group use programs and events to communicate with

______their peers about student health safety issues, positive lifestyles and deci- sion-making skills. ______“Our students are dedicated, committed individuals who are open to ______learning,” says Sykes. “Through their participation in Bacchus PASS, they develop leadership skills.” You are welcome to submit a recent photograph.

5 Women’s Month

Native American March with a presentation by writer and Nigerian artist, Otobong activist Linda Nkanga. Writing workshops and Hogan will per- discussions of literature, business, form for UHD theoretical, health, gender and audiences at a academic issues are scheduled. Women’s Month Women’s status in Islam and literary reading, 7 September 11 topics are also p.m., March 27 in the included. Janis Ian comes to UHD’s Wilhelmina Cullen Robertson Wilhelmina Cullen Robertson Musical presentations include: Auditorium on March 30. Auditorium. Hogan is a recipient Janis Ian (see related story) and of numerous fellowships and Pamela York with the UHD Civic awards and was recognized as a Jazz Orchestra, 7 p.m., Pulitzer Prize finalist for her fiction, Wednesday, April 3 in the Mean Spirit. Her performance is Wilhelmina Cullen Robertson co-sponsored by the UHD Cultural Auditorium. The evening perfor- Janis Ian to Enrichment Center, the Women’s mance is a celebration of women Month Committee and the in jazz with artists Carol Morgan, Department of English. Erin Wright and Andra Haviland Perform at UHD Check the Women’s Month calen- and featuring the Young Sounds dar on the UHD web site, of Houston Teen Jazz Orchestra. Folk singer Janis Ian is one of the highlights of UHD’s Women’s Month. www.uhd.edu, for a complete Admission to York’s concert is free She will perform a live concert, 7 p.m., Saturday, March 30 in the schedule. Activities opened in and open to the public. Wilhelmina Cullen Robertson Auditorium. Janis Ian burst on the music scene at age 15 with “Society’s Child.” Ian has been featured on “The Tonight Show” and in Life, Look, Time and Newsweek. Her debut album garnered her the first of her nine Civil Rights Leader Grammy nominations. Since then, she has produced 17 albums. and Educator Her songs have also been recorded by musi- cians and singers such as Stan Getz, Bette Midler, Cher, Hugh Masakela, Joan Baez and to Speak Etta James. Tickets are available to the public for $25.50 at ducated and a gentle- www.ticketweb.com. The event is sponsored by man, Roger Wilkins the UHD Campus Activities Board. worked as a Washington “insider” to fight racism and as a journalist and Eeducator to “give a voice to the voiceless.” Wilkins will be the guest speaker at the 2002 UH- Downtown Social Science Alumni Lecture, 7 p.m., Saturday, April 27. He is the Clarence J. Robinson Professor of History and T-Tapp at American Culture at George Mason University, a Pulitzer Prize winner and former assistant attor- ney general during the Johnson UHD administration. Wilkins first drew the attention of ealth and fitness guru then-president John F. Kennedy by Roger Wilkins criticizing the Justice Department’s HTeresa Tapp will lack of African-American adminis- Columbia Board of Education. bring her exercise program to UH- trators. He testified before the Wilkins holds a law degree from Downtown. Known as T-Tapp, the pro- White House Council and his the University of Michigan. gram uses basic movements with no influence played a part in the cre- Wilkins’ new book, Jefferson’s equipment such as weights. It’s based ation of the Civil Rights Act of Pillow: The Founding Fathers and on Tapp’s studies in exercise physiology. 1964. Wilkins won a Pulitzer the Dilemma of Black Patriotism, She describes the program as “a no-non- Prize for his work at the will be available at a book-sign- sense, common sense approach to fitness.” Washington Post during the ing reception with the author fol- Tapp will hold two sessions. The first is exclusive and free to UHD Watergate investigation. He lowing the lecture. students, faculty and staff on Friday, March 23. The public can served as past chair of the Board Over 600 are expected to attend purchase tickets for an advanced session on March 24, 9 a.m.- of Trustees of the Africa America the lecture in the UHD Wilhelmina 1 p.m., or a beginner’s session, 2-6 p.m. Institute. He is also a member of Cullen Robertson Auditorium. The All classes will be held in UHD’s Jesse H. Jones Student Life Center, the Board of the NAACP Legal event is free and open to the pub- a health and fitness facility that houses two gymnasiums, workout Defense Fund and an appointed lic. Reserve your seat by contact- and weight rooms and a dance studio. member of the District of ing the UHD Department of Tickets for the public sessions are $100 from Ticketweb.com. Learn Social Science, 713-221-8014. more by calling 713-221-8225.

6 Lisa Marie Kress, Bleeding Heart, part 2, 2001, Gelatin Silver Prints, 41" X 64"

“Black and Blue,” an exhibit of Much of Kress’ works by Lisa Marie Kress, will past work cen- be in UHD’s O’Kane Gallery tered around multitude of through April 4. “Black and painting. In recent images. The resulting array of Blue” is part of this year’s FotoFest works, however, photography small snapshot-sized prints is then 2002, The Ninth International has become an integral part of placed side-to-side and top-to-bot- Biennial of Photography. her expression and captures a tom on a wall. The completed works form large undulating fields Heroes that disappear into abstract over- all compositions. Kress is a very recent graduate of the University on Campus of Houston MFA program. Continued from page 1

Kress is currently a resident of who make the brave League City. Her recent exhibi- commitment to life-saving tions include a solo effort, “Space service. That spirit of self- Without Room,” at Small Projects sacrifice, combined with Gallery in Houston. technical knowledge, was “Zephyrs, the Romance of the celebrated at UHD at a Sky, Cloud Paintings by Peter conference co-sponsored Andrew,” an exhibition of land- by the Houston Fire scape paintings, enthralled the Department. UHD community with its peaceful Local fire and law officials and beautiful works. hosted retired New York “Color is used to lift the spirit. My Fire Department Chief intention is to evoke a feeling of Vincent Dunn at the four-day being ‘in the clouds’ for the view- event. Dunn is an expert of er,” says Andrew. building construction under Andrew is currently a professor of fire conditions. He spoke art at Stephen F. Austin State about his experience in the Peter Andrew University in Nacogdoches. field and at the World Trade Center collapse. Regional fire chiefs, police chiefs and local elected O’Kane officials attended. Fine Arts at UHD UHD offers a safety and fire engineering technology Each spring, UHD’s Fine Arts Festival celebrates the per- program structured to meet Theatre forming and visual arts at campus venues. Here’s a sam- the needs of safety and fire ple of the music, drama and exhibits available: personnel who desire a The UH-Downtown University technical degree and Theatre will present A Few Good A Few Good Men: a play by Aaron Sorkin, March 29-31 professional advancement. Men, a dramatic thriller involving and April 3-6, O’Kane Theater, 713-221-8104 It explores current trends a military courtroom, cover-up and in industrial safety, fire confrontation. Dr. Thomas J. Lyttle, “Black and Blue”: photographs by Lisa Marie Kress, sciences and an overview director of theatre, is in charge of through April 4, O’Kane Gallery of equipment operation in the production. A Celebration of Women in Jazz: concert by jazz record- practice and through Performances are at 8 p.m. March computer simulations. 29-30, April 3-6, and 3 p.m. ing artist Pamela York and the UHD Civic Jazz Orchestra, March 31. Matinee student per- April 3, 7 p.m., Wilhelmina Cullen Robertson Auditorium, formances are scheduled as well. free admission, 713-221-8574 The play is written by Aaron Sorkin, whose recent TV credits include Golden Globe-nominated “West Wing” and “Sports Night.” The idea for the plot came from a conversation with his older sister Deborah, a Navy lawyer sent to $1.1 Million Continued from page 1 Guantanamo Bay on a case in which Marines were accused of Begun 13 years ago, the program encour- Since the program began, academic test killing a fellow Marine. Sorkin ages academic excellence, graduation and scores at Jeff Davis have improved dramatically. spent the next year and a half writ- college enrollment for students from Jeff Davis To date, 4,228 students have participated in ing A Few Good Men, which High school. Participants come to the UHD the Academic Institute and more than 800 Jeff later became a movie starring Tom campus for special programs taught by UHD Davis graduates have entered college since Cruise and Jack Nicholson. faculty. 1992 on scholarships from Collaborative part- The O’Kane Theatre is located on The institute is part of the Jeff Davis ners Tenneco or El Paso Corporation. the third floor of the One Main Educational Collaborative, which combines The summer program was honored by the Building. For more information, the resources of UH-Downtown with Houston Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board call 713-221-8104 Endowment, Project GRAD, HISD and El with an inaugural Star Award (see story Paso Corporation. page1). 7 : Where the Teachers are Stars

Paparazzi and red carpets wel- rates of 78% for all teachers and comed the stars of the UHD urban 50% for urban teachers. This teacher education program in success would not have been Hollywood style at “Evening with possible without the supportive the Stars,” the AIG-VALIC teacher relationships UHD has built with appreciation dinner. The spotlight its partner school districts over the was on mentor teachers in public last five years. And UHD is build- schools who provide UHD teach- ing on its success at the under- ers-in-training with field-study guid- graduate level by establishing a ance. Public school principals Master of Arts in Teaching and community partners were also degree program. recognized. AIG-VALIC’s donation will also Black History Month As part of UHD’s Black History Month observance, Houston City Councilmember Ada Edwards (center) spoke at the Soul Food UHD’s urban teacher education help provide materials and soft- Luncheon, chaired by Dr. Bernadine Duncan (on left), assistant director of UHD’s Counseling Services. Brenetta Brooks, program was established in ware for UHD’s teacher education University College Administrative Office, chaired the month’s events. 1992 in direct response to the faculty and public state’s need for more public school teachers and school teachers. inspire continued UHD’s Department of Urban excellence in all Building Update areas of the universi- Education has been recognized as Planning is underway for UHD’s new building, which will be funded by $18.3 ty’s urban teacher a leader in preparing teachers for million in tuition revenue bonds approved by the 77th Session of the Texas education program. urban settings by emphasizing Legislature. Administrators are reviewing options for the location and design of field-based instruction. Mentor Teachers received the facility, which primarily will house classrooms and faculty offices. If all goes teachers from Alief, Aldine, tokens of apprecia- as planned, construction could begin in a year. Houston, Fort Bend and Stafford tion donated by In the meantime, UHD’s financial, human resources and administration offices school districts willingly share their Riviana Foods, are now centralized, along with the president’s office, on the newly-renovated time and energy in preparing made possible by ninth floor of the One Main Building. Bricker + Cannady Architects designed teachers to work with inner-city Riviana President the space to resonate with the building’s third floor that houses all of UHD’s children. The retention rate of and CEO Joe student services. UHD-trained teachers (88%) during Hafner, a founding the first three years of teaching is member and former To come soon: enhancements to the North and South Decks of the campus, higher than the national projected chair of UHD’s including shade structures, benches and tables, and a renovation of the Main President’s Advisory Street entrance that will blend with METRO’s light rail station. Council.

We’ve Moved! New Horizons is published by the Office of Communications and Marketing, University of Houston-Downtown, and distributed to friends of the university with updates on campus activities. Call 713-221-8010 for more information or e-mail: UHD’s University Advancement offices, including Communications [email protected]. and Marketing, Alumni and Development staff, are now located Editor...... Betsy Ballard on the 9th floor of the One Main Building, in suite 990-South. Writers...... Celeste Zamora, Karen Alfaro-Chamberlin The main phone number is the same: 713-221-8045. Designer ...... Joe Wynne

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