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Gator Pride IN THE CITY Artist Anat Ronen captures Gator Pride. Read “To Art With Love” story on page 20. UHD Students Manuel2019 Soto, PeopleSoft Natalie Flores, Conversion Team Amani Byaale, Fabian Strauss & Dr. Muñoz From The President’s Desk elcome to the fall 2019 issue of UHD Magazine. Twice a year, we have the honor of conferring approximately 3,000 degrees to soon-to-be alumni. And each fall, we welcome a new cohort ofW eager students ready and willing to Finish UHD Strong. So, it comes as no surprise to see how many Gators are making a difference with unmatched resilience or “grit” in the world around them. Each day, I am inspired by these members of our UHD Community as they assist others and support their communities. Our University’s proximity … in the heart of Houston … allows students, faculty, staff and alumni to touch many lives through their selfless contributions. That’s what we refer to as the “Gator Way” — generously volunteering time, energy and resources to elevate our city and help fellow Houstonians. Our University has many stories to tell about those who adhere to the “Gator Way” … and this edition of UHD Magazine, themed “Community Crusaders,” features just some of these Gators who go above and beyond to make a difference. This issue spotlights many examples of UHD’s engagement in our city—from socially-conscious alums, such as entrepreneur Marcus Bowers and UP Art Studio co-founder Elia Quiles, to a University initiative focused on preserving the cultural history of Houston’s Near Northside. You’ll also read about this year’s 2019 Faculty Award winners in “Marvel of Educators” and learn of UHD’s largest-ever art gift. Likewise, this issue introduces two new Gators, Dean of the College of Public Service Dr. Jonathan Schwartz and Vice President of Enrollment Management Dr. Jimmy Jung. Thank you to our students, faculty, staff members, alumni and donors who contribute to making the University of Houston-Downtown a remarkable institution that is dedicated to changing the world one magnificent student at a time. Dr. Juan Sánchez Muñoz President, University of Houston-Downtown Gator Bites 12 Good News @ UHD CONT Leading The Charge For Change 6 Meet UHD Alum Marcus Bowers Completing The Dream Persistence Really Pays Off 8 Seeing Artistic Voices Donors of Art Choose UHD To Art With Love Civic Pride Through Civic Art 20 The Marvel of Educators 2019 Faculty Award Winners TENTS Stories Not To Be Forgotten View From The Bayou Preserving A Painting The Town Community’s Voice 26 Theory Into Practice Justice For ALL 32 The Cover UHD Alumnus Marcus Bowers Thanks For The Memories Former UHD Prof’s Presidential Collection LEADING THE CHARGE FOR CHANGE By Sheryl E. Taylor hen traveling the country, of the streets are named after WWII battle to get out and find success when it’s not Marcus Bowers always makes sites and people. around you. You don’t realize anything W sure to visit every city’s Martin different until you get out. When you Luther King (MLK) Boulevard—there As a middle and high school student, do get out, you look back and realize are more than 900 streets in 42 states he got into fights often. there was something better.” and Puerto Rico named for the Civil Rights leader. “I chose to take a different path,” said the For Bowers, there was something better— youngest of six siblings. “When people the military and college. This UHD alum has noticed a common around me were choosing the gang life … theme throughout his travels. I fought back.” Bowers lost his best friend After high school, he served four years to gang violence. with the Navy’s SWCC (Special Warfare “Every MLK is the same. It’s like the Combatant-Craft Crewmen). Bowers neighborhood I grew up in,” said the native Even through these challenges, he doesn’t considered his service an influential Houstonian. “They’re not very different … describe his upbringing as a hard life, chapter in his life. same type of people, same type of struggle, because for him it was the “norm.” same type of fights, same type of life … “I love talking about the military. It it’s just the way it is.” “Walking every day to and from school literally saved my life,” the 36 year old said. was the truth … from the drug dealers “I traveled the world and received a free Bowers grew up in Houston’s South Park— to the gang bangers to the dropouts,” education. The military provided me with a post-World War II development in the Bowers said. “There weren’t a lot of a way out.” south-central area of Houston where many success stories around me. It’s up to you 6 Bowers wants to bring together veterans Earlier this year, the Houston Chapter Bowers is a man of his word who applies to help dispel the myths associated with of the National Black MBA Association his military mindset of protecting and serving in the military within inner-city honored Bowers and Broadnax at its serving to his business acumen. neighborhoods. 19th Annual Leadership Empowerment Scholarship Banquet, which recognized Each year, the She’s Happy Hair “I want them (veterans) to speak louder pioneers of excellence and innovation. Foundation sponsors national Back to against the negative rhetoric … and echo School Drives, Christmas Toy Drives my voice to lead and encourage people that Sense of Responsibility and various events that impact there is a better way.” After the military, communities in multiple U.S. cities, as he earned an associate’s degree from “The most powerful thing I learned well as the the annual Mike Bowers Houston Community College. In 2011, from studying business at UHD was Scholarship, which honors Bowers’ he graduated with a Bachelor of Business that social responsibility matters,” late brother who passed away in 2015. Administration from the Marilyn Davies said Bowers. “Business is not just The $1,100 scholarship is awarded to a College of Business. about making money, it’s about Worthing High School basketball athlete making a change in the community. who is in good academic standing and has “UHD gave me the opportunity If not you, then who? You have the been accepted to a university. The unique to work full-time. The evening award amount represents Mike college experience was just what Bowers’ jersey number (11) that I needed. I didn’t have to change he wore as a basketball player at my lifestyle,” he added. “One of Worthing. The Foundation plans the great things about UHD is to extend this scholarship to other that you can maintain your life Houston-area high schools in the while advancing your future.” near future. His mother didn’t graduate high Every Veterans Day weekend, school. With a ninth grade Bowers hosts The Fish Bowl education, she raised six children. Experience (similar to the “Shark As the first person in his family to Tank” TV series) that offers a graduate from college, Bowers felt platform for aspiring entrepreneurs different with a UHD degree. (college graduates or vets) to pitch a business idea to a panel of eight “My mindset changed. I didn’t multimillionaires who also are want to get a job … I wanted to veterans and college graduates. create them,” he emphasized. “A The first business idea received college degree isn’t a license to $30,000 to open a Houston stop.” restaurant. An Entrepreneur Is Born Five-Year Plan In the summer of 2012, he decided Bowers has begun work on his to start a business with fellow first book, “Martin Luther King veteran, Warren Broadnax. Boulevard: Road, Street Mindset,” which he hopes to complete this With $800, Bowers sold bundles year. of hair extensions from the trunk of his car, and he never The proud UHD alum also looked back. wants to give back to his alma mater. Bowers sees his success Now, seven years later, their as a means to give back to the company She’s Happy Hair is community through youth, one of the largest suppliers of education, veterans, business and virgin hair in the United States, entrepreneurship initiatives. with eight stores across the country and resources to make change as a business more than $22 million in annual revenue. leader. When you’re successful, you “Do you want to just live or be Recently, the company signed multi- have to take care of your customers remembered? If you’re not creating million dollar partnerships with Walmart and their communities because they anything or leaving a legacy, then what and Macy’s. take care of you.” are you doing? We need to share the blueprint for success.” 7 Photo: In His Hands Photography Hands His In Photo: COMPLETING THE DREAM Michelle Bigley By Mike Emery for a wide variety of the top 100 online bachelor’s programs in administrative positions the nation by U.S. News & World Report. fundamental to a thriving ersistence pays off. University of economy, UHD is able to Houston-Downtown students, provide pathways to career growth for a P Keith Baines and Michelle wide spectrum of students and, in doing Bigley, are aware of this fact. Both have so, contribute to the success of Houston experienced diversions on their personal and beyond.” and professional journeys. Through determination, however, they are on Overcoming Adversity their way to earning their degrees and Finishing UHD Strong. Baines, a native of Wharton, Texas, admits that he was not a model student Thanks to UHD’s Bachelor of Applied in high school. Arts & Sciences (BAAS) program, both Baines and Bigley are proof that no “I spent a lot of time hanging with the “This degree program is unique because matter life’s challenges or detours, higher wrong crowd,” Baines said.