FALL 2005

ew Horizons NNewUniversity Horizons of Houston-Downtown UHD Earns Kudos for Wi-Fi Connectivity

he University of Houston-Downtown ranked 34th out of 50 schools cited in Intel’s Second Annual Most TUnwired College Campus survey. The study assessed wireless Internet accessibility on campuses of colleges and universities with enrollments of 1,000 or more. It rated each school on the percentage of its cam- pus covered by wireless technology, the number of undergraduate students enrolled and the school’s com- puter-to-student ratio. UHD Information Technology (IT) began introducing wireless services to the university four years ago. Today, coverage is available anywhere on campus, around the clock. Computer users can connect to the Internet, access library databases, send and receive e-mails, access WebCT online courses and more. All they need is a laptop, Tablet PC or handheld device with wireless capability, any standard Internet-ready web browser and a user account, which is avail- able to faculty, staff and students. UHD alumni may request an account as well, and guest accounts are provided as a courtesy for official visitors. Wireless technology “allows us to stay connected with the students, faculty and staff while providing them with the flexibility they need,” Hossein Shahrokhi, IT executive director, explains. IT is committed to continue improving the quality of our wireless service and to make it faster and more reliable, he adds. Save the Date! Red Rose Ball UHD Joins Baylor College of Medicine UHD student Leticia Lopez can access the Internet from anywhere on the Friday, April 28 university campus without being tethered to a hard line. in Statewide Gerontology Program Computer users can also access library databases, e-mail, WebCT online Four Seasons Hotel courses and more. All they need is a laptop, Tablet PC or handheld 1300 Lamar device with wireless capability, any standard Internet-ready web browser UHD Departments of Social Department of Health and Call 713-221-8563 and a user account, which is available to faculty, staff and students. Sciences and Natural Sciences Human Services Administration, for information are joining a nine-university con- recently renewed for 5 years. sortium related to geriatric educa- Dr. Greg Getz, associate profes- tion in the state of Texas. sor of sociology and assistant There’s more Coordinated by Dr. Robert Roush chair of the Department of Social good news inside! at Baylor College of Medicine’s Science, co-directs the initiative, • President’s Journal ...... p. 2 (COM) Huffington Center on joined with Dr. Akif Uzman, • UHD TV ...... p. 3 Aging, the initiative is part of a chair of the Department of federally funded grant from the Natural Sciences. • Urban Education Alternative Certification ...... p. 4 Continued on page 8 • O’Kane Theatre ...... p. 7 President’s Journal

he life of a university cational environment for all of our Plan with the Government of Organization-Houston for his president is non-stop universities is undergoing signifi- Spain in Washington, D.C. achievements in education. He between building rela- cant changes, including coping where he helped represent the was recognized at the annual tionships, maintaining a with limited resources, shifting Hispanic Association of Colleges gala alongside other leaders in first-class university and teaching and learning para- and Universities (HACU). The public and community service, the Tvoicing opportunity in higher edu- digms, and information technolo- plan promotes educational news media and business. He cation. Dr. Max Castillo, UHD gies that reshape the ways we experiences in Spain for U.S. also received a special honor president, divides his time deliver education and the ways Hispanic students and faculty from Anheuser-Busch. Anheuser- between duty and passion, people live and work.” He stated through the sharing of cultural Busch's Latino geographic market- though sometimes the line how “our world has changed. It’s and educational experiences. ing and community relations man- As chairman of HACU’s Inter- ager, Paco Bendaña, presented national Education Commission, him with the Golden Eagle he underlined some of the bene- Award, for his commitment and fits that result from visiting faculty dedication to education. and students as institutions experi- At the beginning of the academic ence the internationalization of year, the UHD president address- higher education. es the university community during Closer to home, members of the Convocation. After congratulat- Houston Hispanic Chamber of ing the faculty and staff for Commerce heard the president’s accomplishments in 2004, he set message about the status of Texas forth the university priorities for the higher education and what the coming academic year. Briefly, challenges will be in the future. they include: expanding student For Hispanics, “closing the gap” access, supporting academic in higher education means find- excellence for faculty and staff, ing ways to prepare individuals expanding physical facilities and Ambassador of Spain in the U.S., His Excellency Carlos Westendorp; the Minister of Education and Science, Her Excellency for the rigors of university life and technological support, and sup- María Jesús San Segundo Gómez de Cadiñanos; Dr. José Jaime Rivera, President of the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón porting the UH-System initiatives. in Puerto Rico; and Dr. Max Castillo, UHD President and Chairman of HACU’s International Education Commission, met in the means to fund the growing Washington, D.C. to announce the Cooperation Plan with the Government of Spain to promote educational experiences in cost. Dr. Castillo was joined by Community and business leaders Spain for U.S. Hispanic students and faculty. Dr. Abelardo Saavedra, will hear Dr. Castillo’s State of the superinten-dent of Houston University Address on January 31, between them is indistinguish- flat. It’s without the traditional Independent School District 2006. The president’s theme will able. Following are examples borders. And this means we (HISD); and Dr. Bruce Leslie, be “Today’s Challenges to higher of his presence at home have to adapt to meet the grow- chancellor of Houston Community education: An Impending Crisis and abroad. ing expectations of our students, potential students, and all of our College System. for the Texas Economy.” For At the European-American stakeholders who depend on us In November, Dr. Castillo was more information, please call the University Forum (EAUF) and 15th to provide the highly educated, recognized by the National Office of University Advancement Annual International Conference knowledgeable workers who will Hispanic Professionals at 713-221-8563. of the American Association of keep their economies competitive University Administrators (AAUA) in a flat world.” in Bremen, Germany, Dr. Castillo presented the keynote address at The president carried a the President’s Panel. He told similar message to the European educators that “the edu- signing of a Cooperation Technology for a new age uring hurricane season, objects and events. It Texas Gulf Coast emer- combines the power of a Dgency agencies depend database with the visual- on geographic information sys- ization capabilities tems (GIS) to predict and warn offered by maps. GIS people of possible disaster. In technology is used New Orleans, rescue agencies throughout the world to pinpointed homes with life-saving solve problems in such accuracy to locate and retrieve areas as environmental Volunteers demonstrate the latest technology to high school students during the Houston GIS Day activities. survivors after Hurricane Katrina. protection, health care, Houstonians use GIS to get dri- land use, business efficiency, ving directions or track a pack- education, social inequities. University Consortium for GIS through sponsored activities age during the holidays. Public agencies, private business- Geographic Information Science, by the Houston-Galveston Area Geographic information technolo- es and enthusiasts celebrated the U.S. Geological Survey, and Council’s Geographic Data gy is a space age development “GIS Day” at UHD in November the Library of Congress support Committee. The importance of we have come to depend on in as part of the week-long activities further interest in the technology training the next generation to our every day lives. nationwide. Organizations like to better acquaint individuals with understand the technology is Geographic Information Systems the National Geographic the uses and benefits of GIS. underlined by the increased (GIS) is a computer-based tool Society, the Association of Students from local high schools demand for technically skilled for mapping and analyzing American Geographers, the were invited to learn more about workers in the field.

2 Bragging Rights

Drs. Hsiao-Ming Wang, Mark Kellar and Clete Snell (Criminal Justice) were invited to represent UHD at the National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Celebration, sponsored by the Tawain Education and Cultural Office – Houston. Master of Security Management students, Ming-Li Hsieh and Yuang-Lien Lai, took part in the exchange and represented the Bayou Connection (BC), the Department of Criminal Justice’s exchange program. All the UHD representatives met with Dr. George Yang, a BC Advisory Board member; Ball Lee, a BC donor; and James Marshand, the Federal Security Director at Bush International Airport. Dr. Tony Chiaviello, English, traveled to Taiwan ear- lier this year to a prestigious international ecological Visitors to UHD.edu can view videotaped university programming from the Computing/Technology link on the home page. conference at Tamkang University in Danshui, Choices include scholarship programs, academic lectures and art performances. Taiwan. He also taught a class at National Kaohsieng Teachers' University. The UHD Commerce Street Building received the Award of Merit (Higher Education category) in Technology at UH-Downtown: Texas Construction's "Best of 2005" competition. Winning projects are listed in the December issue and will be recognized at an awards ceremony this Tune in to UHD-TV month. The CSB was also recognized this year with the Associated Builders and Contractors 2005 he UH-Downtown website has its width restraints of the Internet Excellence in Construction Award, 1st Place, own television channel: UHD-TV. connection. Both audio-visual “on Institutional Projects $10-25 Million. TThe new channel is accessible demand” and live streaming technol- Dr. Kristin Anderson co-authored "Students' Ratings from the Computing/Technology link ogy allows you to watch a broad- of Professors: The Teaching Style Contingency for on the front of the UHD home page cast with the same high-quality Latina/o Professors" in the Journal of Latinos and and includes both live broadcasts and resolution and accurate sound repre- Education (2005, Vol 4, Number 2) earlier this previously recorded “on demand” sentation that you would get while year. The article examined the influence of gender, audio-visual programs from the UHD-TV watching television. ethnicity, and teaching style on students' perceptions program library. The goal of UHD-TV The new technology will benefit the of professors teaching a social science course. is to provide information, entertainment, UH-Downtown commuter campus Dr. Kate Pogue recently published “Shakespeare’s and training to the UHD community. and faculty and staff who miss Friends,” a book of her research into William UH-Downtown’s TV channel will feature important events. They will be able Shakespeare. Her study explores whom William a varied program library that includes to access programming on UHD-TV Shakespeare considered among his friends and the live or pre-recorded broadcasts cover- to stay informed and advised of influence the relationships had on his works. ing such topics as the Red Rose Ball, university news and activities. special events, commencement ceremonies, award presentations, interviews with authors, and other university highlights. Using RealNetworks server technology, an audio-visual program can be Closing the Gap viewed “on demand,” that is, played Ford Motor Company and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund partnered with whenever you want. You can stop, UHD’s Houston PREP (Precollege Enrichment Program) to educate about play, pause, fast forward or rewind 300 high school students and their parents at the first “Steps for Success” the program at any time. Saturday Workshop in November. Live audio-visual programs may be viewed using RealNetwork’s streaming UHD’s precollege programs are concentrating efforts to “close the gap” technology. The program is “streamed” between higher education and the Texas population. In 2000, the Texas to your PC and broadcast immediately Higher Education when you click on the program you Coordinating Board adopted want to view. RealPlayer plays the the initiative to boost enroll- audio-visual clip just as a television ment of Texans in higher does. Play continues until all of the education from 1 million in data has been transferred. No down- 2000, to 1.5 million in load occurs – you are viewing either 2015. By fall of 2004, a live video event or archived material that number had reached in real time. 1.2 million. The latest audio-visual “on demand” “Steps for Success” provided and streaming technology checks the workshops to help high user’s computer workstation prior to school students and their play and adjust the transmission rate of parents better prepare for information to accommodate band- college life, especially those with little experience in higher education.

3 Alumni Society News

New program offers certification, master’s in teaching

tarting this spring, the “ACP is a strong program, but Department of Urban we wanted to make it stronger,” Education at UHD will Dr. Leigh Van Horn, director of introduce a program the MAT program, explains. Swhich will enable aspiring educa- “We’ve worked to develop a tors to earn both their state-man- program that will create `super- dated teaching certification and a teachers.’” graduate degree in education. During the first two semesters, The focus of the department is on students in the MAT-ACP pro- preparing students to teach at-risk gram will take graduate-level children and adolescents in inner- courses in curriculum, technolo- UHD Alum Catherine Clay returned to the Fall Career Expo to recruit graduates for Kelly Scientific Resources. city schools. The new program gy, reading, critical theory and combines the department’s research to obtain a probation- requirements for a Master of Arts ary certificate and employment in Teaching (MAT), offered to cer- as a teacher. While continu- tified educators, with its ing their coursework during the Alumna helps science Alternative Certification Program next two semesters, they will (ACP) for college graduates who also work as teachers with want to become teachers but support and supervision from professionals launch careers have not earned their certifica- university faculty and will take tion. It also conforms to the the state certification exam. UHD’s Fall Career Expo brought Clay, who graduated from UHD teacher quality requirements of After becoming certified, they back plenty of UHD alumni. in December of 1999 with a the “No Child Left Behind” edu- will continue in the graduate Among those who returned to B.S. in biological and physical cational reform act. program to earn their MAT. UHD as recruiters was Catherine sciences. Catherine represented Kelly Scientific Resources, a staffing agency which special- izes in helping scientists and pro- fessionals in the field to launch their careers. — ALUMNI NOTES — After graduating, Catherine start- ed her own career as a clinical Author and Hero hits for and with notables Mike Khan works for Canadian laboratory technician in Tupelo, Mississippi. Once she gained Tommy Lovett (1995) recently Judge, Johnny Knoxville, and builder, National Oil Well in the critical experience in the published “Doors Wired Billy Bob Thornton, in movies Kuwait, where he helps inte- clinical lab field, she decided to Shut,” a book about his like The Alamo and Pearl grate the ultra-high technolog- move into the chemical industry. experiences as a disabled Harbor. He also rubs shoulders ical applications with tradi- Catherine accepted a position American veteran. Lovett with stars from the music busi- tional oil drilling operations. with BASF Corporation in her writes about overcoming the ness, such as Slim Thug, Business sense hometown of Aberdeen, challenges of being a para- Frankie J., and U2. He is cur- Phillip W. Yelder (1990) was Mississippi, as a polymer plegic, rehabilitation, and rently in production for the war appointed Affirmative quality assurance technician and graduating with a B.S. in thriller, Ghosts of Les Cheris. Action/Civil Rights worked there for four years. Social Science. He has Desert Oil Administrator for Kansas City She returned to Houston a year worked for Paralyzed Eshfaqur Khan (1997) designed earlier this year. He worked ago to work with Kelly Scientific Veterans of America, mostly the computer software system here in Houston as the divi- Services. as a candidate to become a for a $40 million “super rig” sion manager for the Catherine says she is looking National Service Officer. that will enable Kuwait Oil Small/Minority, Woman and forward to giving back to her Readers will be inspired by Company (KOC) to explore for Disadvantaged Business “new and improved” alma Lovett’s story and achieving gas at deep levels. The HAH- Enterprise Division of the mater, both as a recruiter and his dream of owning a busi- 124 stands apart from other Mayor’s Office since 2000. as an active alumna. ness. rigs because its drilling opera- Yelder has a bachelor’s Lights, Camera, ACTION! tions, controlled from an degree in business finance enclosed cockpit on the rig, are from UH-Downtown. He is Mark Chavarria (1999) is a For information fully computerized and staffed also a trained mediator for working stuntman in on Alumni Giving by engineers using joysticks alternative dispute resolutions. Hollywood. He has taken please call: 713-221-8045 and touch-screen monitors. or email: [email protected].

4 Generous College of Humanities Ann S. Jennings Central Houston, Inc. and Social Sciences Molly K. Johnson Louise H. and Jubril Adelagun, ‘02 Vinod K. Mathew, ‘98 Sanford A. Cockrell, III What’s New? Anonymous Tyra Montgomery Patty and Bob Cruikshank Friends Edith E. Bell, ‘96 Irma Morales, ‘98 Richard L. Davenport Send a Note! Brandon M. Bond, ‘01 Debra Mullinnix Deloitte & Touche LLP of Valerie C. Bossert, ‘93 Ken and Wanda Oberhoff Jonathan F. Eisele Update your former UHD class- Sheila Clay-Moon, ‘79 Dora and George Pincus Ray C. Fish Foundation mates on your life by submitting Deb and Robert Hahne Contributions to UH-Downtown are vital to Patty and Bob Cruikshank Paul D. Cobb, ‘04 an item for the “Alumni Notes” Todd Rhatigan-Moore Jeffrey C. Jones fulfilling our mission of providing quality Richard L. Davenport Charles P. Fairchild, ‘90 Dr. Ruth Robbins Linda and Ken Lay Family in New Horizons. We’ll also post educational opportunities to all students Deloitte & Touche LLP Gwendlyn Flahrity, ‘97 and opening doors to many who might not Dennis M. Rodriguez Maxwell Locke & Ritter LLP your item in the alumni section of Jonathan F. Eisele Citlalli G. Gamboa, ‘03 otherwise be able to pursue a college The Cullen Trust Garry Moody Ray C. Fish Foundation Mary Aprilla Gilbert, ‘01 UHD’s website. degree. We greatly appreciate the generos- for Higher Education Albert Mulley Robert Hahne Kathleen Lee Grabowski, You can e-mail directly from the ity shown to UHD by the following corpora- Deloris McGee Wanguri Jerry W. Pinkerton Jeffrey C. Jones ‘91 tions, foundations and individuals between Veronica Loredo Holmes, Patricia L. Golemon PriceWaterHourse website at www.uhd.edu/ July 26, 2005 and October 26, 2005. Linda and Ken Lay Family ‘04 and Peter D. Williamson Coopers LLP alumni/notes.htm. Or, send an Please note that numbers following a name Maxwell Locke & Ritter LLP James H. and signify the year of graduation from UHD. Garry Moody Sylvia Houston, ‘93, e-mail to Israel Salazar at MEMORIAL AND Bonnie B. Quigley Albert Mulley and Ron Riddel [email protected]. Or, mail HONORARY GIFTS Mark Schneider COMMUNITY SUPPORT Jerry W. Pinkerton Patricia Lynne, ‘04 your item to Israel at UH- In Honor of Terry and Brenda Seitz, 100 Club Scholarship Fund PriceWaterHourse and Jack, ‘03 Iovine Anges Po Chu Leung and Family Downtown, One Main Street, for Criminal Justice Program Coopers LLP Sheryl Jefferson, ‘03 Michele J. Sabino William C. Stevens Suite 990-S, Houston, Texas The 100 Club, Inc. James H. and Charlotte Ann Kohrs, ‘80 Lambeth and Bonnie B. Quigley Teresa Leblanc, ‘02 77002. Jesse Mancha, ‘04 In Memory of Jay Anderson Nancy Townsend ASIS/Herbert Wayne The Gary and Donald W. Marshall, ‘84 Mary B. Cook Jeffrey K. Willemain Johnson Memorial Lee Rosenthal Foundation Alicia Martinez, ‘04 Scholarship Fund Mark Schneider In Memory of Jerry Norman In Memory of Helen Lester In Memory of American Society for Industrial Terry and Brenda Seitz, Lorraine B. Bland McEachern, Jr., ‘00 Beth Huffmaster McConnell Mary Linda Wall Wood Security-Houston Chapter and Family Ray C. Fish Foundation Charles Edward Neath, ‘88 Beth Huffmaster McConnell William C. Stevens In Memory of Elaine G. Orozco, ‘04 ASIS Master’s Scholarship Lambeth and In Memory of Betty McKinnon Morris MATCHING GIFTS Douglas R. Otto, ‘89 American Society for Industrial Nancy Townsend Ima “Jean” Dewey Beth Huffmaster McConnell Listed beneath the Brenda K. Pentecost, ‘87 Security-Houston Chapter Jeffrey K. Willemain Beth Huffmaster McConnell company names are the Alvin W. Phillips, ‘00 Paulette, ‘01 & ‘05, and In Memory of donors whose contributions College of Business Douglass J. Phillips, ALUMNI ANNUAL FUND Gordon Purdy Joyce A. Murphree made these matching gifts Excellence Fund ‘95 & ‘03 College of Business Robert T. Walsh Ray C. Fish Foundation possible. Diane Kathleen Nemer, ‘03 Tippi Barela, ‘02 Ursula Rice-Evans, ‘94 Cameron Kirtus Best, ‘94 Olga L. Rodriguez, ‘03 In Memory of In Memory of Boeing Criminal Justice Department Sara Boyd, ‘03 Vanessa J. Roessler, ‘92 Dorothy W. Ditto Asghar Nazemzadeh Mary Lou Kenney, ‘88 Scholarship Fund Gevenia J. Bradford, ‘88 Jessica Scheller, ‘03 Ray C. Fish Foundation Utpal Bose Beth Huffmaster McConnell Charles T. Brooks, ‘94 Julie Schorsch, ‘04 Joseph M. Cahill Fidelity Foundation Paulette, ‘01 & ‘05, and Deborah Lynne Bryan, ‘02 Brian Sloane, ‘03 In Memory of Orapin Duangploy David N. Weldon, ‘84 Gordon Purdy Glenda Fay Burkhalter, ‘03 Mark Landon Goodman, Kristen Hartland Jafar Farnam Robert T. Walsh Ralph Butler, ‘94 ‘93 David Hartland, ‘01 Zarifeh A. Johnson J.P. Morgan Chase Gary Crawford, ‘00 Laura K. Speer, ‘04 Jim and Fawn Kuth Foundation Cultural Enrichment Center In Memory of Mark C. Eyring, ‘04 Deno Stamos, ‘98 Khursheed Omer Richard P. Smith, ‘96 K and Steve Sucher Hilda Olabode Fofanah, ‘93 Stephen Sundquist, ‘03 Rowland Huffmaster Robert and Lucille Pointer Ralph S. O’Connor Dana Ellen Foote, ‘87 Rose M. Terry, ‘99 Beth Huffmaster McConnell K and Steve Sucher English Language Institute and Associates H.A. Creative Tax Services Eva Gardner White, ‘00 Marvin J. Williams Scholarship in Excellence In Memory of Laurita S. Hall, ‘82 Marta E. Zayas-Santiago, Teresa T. and Peter Wright Elyse and Bob Lanier Fund John Stephen Jakovich Sr. Richard E. Harrison, ‘01 ‘94 Neda Zarrin-Khameh Asia Houston Network Beth Huffmaster McConnell Hewlett-Packard Liliana Huerta, ‘95 and Hamed Jafar-Nejad Michele J. Sabino College of Sciences Paulette, ‘01 & ‘05, Christopher P. Olson, ‘00 Steven B. Jaques, ‘04 and Technology and Gordon Purdy In Memory of Library Development Fund Stacia Gréaux Jones, ‘90 The Williams Companies Newman Charles Elwell, Robert T. Walsh Lorenzo Thomas Omar D. López, ‘97 Sherwin Jose, ‘04 Foundation, Inc. Terry and Christine, ‘85, ‘97 Anonymous Mahmud Farooque, ‘95 In Memory of Thomas E. Potter, ‘92 Muslim Student Association Kenworthy Wheeler William H. Gilbert Theresa Lea Feldmann, ‘88 Larry G. Jones Scholarship Fund John M. Kresse, ‘93 K and Steve Sucher GIFTS IN KIND Mel Gonda Ilagan, ‘94 Sharon L. Allen Middle East Shipping Xuan Le, ‘89 Tammie Taylor, ‘94 Forrest F. Aven Shaun B. Kelehan, ‘96 Braeburn Country Club Company Francisco Luis, ‘99 Joyce E. McCreadie, ‘02 Dr. and Mrs. Benjamin J. Professional Writing Ross McMicken, ‘89, Leeah, ‘95 Syed Shadaab Moosavi, Campaign and Virginia Lozano, ‘91 ‘04 David Hartland, ‘01 Elijah William Murrell, ‘03 Duong Pham, ‘98 Molly K. Johnson Eric B. Musungu, ‘03 Alexander O. Ogbonna, ‘90 Olga V. Vasquez, ‘04 Texas Pioneer Foundation Kristy Marie Ortiz, ‘96 ENDOWMENTS Scholarship Gloria L. Panganiban, ‘96 Jay Anderson Memorial Texas Pioneer Foundation Jessica J. Price, ‘01 Scholarship Endowment Daphne P. Quarles, ‘99 Fund D. Richard and Ann Trask Vera Sherman, ‘01 Mary B. Cook Endowment Fund John D. Shoemaker, ‘89 K and Steve Sucher & ‘01 Distinguished Faculty Sherina Smith, ‘99 Endowment UHD General Richard C. Sperandio, Jr., Barbara G. Bartholomew Scholarship Fund ‘03 Beatrice Christiana Birchak Tammie Taylor, ‘94 Christine Stevens, ‘00 Utpal Bose Robert Stewart, ‘87 Dr. Rosario Martinez-Castillo RED ROSE SCHOLARSHIP Dorit Sebhat Tesfay, ‘90 and Dr. Max Castillo FUND IN MEMORY OF Mayumi Tokuyama, ‘95 Eric Chen, ‘03 LARRY G. JONES Susan D. Trevino, ‘90 & ‘98 Jane Creighton Sharon L. Allen Clarissa Waxton, ‘89 Michael Dressman Braeburn Country Club Demetria A. Williams, ‘85 Orapin Duangploy Michael T. Campbell Cheryl Williamson, ‘04 Antonia Francis, ‘04 Central Houston, Inc. WZ Service Company Viola M. Garcia Louise H. and Dwayne Edward Yount, ‘95 Alumnus Rick Sperandio (right) of ExxonMobil, chats with a potential recruit from UH-Downtown at the Fall Career Expo. William H. Gilbert Sanford A. Cockrell, III Edward G. Zizmont, ‘83 Dr. Anisul M. Islam 5 LENDER GIVES UHD A BOOST

tudents at UHD and UH learning at UH and UH- Union, is a Houston-based, ing Houston-area educators, who depend on scholar- Downtown “in recognition of full-service financial services employees of more than 700 Sships have received a help- Smart Financial’s longstanding provider with more than $300 private companies, and ing hand from a $200,000 con- relationship with the Central million in assets. Today it residents of Harris and tribution by the Texas Pioneer Texas Student Loan Corporation serves a diverse field of more Montgomery Counties. Foundation, on behalf of Smart (CTSLC) which established the than 82,000 members, includ- Financial Credit Union, a Foundation,” said Fred Houston-based financial services Markham of the Texas Pioneer provider. The gift to the Texas Foundation. Pioneer Scholarship will be dis- Scholarship and Financial Aid bursed over a four-year period. Director, LaTasha Goudeau, “In our eyes, Texas Pioneer played a key role in establish- Foundation is a leader in support- ing the relationship with the ing higher education in Texas,” lender. Her history and associ- said Ed Apodaca, vice president ation with Smart Financial of student services at UH- Credit Union helped clear the Downtown. “Their generosity and path for the significant gift. vision of an educated Texas ben- Smart Financial Credit Union, efits the economic prosperity and formerly First Educators Credit future of our state.” The non-profit Texas Pioneer UHD’s LaTasha Goudeau, Texas Pioneer Foundation President Fred Markham, UHD Consultant Rob Foundation has partnered with Sheridan, and Ed Apodaca, vice president of student Smart Financial to support student services and enrollment management, met to finalize the Pioneer Foundation gift.

ommencem C en Destination UHD: th t 39 is D AutumnOpenHouse The Office of Admissions hosted e “Destination UHD,” UH-Downtown’s

c

e Autumn Open House for freshmen and seniors should m

transfer students.

already have their b

caps and gowns ready for the e Guests toured the UHD campus, met

UH-Downtown 39th r with faculty, previewed colleges and 1 Commencement scheduled for 2 8 learned about financial aid. Eligible p.m. Sunday, December 18 at individuals were able to register on-site Minute Maid Park. Normally the with the Office of Admissions. The home of the Houston Astros, on open house boosts enrollment and commencement day the park is eases the admissions rush at the begin- transformed into a place of great ning of the semester. honor and excitement. Exercises The Office of Admissions will host take place at the downtown land- another open house in the spring. mark to accommodate the large number of family and friends who wish to attend the ceremonies. The commencement speakers always acknowledge those in the audience who have supported Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson to speak February 23 the graduates in preparation for the significant milestone. he J. Don Boney, Sr. Named for Dr. J. Don Boney, Sr., Proceeds from the luncheon the first chancellor (president) of All graduates in good standing Scholarship Luncheon help fund scholarships UH-Downtown, the luncheon is with the university are automati- has been set for awarded to UHD students held during Black History Month cally members of the UHD Alumni Thursday, February for books associated with T23 in the Special Events to celebrate UHD’s diversity and their courses. Students must Society. Some of the benefits the contributions of African include the resources of the W.I. Center, Third Floor be in good academic Americans to American history. Dykes Library and access to Academic Building. Chief standing and present an libraries in the UH System, bene- Justice Wallace Jefferson, the essay about the accom- fits of the UHD Career Services, first African American Chief plishments of an African use of the Academic Computing Justice of the Supreme Court American leader. Lab, and an invitation to join the of Texas, will be the keynote For ticket information, con- Jesse H. Jones Student Life Center. speaker. He was first tact committee chair Dr. appointed to the court Look for stories and photos of Sakile Camara, assistant in 2001 and was UHD’s 39th Commencement in professor in the Department promoted by Governor the next issue of New Horizons. of Arts and Humanities, at Rick Perry to Chief [email protected] or Justice in 2004. 713-221-8106.

6 he O’Kane Gallery will host Highlights from the Collection of Corrine Jennings and Joe Overstreet, January through March T2006. Jennings and Overstreet co-founded Kenkeleba Gallery in New York, to promote African-American art and artists. Patrons will experience examples from the Work Projects of America era, mid-cen- tury prints and works moving toward abstraction. The exhibit represents a slice of African American art history and includes works of three 19th century masters: E.M. Bannister, Robert Scott Duncanson, and Henry O. Tanner. In addition, early 20th century artists Wilmer Jennings (Jennings’ father), Charles Alston, Beauford Delaney, Lois Mailou Jones, Hughie Lee-Smith, Eldzier Cortor, Dox Thrash, and Rose Piper will be featured. Also among the collection are pieces from mid 20th century artists John Biggers, Robert Blackburn, Margaret Burroughs, Palmer Hayden, Artists George Yepes, César Martínez and Alex Rubio traveled to Hale Woodruff, and Norman Lewis. Biggers painted the mural, “Salt Houston to take part in the ChicanoMartínez Visions and Alex Houston Rubio openingtraveled at to Marsh,” located on the third floor of the UHD Academic Building. thethe WillowWillow StreetStreet PumpPump Station.Station. From the 20th century, contemporary works by Camille Billops, Linda Hiwot, Oliver Johnson, Charlotte Ka, Debra Priestly, Joe Overstreet and Howardena Pindell help make up the collection.

O’Kane Theatre The O’Kane Theatre will feature the spring production, The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde, March 31 thru April 8, 2006. Oscar Wilde's brilliant play makes fun of the English upper classes with light-hearted satire and dazzling humor. In the play, Jack Worthing is in love with Gwendolyn Fairfax, but is scorned by her mother because of his place in society. Gwendolyn is in love with “Ernest” whom we find out is actually Jack’s mischievious alter-ego.

Tickets go on sale Monday prior to opening night. Contact er from Mariachi MECA, Actor Cheech Marin is serenaded by the singersing from atorMariachi René MECA, Yañez the O’Kane Theatre for more information: 713-221-8104. a downtown cultural arts group for urban youth. CurCurator René Yañez isis atat rightright (tan(tan coat).coat).

Celebration of life and poetry

ouston’s 20th annual Poetry Guest poet Bernadette Mayer, HFest was held in early author of numerous books of October at the Willow Street poetry and prose, was a natural Pump Station. Over 250 poetry choice for this year’s festival enthusiasts gathered for workshops because of her work with and open readings. Professor Thomas at the Poetry “Houston Poetry Fest celebrates Project at St. Mark’s Church in language and the unique voice of New York City. the individual,” said Dr. Jane Thomas was a beloved English Creighton, English professor and professor and director of the Interim Director of the Cultural Cultural Enrichment Center at Enrichment Center. “That the Fest at UH-Downtown. A memorial for UHD began with a tribute to him was held in November at Lorenzo Thomas illustrates the point. the Rothko Chapel in Houston. In expressing their love and respect Houston Poetry Fest is co-spon- for Lorenzo Thomas, students and sored by UH-Downtown’s faculty also gave expression to the Department of English and the remarkable power of their own Cultural Enrichment Center. voices. It was a terrific tribute to a remarkable poet and scholar.”

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Woman’s University, UT-Pan University, Woman’s

of the university with updates on campus activities. Call 713-221-8010 for more information or e-mail: [email protected]. e-mail: or information more for 713-221-8010 Call activities. campus on updates with university the of

O’Kane Theatre, Theatre, O’Kane •

New Horizons New

is published by the Office of Communications and Marketing, UH-Downtown, and distributed to friends friends to distributed and UH-Downtown, Marketing, and Communications of Office the by published is Southern University, Texas University, Southern

May 7 May

Science Center-Houston, Texas Center-Houston, Science

Spring Commencement Spring •

The University of Texas Health Texas of University The

May 4 May

in the statewide consortium are consortium statewide the in

Cinco de Mayo Celebration Mayo de Cinco •

Joining Baylor COM and UHD and COM Baylor Joining

team won by one question for the first time in three years. three in time first the for question one by won team April 28 April

graduates. Red Rose Ball Rose Red • Last year the crowd was standing room only, as the Faculty/Staff the as only, room standing was crowd the year Last

research opportunities for under- for opportunities research

Downtown” where they take on a faculty and staff team in the spring. the in team staff and faculty a on take they where Downtown” April 20 April

Culture on the Bayou the on Culture • courses – as well as providing as well as – courses The chosen students will also participate in the “Smackdown at “Smackdown the in participate also will students chosen The

genetics, physiology, anatomy physiology, genetics, March 31-April 8 31-April March

this February. UHD has placed in the top four in past tournaments. past in four top the in placed has UHD February. this

Importance of Being Earnest Being of Importance

science curriculum – biology, – curriculum science

be chosen from the intramural competition for regional competition regional for competition intramural the from chosen be

O’Kane Theatre, The Theatre, O’Kane •

integrate issues on aging into the into aging on issues integrate

questions and competitors rushed to answer. Only five students will students five Only answer. to rushed competitors and questions

March 31 March

Uzman envisions plans to to plans envisions Uzman

format helped build the momentum and tension as judges threw out threw judges as tension and momentum the build helped format One Main Event Main One •

atrics and gerontology.” and atrics on anything from insects to Kevin Costner movies. The Jeopardy-like The movies. Costner Kevin to insects from anything on

March 31 March

paths in areas related to geri- to related areas in paths

Playing in teams, students went head-to-head, testing their knowledge their testing head-to-head, went students teams, in Playing

Student Research Conference Research Student •

college students to seek career seek to students college

regional competition. regional March 13-18 March

additional goal is to motivate to is goal additional Spring Break Spring •

local tournament which will help determine who represents UHD in UHD represents who determine help will which tournament local

S

public policy,” said Getz. “An Getz. said policy,” public

March pop culture and common sense helped students compete at the at compete students helped sense common and culture pop

viduals, cultural institutions and institutions cultural viduals, Women’s Month Women’s •

Bowl Tournament in November. Book smarts, knowledge of knowledge smarts, Book November. in Tournament Bowl

cations of these factors for indi- for factors these of cations

February 23 February tudents put their minds to work at UHD’s Intramural College Intramural UHD’s at work to minds their put tudents

Scholarship Luncheon Scholarship associated with aging and impli- and aging with associated

J.Don Boney, Sr. Boney, J.Don •

demographic changes, issues changes, demographic Competition of Questions of Competition

February 15 February educating college students about students college educating

UHD Mardi Gras Mardi UHD •

standing of the aging process, aging the of standing

February mote a multidimensional under- multidimensional a mote

Black History Month History Black •

“The initiatives will seek to pro- to seek will initiatives “The Debbie Flores of Team Graduate celebrates a point with teammate Brenda Garcia during College Bowl 2005. Bowl College during Garcia Brenda teammate with point a celebrates Graduate Team of Flores Debbie

January 31 January

careers in the field. field. the in careers

University Address University

President’s State of the of State President’s • gerontology issues and potential and issues gerontology

designed to sensitize students to students sensitize to designed January 17-19 January

Welcome Week Activities Week Welcome • some local high schools high local some

and create a bridge program to program bridge a create and January 17 January

Spring Classes Begin Classes Spring • establish a minor in gerontology in minor a establish

courses related to aging, to aging, to related courses January 16 January

Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Jr. King, Luther Martin •

ments is to offer several new several offer to is ments

December 23-January 1 23-January December The role of these UHD depart- UHD these of role The

Winter Holiday Winter •

December 18 December

Fall Commencement Fall • Continued from page 1 page from Continued

Program

of Events of

Statewide Gerontology Statewide

Calendar

College of Medicine in Medicine of College UHD Joins Baylor Joins UHD