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Bay Area News
UH-Clear Lake president celebrates leaders, donors
by Carol Pruitt
HOUSTON, — University of Houston-Clear Lake President William A. Staples
recognized community leaders and university supporters during the annual
President’s Cabinet Dinner in February.
“The theme for this evening beyond our profound appreciation of your efforts
in support of the University of Houston-Clear Lake is that your financial
support has made a real difference in the life of the university and our
students,” said UH-Clear Lake President William A. Staples.
Highlights of the evening include two guest speakers and an awards
presentation. Senior Vice President and Provost Carl A. Stockton offered the
provost’s perspective of the importance of giving, while Marine veteran and
student Jonathan Gulde offered his perspective as a veteran returning to
school. Staples also addressed challenges facing the university.
“One of our major challenges is to enhance the educational levels
 of
individuals living and working in the Houston-Galveston area,” said Staples.
“In a 10-mile radius around UHCL among adults 25 years of age and older,
about 18.6 percent have a bachelor’s degree and 6.7 percent have an
associate’s degree with an additional 8.9 percent with a master’s degree or
higher.
“This also means that 65.8 percent have less than an associate’s degree.
Given the changing demographics of our region, our challenge may be not
increasing, but simply maintaining the current levels of educated
individuals.”
Staples continued and spoke of tuition increases and the need for UH-Clear
Lake and other universities around the state to encourage students,
including those that are first-generation college students, to complete
their education. Stockton reiterated Staples remarks with his personal
story.
“I was a first-generation college student who came from a poor family and
whose first language was not English. I was fortunate years ago because many
people supported me along the way,” said Stockton. “Because of a second
grade teacher who taught me English, my dreams of receiving an education
began to come true.
“I was also fortunate to have received the Blackburn Scholarship as a
freshman at the University of Florida. I am grateful to Mr. Blackburn for
enabling me to go to school full-time and work towards completing my
education.”
Honoring those who have shown outstanding dedication to the university
included the presentation of the President’s Cabinet Leadership Award and
the President’s Cabinet Philanthropy Awards.
UH-Clear Lake Neumann Librarian Frances Roppolo and her husband Glynn
received the Leadership Award for their volunteer efforts in making the
university’s Veterans Day events a success as well as their dedication and
support in the creation of the UHCL Veterans Scholarship Endowment.
“Through their passion and commitment to this effort, the Roppolos led the
way for the creation of the UHCL Veterans Scholarship Endowment and inspired
many others to support it,” said Staples. “The scholarship assists active or
reserve duty personnel or honorably discharged veterans who return to
school.”
Barrios Technology owner and President Sandy Johnson received one of the
Philanthropy Awards. In 2007, Johnson created the Sandy Johnson/Barrios
Technology, Ltd. Endowed Professorship in Educational Leadership.
“The professorship Sandy created will strengthen our educational leadership
faculty by offering them financial support for research and development of
innovative instructional activities,” added Staples.
A second Philanthropy Award went to university friend Norma Hightower who,
with instructions left in her brother’s will, created The James Hightower
Memorial Scholarship Endowment for undergraduate students majoring in
behavioral science, psychology, sociology, general behavioral sciences or
anthropology. James had attended classes at the university in the 1970s and,
during his studies, met and grew to admire Associate Professor of Psychology
Howard Eisner.
“UH-Clear Lake played an important part of James Hightower’s life, allowing
him to continue his pursuit of education after serving as a teacher most of
his life,” said Staples. “Norma’s gift on behalf of her brother James will
provide additional aid to students overburdened by the financial pressure of
attending school.”
The evening event concluded with Staples thanking attendees for their
continued support of the university on behalf of faculty, staff, students,
administration and alumni.
UH-Clear Lake President’s Cabinet was formed in 1999 during the university’s
25th anniversary to promote partnerships among university, community and
business leaders, and recognize individuals who support the university with
their time, talent and resources. The dinner honors these partnerships and,
through the awards, acknowledges those who have made a significant
contribution during the past year.
To find out more about the President’s Cabinet or how to get involved with
university activities, call the Office of University Advancement,
281-283-2021.
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