BUILDING ON OUR PAST | SHAPING OUR FUTURE
Across half a century, the University of Houston-Downtown has stood out as a place of caring, learning, and leading. As we look back on 50 years of history, we not only celebrate a milestone, but also set ourselves a benchmark for the next half century.
The UHD Story Isn't Complete
With 50 Years of stories to be told,
why not share yours?
SHARE YOUR STORY
The History of Houston's Downtown University
In 1974, the University of Houston acquired the assets of South Texas Junior College and opened the University of Houston-Downtown College (UHDC) at One Main Street as a four-year institution. By the end of the 1970s, the Texas Legislature approved UHDC as a distinct university in the University of Houston System. UHDC focused on meeting the needs of Houston's diverse and dynamic workforce. The first four-year degree was a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, and resident students paid $4 per credit hour. By the early 1980s, it was clear that UHDC was more than a college. It was officially renamed as the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD).
Mark Your Calendars: 50th Anniversary Events
Be a part of our yearlong celebration by joining us at one or all our 50th anniversary
events.
This calendar of events will be updated periodically, so be sure to check back.
Bayou Bash
5:30 p.m., Thursday,
April 11, 2024
Naylor Lot
It's the special 50th Anniversary edition ofUHD's annual
Bayou Bash
President's Lecture Series:
From Information to Action: Sustainability Across Houston
Noon - 1:30 p.m., Tuesday,
April 23, 2024
CST, Fondren Commons
As part of UHD’s Earth Month and 50th Anniversary observances, you are invited to
attend the third chapter in this year’s President’s Lecture Series focused on our
environment and green living.
UHD 50TH ANNIVERSARY GALA
7 p.m., Saturday,
October 12, 2024
Hilton Americas-Houston,
1600 Lamar Street
Let's celebrate 50 years of UHD with dinner, dancing, and awards!
JAZZ CONCERT WITH TERENCE BLANCHARD
November 2024
Venue to be announced
More information soon!
Naylor Lot
It's the special 50th Anniversary edition of UHD's annual Bayou Bash. Time for crawfish, cold beverages, live music, family fun activities, and more!
40,000 Windows Café, W. I. Dykes Library
Local artists Grace Harrison and Sho’ Nuff will perform during two separate live tapings starting at noon as part of Rhythm & Books, a series of intimate, daytime concerts featuring Texas-grown talent. Free and open to all.
RSVP
Wilhelmina Cullen Robertson Auditorium
Academic Building, UHD
Guest Speaker - David Ono
An award-winning filmmaker and Los Angeles’ ABC7 Eyewitness News Anchor, David Ono will speak on the U.S. concentration camps during World War II as chronicled in his documentary film “Legacy of Heart Mountain.”
Check back for the sure-to-be-amazing line-up of musical talent for this popular series.
Guest Speaker
Wilhelmina Cullen Robertson Auditorium
Academic Building, UHD
Wilhelmina Cullen Robertson Auditorium
Academic Building, UHD
Right in time for UHD's 50th Anniversary, Mariachi Los Caimanes, UHD's official mariachi ensemble, puts on a concert to top all other concerts.
O'Kane Gallery
Girard Street Building, UHD
Details to come.
Wilhelmina Cullen Robertson Auditorium
Academic Building, UHD
UHD President Loren J. Blanchard will present his annual State of the University Address.
It's Homecoming Week! UHD Alumni, students, staff, and faculty come together for a week of fun events culminating with Tail-Gatoring and the homecoming basketball game.
Make a Gift
Your generosity enables students to pursue their passions and earn their degrees.
Help us make another 50 years of dreams come true.
Calling All Alumni
This time of celebration provides the perfect opportunity to reconnect and reengage
with your UHD community.
Fill out the form and let us know you're interested!