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
![Image of UHD when it was established in 1983](/images/50th-anniversary-celebration/uhd-established.jpg)
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.
![Victor Wooten](/images/50th-anniversary-celebration/rhythm-and-books-victor-wooten.jpg)
Rhythm & Books
Live Taping with Victor Wooten
11:00 a.m., Wednesday,
July 3, 2024
40,000 Windows
5th Floor Library
![50th Gala Placeholder](/images/50th-anniversary-celebration/end-of-year-gala.jpg)
UHD 50th Anniversary Gala
7 p.m., Saturday,
October 12, 2024
Hilton Americas-Houston,
1600 Lamar Street
![Terence Blanchard](/images/50th-anniversary-celebration/terence-blanchard.jpg)
Jazz Concert with Terence Blanchard
7 p.m., Saturday,
November 9, 2024
UH Cullen Performance Hall, 4300 University Dr.,
Houston, TX 77004
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!