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50th Years Gala

Let’s Celebrate 50 Years Together!

6 p.m. Reception | 7 p.m. Dinner
Saturday, October 12, 2024
Hilton Americas-Houston, Downtown Houston

Join the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) as we embark on a jubilant celebration of five decades of educational excellence at a dazzling black-tie 50th Anniversary Gala hosted at the Hilton Americas in Downtown Houston on Saturday, October 12, 2024.

Since our founding in 1974, UHD has been a proud cornerstone of the Houston region, nurturing almost 70,000 remarkable alumni who have made indelible marks on their respective fields. The 50th Anniversary Gala signifies more than just a milestone; it represents an unparalleled opportunity to invest in the future of our students.

Join us for a sumptuous evening as we dine on exquisite cuisine, dance to the rhythms of celebration, honor this year's distinguished award recipients, and pave the way for the success of future generations. Let us raise our glasses as we come together to honor our past, celebrate our present, and embrace the limitless potential of the future.

Your support and presence will directly shape the trajectory of aspiring scholars, ensuring they have the necessary resources to achieve their academic dreams. Together, let’s chart a course towards a brighter tomorrow.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Guests may choose to self-park for $19 or valet park for $25. Upon arrival, volunteers will greet you at the hotel entrance, whether you're coming from the parking garage or valet. You will be directed to the 2nd floor via escalators or elevators, where you'll find the Check-In Station.

  • Reception: 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
  • Dinner & Program: 7:00 to 9:15 p.m. (Times are approximate.)
  • Dancing: 9:15 to 11:30 p.m. (Times are approximate.)
  • Silent Auction & Wine Pull Stations: Open from 6:00 to 9:15 p.m.

Doors to the ballroom will remain locked until 7:00 p.m., after which greeters will assist you in finding your table.

The dress code is Black Tie formal. Guests are encouraged to wear a tuxedo, dark suit, or a formal evening gown. Cocktail dresses are also appropriate for the occasion.

During the reception from 6:00-7:00 p.m., enjoy complimentary drinks at the bar. Afterward, a cash bar will be available. Entertainment for the evening includes live music from the David Caseres Band, comedic performances by Houston’s own Chinedu Ogu, and special performances by UHD students. After dinner, guests are welcome to dance and continue the celebration.

Our volunteers will assist you in bidding on silent auction items, purchasing Gala centerpieces, and making donations toward student scholarships and success initiatives. The silent auction features over 40 items, with details provided at the event.

To preview and bid on items ahead of time, visit our silent auction website. We encourage attendees to enter their cell phone numbers before the event for easier check-in and to receive event text messages.

At the Wine Pull Station, there will be over 50 bottles of wine available for selection, with some bottles valued over $100. Volunteers will assist you with making your selection during the event.

2024 Alumni Honorees

Distinguished Alumnus Award

The Distinguished Alumnus Award is presented to alumni who have demonstrated long-time and successful commitment to their careers and communities and have brought special honor to the university because of their accomplishments.

Chinaechren Eze ’21
Chinaecherem Eze Coleman ’21

She was just 19 years old when she was featured on Fox News as the youngest of her graduating class at UHD. Now at just 22 years old, she has not only established herself as a leader in the field of technology but also founded a nonprofit organization called Shaweh Hour, which is dedicated to empowering young adults to be pacemakers, community leaders, and entrepreneurs while still maintaining a well-balanced mental health. Through this nonprofit, her event staffing agency, and event planning business, she has had the privilege of impacting over 1000 young adults worldwide across different ethics, culture, race and disciplines, fostering personal and professional growth and inspiring them to reach their full potential.

Roy L Jackson Sr ’22
Roy L Jackson Sr ’22

He is a world-class jazz saxophonist and recording artist who has worked with Conrad Johnson, Kyle Turner, Woody Witts Big Band, and the prestigious University of Houston Downtown Civic Jazz Band. As a live and touring musician, Jackson has merged the elements of jazz, soul, funk, and gospel to take listeners on a musical journey that exemplifies every emotional aspect of life. He is a recipient of the Horace Alexander Young Award for Improvisation, the Soloist of the Year Award, and the Duke Ellington Memorial Award for outstanding musicianship and composition. His latest single entitled “Time Change,” featuring Berklee's own David Caceres, was featured on KTSU 90.9 on the “Kyle Turner” morning show.

Laura Dupree ’14
Laura Dupree ’04

She is a highly trained and credentialed educator who joined Lone Star College-Tomball (LSCT) in fall 2019 and currently serves as Coordinator and Professor of the Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) Program. A published author, Dupree has also received numerous awards, such as a Faculty Excellence Award from NISOD in 2024, Faculty Excellence Award from Lone Star College-Tomball in 2023, Outstanding Student Organization Advisor Award from Lone Star College-North Harris in 2019, and an LSC20|20 Award for her commitment to student success.

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Alum On The Rise Award

The Alum On The Rise Award recognizes our recent alumni who have experienced professional success and who are within 15 years of their graduation.

Dr. Aubrey McKenzie Jones ’14
Dr. Aubrey McKenzie Jones ’14

She has gone on to earn both her M.S. and PhD in Human Sciences and has collaborated with the Texas Workforce to support students and individuals with disabilities, helping them achieve independence and enhance their well-being. She has also worked across Texas to develop inclusive and equitable training programs in workforce development while utilizing her expertise and passion to start a non-profit organization focused on early childhood development, prenatal education, and family wellness. Currently, Dr. Jones assists students in rural communities by facilitating their access to essential services that fuel their personal growth and success.

Alum Entrepreneur Award

The Alum Entrepreneur Award recognizes an individual who has given significant contribution to the advancement of their own respective business or enterprise.

Dr. Aubrey McKenzie Jones ’14
Dr. Krisshundria James ’14

She is the CEO and Founder of Blossom Up, LLC. where she helps teen girls, young ladies, and women blossom and bloom despite the situations or circumstances they may be facing. She has been a transformational speaker for 18 years and has spoken at churches, women’s empowerment events, colleges, research conferences, and more. Dr. James is also an international best-selling author and an Amazon #1 Best Selling Author.

A Special Thank You To Our Sponsors

We would like to take a moment to recognize and sincerely thank our generous sponsors. Your support has made this event possible, and we deeply appreciate your commitment to our mission.

50th Anniversary Lead Sponsor

Marilyn Davies

50th Anniversary Gold Sponsors

Ed Hugetz
Mark and Tami Mallett
Piping Technology & Products, Inc.
Prime Communications
Beth Robertson
Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church

50th Anniversary Silver Sponsor

Voya Financial

50th Anniversary Table Sponsors
  • Aldine ISD
  • Antonio Marin
  • Arte Público Press
  • Asian Chamber of Commerce
  • Donna Cole/Cole Chemical
  • Downtown Houston+
  • H-E-B
  • Houston Community College System
  • Laolu Davies-Yemitan
  • Lenora Sorola-Pohlman
  • Lone Star College System
  • Massey Villareal
  • Max Castillo
  • Omar Reid
  • Poonam Gulati
  • Prairie View A&M University
  • San Jacinto College District
  • SW National Bank / Jody Lee
  • Texas Southern University
  • True Blue Gator Crew
  • University of Houston
  • University of Houston - Clear Lake
  • UHD Donors and Friends
  • UHD Administrators
  • UHD Alumni and Friends
  • UHD Faculty and Staff
  • UHD Marilyn Davies College of Business Advisory Council
  • Vaughn Construction
  • Windstead PC
Silent Auction Donors
Silent Auction Donors Logos
  • Antonio & Carmen Marin
  • Elite Islands Resort
  • Hilton Americas-Houston
  • Houston Astros Foundation
  • Houston Astros
  • Irma’s Southwest Restaurant
  • Jay Zambrano
  • Lauren Clayton
  • Let’s Roam
  • Liza & Albert Alonzo
  • Mayor John Whitmire
  • President Loren J. Blanchard
  • President Max Castillo, Retired
  • Trevor Lightsy
  • Total Wine & More
  • U.S. Men’s Clay Court
  • University of Houston-Downtown
  • Wendy Burns-Ardolino

Become a Sponsor

Buy Sponsorship

  • Recognition as a Lead Sponsor in all event and promotional materials, communications, website, and UHD social media platforms
  • Logo displayed on screen at event with verbal recognition at reception and dinner
  • Prominent logo placement on event banners, backdrop, and signage
  • Two-minute speaking opportunity on behalf of company/organization
  • Full-page ad in the event program
  • Two VIP tables with premier front row seating for 20 guests
  • Valet parking for table guests

  • Recognition as a Platinum Sponsor in all event and promotional materials, communications, website, and UHD social media platforms
  • Prominent logo placement on event banners, backdrop, and signage
  • Acknowledgment during the opening remarks
  • Half-page ad in the event program
  • One VIP table with priority seating for ten guests

  • Recognition as the evening's Cocktail Reception or Entertainment Sponsor in the event program
  • Recognition on the event's official website and UHD social media platforms
  • Half-page ad in the event program
  • One VIP table with seating for ten guests

  • Recognition as the evening's Dessert or Wine Sponsor in the event program
  • Recognition on the event's official website and UHD social media platforms
  • Quarter-page ad in the event program
  • One VIP table with seating for ten guests

  • Recognition on the event's official website and UHD social media platforms
  • Quarter-page ad in the event program
  • One VIP table with seating for ten guests

  • Recognition as 50th Anniversary Gala Program or Evening Gift Sponsor in the event program
  • Recognition on the event's official website and UHD social media platforms
  • One table with seating for ten guests

  • Recognition in the event program
  • Recognition on the event's official website
  • One table with seating for ten guests

  • Basic attendance to the Gala

For sponsorship or ticket information, please contact:
Javier “Jay” L. Zambrano, Vice President for Advancement and University Relations
University of Houston – Downtown - One Main Street, S990 - Houston, TX 77002
Email: zambranoj@uhd.edu