50 Years of UHD: Building on our Past, Shaping our Future
Dear UHD Community,
Thank you for going above and beyond in celebration of our 50th anniversary. Through our many celebratory events, we honored UHD’s legacy, elevated our current mission, and casted a vision for future growth.
As a nod to UHD’s rich jazz history, we framed the year’s events around two concerts, opening with an unforgettable performance by the Houston Civic Jazz Orchestra—founded at UHD in 1991—and closing with a dynamic jazz set, featuring Grammy Award-winning trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard. Between these two events, our lecture series brought in renowned speakers and an unforgettable panel of the university’s past presidents. On August 20, Council Member Mario Castillo presented UHD with a proclamation from the City of Houston, recognizing our cultural, intellectual, and economic impact; and in November, our 50th Anniversary Gala honored the contributions of many who epitomize Gator spirit and grit.
Ever ready for growth, we extended our partnership with Downtown Houston Plus, began the groundwork of establishing a new Center for Crime, Urban Research and Education, and secured UH System support for Vision 2050, our transformational campus master plan. Moreover, we raised more than $600,000 through our 50th anniversary events, and we garnered support from new partners who now see the promise of our university more clearly than ever.
As I reflect on 2024, I am not only overjoyed, but I am also thankful. Because of the generosity, talent, volunteerism, and cooperation of each member of this remarkable Gator community, I have no doubt the University of Houston-Downtown is headed into an even more vibrant, more promising future. Indeed, the best is yet to come.
Sincerely,
Loren J. Blanchard, Ph.D.
President, University of Houston-Downtown
50th Anniversary Signature Events
UHD's 50th anniversary was a year of celebration, highlighted by signature events that brought together students, alumni, faculty, and the community. From commemorative ceremonies to engaging programs, these events honored our past, celebrated our present, and set the stage for an exciting future.
January 18, 202450th Anniversary Kick Off Celebration
It was an evening dedicated to celebrating the University of Houston-Downtown’s 50th anniversary, where attendees enjoyed games and music and heard stories from the UHD community.
January 30, 2024An Evening of Jazz
The Houston Civic Jazz Orchestra performed an evening of jazz for the UHD community, marking a significant event in the kickoff of the 50th anniversary celebrations.
April 23,2024UHD Lettering Added to One Main Building
The University of Houston-Downtown name was added to the roof of the One Main Building, marking UHD’s prominent place in the Houston skyline.
May 21, 2024Skyline, UHD's New Magazine
The inaugural edition of Skyline Magazine features a special look at the university’s history and the iconic One Main Building in celebration of UHD’s 50th anniversary.
August 22, 2024UHD Receives Applause and Accolades at City Hall
On August 6, 2024, UHD marked its official 50th birthday, continuing the celebration throughout the year. At Houston City Hall, Mayor John Whitmire and Council Member Mario Castillo presented President Loren J. Blanchard with a special proclamation recognizing UHD’s impact and growth.
October 12, 202450th Anniversary Gala
The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) celebrated five decades of educational excellence at a black-tie 50th Anniversary Gala at the Hilton Americas in downtown Houston. The event honored UHD's remarkable alumni and marked a significant milestone in the university’s history.
November 9, 2024Terence Blanchard: Live For UHD
On November 9, 2024, the University of Houston-Downtown celebrated the final event of its 50th anniversary year with an evening of jazz featuring renowned composer and trumpeter Terence Blanchard, cousin of UHD President Loren J. Blanchard, live for UHD!
President's Lecture Series
The President’s Lecture Series at UHD continued to inspire meaningful dialogue by bringing thought leaders, alumni, and experts together to explore a wide range of topics.
February 20, 2024The Oscars and a Hidden History: Hollywood Legend Hattie McDaniel
As part of the President’s Lecture Series in celebration of Black History Month, bestselling author and journalist ReShonda Tate led a discussion on the life and legacy of Hattie McDaniel—one of Hollywood’s most prolific yet underappreciated stars. The event took place ahead of the Academy Awards, highlighting McDaniel’s enduring impact on the film industry.
March 5, 2024A Fireside Chat with Former UHD Presidents
The President’s Lecture Series featured a special Fireside Chat with esteemed former UHD presidents Alexander F. Schilt, Max Castillo, and William V. Flores. Moderated by Dr. Loren J. Blanchard, UHD’s current president.
April 23, 2024From Information to Action: Sustainability Across Houston
As part of UHD’s Earth Month and 50th Anniversary observances, this edition of the President’s Lecture Series hosted a panel discussion focusing on environmental sustainability and green living.
May 21,2024UHD Celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
UHD hosted a special event featuring award-winning filmmaker and ABC7 Eyewitness News anchor David Ono as part of its Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebrations. This lecture was focused on his documentary film "Legacy of Heart Mountain," which chronicled the stories of the people who were held in the Wyoming concentration camp during WWII.
June 18, 2024Screening of Juneteenth 1865-2024: A Legacy of Song
UHD kicked off Juneteenth celebrations with the premiere of KHOU 11’s documentary, "Juneteenth 1865-2024: A Legacy of Song." The event featured a Q&A session with Mia Gradney and Len Cannon following the screening.
September 10, 2024Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: What's Your Next?
UHD hosted a moderator-led discussion exploring key topics related to Hispanic heritage, including representation in media, the power of storytelling, entrepreneurship, and the immigrant experience.
October 2, 2024A Discussion with UHD Alum Bradford Thomason
UHD welcomed alumnus and film producer Bradford Thomason for an engaging, discussion. The event provided attendees with a unique opportunity to gain insights into the film industry, hear behind-the-scenes stories, and learn about Thomason’s journey from UHD to the big screen.
November 8, 2024A Conversation with Terence Blanchard: Jazz, Movies, and Family Stories
Terence Blanchard shared his inspiring journey and groundbreaking career, spanning jazz, film composition, and opera.
Rhythm & Books
In 2024, Rhythm & Books, inspired by NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, was a daytime concert series featuring Texas-grown talent. Created by Spencer Lightsy, UHD Associate Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, the series transformed UHD’s library space into a dynamic stage and recording studio.
February 28, 2024Valen the Valentine
March 27, 2024Charly Siaba & the Mighty Orq
April 24, 2024Sho Nuff & Grace Harrison
July 3, 2024Victor Wooten
Join Us for the Next 50 Years!
The past 50 years have been a journey of growth, innovation, and impact, shaping our university into the institution it is today. As we look ahead to the next 50 years, our commitment to excellence remains steadfast. We will continue to expand opportunities, enhance student success, and strengthen our community partnerships. With a vision for the future that embraces progress and opportunity, we are building a legacy that will empower generations to come. Learn more about our direction for the years ahead.
Future of UHD