UHD Day at the Capitol was one for the books. On Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, more than 160 Gators made the journey from the Bayou City to Austin for the sole purpose of advocating for the university's initiatives. Senator Borris Miles and Texas State Representative Christina Morales presented proclamations on both the senate and house floor. 

UHD students, staff, faculty and alumni walk to Texas Capitol on UHD Day

Texas Capitol building and Texas flag waving in the wind

Senators and Representatives showed their support to our Gators including but not limited to Sen. Carol Alvarado, Sen. Royce West, Rep. Mary Ann Perez and Armando Walle.

uhd staff, faculty, alum and students smile with uhd president loren j. blanchard, christina morales and armando walle inside the state capitol on feb. 26

uhd staff and uhd president loren j blanchard stand aside a balloon arch with the words "Welcome UHD" outside the Texas Capitol in Austin, Texas

University of Houston-Downtown staff, faculty, students and alum on a walking path from state capitol to scholz garten at uhd day at the capitol in austin, texas

Later, attendees gathered at historic Scholz Garten for lunch and riveting performances by the university's award-winning Mariachi Los Caimanes and the UHD Gatorettes.

University of Houston-Downtown staff eat lunch at Scholz Garten in Austin, Texas for UHD Day at the Capitol

After a well-deserved meal, UHD students, staff, faculty, and alum were welcomed into both chambers by our legislators. It was and always is a fantastic day to be a UHD Gator. 

UHD President Loren J. Blanchard, UHD staff, faculty, alum, students and Ed-U-Gator smile in the rotunda of the state capitol

UHD mariachi group plays at state capitol while audience watches

University of Houston-Downtown students and alum stand in a Texas Legislator's chambers at the Texas Capitol.

University of Houston-Downtown alumni and students, alongside UHD Provost Deborah E. Bordelon PhD smile in a state legislator's chambers