On January 18 and 19, we were reminded of the great pride our alumni have in the University of Houston. We were so proud to publicly announce our $1 billion capital campaign. The role our alumni play in this campaign will be great, and an announcement was made that we have already raised over $684 million. I want to say “Thank you” for all you have done. What a great time it is to be a Cougar! And what a great month it is to be “All In”!

Can you think of a better time or a point in our history when Houston has been more active for a 45 day period, than right now? Starting with the Super Bowl on February 5, followed by the Mardi Gras celebrations in Galveston and on to the world-famous Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo – we have never been busier! Keep in mind, we are direct recipients of millions of dollars in scholarships from the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo – so come out and show your support for UH! We are hosting the Taste of the NFL event and have the Patriots practicing in our beautiful TDECU Stadium – we are making a mark on Houston and the world every day.

Check out our website at www.houstonalumni.com for more information on Mardi Gras, the HLSR cook-off and UH Night, the Red Dinner on April 8 that helps raise funds and awareness for our LGBTQ alumni chapter, the upcoming golf tournaments, and all the ways to participate in our more than 150 alumni events. And don’t forget to join us on May 6 for our spectacular 63rd annual UHAA Alumni Awards. It’s a lineup not to be missed.

Your participation in any of these events shows your support for the University. Of course, every time you make a gift to the University from now until 2020, it will help us reach our $1 billion goal. Here, We Go! Thanks for all you’ve done, thanks if you volunteered for one of these events, and thanks for all you are going to do!

It is truly a great time to be in Houston and an even better time to be a Cougar!

True we’ll ever be!

Michael Pede (’89)