As the University of Houston prepares to enter its Centennial year, UH Alumni is proud to announce the honorees for the 71st annual UH Alumni Awards. These distinguished Cougars reflect the excellence, leadership, service and impact that have defined UH for nearly 100 years. Honorees will be celebrated at the 71st annual Alumni Awards ceremony on May 29, 2026. More information about this year’s honorees and the event can be found at https://houstonalumni.com/events/alumni-awards/.

“As the University of Houston prepares to enter its Centennial year, UH Alumni is proud to announce the honorees for the 71st annual UH Alumni Awards. These distinguished Cougars reflect the excellence, leadership, service and impact that have defined UH for nearly 100 years. Honorees will be celebrated at the 71st annual Alumni Awards ceremony on May 29, 2026. More information about this year’s honorees and the event can”

– Mike Pedé (’89), Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations

Award recipients include:

Distinguished Alumni Award

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes individuals whose professional accomplishments bring credit to the University of Houston.

Ruhana Chikatla (’10)
Ruhana Prasad Chikatla is a senior federal technology and engineering leader whose career spans multiple domains, such as national defense and public health. Currently, she serves as the senior IT and engineering portfolio lead for the Executive Office of the Digital and Enterprise Services Program at the U.S. Department of the Navy, where she leads large-scale data center modernization, readiness and risk governance initiatives. While with the Navy, Chikatla played a key role in the development of the department’s first server farm and data center handbook, which significantly strengthened national infrastructure resilience across the U.S. Department of Defense. Previously, during her time with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, she advised the 19th U.S. Surgeon General, contributed to the U.S. National Health Security Strategy, produced communications for the U.S. National Biodefense Strategy and coordinated directly with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization on mission-critical operations. In total, Chikatla’s career has been defined by service and national impact.

Nathan Hale Fowler (’96, Hon.D. ’25)
Nathan Fowler, M.D., is an internationally recognized oncologist and biomedical innovator whose career has advanced cancer treatment through creativity and compassion. A former professor at MD Anderson Cancer Center, he helped pioneer the shift away from traditional chemotherapy in blood cancers. He designed and led several landmark studies resulting in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of novel therapies, which are now used to treat cancer worldwide. He currently serves as chief medical officer at BostonGene, where he is helping transform cancer care again using artificial intelligence to better understand tumors to design the next wave of cancer drugs. Fowler is also the founder of the Halo House Foundation, the largest facility in the United States to provide affordable housing to cancer patients and their families, delivering more than 95,000 nights of care since opening. A proud UH alumnus, he continues to give back as an educational adviser to the College of Education and the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine.

Barbara (Hon.D. ’21) & Andy (’68, Hon.D. ’21) Gessner
Barbara and Andy Gessner are transformational philanthropists whose generosity has reshaped nursing education at the University of Houston. Their $20 million gift led to the naming of the Andy and Barbara Gessner College of Nursing and supports scholarships, faculty and research addressing the critical nursing shortage. Inspired by the legacy of their mothers, who were both nurses, the Gessners’ giving reflects a lifelong commitment to education and compassionate care. They have supported UH since 1995 across academics, athletics, student success and leadership initiatives. Their legacy is defined by the lives changed through opportunity they’ve helped to create.

Sam Schreiber (’74)
Sam Schreiber has built a distinguished career in banking, finance and economic development. He currently serves as a senior adviser at Trustar Bank in Washington, D.C., following executive leadership roles at Chain Bridge Bank, Wachovia/Wells Fargo and Texas Commerce Bancshares. Schreiber has also served on prominent boards, including the Economic Club of Washington, D.C., and as chairman of the Greater Washington Board of Trade. At the University of Houston, he serves on the Board of Visitors and is chairman of the C. T. Bauer College of Business Board, helping guide the future of the University’s academic and business leadership. A proud UH alumnus, he continues to represent the University through his professional leadership and civic engagement.

Distinguished Service Award

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals for their loyalty and efforts to further the goals and support of UH Alumni programs.

Jeremy Wladis (’86)
Jeremy Wladis is a nationally recognized hospitality entrepreneur and founder of The Restaurant Group. A graduate of the Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership, he has developed acclaimed restaurant concepts including Firehouse, Avenue, Harvest Kitchen, Dahlia Lounge, Fuel Pizza, Fred’s, Good Enough to Eat, Nina’s and Scarlet Lounge. His work has been featured in The New York Times, Bon Appétit, Food & Wine and Gourmet. For more than 30 years, Wladis has supported UH through the UH Alumni Association Foundation – New York Alumni Network, hosting alumni events, watch parties and student engagement opportunities. He is on the boards of the Young People’s Chorus of NYC, Lifeforce in Later Years (NYC) and various restaurant organizations. His service reflects a deep commitment to community, connection and Cougar spirit.

Richard Whiteley (’93, J.D. ’99)
Richard Whiteley is a highly respected attorney and chair of Bracewell LLP’s construction litigation practice group. His work spans complex commercial litigation, arbitration and trial advocacy, with expertise across construction, intellectual property, real estate and business disputes. Whiteley has authored numerous articles on construction law and industry best practices. He currently serves as the president of the University of Houston Law Foundation Board, is member and former president of the University of Houston Law Alumni Board and previously served seven years on the UH Alumni Association Foundation Board of Directors. His leadership and service have strengthened UH’s legal community and alumni network alike.

Billie Schneider Outstanding Volunteer Award

The Billie Schneider Outstanding Volunteer Award recognizes individuals who exemplify a spirit of volunteerism and advance the mission of UH Alumni.

Maria Jorgelina Foglietta Barrett (’05)
Maria Jorgelina Foglietta Barrett is a dedicated volunteer and longtime leader of the UH Alumni Association Foundation – New York Alumni Network. A former manager for the UH women’s swimming and diving team, she has spent more than a decade building community among UH alumni in New York City. Through watch parties, service projects and alumni events, Barrett has helped create one of UH’s most active out-of-state networks. Born in Buenos Aires and fluent in Spanish, she brings a global perspective to her leadership. Her passion and consistency embody the true spirit of Cougar volunteerism.