Added this year: the opportunity for UHCL students to produce and put on their own work through The Storytellers, an all-student troupe that gives up-and-coming writers, directors, and other performers the opportunity to pursue their craft. On November 13-14, The Storytellers will showcase “Dakota Gray,” an adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” Reimagined with a Y2K twist, “Dakota Gray” follows a rising model who has her wish for eternal youth fulfilled. As her career and lifestyle soar, however, the hidden cost of her pleasure-filled life slowly corrupts her soul.

“We’re pleased to see The Storytellers return this year, this time with an all-student creative team, cast, and crew,” Davis said. “The theater is proud to provide UHCL students the space to display their artistry, get performance experience, and showcase their talent to the public.”

Also returning to the Bayou Theater will be the Classical Series with the Mercury Chamber Orchestra (MCO) in three separate performances: a program of Bach and Mendelssohn on October 28; Mozart and Dvorak on January 20, 2027; and “Music from Quebec” with music shaped by the fusion of French roots and Celtic influences on March 15, 2027. “Bayou Theater audiences have grown to cherish the Mercury Chamber Orchestra, and this season’s performances will continue that love affair,” Davis said.

Houston’s Main Street Theater for Youth also returns to the Bayou on February 26 with “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” a fast-paced slapstick adventure especially appealing to grade-school kids and anyone else who loves to laugh. “This charming production is a perfect first-theater experience for young audiences,” Davis said.

A variety of ticket packages are available, and parking is provided at no cost to theater-goers. Tickets can be purchased beginning July 17 at uhcl.edu/bayou-theater or by calling 281-283-3024. To stay informed about upcoming events, sign up for the Bayou Theater’s monthly Arts Connect Newsletter.

As space exploration accelerates, one reality is becoming increasingly clear: the greatest challenge is not getting to space, it is sustaining the human body once we get there.

That challenge is at the center of the 2026 Spaceflight Human Optimization and Performance (SHOP) summit, a growing gathering of scientists, engineers, and performance experts, founded in partnership with KBR and University of Houston–Clear Lake’s Health and Human Performance Institute (HHPI), working to better understand how humans can live, work, and perform beyond Earth.

At the center of SHOP is Corey Twine, director and co-founder of the event and an Astronaut Strength, Conditioning, and Rehabilitation (ASCR) specialist supporting NASA’s Johnson Space Center through KBR. With experience spanning multiple eras of human spaceflight, including work supporting Space Shuttle missions, Twine’s focus is on preparing astronauts for the physical demands of operating in extreme environments.

“This is really about human performance at its most fundamental level,” Twine said. “If we want to become less dependent on Earth-based support systems, we have to understand how to maintain human health, function, and operational capacity during extended periods beyond the planet”

The urgency behind these conversations is driven by rapid change across the spaceflight landscape. With NASA’s Moon to Mars ambitions and the rise of commercial spaceflight, the pace of innovation is accelerating, and so is the need to solve the human side of the equation.

“The landscape of spaceflight is changing, and the pace of that change is rapid,” Twine said. “Spaceflight is hard, and solving these challenges requires collaboration.”

That collaboration is exactly what SHOP is designed to foster, bringing together expertise across physiology, engineering, medicine, and performance science to move beyond isolated research and toward coordinated solutions.

That complexity is at the center of the conversations taking place throughout SHOP.

The Challenge: A Complex, Multi-System Problem

Across sessions, a consistent theme emerges. Human performance in space is not defined by a single issue, but by the interaction of multiple systems.

“These are systems that can change quietly over time, but with real implications for performance and mission success,” said Stuart Lee, Associate Element Scientist for Human Health Countermeasures in NASA’s Human Research Program.

Researchers are examining changes across cardiovascular function, neuro-ocular health, sensorimotor adaptation, and immune response. Each system plays a role, but it is their interaction that ultimately determines how well astronauts can function during and after missions.

That complexity only increases as missions extend in duration and distance.

“We need to keep humans healthy and able to perform no matter where they are going,” said Jancy McPhee, Associate Chief Scientist for NASA’s Human Research Program. “It is not just one factor. It is how multiple systems come together.”

No Single Solution

If the problem is complex, the solution must be as well.

“I do not think it is going to be a single solution,” said Tara Ruttley of Blue Origin. “It is going to be a portfolio of approaches that adapt to different people and different environments.”

That need for adaptability is driven in part by variability.

“There is significant individual variability in how people respond,” said Meghan Everett of Vast.

As more people from different backgrounds enter spaceflight, that variability becomes even more pronounced, requiring systems that are flexible, responsive, and personalized.

“It’s not just one solution,” said Kate Flickinger, TRISH Postdoctoral Fellow, Lab Manager, and Principal Physiologist at the University of Pittsburgh. “It’s taking multiple tools and getting everything you can out of them.”

That need for integrated, adaptable approaches extends beyond spaceflight and into broader questions of human performance and health. Addressing those challenges requires the kind of interdisciplinary research and applied focus being advanced through efforts like the Health and Human Performance Institute at the University of Houston–Clear Lake.

Beyond Space: Why This Work Matters on Earth

William E. Amonette, co-founder of the conference and Executive Director of the Health and Human Performance Institute, has helped shape both the growth of SHOP and the university’s role in this evolving field.

Through HHPI, UHCL is advancing applied and translational research that connects spaceflight, health, and human performance, spanning athletic, clinical, and neurological populations.

“Spaceflight is really an accelerated model of aging and mimics many other degenerative diseases and conditions,” Amonette said. “By studying what happens in space, we are learning more about how the human body responds to stress, decline, and recovery, while identifying countermeasures that help prevent decline and support faster recovery. Those lessons apply directly here on Earth.”

That connection extends into the workforce. UHCL has helped prepare students for roles supporting NASA and its partners, reflecting the growing demand for professionals trained at the intersection of human performance, health, and spaceflight.

“Ninety percent of the people in the room do not work in spaceflight,” Amonette said. “They are here because they can take what they learn and apply it back to their own field.”

More Than Conversation

At its core, SHOP reflects a shift in how spaceflight challenges are approached, not in isolation, but through collaboration across disciplines and sectors.

“We do not want to just be here to talk,” Twine said. “We want to build something, frameworks, outcomes, solutions that help move the mission forward.”

As space exploration pushes further, those conversations, and the work happening at institutions like the University of Houston–Clear Lake, will play a critical role in shaping not only the future of human spaceflight, but how we understand and improve human performance here on Earth.

At the annual 1974 Society Dinner on April 16, the University of Houston-Clear Lake brought its mission into sharp focus. Not through statistics or strategy alone, but through the people whose lives and work are shaped by donor generosity. Members of the 1974 Society support UHCL by establishing or increasing endowments that fund scholarships, professorships, and other programs, helping sustain the university’s future.

“This is one of our favorite events,” said UHCL President Richard Walker, addressing a room of dedicated supporters. “Because we get to recognize those who are committed to the institution and hear directly what that support means to our students.”

Throughout the evening, Walker outlined a university on the rise. From launching a new aerospace engineering program to fast-tracking the development of specialized labs, UHCL is expanding its academic footprint while deepening its ties to industry. New partnerships, hands-on learning opportunities, and workforce-aligned programs are positioning students for immediate impact in fields that matter, from healthcare to space commercialization.

But behind every new initiative is a constant truth. “We could not do all these things without your support,” Walker said.

That message was reinforced by Vice President of University Advancement Joe Staley, who framed the evening around the return on donor investment. 

“What you have invested in is solutions,” he said. “We have problem solvers at this university.”

A scholarship to a new path

Allyson Simmons, the Distinguished Alumni Scholarship recipient, stood before the room as both a reflection of UHCL’s mission and a testament to donor impact. A former high school English teacher, she described a journey marked by uncertainty, leaving a graduate program that didn’t fit, stepping away from her initial career path, and questioning what came next. Years later, she decided to try again.

Returning to the University of Houston System (UHS), Simmons enrolled at UHCL to pursue a Master of Arts in Human Resource Management.

“I obtained my bachelor's degree in English from the University of Houston-Downtown. My mama graduated from UHCL with her master's in Instructional Technology in 2008,” she said. “The UHS is my home; I wouldn't dream of getting my graduate degree and maybe even my PhD from anywhere other than a UHS campus.”

 With the support of a donor-funded scholarship, what once felt like a risk became an opportunity. “Your kindness is allowing for a frightening and unfamiliar path to seem just a little brighter,” Simmons added.

For Simmons, scholarship support meant more than financial relief. It meant the ability to redefine her future. Today, she is on track to graduate in the fall of 2026 and is equipped to step confidently into a new career.

Strategic partnerships that deliver results

Adam Moore’s story underscored a different, but equally powerful, dimension of impact.

After earning his undergraduate degree, Moore came to UHCL with a clear goal: to return to NASA and build a career in the aerospace industry. He quickly immersed himself in graduate studies while gaining hands-on experience through partnerships with UHCL’s Office of Strategic Partnerships and Boeing.

Navigating multiple programs from systems engineering to an MBA focused on the commercialization of space, Moore relied on scholarships to maintain his momentum. The Alumni Association Scholarship, which is not restricted by college, proved especially critical as his academic path evolved.

That support delivered immediate results. Today, Moore is already working in mission control at Johnson Space Center, an outcome that reflects the direct pipeline UHCL is building between education and industry.

Together, these stories highlight the power of scholarships to expand access, sustain ambition, and accelerate careers. But the evening made clear that donor impact at UHCL extends far beyond individual students.

High-quality care for families and high-impact research in medical challenges

At the Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (CADD), Executive Director Dorothea Lerman described how philanthropic support has enabled the center to serve more than 200 families each year at no cost. For many, these services would otherwise be inaccessible.

“When we opened our doors, one of our missions was to provide high-quality care at no cost,” she said. “Because of generosity like yours, we have achieved that goal.”

Nearby, the work of the Health and Human Performance Institute (HHPI) is advancing another dimension of impact. Through donor funding and strategic partnerships, researchers and students are addressing some of the most complex challenges in healthcare, from traumatic brain injuries to neurodegenerative diseases.

For HHPI’s Executive Director William (Bill) Amonette, the significance of this support goes beyond dollars.

“Yes, funding fuels research. But more importantly, it creates opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and purpose,” he said. “Our goal is to connect science with clinical care, grounded in compassion. We are deeply grateful not only for your financial support, but for your presence here today, and to be in this fight alongside you.”

Solutions that affect real lives in real time

By connecting science with clinical care and compassion, UHCL is not only improving patient outcomes but also redefining what education looks like. Students are learning and contributing to solutions that affect real lives in real time. It is this intersection of education, purpose, and impact that defines UHCL’s trajectory.

As Staley noted, public funding alone cannot sustain that vision. Donor support fills the gap, transforming what is possible for students, faculty, and the broader community. The 1974 Society represents that commitment at its highest level: a group of supporters who believe in the university as it exists today, and in what it can become.

And if the evening proved anything, it is that the return on that belief is already visible. It is a teacher finding her way to a new career. It is an engineer stepping into mission control. It is in families receiving life-changing care at no cost. It is in research that restores dignity, function, and hope.

These are not isolated outcomes. They are the result of intentional investment. At UHCL, donor support does more than fund education; it expands access, strengthens quality, and connects learning to purpose. It ensures that students are not defined by financial barriers, but by their potential.

The stories shared at the 1974 Society Dinner are proof of what that investment makes possible. They are also an invitation to open doors for the next student, to advance research that changes lives, and to be part of a university that is growing, solving, serving, and leading. Because the next story is already waiting. And with continued support, its impact will be even greater.

Ready to be part of the difference? Visit www.uhcl.edu/giving to learn more about giving opportunities at UHCL.

Running from April 13 through April 18, the week features a series of events that highlight UHCL’s commitment to service, leadership, and community engagement.

Donation drive supports local families

Kicking off the week is the ONSP Donation Drive, taking place April 13–17. Organized by Orientation & New Student Programs (ONSP), the drive supports students and families in need.

Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to donate essential items, including baby food, diapers, wipes, and personal care products. Donation bins are located throughout campus for convenience, and items may also be dropped off at the ONSP office in the Student Services and Classroom Building (SSCB), room 1.201.02.

A Spring 2026 Clothing Drive is also being held to support students in need of professional attire. Gently used or new professional clothing may be donated to the Career Closet at the Center for Career Development in SSCB 3109.

Creating space for connection

On Tuesday, April 14, students can participate in The Art of Belonging, a creative workshop that blends mental health awareness with hands-on art activities and group discussion.

Hosted in SSCB room 2.103 (SOCAL) from 4 to 5 p.m., the event offers a supportive environment for students to reflect, connect, and express themselves, reinforcing that community care is an essential part of service.

Hands-on service across campus

Service Week also offers students multiple opportunities to roll up their sleeves and make a visible impact on campus.

On Tuesday, April 14, students are invited to join Hawks 4 Community (H4C) and the Environmental Institute of Houston (EIH) for a campus service day held from 9–11 a.m. Volunteers will help weed and mulch flower beds, plant native plants, maintain pathways, and trim trees and bushes, all while connecting with staff and contributing to a more beautiful campus environment.

On Wednesday, April 15, students can continue their impact at the Native Garden Maintenance Event from 9–11 a.m., a hands-on opportunity to care for the Green Thumb League’s native garden on campus. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing, bring a reusable water bottle, and wear closed-toe shoes. The event also provides a great way to earn volunteer hours while supporting sustainability efforts.

Exploring opportunities at the Community Engagement Fair

The Community Engagement Fair on Wednesday, April 15, invites students to connect with local nonprofits and campus organizations in the Bayou Building Atrium from 2–4:30 p.m.

The event provides opportunities to explore internships, volunteer roles, and service projects, helping students turn their interests into meaningful action while building leadership skills and professional experience.

An evening of reflection and impact

On Thursday, April 16, from 6–8 p.m., students can attend Community Impact Night, an inspiring evening focused on service and civic responsibility.

Over a shared dinner, participants will hear from nonprofit leaders and fellow students about how community engagement creates real-world change and supports personal growth. The event aims to leave attendees with a renewed sense of purpose and a clearer understanding of the impact they can make.

The Big Event

Service Week concludes with The Big Event on Saturday, April 18, UHCL’s largest annual day of service.

From 8 a.m.–1 p.m., students, faculty, and staff will work alongside community partners on projects that address real local needs. The event emphasizes teamwork, leadership, and the powerful impact of collective service.

A week of purpose

Service Week is more than a lineup of events at UHCL. It reflects the university’s values in action. Through donations, dialogue, and direct service, the campus community is demonstrating how small efforts can lead to meaningful change.

Students are encouraged to get involved, give back, and be part of a tradition that continues to strengthen both campus and community.

For more information and to register for events, visit HawkLink under the Events tab.

The 10th Annual Greater Houston Area STEM Conference, held March 28 at the University of Houston–Clear Lake, brought together educators and STEM leaders for a full day of learning, collaboration, and innovation. The milestone event celebrated a decade of growth for one of the region’s most established STEM education conferences, featuring nearly 80 sessions, 41 exhibitors, and welcoming K–16 educators, university faculty, students, alumni, and industry partners from across Greater Houston and beyond, including presenters and exhibitors traveling from Idaho, Milwaukee, and the Philippines.

“The Greater Houston Area STEM Conference represents more than professional learning. It is a decade-long commitment to collaboration, innovation, and the building of a stronger STEM community,” said Dr. Carol Waters, UHCL associate professor of STEM education and conference organizer. “Over the years, it has become a cornerstone for STEM education in our region, bringing together educators, students, and community partners to share ideas, inspire growth, and strengthen our collective impact.”

Dr. Brenda Weiser, professor emeritus at UHCL, delivered the welcome address. Dr. Weiser helped found the conference alongside Dr. Michelle Peters 10 years ago, and her return to open this milestone celebration honored the vision, leadership, and community partnerships that launched the conference, making it a meaningful full-circle moment for attendees.

Across five breakout sessions, topics included artificial intelligence in STEM teaching and learning, science phenomena, inquiry and sensemaking, engineering design and maker-centered learning, technology integration, cross-curricular and interdisciplinary STEM, culturally responsive teaching, support for emergent bilingual and multilingual learners, and STEM teacher leadership. Attendees moved between presentations and interactive spaces, often carrying ideas from one to another.

The Exhibit Hall served as a central hub throughout the day, connecting participants with more than 40 organizations, including robotics teams, environmental groups, and education-focused companies, while also hosting networking, resource sharing, and conference activities such as door prizes.

UHCL students and alumni were a visible presence across the event. Undergraduate students from the UHCLTeach program presented posters and participated in sessions, while doctoral students in Curriculum and Instruction led research-based presentations focused on classroom practice, equity, and professional learning. Students from programs including the Master of Arts in Teaching participated, and UHCL alumni returned as presenters and exhibitors, reflecting ongoing partnerships with local schools and organizations.

The conference also featured contributions from University of Houston System initiatives, including ALL RISE and RESET. ALL RISE supports middle school science teachers through mentorship and professional learning that integrates language-rich, inquiry-based STEM instruction, while RESET advances research-driven STEM teaching through translanguaging and community-engaged learning experiences.

Organizers credited the event’s continued growth to strong support from donors, the community, and industry. Sponsorship from the UHCL Alumni Association, Impulse Technology Services, Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union, RPA Science, EduSmart, and the Harris County Soil and Water Conservation District helped keep the conference accessible while enhancing programming, hands-on learning, and engagement.

As the conference concluded, participants gathered certificates and reflected on the day’s sessions and activities. For many, the day stood out as a practical example of moving beyond discussion to give educators firsthand experience with engaging, applied learning they aim to create in their own classrooms and districts.

After a decade, the STEM conference continues to evolve, with a consistent focus on building connections, sharing ideas, and preparing the next generation of STEM educators and learners across the region.

“Celebrating 10 years of the STEM Conference is a reflection on how far we’ve come and a glimpse into what’s possible,” Waters said. “The energy, ideas, and collaboration we witnessed at this year’s conference reinforce UHCL’s role as a catalyst for innovative STEM education. Looking ahead, we are excited to continue growing this work of preparing future educators, elevating student voices, and strengthening partnerships that will shape the future of STEM across our region.”

Mark your calendar for next year’s conference on Saturday, March 27, 2027, and be part of the next decade of STEM innovation. Contact Waters at WatersC@UHCL.edu to learn how educators, students, and community partners can get involved, share ideas, and help shape the future of STEM education in the Greater Houston area.

Hosted by the University of Houston–Clear Lake’s Center for Educational Programs, the 10th Annual Greater Houston Area STEM Conference is set to return Saturday, March 28, 2026, bringing together educators, students, and industry leaders for a full day of innovation and collaboration.

Held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. in the Bayou Building, the milestone conference marks a decade of connecting STEM professionals across Texas and the Gulf Coast under this year’s theme: “Innovate. Integrate. Inspire.”

Participants will experience hands-on workshops, interactive seminars, and dynamic panel discussions designed for PK–16 audiences, including in-service teachers, school administrators, teacher educators, pre-service teachers, informal educators, and STEM industry education liaisons. Sessions are aligned with state and national STEM standards and focus on practical strategies that spark curiosity, strengthen critical thinking, and connect classroom learning to real-world careers.

Attendees will also receive digital handouts, opportunities for door prizes, and up to seven hours of CPE/SBEC credit for full-day participation. Lunch is included with registration.

Early bird registration is open through Feb. 28. General admission is $40, with a discounted $35 rate for students. The reduced rate is applied during checkout. A vegetarian lunch option is available through a separate online form.

Dr. Carol Waters, UHCL associate professor of STEM education and conference organizer, said the event continues to grow as a regional hub for collaboration and forward-thinking practice.

“Whether you're preparing future scientists and engineers, leading innovative programs, or supporting STEM in the community, we’d love to have you in our network,” she said.

Those interested in attending can register online at https://apps.uhcl.edu/ECommerce/Schedule/Details/44d51c77-e197-f011-81aa-0050561ddc0a. For additional information regarding registration, contact the Center for Educational Programs at 281-283-3530 or via email at CEP@uhcl.edu.

The event connects readers with writers across a wide range of genres, including nonfiction, memoir, poetry, fantasy, historical fiction, and children’s educational literature. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet authors, explore new titles, buy books, and engage with members of the local literary community.

Featured authors include Dawn Owens, a publisher presenting more than 15 nonfiction titles; Herb Baker, author of “From Apollo to Artemis: Stories From My 50 Years With NASA,” a memoir documenting five decades of work with NASA; and Taylor Enochs, whose poetry collection “I Shouldn’t Say This, But…” explores themes of honesty and vulnerability, along with several additional local authors representing a range of genres and audiences. Other authors scheduled to appear and their works are:

·         Victoria Fields, “Basil and Bixie” series (elementary science, children’s educational book)

·         William Peak Gaupp, “The Fall of 69” (fiction)

·         Alia Hewitt, “Betrayer’s Game” (historical fiction)

·         Samara Kalz, “Visions of Eterna” (young adult fantasy)

·         Lindsey Powell, “The Violet Mage” (adult fiction, romantic fantasy)

·         Beth Richards, “A Waltz Through Time” (historical fiction)

·         Erika Andrade Smith, “Papas y Papas” and “Paletas 1-2-3” (children’s concept board books)

·         Rick Tabor, “Children of the Scroll” (fantasy thriller)

·         Amy Vogel, “Teleosis,” “The Assist,” and “Feminine Rising” (fiction)

·         Micole Williams, “Tangled Web of True Love Tales” and “Toxic Ties” (fiction and nonfiction)

·         Thomas Woltz, “Finding My Road” (nonfiction, memoir)

“This event is about creating space for our community to come together around books, conversation, and shared experiences,” said Shannon Samuelson, director of professional and continuing education at UHCL at Pearland. “Fall in Love With Reading” is an invitation to connect through stories.”

The event is open to students, faculty, staff, and members of the public as part of UHCL’s ongoing efforts to promote literacy, creativity, and community connection.

For more information and event updates, contact Shannon Samuelson at SamuelsonS@UHCL.edu.

The Bayou Theater at the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) has announced its full 2025-2026 season lineup, promising a diverse blend of music, theater, and community collaborations designed to entertain and inspire audiences across Bay Area Houston.

Returning to lead the program is Director of Theater and Cultural Arts Stephen Davis, who emphasized his mission in a letter to the community: “We continue our commitment to bringing you high-quality performing arts with a little bit of something for everyone.”

The season opens Aug. 29 with Mercury Chamber Orchestra’s “Handel & Vivaldi,” featuring selections from two Baroque legends and including Handel’s beloved “Water Music.” This performance marks the beginning of Mercury’s own 25th anniversary season. The ensemble returns Oct. 30 with a performance of “Vivaldi’s Four Seasons,” celebrating the work’s 300th anniversary. Mercury rounds out its appearances on April 15 with “Bolero Querido!,” a program exploring cross-cultural musical heritage, from Ravel to Latin American classics.

Country music fans can look forward to Artists Lounge Live’s return on Feb. 19 with “Friends in Low Places: Brandon Bennett Sings Garth Brooks.” Bennett, best known for “Elvis My Way,” will bring Brooks’ hits like “The Dance,” “Two of a Kind,” and  “Workin’ on a Full House” to the Bayou stage, just in time to kick off rodeo season.

Furthermore, Davis and his team at the theater continue their strong commitment to local and youth theater through two collaborative projects. The UHCL Storytellers return to showcase student talent, while Main Street Theater for Youth presents “The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!” on Feb. 27. The morning performance invites young audiences to question what really happened in the most infamous pork-based court case of all time.

In the spring, the Bayou Theater will once again partner with Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre to stage a full production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!” Performances run across two weekends, April 24-26 and May 1-3, and will feature a cast of local and regional talent in the classic American musical that helped define modern Broadway.

Tickets can be purchased online anytime or by calling 281-283-3024. To stay informed about upcoming events, sign up for the Bayou Theater’s monthly Arts Connect Newsletter. Visit uhcl.edu/bayou-theater for more information and to buy tickets.

Learning doesn't stop at graduation; it’s a lifelong journey. Thanks to UHCL's new Professional and Continuing Education (PACE), adults can expand their knowledge by gaining targeted skills in a specific area or exploring a new interest. PACE offers over a dozen expert-led courses throughout the year at UHCL, UHCL at Pearland, and online. These courses are designed to enrich lifelong learners, support career growth, and enhance professional expertise.

In collaboration with the UHCL Alumni Association, PACE also invites community members to apply to share their expertise in various subjects as volunteers in a weekly presentation series called The Scholars' Circle at the UHCL and UHCL at Pearland. Desired topic areas include food and nutrition, history and memory, and mindfulness and well-being, among others.

Launched in January 2025, PACE is led by Director Shannon Samuelson, who is committed to making professional development more accessible and impactful.

"The institution has always had continuing education," she said. “I was hired to create a centralized location for learners to find everything they need in one place.”

Packed with valuable information that learners can apply at work and in everyday life, the program underscores UHCL's mission of meeting the community's professional, educational, economic, and cultural needs.

Attendees can take courses in subjects ranging from human resources to digital marketing to learning about NASA’s vibrant history, to name a few. Certificate programs and customized training for organizations are coming soon. In addition to equipping attendees with knowledge and skills, many PACE courses issue continuing education units (CEUs), professional development credits, or other certifications that attendees may need to maintain professional licensure or credentials.

"We have the ability to be creative, innovative, and flexible in a way that credit courses don't have," Samuelson said. "Dreaming big is what we do."

PACE courses are accessible to everyone with no admission requirements, though some certificate programs and specialized courses may have application or experience prerequisites. Courses may also have prior experience requirements. Just as with many degree programs at UHCL, PACE offers flexible program options to accommodate various schedules, including online and evening classes, hands-on workshops, and weekend sessions.

This month's lineup includes "5 Voices for Leaders" on February 25, "Apollo's Deep Roots in Houston" on February 27, and "Introduction to Digital Marketing for Small Businesses" on February 28, among others. Courses are affordably priced, ranging from free to $125.

Samuelson expects more UHCL departments and career-centered organizations to play a role in developing and offering future courses.

"We are still in the building phases, but we currently have collaborations with the Environmental Institute of Houston (EIH) and Dr. Phalen with the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC)," she said. “We expect more exciting offerings soon.”

She also hopes that PACE will have the opportunity to host a second no-cost summer series again; in the summer of 2024, PACE hosted a free introductory series that was well-received by attendees. Her vision for future courses includes a focus on STEM fields as well.

"We are hoping to partner with industry leaders to create innovative solutions in safety, technology, environmental, and other STEM fields," she added.

To learn more about PACE, browse the complete list of courses, or to register, visit the PACE website.

Every year, thousands of university students celebrate the culmination of their collegiate studies by walking across a stage as family and friends proudly watch and cheer. At the University of Houston-Clear Lake, this celebration includes a unique group of individuals transforming their future through education. This year, UHCL welcomed 31 graduates from its Transforming Lives by Degrees (TLD) program into its 81,000-strong alumni network.

The TLD program, directed by Dr. William P. Powers and housed in the College of Human Sciences and Humanities (HSH), is a partnership between UHCL and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s W.F. Ramsey Unit in Rosharon, TX. The program offers incarcerated individuals the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities, a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Sciences, or even a Master of Arts in Humanities.

The TLD ceremony was held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the Springfellow Prison Unit in Rosharon, TX, with dozens of family members, friends, faculty, and staff in attendance. This biannual service commonly stirs a range of emotions, both for the graduates and those in the crowd, and this year’s event was no exception.

“The ceremony was as beautiful and meaningful as always with students walking up to the stage to receive their degrees and shake hands with the president, provost, and dean of our college while their loved ones, faculty and staff watched in rapt attention the chapel,” said Dr. Shreerekha Pillai,  humanities professor and Associate Dean of the College of HSH. “I had the high honor of reading the names of our graduates, which was very moving as they walked up to the stage. The chapel was filled with tremendous joy and a positive feeling as the Alvin and UHCL teams congratulated the students.”

Of the 31 graduates, 12 received a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities, 13 received a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Sciences-General, and six received a Master of Arts in Humanities. For the recipients, these degrees are more than just a piece of paper or a symbol of completed coursework. They represent a second chance that many of these men thought they would never receive while still behind bars. They represent personal transformation and a hope for a better future.

Michael Loya was selected as the student speaker for the ceremony. He graduated with a Master of Arts in Humanities. To the surprise of his faculty members, Loya gave an inspiring speech from memory.

“He blew us away,” said Dr. Pillai. “He thanked the faculty and the university for providing rigorous, sophisticated and deep learning within the confines of the prison that in many ways helps to enlarge his vision, sharpen his critical thinking and writing skills, and deepen his compassion. He spoke from his heart on the importance of a humanities education and its value in his life and the lives of his peers.”

This commencement brings the total of TLD graduates to more than 700. More than 300 of those graduates have earned a master’s degree through the program, and many have found gainful employment after serving their sentence.

To learn more about UHCL’s prison reform program, visit the Transforming Lives by Degrees webpage.

UHCL President Richard Walker highlighted the milestone celebration and the profound impact of the university’s educators on academic excellence and community growth.

“We launched in 1974, and as our university’s logo says ‘we’re still soaring,’ said Walker. “It is all about student success, and our students would not be successful without the dedication and support of our faculty.”

Furthermore, President Walker mentioned that UHCL is one of four universities in the University of Houston System, but it is a very distinct institution. UHCL’s unique focus on personalized education and flexibility has created a learning environment where innovation thrives and meaningful impact is achieved.

Dr. Christopher Maynard, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, emphasized that learning at UHCL extends beyond traditional settings. It happens not only in the classroom but also during faculty office hours, in the hallways, and in the library. Learning thrives in any environment where ideas are shared and knowledge is exchanged. This approach to education is a key factor in the university’s success.

 “It is the reason our students are successful and continue to be long after they leave UHCL,” said Maynard. “Students are the ‘why,’ and faculty are the ‘how.’ Our commitment to student success would not be possible without faculty,” he continued. “Thank you for everything you’ve done and for everything you will continue to do for our students.”

Honorees Dr. David Malin and Dr. Charles McKay, both charter faculty members and pillars of the UHCL community, exemplified the enduring spirit of the university. Malin continues his impactful research in behavioral neuroscience, determined to complete his significant work.

“With support from a pharmaceutical company, we’re working on the relationship between brain, drugs, and behavior and identifying one of the mechanisms of narcotics dependence,” said Malin.  “This is kind of my last ‘big project.’ I am determined to finish that, and they won’t get rid of me until I finish.”

McKay, a professor emeritus and retiree, continues contributing to students' success through mentoring, consulting, and staying connected with former colleagues. Residing in the Clear Lake area, McKay remains as proud of his community now as he was when he first arrived.

“This university was established to support the Human Space program and the community, as requested by Johnson Space Center,” said McKay. “Over the years, we’ve seen remarkable transformations, especially in technology, and our students now hold positions worldwide that continue to make us proud.”

 McKay said faculty have the responsibility of providing a first-class education for students to provide them with opportunities to serve the needs of people in the community and the organizations UHCL is lucky to be neighbors and partners with.

“As long as we are advancing knowledge to the best of our ability, we are fulfilling our role,” said McKay. “Being with my colleagues in the same room again is a great honor; it brings back many warm memories and reflects the many positive achievements of UHCL,” he continued. “The university deserves commendation, not only for the efforts of the faculty but for the significant contributions of the entire staff.”

As UHCL embarks on its next chapter, it does so with a legacy of excellence and a forward-looking vision, driven by the passion and dedication of its faculty and staff. The university’s commitment to shaping future leaders and advancing knowledge continues to define its success, ensuring that UHCL remains a beacon of innovation and excellence for generations to come.

The season kicks off on September 5, 2024, with I Will Always Love You: Katie Deal Sings Dolly Parton. Other highlights include:

·  Houston-based Norteño ensemble, EZ Band, on Friday, October 11, 2024

·  Mercury Chamber Orchestra: Classical Piano Trios on Friday, October 25, 2024

·  Movie Party: Hocus Pocus! On Tuesday, October 29, 2024

·  A co-production of Beauty and the Beast with Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre

· The Rocket Science of Neighbors, a show examining the relationship of space and the proximity to Johnson Space Center, UHCL

· Musical performances by Broadway singer Alli Mauzey, and Motown on Broadway performer Chester Gregory.

Under the leadership of Stephen Davis, UH-Clear Lake’s new director of Theater and Cultural Arts, the 500-seat Bayou Theater hosts campus events, theatrical performances, musical concerts, community events, and more throughout the year.

“From the moment I began pulling this season together, my goal was to bring more variety,” said Davis. “This season has something for everyone. From chamber music to Norteño, to Broadway and beyond, there’s a show for everyone to experience exceptional arts in their backyard.”

Join us for a season of unforgettable performances and cultural enrichment. We can’t wait to share this extraordinary journey with you.

For more information about Bayou Theater’s upcoming performances, ticket purchasing, rentals, and tours, visit www.uhcl.edu/bayou-theater/.

University of Houston- Clear Lake’s (UHCL) marked a momentous occasion with its Spring 2024 Commencement, where over 1,100 graduates gathered to celebrate their achievements. The day's events were organized by college, starting with the College of Business and the College of Education at 10 a.m., and concluding with the College of Science and Engineering and the College of Human Sciences and Humanities at 3 p.m.

UHCL President Richard Walker opened the ceremonies with congratulatory remarks, emphasizing the significance of the graduates' accomplishments.

“Your degree symbolizes more than a mere accolade. It marks both the conclusion of one journey and the commencement of another,” said Walker. “As you step into the future, let your belief in your potential and your dreams guide you. They have led you to this remarkable achievement and will continue to be your compass in a world that awaits your leadership and successes."

The event celebrated graduates from various backgrounds and disciplines, recognizing their shared experiences and the bonds formed during their time at UHCL.

Student speakers Alexis Staropoli and Lisset Fernandez Navarrete delivered powerful messages to their peers at the 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. ceremonies, respectively.

“Let’s carry forward the lessons of UHCL, not just in what we've learned, but in how we’ve learned to face challenges head-on and emerge stronger,” said Staropoli. “Wear your confidence like you wore your student ID—proudly and occasionally, a little too visibly. Approach the future not just as a chance to succeed, but as an opportunity to redefine what success means.”

Fernandez Navarrete reflected on the triumphs and tribulations that shaped the class of 2024, including attending college during the pandemic and rebuilding connections.

“Together, we have navigated through uncertain times and came out stronger and more resilient than ever. It is this resilience that will carry us forward into the next chapter of our lives, ready to face whatever challenges may come our way,” she said. “I leave you with this challenge: go forth with passion, purpose, and a commitment to leaving your mark on the world. The future is ours for the taking.”

Special recognition was given to doctoral graduates during the ceremonies. The College of Education honored 21 students who completed their doctoral degree requirements, while the College of Human Sciences and Humanities recognized two students.

In a heartfelt moment, during the 3 p.m. ceremony, Shasta Cheyenne Blackerby Netter was posthumously awarded a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology. Shasta tragically passed away during her final term before graduating.

“Shasta's unwavering dedication to her studies and her vibrant presence deeply touched all who knew her. We are grateful to have members of her family here with us to receive this degree in her honor,” said President Walker.

UHCL’s commencement ceremony served as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of education and the boundless potential of each graduate to effect meaningful change. As graduates turned their tassels at the end of the event, UHCL armed them with the knowledge, skills, and a sense of purpose to go into the world and make a positive impact in their communities and the world at large.

For more information about UHCL’s Spring 2024 Commencement, visit www.uhcl.edu/academics/commencement/.

University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) will host its annual spring 2024 STEM Challenge on Saturday, April 13, 2024, in UH-Clear Lake’s Bayou Building and STEM Building. This team-based competition, offering both Programming and Science Tracks, promises a day full of enrichment, awards, scholarships to UHCL up to $3,000, prizes and much more. Teams will engage in a series of challenges encompassing logic, engineering, programming, and science, showcasing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Lupita Hernandez, STEM Careers Program Director, said that the STEM Challenge provides a unique opportunity for local high schools, community colleges, and universities to engage in hands-on STEM activities. The event is designed to foster a stress-free environment, encouraging students to explore and pursue STEM careers. By offering scholarships, UHCL aims to support future students in achieving their career goals at UHCL.

“We want students to feel like UHCL is home for them, and that they can pursue a degree in STEM and be successful at our university,” said Hernandez. “Not only can students receive scholarships for winning the challenges, but this event is beneficial as students will have access to network with STEM faculty, current students, and learn about mentorship opportunities.”

Participants will have the option to tour UHCL’s campus after the event. The challenge is free and open to high school and undergraduate students. Students are encouraged to register as teams of no more than four students. Students with no teams can register individually and be assigned to a team.

Registration opens on Thursday, March 7, 2024. Secure your spot and learn more by visiting www.uhcl.edu/stem-challenge.

University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) proudly announces the commencement of its 50^th anniversary celebrations with the theme, “Launched in 1974. Still Soaring.” This September marks half a century of educational excellence, community engagement, and innovative growth for the university. UH-Clear Lake invites faculty, staff, students, and the community to honor the past, celebrate the present, and embrace the future together by participating in the festivities planned throughout the year.

“This milestone offers a unique opportunity for our entire UHCL community — alumni, faculty, staff, students, and local partners — to celebrate their enduring connection to our university,” said UHCL President Richard Walker. “I’m excited to celebrate this remarkable journey with everyone through the many events we have planned for this year.”

The first of these events is scheduled for Thursday, February 15, from 10-11:30 a.m. at UHCL, 2700 Bay Area Boulevard in Houston, TX, 77058. Participants will meet in front of the Bayou Building at the west entrance, near the Spiritus Mundi sculpture, where Dr. Walker will deliver a few words. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the university’s accomplishments over the past five decades and its aspirations for continued development.

The event will also include the artwork of local artist Jacob (Jake) Mesa. A native Houstonian and self-taught artist, Mesa has painted several murals on the UH-Clear Lake campus and will paint the scene where Dr. Walker will give his remarks.

UHCL welcomed its first 1,069 students in September of 1974 in the Arbor Building and an off-site location under the leadership of Alfred R. Neumann, the university’s founding chancellor. Classes expanded to the Bayou Building, the first phase of the permanent campus, in 1975.

Today, our enrollment continues to grow, and the campus now includes five classroom buildings, a recreation and wellness center, on-campus housing, programs and courses at our Pearland location, and programs housed on the 14^th floor in the Fannin Tower at the Texas Medical Center. Additional festivities will take place throughout the year to celebrate these and other accomplishments as well as the achievements of its 78,000+ alumni over the last 50 years.

To learn more about UHCL’s history and the 50^th anniversary celebrations, go to https://50.uhcl.edu/.

University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) will host its fall 2023 commencement ceremonies on Saturday,  December 9, at NRG Arena in Houston. The ceremonies will confer over 1,000 degrees to graduates from the Colleges of Science and Engineering and Human Sciences and Humanities during a 10 a.m. ceremony, and the Colleges of Education and Business during a 3 p.m. ceremony.

Millicent Hendrix, who is receiving her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from the College of Human Sciences and Humanities, will deliver the commencement address for the morning ceremony. During her academic journey at UHCL, Hendrix served in various capacities, such as student therapist at the Psychological Services Clinic, mentor for the Hawk Leadership Institute, and teaching assistant. Upon graduation, Hendrix plans to continue her research at UTHealth in the Trauma and Resilience Center.

Commencement speaker for the afternoon ceremony, Nayeli Romero, is receiving her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from the College of Education. Romero is the proud mother of two sons and a first-generation college student. While at UHCL, she served as junior vice president of the Bilingual Education Student Organization and completed an internship at Heritage Elementary School in La Porte, where she will also begin her career as a pre-k bilingual teacher in 2024.

Tickets are not required to attend the ceremony, and there is no limit to the number of guests for each graduate.

This fall's candidates will join over 78,000 others who have graduated from the university. UHCL began as an upper-division university in 1974, admitting juniors, seniors, and graduate students. The university expanded to admit freshmen in 2014.

For more information about UHCL's fall 2023 commencement, go to www.uhcl.edu/academics/commencement/.

“Teams from the Neumann Library and Writing Center came together for this brilliant idea. A ‘Little Library’ is a free community-based book exchange. The idea is for our UHCL community members to utilize this to take a book and share a book,” he said. "This encourages reading and fosters a sense of community.”

Site Coordinator Priscilla Perez is a senior graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology this fall. She said ‘The Little Library Project’ was important to her because she’s aspired to do this project since she was a kid.

“I tried to implement one in my neighborhood when I was younger because we did not have access to a library where I grew up,” Perez said. “I originally wanted to implement the project last year when I was president of Hawks 4 Community, but got discouraged because I did not know how to facilitate it.”

Despite challenges, Perez persevered and got the help she needed from departments on campus and peers to successfully carryout the project, cultivating many relationships throughout the process.

“I am very pleased with how the project turned out. I think it was really successful in getting students excited to volunteer and making them feel empowered,” she said. “The exchange box spreads literacy not only among our students, but also the entire community. After finishing the project, I felt emotional because of how dedicated I was to push it forward,” she added. “I really love the idea of having a space on campus where students can trade books, support literacy and build community all at the same.”

‘The Little Library’ is now available for free use at UHCL’s Potter Pond. Perez said getting involved on campus gives students a voice and strengthens necessary skills, such as time management, leadership, communication and networking, and other skills that are applicable to their fields of study.

Although ‘The Little Library Project’ was the focal point for unification during UHCL Cares Day, the Hawks 4 Community and Green Thumb League student organizations also organized a garden project at Hunter Hall.

“They brought new life to a flower bed that needed some attention,” Nash said. “It was great to see two registered student organizations working together to help beautify our campus.”

In addition to the other UHCL Cares Day activities, students showed their appreciation for University Police by washing their patrol cars, collaborating with the Environmental Justice Association for the ‘Habitat Restoration Project’ at the UHCL walking trail, and also hosting a campus clean-up project.

Nash said that UHCL Cares Day is all about giving back to campus through service and encourages students to get involved in future events.

“Volunteering at our service events is easy. We want students to feel like they belong and have a safe space with our team,” he said. “Be on the lookout for emails requesting volunteers and always connect with us on UHCL Get Involved."

The next large day of service is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on Jan. 19, 2024. Registration for this event is coming soon.

For more information about volunteer opportunities and how to get involved on campus, visit uhcl.campuslabs.com/engage/news/271582.

University of Houston- Clear Lake’s third annual Sustainable Stories Film Fest and Juried Art Exhibition will take place on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, in the Bayou Theater and Art Gallery at 1 p.m.  The festival aims to expose the community to ideas, concepts and stories of sustainability, and to empower filmmakers and artists working on sustainability-related projects. This year's special focus for the festival is Disability Visibility.

Associate Professor of Communications and Digital Media Michael Brims, the event’s co-founder and main organizer, said more than 100 films were submitted from all over the world for this year’s festival.

“We are inviting the best films to participate in the festival,” Brims said. “This is the third time we’re hosting this festival, and it’s a collaborative effort.”

Director of Cultural Arts Eric Despard, Emerging Technology Librarian Elizabeth Fridrick, Director of First-Year Seminar Program and Coordinator of UHCL Common Reader Program Anne Gessler and Senior Lecturer in Environmental Management Kathleen Garland, have been working alongside Brims to host the festival.

This year’s feature film, ‘The Artist & the Astronaut', is a remarkable tale of an unlikely love story between the artist Pat Musick, a civil rights activist and former UHCL art professor, and the Apollo astronaut Jerry Carr. Their paths intersected during some of the most pivotal moments in human history, making for an incredible story of love, art and perseverance. This documentary is filled with never-before-seen footage of the early space pioneers and features interviews with key figures from that era, providing an intimate look into their lives and the historical events. There will be a talkback with filmmaker Bill Muench after the film.

Brims added that the art exhibition features seven works by Pat Musick, paintings, drawings, ceramics, sculptures, video art, and local and international submitted VR pieces related to sustainability in the Neumann Library XR lab. 

The art exhibition and interactive pieces start on Nov.6 and continue through Dec. 8., with daily film screenings in the Art Gallery's adjacent black box cinema.

For more information about the Sustainable Stories Film Fest, visit www.sustainable-stories.org/. To purchase tickets for the festival, visit uhcl.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1415.

In his first official State of the University address as University of Houston-Clear Lake’s sixth president, Richard Walker highlighted the university’s most noteworthy achievements over the last year, including its legislative priorities, its strong commitment to its federal designations as a Hispanic and Minority-Serving Institution, and its continued success in comprehensive student support.

“This is an opportune moment to reflect on our collective journey, celebrate our achievements, and set the stage for the exciting future that lies ahead,” Walker said. “A lot has transpired over the past year that has significant implications for the higher education sector, and for UH-Clear Lake in particular.”

Advocating for Legislative Support

Walker said that priorities affecting higher education in the 88^th Legislative Session emphasized student affordability, with allocations for Hazelwood veteran legacies, university employee health, and the comprehensive university fund, and increased formula funding—all with the stipulation of freezing undergraduate resident tuition and fees for two years.

UHCL also received an allocation of $2.49 million through the Comprehensive Regional University funds to support at-risk students, as well as $1 million for our Student Teacher Education Program.

Walker explained that STEP, an initiative aiming to mitigate the teacher shortage by partnering with local school districts, would expand from six to eight districts. “Upon graduation, participants will be placed back into these supporting districts,” he said. “Additionally, we received legislative support for our Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, and an allocation for the Environmental Institute of Houston.”

Elevated National Rankings

The university’s dedication to its federal designations as an HSI and MSI are reflected in its top positions in recently-published Niche rankings. Walker said that UHCL was listed at No. 8 out of 118 Best HSIs in Texas, and No. 30 out of 572 in the U.S.

“These accolades not only validate our efforts, but open up new avenues for grant opportunities, further enriching our community in meaningful ways,” he said. “We are also doubling down on comprehensive student support by creating new synergies in our services and programs to cater to the unique needs of all our students, including underrepresented groups, first-generation students, and low-income students.”

Walker also noted a pivotal shift for UHCL last year, as U.S. News & World Report elevated UHCL’s designation from a regional to a nationally-ranked university.

“In our second year in this category, we continue to make impressive strides in the list of 2024 Best Colleges. UHCL now stands at No. 12 among the Top Public Institutions in Texas and No. 304 among all national universities—up 27 positions,” he said. “We’ve also made a significant leap in the ‘Top Performer for Social Mobility’ ranking, moving up 66 spots to No. 143 among national universities. These rankings are a testament to our collective efforts to deliver a nationally ranked and regionally focused experience for our students.”

UHCL has also been recognized in the Campus Ethnic Diversity and Least Debt categories, highlighting the university’s commitment to serving students and providing an affordable education.

Doubling Down on Student Support

Walker said that from September 2022 to August 2023, UHCL had been awarded 53 grants, resulting in over $7.2 million in funding, allowing the university to advance in numerous key areas.

Thanks to this funding, Walker explained that the university was able to advance in several critical areas, from exploring health disparities and offering vital workforce training, to providing students and faculty with valuable opportunities for research and development.

“One grant that particularly stands out is the nearly $950,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education for our Basic Needs-Supporting Student Success program,” he said. “This significant funding serves to broaden financial support for students grappling with challenges in food, housing, transportation, medical care and technology.”

Addressing those needs, he continued, enhanced student retention and accelerated graduation timelines, setting the stage for students to swiftly transition into impactful careers.

“This initiative promises to benefit not just current students, but to lay a foundation for future generational mobility.”

Expanding Student Resources

In August, UHCL celebrated the grand opening of its Enrollment Welcome Center. “For a potential student wishing to tour our facilities, or a current student navigating financial aid, course registration, or advising, the Center will facilitate a seamless experience,” he said. “And, understanding the integral role that student well being plays in the UHCL community, we recognize the need for comprehensive mental health support and have augmented our focus in this critical area.”

The Counseling and Mental Health Center is at the forefront of this initiative, offering a spectrum of services that go beyond the traditional.

“We aim to create a culture that prioritizes mental health,” Walker said. “But, our responsibility to meeting the needs of our students goes beyond mental wellness. The new Center for Student Advocacy and Community, known as CSAC, offers resources and also aims to tangibly enhance all students’ experience. “It serves as a hub for all students to find support, resources and a sense of belonging,” he explained. “By intensifying our focus on these areas, we are equipping our students with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of life beyond graduation.”

Record-high Graduation Numbers and Beyond

This past year, Walker said, over 2,427 students crossed the stage in fall and spring commencement ceremonies. “This record-breaking number of graduates significantly enhances our institutional profile, and it’s an achievement in which we take great pride,” he said. “This exemplifies our universities dedication to student success and academic excellence, and sets a new benchmark for the level of achievement we aim to sustain and exceed.”

As the university continues to work toward attracting a new cohort of students, it is expanding academic offerings. Walker announced the newly-approved Master of Science in Nursing Education and Leadership program, and exploration into a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, as well as a degree or concentration in commercial aerospace enterprise.

Walker added that these initiatives and many others would usher in an upcoming landmark event—the university’s 50^th anniversary celebration in 2024. “Planning has commenced, and it’s shaping up to be a yearlong celebration filled with events, memories, and more forward-looking initiatives.”

David Engel, also known as ‘Pirate Professor Billy Bones,’ will bring his swashbuckling adventure to University of Houston- Clear Lake’s Bayou Theater on Thursday Nov. 9, at 6 p.m. The “Pirate School: Sea Dreams!” experience includes audience participation, adept magic, antic bubble-play, eccentric props and a host of other family-friendly fun.  

When Engel was five years old, his parents threw him a pirate themed birthday party, and that’s when he knew what he wanted to be. He participated in festivals and theater throughout his childhood, and after high school, attended Columbia College for Liberal Arts.   

“One thing my mom made me do, was learn about the world before I got into acting school. I learned about history, sociology and science,” Engel said. “That all led to me being a well-rounded actor and clown. I could connect to things on a deeper level.”  

After completing his college degree, Engel went to Europe and performed street theater. He said that was also a real education, because it gave him a different experience. During his last years of acting school, he got into performing at kids’ birthday parties, and this is how “Pirate School!” became reality.  

“While some actors wait tables to make extra money, I decided to be a pirate performer, which started early at kids’ parties,” Engel said. “Kids are a very challenging audience. You know when you’re being successful, or when you’re dropping the ball.”  

Engel added that although his target audience for the show are kids ages 4-12, he also makes sure to connect with teenagers and adults.  

“In my shows, we certainly have fun. The pirate theme seems to be an evergreen theme with kids and adults in all parts of society. I’ve even noticed it in Texas,” Engel said. “This country is fractured enough. One of the things about ‘Pirate School!’, it’s all about building community, tolerance and understanding in a darkened theater.”  

He wants the audience to feel inspired and magical while watching him.   

“If I can get people to come to a show and they’ve never been to the theater before, then the whole community becomes open to them and they might want to catch the next performance,” he said.  

No worries on scaring the children. Engel won’t make them cry, but instead hopes to curb bullying, impart life lessons and promote good manners and social courage.  

“I loved Daffy Duck growing up. This is the type of clowning patrons in the Bayou Theater may expect. I am not a circus or scary clown,” Engel said. “I’m a ‘theatrical clown’ or ‘character clown.’”  

Engel said along the way, he learned the importance of his work and its influence on children.  

“When people laugh, that’s about as human as they get. When they laugh, they aren’t worried about their business, or problems, but are human at that moment. They leave the theater transformed, displaying more of their best qualities, and that is very impactful,” he said. “I stayed the course and have been performing ever since.”  

Engel encourages kids and adults to come dressed in pirate costumes. For more information about UHCL’s Bayou Theater, and to purchase tickets to this event visit uhcl.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1399&r=2b5672018bfb4a44999e5e1e638f206c . 

Fall is a great time to get fit. University of Houston-Clear Lake’s Recreation and Wellness Center (RWC) makes it easy with its many amenities, fitness classes, personal training options, and recreational sports. The Rec Center opened its doors in August 2018 and now meets the wellness needs of hundreds of students, faculty, staff, and community members every week. Continuing with this mission, it recently launched new group fitness classes and events, including the first-ever Halloween-themed Pumpkin Fit class. New nutrition services are also available this semester.

When life gives you pumpkins, lift weights! The new Pumpkin Fit class will take place on Friday, October 27, from 5-6 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Studio 2. Pumpkins of various sizes will be used in place of weights. Exercises will include squats, curls, and crunches, to name a few. So, if you’re looking for a fun, memorable way to work out and get into the fall harvest feeling, this class may be just enough to do the trick. Costumes are welcome and encouraged.

The Rec Center typically offers 20-25 weekly group classes, which are taught by certified instructors, most of whom are UHCL students. Director of Campus Recreation and Wellness Michelle Mirpuri describes these classes as a great opportunity to get a well-rounded workout in a fun, social setting.

“We offer a variety of classes that improve cardiovascular endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility,” she said. “Plus, the instructors are motivating, the music is energizing, and the classes are right here on campus offered at times convenient for an after-work or after-class workout.”

In addition to the new Pumpkin Fit class this semester are the Stretch & Roll, High Low with Margo, and Barbell Strength classes. The popular Zumba, Total Body, and Cardio Kettlebell will also be available. These options will be available until Saturday, December 23.

Exercise is crucial to your overall health, but nutrition is equally important. That’s why the Rec Center is pleased to now offer nutrition consultation packages and workshops with a certified nutrition coach. Learn more about plant-based nutrition, cooking healthy for the holidays, and how to eat right when you’re stressed out.

“The nutrition workshops provide tips to individuals to fuel their bodies and minds,” Mirpuri said. “We want our community to understand the role nutrition plays in focusing the mind and having energy for physical activity. Our nutrition workshops will cover various topics of interest, and our nutrition consultations will provide more individualized strategies.”

All workshops are free to members. One-on-one nutrition consultation packages range from $30-$80 and include either basic meal guidelines or an individual meal plan. These packages are also available exclusively for RWC members and UHCL students.

The full group fitness class schedule can be found at www.uhcl.edu/student-affairs/health-wellness/campus-recreation/fitness/gfschedoct.pdf. To learn more about the Rec Center’s nutrition services, go to www.uhcl.edu/student-affairs/health-wellness/campus-recreation/fitness/nutrution-services

Grammy-nominated Texas-born, Louisiana-raised pianist and vocalist Marcia Ball said she’d grown up steeped in the sounds of rhythm and blues in a home filled with music on the radio. “When I was growing up in Vinton, Louisiana, those parts were full of soul music and rhythm and blues,” she said. “The big radio station was KFDM in Beaumont, and the Big Bopper was the DJ. That’s how I grew up.”

She’s sharing her unique style of playful, rollicking, singalong blues on University of Houston-Clear Lake’s Bayou Theater stage Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m.

“When I was growing up, there were bands on both sides of the Sabine River,” she said. “I listened to the Boogie Kings, Blues Kings, and I went to all the clubs on the Louisiana side of the river, where things were looser than in Texas. There was a lot of music to be heard, and my grandmother started me playing piano when I started school.”

She said that she’d listened to all the local artists in New Orleans, but at age 13, she went to see a certain show where a lot of performers played. She only remembered one of them.

“It was Irma Thomas,” she said. “I don’t remember anyone but her. That set me on a path that I’m still on today, in terms of my style.”

Irma Thomas, a contemporary of Aretha Franklin and Etta James, was known as the “Soul Queen of New Orleans.”

She said Irma Thomas became her music hero, and her friend. “I have had five Grammy nominations, always in the Contemporary Blues category. The first time was for a record called ‘Sing It!’ that I made with Irma Thomas and Tracy Nelson in 1998,” she said. “It was very exciting. I’ve been to the Grammys twice. When you’re nominated, you get a blue Tiffany box with a bronze medallion on a ribbon. I still have all that, and Irma is still my friend to this day.”

During her five decades long-career, Ball said she’d joined a rock band and screamed Janis Joplin for a while, then moved to Austin and returned to her roots. “I went through the 70s playing country, and in the 80s I decided to go back to my roots, which are in New Orleans rhythm and blues,” she said.

Ball and her five-piece band, including a drummer, a bass player, a guitarist, and a saxophonist alongside her piano and vocals, have one hope for their audience when they perform. “We just want to lift people up and make them have fun,” she said. “We play serious songs with serious content, but it’s mostly about having a good time, making people happy and having a celebration.”

For more information about upcoming events, or to reserve or purchase tickets, go to www.uhcl.edu/bayou-theater/.

Michael Cleveland picked up a fiddle at the age of four, and he describes the memory as, “love at first note.” Since then, he has made his passion for bluegrass music into a Grammy-winning career, with additional accolades from the International Bluegrass Music Association and a seat at the National Fiddler’s Hall of Fame. He and his band, Flamekeeper, will bring his fiddling fireworks to University of Houston- Clear Lake’s Bayou Theater on Friday, Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m.

As a boy, he heard a local fiddler playing when he attended the bluegrass shows his grandparents hosted near his hometown, Henryville, Indiana. Cleveland is as passionate about playing today as he was back then.

“I just love to play. It’s all I ever wanted to do,” Cleveland said. “It’s like any other occupation, you have days that aren’t great. No matter how much I am playing, how busy it gets or how tired I am, the music and shows always remind me why I do this.”

Cleveland attended Kentucky School for the Blind in Louisville, where he said many of his teachers were also visually impaired, but still able to assist and do anything they set their minds to. They didn’t let the disability stop them, and he wasn’t going to let it stop him from achieving his dreams either. Cleveland said they inspired him.

“When you love something this much you can’t help but want to do it,” Cleveland said. “I didn’t really think a lot about my disability. The people I was around never made a big deal out of the fact that I was blind. Resilient people and great musicians came out of there.”

He began playing professionally after high school and has since been a seven-time recipient of the IBMA Instrumental Group of the Year’ award with Flamekeeper. The group includes Josh Richards, Nathan Livers, Chris Douglas and Jasiah Shrode.

Cleveland said this will be the first time the group will perform at the Bayou Theater, and they are excited about it.

“When it’s a good show, and the music is good, we can all hear like we’re supposed to and the crowd is into it, that’s the ultimate high for me,” Cleveland said. “It’s an adrenaline rush like no other.”

Cleveland added that the group plays high energy bluegrass music. He likes playing for the “die-hard” traditional bluegrass fans, but he loves playing bluegrass music for those who don’t have much knowledge of the genre to show them how great it can be.

“Playing in a theater like this is a great thing and something I’ve always wanted to do for a long time. People coming to the show may have just the slightest idea of what bluegrass is,” Cleveland said.

The group will be playing selections from Cleveland’s new album ‘The Lovin’ of the Game,’ and older selections.

For more information about Michael Cleveland visit, www.michaelclevelandfiddle.com/the-band/. To purchase tickets to the show visit, uhcl.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1396&r=a78057ec4ea94cd493517a0ae8352f65.

University of Houston-Clear Lake marked the grand opening of its new Welcome Center Aug. 31, with university administrators, faculty, staff and students in attendance to celebrate.

The freshly-upgraded Welcome Center is the home of the Office of Admissions and is located on the first floor of the Student Services and Classroom Building. Its aim is to be the central hub for prospective students during an in-person visit, and current students seeking information about everything UH-Clear Lake has to offer during an in-person visit-- all in one place.

“The university placed a priority on this renovation in order to create a more welcoming and efficient operations center for the primary delivery of support services to our students,” said Vice President for Administration and Finance Mark Denney. “This is the central location for our students to get support and assistance as they move through the enrollment process, registration for the  courses they need, financial aid support, or scheduling advising. It will also facilitate the enrollment process of new students throughout the year.”

The center’s state-of-the-art presentation room is now equipped to host recruiting events, high school student groups, and more. “We are so pleased to welcome tours and families to our campus,” said UHCL President Richard Walker. “Meeting prospective students here in our new, expanded Welcome Center  has been part of our vision for a long time. It’s critical to start talking to students very early about the possibilities of their college education, and all that it entails.

He added that bringing more groups on campus was a very exciting prospect. 

“We invested in creating a space that was intentionally designed to meet the needs of our prospective students and their families. At UHCL, students come first,” Walker said.  “We understand the importance of providing a unique and memorable experience-from the time they step foot on the campus as a prospective student all the way through their entire educational experience.”

For more information about UHCL's Welcome Center, visit www.uhcl.edu/student-enrollment-center/.

Houston-based Gulf Coast Guitar Association is performing in University of Houston- Clear Lake’s Bayou Theater on Friday, Sept. 8, at 7:30 p.m.  Artistic directors of the GCGA, Jay Kacherski and Jeremy García, are bringing their passion, years of experience and love for music to the stage. They will be joined by Brazilian pianist Lina Morita, and Cuban-born singer Irma La Paloma, in an eclectic program featuring contemporary classical works, and traditional and original flamenco compositions. This will be the second time the group performs at UH-Clear Lake together, and García said they are happy to be back.

“Last year was the first time all four of us played together. It was a blast, and a great program. We are excited to be back for this one,” he said. “The idea of sharing the stage is something we all look forward to because it’s really a meeting of the minds.”

Jay Kacherski and Lina Morita are performing solo guitar and guitar- piano duos from their newly released CD ‘Landscapes’ of new works by David Mitchell, Cutberto Cordova and Clarice Assad. Featured is a world premiere of Houstonian Todd Frazier's ‘Fantasy,' written in the American classical style with a touch of blues. 

García and La Paloma will perform works by Isaac Albénez, original compositions by García from his new album ‘Nuevo Día,’ and the premiere of a new piece by La Paloma called ‘Mis Alegrias.’ Violinist Eugeniu Cheremoush, and percussionist Andrés Felix, are also joining them to create a diverse and expansive evening of music.

“What we’re trying to get across to the audience, and what they can expect to see with our performance and musical offering, is that it is designed to be appreciated by everyone,” García said. “It’s going to be multicultural in its outreach, and I think it’s going to be a wonderful performance.”

Kacherski said the program will be eclectic, not only in the programming, but with the instruments.

“The audience will hear solo guitar, guitar and piano, guitar with percussion, vocals, and violin. There will be a variety of combinations of instruments as well,” he said.

Kacherski and García are both music professors, and said performing at UHCL is different from performing in other environments.

“It’s a little different from what we would usually do at a university where most of the audience are students and faculty that know classical music. At UHCL, we aren’t necessarily only playing for musicians. The Bayou Theater serves the whole community,” Kacherski said.

García added that the Bayou Theater is a wonderful theater that puts on many great programs, and is a treasure in Clear Lake. He wants to make a connection with the audience, and leave them with a gift.

“The best part about performing is when you look out into the audience, and see that you’ve captured someone by what they’re listening to, and building that community,” he said. “The reality is, it doesn’t matter what your background is, all music is important and everyone connects with it on some level.”

García said this is live music where the audience is not only limited to connecting during the performance but after the concert as well.

“We’re approachable, come talk to us afterwards. If there are questions, comments, or feedback, connect with us. The people need that connection,” he said.

For more information about UHCL’s Bayou Theater and upcoming events, visit www.uhcl.edu/bayou-theater/. To purchase tickets for this event, visit uhcl.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1392&r=d2888b750b7346aeb464e81277853992

Texas native Tim Kerr’s art will be on display in the University of Houston- Clear Lake Art Gallery on July 17 through August 25. Kerr is a well-traveled “self-expressionist” who has displayed his art all over the U.S. and internationally. Not only is he well known for his photography and painted murals, but also for his music. The Texas music Hall of Famer produces and has been a member of 11 bands.

Kerr said that we all influence someone in a way. He paints in hopes that by portraying others who have made a positive impact, it could possibly plant a seed in the viewer to participate in something positive as well.

“I get inspired every day,” Kerr said. “I’ve loved music and art since before elementary school. I’ve never put boundaries on my creativity or put myself in a box. When I create, I want someone to realize they have self-expression too. That’s the icing on the cake.”

Kerr said he is honored to display his work in UH-Clear Lake’s Art Gallery. He likes to paint murals of influential people, history and civil rights, music and collaborative pieces.  Kerr also collaborates with Houston artist, Robert Hodge. Some of their works will also be on display.

“A lot of artists work solo. I like to collaborate too, and give people a chance to display their work alongside mine,” Kerr said. “Robert Hodge makes collages and screen printing.”

Kerr is not into labels when it comes to his art or himself. He said there are too many rules and no freedom with labels.

“We’re individuals. I’ve never been comfortable with labels and their restrictions. When someone confines me to one label, they do themselves and me a disservice,” he said.

Kerr hopes to get his audience’s creativity and individuality going at UH-Clear Lake when they view his work in the exhibit.

“I sign ‘your name here’ on all my work. When someone looks at the bottom of the piece to see who created it, and sees ‘your name here’, it’s a call to arms to celebrate your own self- expression,” he said.

 For more information about UHCL’s Art Gallery, visit www.uhcl.edu/art-gallery/

Over 1,265 University of Houston-Clear Lake spring 2023 graduates will earn their degrees and be recognized during a commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 13, at 10 a.m. for the Colleges of Education and Business, and 2 p.m. for the Colleges of Science and Engineering and Human Sciences and Humanities at NRG Arena, 1 NRG Parkway, Houston.

Of the 1,265 graduates, 759 will receive their undergraduate degree, and 506 will be recognized for receiving graduate degrees.

The Colleges of Education and Business will confer degrees to 223 and 328 graduates, respectively, including 15 COE graduates who will be receiving doctorates. The College of Science and Engineering will confer 367 degrees, and the College of Human Sciences and Humanities will confer 347, including one doctoral candidate.

Stephanie Martinez, who is receiving her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with Core Subjects Early Childhood-6 with Bilingual Supplemental from the College of Education, will deliver the commencement address for the earlier ceremony. During her time at UH-Clear Lake, she served as vice president and president of the Bilingual Education Student Organization and hopes to become a second-grade teacher in an area school district this fall.

The commencement speaker for the second ceremony is Marian Lai, who is receiving her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the College of Science and Engineering. Lai joined the Hawk Leadership Institute upon entering UHCL, ultimately becoming a peer mentor. She credits her experience in HLI with helping cultivate her leadership skills, and plans to attend nursing school in the fall. 

There is no limit to the number guests that can attend for each graduate. Tickets are not required to attend.

This spring's candidates will join over 78,000 others who have graduated from the university. UHCL began as an upper-level university in 1974, admitting juniors, seniors and graduate students. The university expanded to admit underclassmen in 2014.

For more information about UHCL's spring 2023 commencement, go online. 

As University of Houston-Clear Lake celebrated Homecoming and Family Weekend last week, another milestone celebration also took place—the university’s mascot, Hunter the Hawk, turned 10 years old.

“Hunter loved popping out of the box, and cake is Hunter’s favorite food, of course,” said Katelyn Rivardo, UHCL’s Coordinator of Organizations and Activities. “Hunter is really excited to have turned 10, and they want to keep putting  their name out there to get people excited. Some people don’t realize that Hunter is our mascot, so we are working on building more recognition.”

Rivardo said that back in 1999, students who were planning the annual Welcome Back Bash created an icon out of the university’s blue and green block logo and named it “Blockie” but it had never been UHCL’s official mascot.

“We actually have hawks on campus,” Rivardo said. “In 2010, when they started the process of getting an official mascot, the hawk was the best option. The costumed character of Hunter was chosen and named in 2013.”

Rivardo said that Hunter’s Flight Crew helps walk Hunter around, makes sure they get where they’re supposed to go, stays protected, and that anyone who wants a photo with Hunter has a chance. “Hunter adds positivity to our campus,” she said. “There’s always excitement when Hunter comes.”

Now that they’re 10 years old, Rivardo said, Hunter is reaffirming their hope to keep helping Hawks soar to new heights and strive for excellence. “Hunter just wants to keep everyone excited about the blue and green,” she said.

For more information about UHCL’s Mascot Program, go online. 

The American Marketing Association, a newly-formed student organization at University of Houston-Clear Lake, won the annual battle of the chili recipes that took place during the university’s Homecoming and Family Weekend on April 15. The Chili Cook-Off is UH-Clear Lake’s longest-standing tradition, with 16 teams competing with the most creative, spiciest concoctions in hopes of achieving the honor of being known as 2023’s chili-making champion.

The American Marketing Association’s recipe for “Hawks Heat” won the popular vote for Best Chili and placed second in the judges’ Best Chili category.

Since the organization was created only about two months ago, the group’s vice president of promotions and advertising Lauren Lowe and vice president of the organization’s website Joshua Espinoza said there wasn’t much time to plan or even to come up with a good chili recipe.

“We’re a new student org and we really wanted to get some awareness about us in the Cook-Off, and I think it worked,” said Lauren Lowe. “We did signs and a raffle, which was a great way to get people to come to our booth and at least try the chili.”

Figuring out the “chili strategy” was not easy, Espinoza said.

“This was a last-minute decision for our org to get involved. We talked it over with our teammates and we just executed,” he said. “We divided the team up and did a lot of online chili research. Our job was to find a recipe, make it, and taste it. Everyone brought their chili to a meeting and we voted on the one we liked best—that was Joyce Saraiva’s recipe.”

Saraiva said she was very surprised to learn that her recipe was the group’s choice.

“I’m a senior and I’m going to graduate this summer, and I joined AMA at the last minute because I was about to graduate without ever having been in an organization,” she said. “I cook all the time but I have never made chili. We did not discuss how we were going to make the chili, except that we weren’t going to use beans.”

She said her mother taught her to just look around her pantry and pull things together. “I just thought, what do you put in chili? I made a base with meat and tomato, but since we weren’t going to use beans, I needed something with texture,” she said. “Someone mentioned fire-roasted diced tomatoes. To me, that means it’s spicy, and I like spicy. I added serrano peppers. But I don’t want to give away the recipe!”

After working the recipe flavors for some time, and taste-testing with her children, she came up with the team’s Hawks Heat recipe. “I did not look this up online,” she said. “I was just going with it. I had no idea that my chili made from things I just gathered up in my kitchen would make it that far.”

There was one more key ingredient that she added. “Bacon,” she said. “I wanted the chili to have a smoky flavor, so I looked in the fridge and saw bacon. I said that would be the ingredient that would pull it together and make it different.”

Saraiva said she thought they had a “never-ending pot.”

“We had 10 pounds of chili and we ran out,” she said. “I thought we had so much, but so many people came back for seconds and thirds, it was gone!”

Lowe and Espinoza said they also thought they had enough to last the entire event, but theirs was the first chili to run out.

“We had great word of mouth for ours,” Lowe said. “We got to implement a lot of things we have been learning in our marketing classes. We did not have the best-looking booth because we are so new, and we aren’t like other teams who have been doing this for years. But we had really good chili, so we learned that word of mouth and having people talking about our chili and telling others to go try it is what worked.”

The AMA team of cooks also includes Clarebelle Abarquez, Scott Murphree, and Minnie Ruiz Garcia. Other members who helped direct traffic to the booth were Sara Jackson and Shirley Alexander. The org’s faculty advisor is Lecturer in Marketing Lynn Place.

For more information about UHCL’s American Marketing Association, go online. 

NASA’s Artemis program aims to land another man and the first woman on the moon by 2024, and ultimately establish sustainable space travel by 2028. The Artemis program is a stepping stone in NASA’s subsequent goal of landing on Mars, which could take a crewed mission between two and three years to complete.

Such lengthy missions could take a significant toll on the health and performance of the astronauts involved. Finding solutions to that challenge is the central question thought leaders in strength and conditioning, psychology, sport science, nutrition and related fields will explore at the Spaceflight Human Optimization and Performance Summit, to be held at University of Houston-Clear Lake April 27-29.  

Barry Spiering, lead physiologist in the New Balance Sports Research Lab, is among the summit’s expert speakers and will be sharing his insights on maintaining the health and performance of astronauts on lengthy missions.

“Being in space for a long time is like being in bed for a long time,” he said. “When you’re in space for long periods, you could see a loss of bone and muscle mass and a loss of cardiovascular function,” he said. “These and other changes in the body could disrupt health and physical performance. If someone is in space and their physical performance is jeopardized, it could affect the success of the overall mission, as well as the safety and health of the astronaut when they return to Earth.”

In the zero-gravity environment aboard the orbiting International Space Station, bones and muscles, which are built to support the body’s mass, experience loss or atrophy.

“The body is built for gravity; it’s used to dealing with forces,” Spiering said. “Over time, your muscles and bones detect forces, which tell your muscles and bones to get bigger and stronger. But in space, where there’s no gravity, those forces and signals are much less. Without them, your bones and muscles get weaker because there’s fewer forces to tell them to get stronger.”

The cardiovascular system can suffer in space as well. “Gravity pulls blood toward your feet,” explained Spiering. “Your heart adjusts to that and can maintain blood pressure and delivery on Earth. But in zero gravity, there’s nothing to pull the blood to the feet.”

The loss of gravity causes more blood to be around the heart. “Usually there isn’t that much blood around the heart, and it gets rid of plasma volume, which is the water content in the blood. Your body thinks you don’t need it,” he said. “Then, when you get back to earth, your body has trouble regulating its blood pressure. This is called orthostatic intolerance.”

Remedies for these issues are tricky, Spiering said, and although strength training is important, the problem requires more than one solution.

“Strength training is great because it maintains strength and replaces those forces that trigger the muscles and bones to get stronger,” he said. “But NASA scientists show that it’s not 100% effective in space. There are many nutritional questions as well. We aren’t sure if eating more calories helps maintain muscles size and strength. Maybe more protein? Protein helps with muscles, but not necessarily with bone loss. Diet is a huge part of the question we are considering here.”

So, what is the upper limit of an astronaut’s ability to maintain health and performance in space?

“Part of what NASA is doing, and one of the topics of this conference, is to extend how long astronauts can safely be in space,” Spiering said. “If we combine knowledge about exercise, diet, bones, muscles and the heart, we can come up with some powerful information. We want to figure out what we can do maintain astronauts’ health and performance in space for as long as possible.”

Spiering’s presentation, entitled “Training for Human Performance: From Soldiers to Spaceflight,” also draws from his insights working for the Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, helping soldiers reduce injury and improve performance. The presentation takes place Friday, April 28 at 9:40 a.m. To register for the conference, go online. 

 

Someone who is alive today could step on the surface of the planet Mars. While this idea is thrilling, the reduced gravity associated with spaceflight and the cognitive stress of lengthy confinement present significant challenges for human physiology.

The Spaceflight Human Optimization and Performance Summit-2023, to be held at University of Houston-Clear Lake April 27-29, will connect thought leaders in strength and conditioning, sport science, psychology, nutrition and other related disciplines in a forum to address the physical readiness of astronauts for extended-duration spaceflight.

“UH-Clear Lake has always been connected with NASA – we were in fact a university originally built for NASA,” said Associate Professor of Exercise Science and Executive Director for the Health and Human Performance Institute Bill Amonette. “It’s an honor as a university to host an event such as this, introduce our students and community to some fascinating science, and have the opportunity to be contribute to the discussion about strength and conditioning for astronauts in missions to the moon and Mars.”

Amonette said that college students may assume that the only way to have a career in space is by working in science or engineering at NASA or for one of its contractors.

“This is no longer the case,” he said. “Now, with commercial space flight, there are many more opportunities in all scientific and engineering disciplines. We are a university with NASA in our back yard. Discussing these ideas bring more voices to the table, introduces the community to the logistics of a trip to the moon and Mars, and where we are in our general understanding of exercise and how it can prevent catastrophic decrements in performance.”

Corey Twine, astronaut strength and conditioning specialist and SHOP-23 co-director, added that many disciplines encompass optimal performance for spaceflight. “Behavioral psychology is a big part of extended-duration missions,” he said. “Team dynamics, personality, and skills will all play a role in the success of a mission. Astronauts need nutritionists, biologists, chemists, strength and conditioning coaches, athletic and physical trainers as well as mechanical and biomedical engineers who can create the devices and equipment that provides loading to the human and prevents significant loss of bone and muscle mass.”

The summit’s keynote speaker is retired astronaut Capt. Chris Cassidy, whose presentation entitled “Do One More Rep!” explores the habits of effective leaders and how they can motivate their teams to overcome obstacles. Cassidy, a retired Navy SEAL, accumulated 378 days in space and has 54 hours and 51 minutes of spacewalk time, placing him in an elite group of four U.S. crewmembers with 10 spacewalks. He is currently president and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum.

Featured speakers include Judith Hayes, Chief Science Officer for NASA, Suzanne Bell, lead of the Behavioral Health and Performance Laboratory at NASA and professor of psychology at DePaul University; Bianca Cerqueira, a human performance research scientist at Lackland AFB within KBR’s Human Performance Research Division; and  Barry Spiering, lead sport scientist for New Balance, and former scientist at NASA and the US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM).

Topics of discussion include post-flight reconditioning; nutrition as fuel for astronaut performance; wearable technology and remote monitoring; confinement, performance and extended-duration spaceflight; and the future of human performance and spaceflight.

Twenty-two years after the first human beings began living in low Earth orbit on the International Space Station, NASA aims to return to the moon in the near future, but with very different goals, and many additional agencies and partners working together requiring astronauts to be equipped to endure much lengthier stays in space.

“Exercise is critically important to maintain the cardiovascular capacity, and muscle and bone density of astronauts on the moon or in transit missions to Mars,” Amonette said. “Within our lifetime, it’s possible that humans could establish a permanent base on the moon for extended missions. But we have to be prepared to deal with the maladaptations that will come with it—changes in astronauts’ sensorimotor function, coordination, metabolic capacity, and other issues that can impair functional capabilities.”

Twine said the more we learn about exercise and nutrition, the better we will be able to address these problems. “Until now, these were used to maintain function and avoid critical loss so the individual could recover and rehabilitate on Earth," he said.  "With extended-duration missions, maintaining strength, coordination, power and metabolic capacity will be essential to continue living and working on an extraterrestrial surface."

The SHOP Summit-23 is an inaugural event made possible through a partnership between KBR and UHCL. Continuing Education Units through the National Strength and Conditioning, Texas Physical Therapy Association and the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainers are available for conference attendees.  

The cost of registration includes breakfast and lunch for both days of the summit. To register, go online. 

Fossil fuels are by far the greatest contributor to global climate change, necessitating investigation of alternative, zero-emission energy sources such as hydrogen. Sehmus Ozden, a senior carbon scientist at Lyten, says clean hydrogen is emerging as a viable way to meet net zero, and that university students in the Houston area should know more about it.

That’s because the U.S. Department of Energy has selected three Texas hydrogen hubs, including two in Houston, to submit applications for funds to develop hydrogen as an alternative to fossil fuel. The Houston Chronicle reports that the likelihood that Houston will host one of the nation’s federally-funded hydrogen hubs is increasing. As many as 10 hubs could be chosen to receive the funding.

Ozden has contributed groundbreaking research in the design and development of novel materials systems for water, energy and environmental sustainability. He will explore the process of producing clean hydrogen in presentation entitled, “Towards a Sustainable Future: Hydrogen Production and Storage” Thursday, April 27 at 12 p.m. in the Bayou Building at University of Houston-Clear Lake.

“Houston is an oil and gas city, and many energy companies are in Houston,” Ozden said. “This makes Houston one of the best candidates for launching the hydrogen hubs. Hydrogen is the future of clean energy, and it’s a rapidly growing, opening field. Students pursuing degrees in related fields should be aware of the employment opportunities that will exist.”

Because hydrogen reduces greenhouse gas emissions, it’s a sustainable fuel source. “This is a great opportunity to learn how hydrogen can contribute to sustainability,” he said. “And in a field that is opening, creative and innovative people will have great opportunities. In Houston, the prediction for the hydrogen market is that it’s expected to grow to $2.2 trillion by 2050. Now is the time to start learning more about it.”

The event is sponsored by UH-Clear Lake’s College of Science and Engineering and the Division of University Advancement. A reception will follow the presentation. To RSVP for the event, go online. 

Former Republic of Korea Prime Minister Nakyon Lee will present a lecture entitled “America’s Dream Never Ends: The Desirable Foreign Policies for the Upcoming Era,” at University of Houston-Clear Lake at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 23 in the Garden Room in Atrium I of the Bayou Building.

His discussion will focus on how the American Dream has declined in recent  years with domestic and international challenges, and ways in which isolationist foreign policies and protectionist economic policies undermine America’s international stature and credibility.

“It’s important for university students to be aware of events and policies in other countries, even those that are far away,” Lee said. “As the world's superpower, the United States has played a leading role in shaping the international order since World War II. However, recent events such as the 20 years’ military intervention in the Middle East, the refugee crisis, the global financial crisis, and the rise of China have challenged its position.”

Lee said this has led to an isolationist foreign policy and protectionist economic measures that have caused the country to become less engaged in international affairs.

“This shift has also resulted in the United States becoming less tolerant of minorities and less diverse,” he said. “It is crucial for college students, such as those at the UH-Clear Lake, to have a strong grasp of international affairs and history. Being aware of events and policies in other countries, including Korea, is essential for promoting a multi-lateral international order and embodying universal human values, such as building a middle class, strengthening economic equality, and respecting diversity.”

He added that with great power comes great responsibility.

“UHCL students have a responsibility to understand the world to ensure a brighter future for the United States and the world,” he said. “The world is becoming increasingly interconnected and diverse, and organizations that do not keep up will find it difficult to develop or even survive. UHCL students must be open to dialogue, learning, and gaining international experience, including studying different cultures, history, religions, and foreign languages.”

 Starting from college, Lee said students can promote diversity by being respectful of people who are different from them in terms of race, religion, sexual identity, and political views. “By doing so, they can help promote human rights and diversity, which are critical for the development of a brighter future for the United States and the world,” he said.

The presentation is sponsored by UHCL's College of Human Sciences and Humanities and the Department of Social and Cultural Sciences. For more information, go online. 

A delegation of about 45 University of Houston-Clear Lake students, faculty, staff,  alumni and UH System leaders traveled to Austin to engage with state legislators on behalf of the university during the new legislative session this week. Legislators declared March 7 “University of Houston-Clear Lake Day at the Capitol Day." 

District 29  Rep.  Ed Thompson and District 129 Rep.  Dennis Paul met with students and administrators and spoke about the importance of university students connecting with legislators and communicating their priorities in person. 

The UH-Clear Lake Day at the Capitol event, which occurs every biennium, is a unique civic engagement opportunity and allows UHCL ambassadors to share the impact of the university’s efforts with legislators, with the goal of continuing to secure the needed funding for its upcoming priorities, which include increasing financial aid through funding to Texas Grants, expansion funding, and comprehensive regional university funding. The delegation broke into groups and visited the offices of over 25 legislators to advocate for these initiatives. 

Nancy Arellano, a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, is part of UHCL’s Student Government Executive Council and was among the student delegates on the trip.

 “Advocating for UHCL is a way to actively leave an imprint on the people we were able to reach,” Arellano said. “Sharing our involvement, our achievement and our goals for the future with our state representatives and their staff keeps them informed that the funding we receive goes toward the growth of the whole student body. We students are the living testimonies of UHCL and in order to be recognized, we need to stay active in supporting our university.”

Shafer’s discussion, entitled “Giant Leaps Start Here,” focused on the attributes of great leaders, the importance of remaining open to learning lessons along the way, and that becoming a team player was among the most critical keys to success. 

“Great leaders are team builders, collaborators and servant leaders,” she said. “As a leader, you empower your team, trust them to meet your expectations, praise them in public and share in their success.”

Discussion moderator and NASA Alumni League President Estella Gillette said that UH-Clear Lake was a great forum, not only for providing the skills for chosen academic disciplines, but also by providing practice opportunities.

“When we become involved in activities other than the required courses, there are opportunities to network with and learn from other students, faculty, and staff, who can also become mentors and role models,” she said. “We learn to be members of teams and to collaborate, skills that are essential in the workplace.”

Gillette, a UHCL double alumna, added that alumni who have had the benefit of UHCL’s “basic” training in skills other than their chosen disciplines could continue as role models and mentors to women currently enrolled.

“Younger women have the advantage of having access to us, who are more experienced women,” she said. “Some of us are ‘pioneers’ in the quest for making room for women in all disciplines and in all levels.”

 The event was emceed by Logical Innovations President and CEO Denise Navarro. Other panelists were UHCL College of Education Dean Joan Pedro, Barrios Technology President Kelly Page, East End Chamber of Commerce President Frances Castañeda, and local artist Diane Muniz.

The theme for his investiture was “Climb Every Mountain,” in keeping with Walker’s 41-year professional commitment to student success.

“We all have mountains to climb. Who we are, personally and professionally, has been molded by every mountain that we’ve climbed in life,” he said. “Throughout my career, my primary focus has always been on student success. UHCL is an incredible institution with a focus and commitment to student success—not only in the classroom but in preparing students for an upward trajectory.”

Walker said approximately half UHCL students were first-generation college students, and as both a Hispanic-Serving and Minority-Serving Institution, he believed the university offered a supportive community in which every student could feel a sense of belonging and support.

“We welcome each one, knowing they have already climbed or are climbing some mountains and are anxious to successfully navigate higher ones,” he said. “So today, I invite you to join me as we prepare to climb our next mountain.”

To mark the occasion and to highlight Walker’s ongoing commitment to removing financial barriers for those seeking higher education, the President’s Excellence Scholarship Fund has been established, and to date,  has collected over $300,000.

UHCL’s Investiture events began Wednesday, Jan. 25 in the Bayou Theater with a fundraising concert by The Texas Tenors, who were invited to perform in support of the President’s Excellence Scholarship Fund and continued the next night with a gala dinner at the NASA Hilton, honoring the support of donors to the Fund.

Walker’s investiture was attended by over 500 people and featured a keynote address by University of Miami President Emeritus, The Honorable Donna Shalala as well as a congratulatory greeting from UH System Chancellor Renu Khator and other dignitaries.

Walker received his doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from the University of Miami. He earned a Specialist in Education in Education Administration and Supervision from Middle Tennessee State University, a Master of Education in Education Administration and Supervision from Memphis State University, and a Bachelor of Science in History from Middle Tennessee State University. He is also a graduate of the Harvard Institutes for Higher Education Management Development Program.

Investiture events at universities are traditional ceremonies that formally mark the transference of the authority and symbols of the office to the new president, usually within his or her first year. President Walker’s formal installation as UHCL’s new president took place in the university’s Bayou Theater, and included a procession of delegates from other colleges and universities as well as from within UHCL.

The Art Gallery at University of Houston-Clear Lake is commemorating Black History Month with an exhibition entitled, “The Way Forward: The Chronicles of Our Culture,” with an opening reception Friday, Feb. 3 from 6-7:30 p.m. The show, which features the work of 10 local African American artists, examines the past, present and future of African American life through paintings, drawings, sculptures and photography.

UH-Clear Lake double-alumnus Eddie Filer, Jr. collaborated with the other artists to create the show, intended to highlight specific experiences and personal insights as African Americans and as artists.

Filer said that among his work in the exhibition, the depiction of his father on the porch with the red cooler resonated most. The painting, Filer said, is called “Good Life.”

“That is about my time with my father on his porch,” he said. “He had the dreaded disease of dementia. He had been a heavy smoker, and in the summer, he did not run his air conditioner. The house was full of heat and smoke, so our meeting place was on the porch.”

The red cooler in the corner holds particular significance to the story of the painting.

“That red cooler represents the ‘good life,’” he explained. “My father used to cook and he would cater parties when he retired. His coolers were always huge. He had several of them that were filled with beer, meat, and good food. Everything came out of those coolers, and for him, they were part of his good life.”

He said those times sitting on the porch with his father represented some of his best memories. “We sat out there and had the best conversations,” he said. “This painting is about those times and about him having dementia. That’s something that can affect anyone.”

Filer said that he and his artist collaborators decided to name the exhibition “The Way Forward” to communicate their experiences as African American artists in all phases of life.

As a Black History Month event, Filer said he hoped that people visiting the exhibition would gain insight into each artist’s world and recognize the messages they intended to communicate through their work.

“Each artist in the show has tackled a certain time period in their lives, and they all want to express that if you want to deal with the present, then it’s necessary to understand the past,” he said. “In order to understand the way forward, you have to know where you came from. Then you have to be a willing participant in moving things forward.”

The exhibition also spotlights the works of Cedric Ingram, Rodney Butler, Romeo Clay Robinson, Dominic Clay, Shawn Artis, Earl Jones, Zsavon Butler, Christie Leday and Lee Carrier.

For more information about UHCL’s Art Gallery, and to learn more about this exhibition, go online. 

The Texas Tenors, acclaimed for their success as finalists of “America’s Got Talent” in 2009, as well as for their outstanding classical crossover vocals, will perform at a fundraising concert at University of Houston-Clear Lake’s Bayou Theater Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 7:30 p.m.

Their performance will be the headline event in the investiture of UH-Clear Lake’s sixth president, Richard Walker.  A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales are in support of his new initiative, the President’s Excellence Scholarship Fund, which aims to help remove financial barriers for all students.

The classically trained, vocally versatile trio with deep Texas roots is made up of JC Fisher, Marcus Collins and John Hagen. They are the most successful music group in the history of “America’s Got Talent” and have released four studio albums, hosted two PBS specials, four DVDs and a children’s book that have earned international recognition, including three Emmy Awards.

“We are so honored to be part of this,” Collins said. “We love to be part of events like this, so we can help bring awareness to the students, talk about the scholarship fund, and help further the initiative.”

Collins said that especially since the event was a fundraiser, the Tenors hoped to pack the house.

“The concert will be really fun, with everything from country to classical incorporated into new material,” he said. “We’ve got some classic rock—Queen and Aerosmith, as well as some Ed Sheeran’s ‘Perfect’ mixed in with some Italian lyrics with our three-part harmonies. There are definitely some love songs in the show, so bring your sweetheart or your significant other.”

With a combination of country, classical, Broadway, pop and classic rock, Collins said that the show would appeal to everyone.

“We always say, anyone from age 3 to 103 will love our show,” he said. “We love to get out and engage with the audience the whole show—there’s a part in the second half when I come out and sing and dance with people in the crowd. I’m so glad we are able to get that back in the show after the (COVID) separation, because that’s my favorite part.”

Collins said the Tenors knew of UHCL’s history and partnerships with NASA Johnson Space Center.

“I really think our show’s opening is tailor made for UHCL,” he said. “We have done a space-themed opening to Queen’s ‘The Show Must Go On’ for (Apollo 7 Astronaut) Walter Cunningham’s birthday for some years,” he said. “We were so honored to play for him, we created an entire show opening in honor of the space program and astronauts.”

For more information about the Bayou Theater, and to purchase tickets to the Texas Tenors’ concert, go online. 

The truth about the Christmas season is, that it’s full of anticipation, excitement and nostalgia. It can also be comical and fun, and maybe even just slightly exhausting at times. Award-winning folk/Americana duo Bettman & Halpin will be sharing the traditional songs of the season Thursday, Dec. 15 at 7: 30 p.m. in the Bayou Theater at University of Houston-Clear Lake--but with a little extra holiday, festive flair. 

“We called the show ‘Christmas is a Funny Thing’ partly because it’s the name of an original song we’ll be singing, but also because we are exploring all the truth about Christmas,” said vocalist/violinist Stephanie Bettman. “We are just human with it all. Christmas can become an ideal that everyone is reaching for, but with our show, and the songs I’ve written, I like examining quirky tunes about this time of year.”

Bettman said she hoped the music would bring a few laughs from the audience. “It’s not a comedy show, but we are just going to enjoy ourselves,” she said. “We are going to share stories, and some are hilarious. We will sing songs everyone knows, and encourage singing along. It’s such a nice part of the show. Even if you don’t consider yourself a singer, it’s such a beautiful, vibrational thing.”

She added that she and her bandmate, vocalist/mandolin player Luke Halpin were bringing along their newly-released record, entitled “Timeless.”

“We’ve got some standards and some originals,” she said. “I sing and I’ve written most of the songs. Luke plays the guitar, mandolin and violin and writes beautiful instrumentals. I hope it will be a lovely, nostalgic, cozy evening.”

For more information about the Bayou Theater, or to purchase tickets Bettman & Halpin’s show, go online. 

The Capt. Wendell M. Wilson Office of Military and Veteran Services at University of Houston-Clear Lake invited faculty, students, staff and veterans to commemorate Veterans Day in Atrium II of the Bayou Building on campus today.

The event featured remarks from UH-Clear Lake President Richard Walker, as well as Jason Babin, executive director of Military and Veteran Services. Seventh-and-eighth-grade choir students from Friendswood Junior High sang patriotic songs, and John Oyerbides, Capt. Wendell Wilson, and Anna Marie Detter also shared stories about their experiences in the military.

There are over 700 military-connected students at UHCL, which includes active duty, reservists, National Guard, veterans and their dependents.

For more information about UHCL's Office of Military and Veteran Services, go online. 

The panelists in the discussion, entitled, “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility From the Classroom to the Workplace: Are Higher Education, Human Resources, and Corporate America in Synch?” consisted of President and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Johnny C. Taylor, Jr.; retired Human Resources director and Organizational Development Consultant for NASA-JSC Natalie Saiz; and University of Southern California’s Professor of Management, and Founder and Director for the Race and Equity Center Shaun Harper.

“Equity and inclusion are business practices and strategies that the most successful organizations follow, irrespective of sector,” said UH-Clear Lake President Richard Walker. “Accommodation simply makes those who are already productive even more so, with little to no cost to the organization. Maintaining an SDEIA organizational focus is good business as well as the right thing to do.”

The speakers addressed the question of whether higher education, human resources, and corporate America are in synch with the changes that result from increasing diversity in those areas.

The discussion was moderated by noted Houston TV journalist Linda Lorelle. The President’s Speaker Series is held once a semester. For more information about the next event, monitor online. 

University of Houston-Clear Lake’s second annual Sustainable Stories Film Fest, spotlighting films and art focusing on themes of sustainability and environmental advocacy, will take place in the Bayou Theater and in the Art Gallery Nov. 10-11.

Associate Professor of Communications and Digital Media Michael Brims, the event’s co-founder and main organizer, said that the event received three times as many submissions as last year, with filmmakers and  artists from over 40 countries sending their work.

“I wanted to create an event showcasing ideas and stories of sustainability as well as empower filmmakers and artists around the world working on sustainability-related subjects and stories,” Brims said. “We received over 180 submissions in a variety of categories. This year’s special festival focus areas are the responsible use of water and environmental advocacy.”

In particular, the categories about the responsible use of water and environmental advocacy were chosen because the university’s 2022 First-Year Seminar Program Common Reader selection is “What the Eyes Don’t See: A Story of Crisis, Resistance, and Hope in an American City,” by Mona Hanna-Attisha. The novel explores the water crisis in Flint, Michigan from the author’s perspective as a pediatrician, and delves into the ways in which parents, researchers and community organizers combined efforts to fight for safe, clean drinking water.

The two-day event includes screenings of films, as well as a vendor expo, a concert in the Bayou Theater featuring the Free Radicals, and a panel discussion highlighting Chante Davis, who led a group of high school students on a march from New Orleans to Houston to raise awareness about climate change.

The gallery exhibition will continue through Dec. 9 with daily scheduled screenings in its adjacent black box cinema.

The festival is a joint effort by Brims and Senior Lecturer in Environmental Management Kathleen Garland, the Bayou Theater and the Art Gallery, the Institute for Human and Planetary Sustainability, and Houston-based Citizen’s Environmental Coalition. The festival is supported by the Texas Commission on the Arts/National Endowment for the Arts. 

For more information about the festival,  participating films and artwork as well as screening times, go online. 

Held once a semester, the President’s Speaker Series at University of Houston-Clear Lake focuses upon the most critical educational, social, environmental and technical challenges facing higher education and communities. The Fall 2022 installment of the series, presented in a panel discussion format, will take place Friday, Nov. 4 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. in the Bayou Theater, with accessibility on Zoom.

The discussion is entitled, “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility From the Classroom to the Workplace: Are Higher Education, Human Resources, and Corporate America in Synch?”

The panel of speakers includes President and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Johnny C. Taylor, Jr.; retired Human Resources director and Organizational Development Consultant for NASA-JSC Natalie Saiz; and University of Southern California’s Professor of Management, and Founder and Director for the Race and Equity Center Shaun Harper.

“SDEIA is critical for both higher education and corporate American for many of the same reasons,” said UHCL President Richard Walker. “First, the demographics of this nation has changed dramatically over the last several decades, and therefore the faculty and staff must reflect its student base and community.  Second, equity and inclusion are business practices and strategies that the most successful organizations follow, irrespective of sector.”

Walker added that accommodation simply makes those who are already productive even more so, with little to no cost to the organization.  “In a nutshell, maintaining an SDEIA organizational focus is good business as well as the right thing to do,” he said.

The topic of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility is becoming more important, especially in classrooms and work environments. The speakers will address the question of whether higher education, human resources, and corporate America are in synch with the changes that result from increasing diversity in those areas. Journalist Linda Lorelle will moderate the discussion.

The discussion will be followed by a meet-and-greet opportunity with the speakers at 3 p.m. The event is free of charge. To register, go online. 

The event was followed by a moderated Q&A session, and culminated at a reception held near an exhibition of photography depicting the ravages of the violence, procured by The Right to Peace Foundation, a Houston nonprofit organization that advocates for victims of war.

The photos will remain on display outside the Neumann Library in the Bayou Building until Nov. 4 as part of Houston’s FOTOFEST Biennial 2022.

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, University of Houston-Clear Lake at Pearland hosted a live Multicultural Education and Counseling Through the Arts (MECA) Ballet Folklórico performance on Oct. 13.

MECA is a multi-age Houston-based organization that aims to encourage the development of under-served members of the community through the arts and other services. Ballet Folklórico is a traditional Mexican art form that features a mixture of classical ballet and folk dancing elements. 

With vibrant costumes, captivating choreography, and 10 wardrobe changes, the performers demonstrated how their dance is used to express the life and spirit of people through its movement and music. Director of MECA Ballet Folklórico Julio Lopez explained the significance of the wardrobe.

“Each outfit has a religious significance and represents the state/region through the different colors, the number of ribbons in their hair, or their dresses,” he said. “Some of the jewels and other small pendants are just accessories to add sparkle and color.”

 “It’s important to have events that are representative of the student body,” she said. “Given that UHCL is a Hispanic-Serving Institution, I think it was important to engage through this cultural celebration and share it with our communities,” said UHCL Pearland Program Coordinator Corina Morales.

Over 40% of UHCL’s student body identifies as Hispanic. The Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion co-sponsored the event, which drew a crowd of over 120 people from the UHCL and Pearland communities.

Ukrainian world-music quartet Dakha Brakha will be bringing its message of peace and unity to University of Houston-Clear Lake’s Bayou Theater stage on Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.m. Accompanied by Indian, African, Arabic, Russian and Australian traditional instrumentation, the quartet’s powerful vocal range creates a trans-national sound rooted in Ukrainian culture.

The group has performed internationally and has released four albums. Technically, they may be a group of folk musicians who wear traditional Ukrainian costumes, but their performance is anything but “old fashioned.”

Dakha Brakha, which means “give and take” in Ukrainian, was created in 2004 by the group’s avant-garde theater director and founder, Vladyslav Troitskyi. Their shows are always marked by scenic effects, punctuated with sounds from a plethora of instruments unique to American audiences, including the darbuka, an hourglass-shaped drum; a zgaleyka, a type of hornpipe; and the tabla, a North Indian percussion instrument.

They take the stage, with the three women spotlighting their signature “kovpak” hats, in sharp contrast to the bare head of Marko Halanevych, the group’s lone male. He wears a cape backlit by the multihued projection work that accompanies the songs—the theatrical mark of Troitskyi.

The group introduces itself as people “from a free Ukraine,” reminding the audience that the event goes beyond simply an evening of music. In conjunction with the performance, UH-Clear Lake’s Diplomacy Institute is bringing a temporary photo exhibition organized by the Right to Peace Foundation, spotlighting the humanitarian tragedy brought about by the current conflict in Ukraine. The photos will be exhibited outside the Neumann Library in the cultural arts exhibition space the same evening.

For more information about UHCL’s Bayou Theater events, go online. 

University of Houston-Clear Lake and Boeing have signed a contract enabling Boeing to offer engineering students entry level employment experience and internships that support multiple projects.

Boeing’s Houston site works with numerous programs and is focused on executing contracts supporting the International Space Station, CST-100 Starliner Commercial Crew Program and the Space Launch System.  Additional programs supported by Houston-based engineering teams include the C-17 and other aircraft and space systems.  To qualify for the employment program, students must meet basic engineering requirements for entry level work.

“University of Houston-Clear Lake’s mechanical engineering, computer engineering and software engineering students will have the opportunity to engage in a range of design, engineering and operations projects,” said College of Science and Engineering Dean Miguel Gonzalez. “Our students are being offered highly technical work experiences prior to graduation that are seldom seen in academia. It’s a win-win for Boeing, for UHCL, and for our students.”

Gonzalez said the agreement also encompassed five other projects that were similarly significant and impactful. “These are once in a lifetime opportunities for our students,” he said. “We believe there will be more to come, as our partnership matures. These experiences will open doors for our students when they graduate, both at Boeing and elsewhere.”

“Expanding our partnership with the University of Houston - Clear Lake creates tremendous opportunities for students to work on advanced technologies that are essential for human spaceflight and aerospace,” said John Mulholland, vice president and program manager, International Space Station, Boeing Defense, Space and Security.  “Our support for this program demonstrates Boeing’s commitment to developing a diverse engineering talent pipeline for Boeing and future engineers.”

The teaming agreement will deepen Boeing’s ties with UHCL and will provide additional opportunities for engineering students over the course of the contract agreement, which runs through 2024.

National Preparedness Month is observed every September to raise awareness about family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. Although it’s also the height of hurricane season on the Gulf Coast, University of Houston-Clear Lake’s Director of Emergency Management Al Black said it’s important to learn about all the risks that exist in our community, and stay informed.

“It happens that September is also our peak hurricane season, but I’d like for our campus community to plan for the other kinds of emergencies that could happen as well,” he said. “We are always vulnerable to industrial accidents or chemical releases in the Ship Channel or surrounding chemical plants. We’ve had regular rainstorms that have resulted in sudden, major flooding. And the loss of internet during the ice storm of 2020 caught us off guard, but are many other reasons why the internet could go down and cause significant problems.”

Black said this is why he hopes students and staff do not focus only on preparing for hurricanes.

“It’s important that people don’t think emergencies are only weather events,” he said. “We’d like to help you keep in mind, your plans need to be applicable in other types of emergencies as well.”

The contents of a “go bag” are on display in a glass case in Atrium I of the Bayou Building, to help remind staff and students what to have on hand in case of emergency.

“Plan and prepare,” he said. “The go bag can contain bottled water, non-perishable snacks, medications and prescriptions, cash, spare glasses, copies of important documents, and first aid supplies.”

He said pet food and any special foods should also be in the bag. “If you end up in a shelter, you’ll only get the food they have on hand,” he explained. “Having a good plan in place for yourself and your pet keeps you out of a shelter, which should be a last resort—and sometimes they’re already full.”

Medical crises during an emergency can be particularly risky. “If you do not have enough medicine ahead the event to get you through, that’s an additional crisis that would be difficult for emergency responders to deal with,” he said. “The best thing you can do, no matter what the emergency, is make a plan and evacuate when you’re told to do so. Don’t wait around and think someone will come and get you.”

Black said he hopes this month, UHCL students and staff will remember to make a plan, create a go bag, and stay informed.

“Know what you’ll need to do beforehand, and figure out how to communicate and reconnect with family after the event,” he said. “People who are rescued don’t necessarily go to the same locations. Planning ahead helps families reconnect sooner.”

For more information about the Office of Emergency Management, go online. 

The Apollo Chamber Players are marking the opening of their 15^th season with a performance entitled “Silk Threads” on Friday, Sept. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Bayou Theater at University of Houston-Clear Lake.

“This new season is called ‘Connective Harmony,’ is inspired by our overarching themes of unity, wholeness, and musical interconnectedness that can bridge political divides,” said Matthew Detrick, Apollo’s artistic and executive director. “The performance reflects Apollo’s journey on a multicultural ‘silk road,’ highlighting the interconnectedness of cultures.”

The reference to silk roads, Detrick explained, is to the ancient trade routes that linked the Western world with the Middle East and Asia.

Detrick said Apollo had a new commission for a string quartet with an organ, composed by Wang Jie, a Chinese-born American musician who will perform “four hands” on the same keyboard with acclaimed Houston organist Daryl Robinson.

“Wang Jie is a composer and storyteller, and whatever she writes reflects her personality and her cultural background,” he said. “The piece is called ‘The Night When You See Again,’ and its theme is about redemption and coming out of the darkness to the light.”

He said that some composers embrace their culture and bring it out in their music more than others. “Apollo has been trying to cultivate this for 15 years; bringing music that connects people through culture,” he explained.

The night is hosted and moderated by Wang Jie’s husband Fred Child, the host of Performance Today on American Public Media, and the announcer and commentator for PBS’s “Live from Lincoln Center.”

Detrick said that Apollo would also be performing “Returning Souls,” by Taiwanese composer Shih-Hui Chen, who write the piece while visiting Taiwan. “It’s about culture, religious beliefs, and clan rivalries,” he said. “It’s an interesting juxtaposition with the Chinese element of the night’s performance. The conflict in China and Taiwan are very much in the news, and world events can illuminate a program in different way.”

To purchase tickets, or for more information about upcoming events at the Bayou Theater at UH-Clear Lake,  go online. 

As part of University of Houston-Clear Lake’s Hispanic Heritage Month activities, the Bayou Theater is presenting a performance by the Gulf Coast Guitar Association, formed five years ago to promote classical guitar in Houston. The group will take the stage Saturday, Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m.

The group produces the Houston Classical Guitar Festival and Competition annually, bringing internationally acclaimed guitarists from throughout the world to perform, teach and compete in Houston.

Artistic Director and classical guitarist Jay Kacherski and flamenco guitarist and Associate Artistic Director Jeremy García are joined by Brazilian pianist Lina Morita and Cuban-born singer Irma LaPaloma. The quartet will present music reflecting the cultures of Spain and the Americas.

Associate Artistic Director and flamenco guitarist Jeremy Garcia said the evening would be special because it marked the first occasion in which all four players, who also have separate solo and duo careers, would perform together on one stage.

“There will be Latin American solo guitar pieces, piano solos, guitar and piano duets, Latin and Spanish performances, and flamenco guitar solos, with Jeremy and Irma La Paloma singing,” Garcia said. “But I think the highlight of the night will be the finale.”

The finale, he explained, is a world premiere of Garcia’s new arrangement of Manual de Falla’s “Suite del El Amor Brujo,” or, “Love, the Sorcerer.”

The piece tells the story of a woman whose unfaithful husband dies, then haunts her. “His ghost dances with her, but she’s fallen in love with another man,” he said. “She wants to be rid of her husband’s ghost, so she makes a plan with a sorcerer to summon the ghost and bring it together with the woman with whom he was unfaithful to attach them to each other so she can be rid of them both.”

“The story is partly sung and partly instrumental,” he explained. “I’ve taken out the main five movements for this performance, and it tells almost the entire story. It’s all four of us coming together to play, it’s never been arranged for guitar, and this will be the highlight of the evening.”

He said the performance featured an interesting and dynamic range of mostly current music by Hispanic composers like Jose Luis Merlin, Maurizio Colonna and Federico Garcia Lorca.

“It’s intended to be an immersive experience for the audience. It’s a crescendo,” he said. “We want to transport people out of Houston and take them on a tour of Latin America and Spain. We do encourage the occasional olé!”

UH-Clear Lake is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution. For more information about upcoming events at the Bayou Theater, or to purchase tickets, go online.