UHCL’s 1974 Society Members Recognized at Inaugural Dinner
University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) recently hosted the inaugural 1974 Society Dinner to recognize and celebrate members of the newly established 1974 Society. As UHCL celebrates its 50th anniversary, the 1974 Society was launched to recognize those who give or commit $25,000 or more during the anniversary campaign ending December 31, 2028. Special thanks were also extended to members of the Neumann Society, recognizing donors who have given a cumulative $100,000 or more to the university and the UHCL In Tempore Legacy Society, recognizing those who have made planned gifts.
Members of 1974 Society support UHCL by establishing endowments or increasing existing endowments that support scholarships, professorships, and other programs, helping sustain the university’s future.
The evening acknowledged the generous donations of community partners and donors, whose significant financial investments continue to support UH-Clear Lake’s mission and is creating a legacy for future generations.
“You all are supporting many scholarship programs with your philanthropy,” said UHCL President Richard Walker. “We were founded in 1974, and we are still soaring. It is important for our students to connect what they are learning in the classroom to real world opportunities,” he explained. “We are being strategic about how we grow our academic programs at UHCL based on industry needs and market studies, and it is tied to the support you give our students to get a quality education and achieve success.”
The dinner featured heartfelt testimonials from students and alumni, underscoring the significant impact of these philanthropic efforts. Frederic Darden, a scholarship recipient pursuing a doctoral degree at UHCL, said he always wanted to make a great impact on the lives of students at the collegiate level.
“Because of the scholarships and philanthropy that you all have given; my dreams are coming true. I graduate this December 2024,” said Darden. “It has been a long haul, and I did it while putting three of my own children through school,” Darden continued. “I thank you from the bottom of my heart, for the heart of giving and words cannot express the gratitude that I feel to be able to get the assistance that I needed.”
Victoria Cleavinger, a recent graduate now working as an elementary school teacher, shared how a scholarship supported her during her unpaid internship.
“We don’t get paid for our internships. It can be financially stressful, but because I received a scholarship, it alleviated the stress of me having to find another job for more income,” said Cleavinger. “Your philanthropy allowed me to throw myself wholeheartedly into learning how to become a good educator,” she explained. “Thank you for supporting college students and their endeavors, it really means a lot, and I look forward to passing on the gift of a good education to the next generation.”
Two 1974 Society members that established the ‘M.L. Wismer Scholarship Endowment,’ Michael Landolt and Ann Wismer-Landolt, said they love the university and are happy to be a part of changing lives.
“Ann’s father passed, and we felt it was an opportunity for us to give back to the university,” said Mr. Landolt. “We set up an endowment and we have loved it ever since and keep adding to it. We believe in higher education, and scholarships are a way for us to give back to the community.”
Dr. Scott and Teresa McIntyre, who established the ‘Drs. Scott and Teresa McIntyre Endowed Scholarship,’ wanted to help students that needed financial assistance for industrial organizational psychology.
“We felt it would be a good investment to help students further their studies, and make an impact in the work environment, which is what we do,” said Dr. Scott McIntyre. “The scholarship helps with recruitment, and making sure that everyone who wants to attend our program, can attend our program, he explained. “It is also important to note that UHCL is not a large university. So even small gifts can have a major and larger impact.”
Members of President’s Council and Legacy Advisors were also invited to attend. Joe Staley, Vice President of University Advancement, recognized members of both groups and thanked them for their service to UHCL. Staley also emphasized the transformative impact of philanthropy.
“We are keenly aware that your investments have a real impact on students,” said Staley. “Making sure that our education is affordable and accessible is a key element to attending UHCL. Also, having the resources to attract and retain top notch faculty is essential to succeeding in higher education. You help us do that.”
For more information about 1974 Society or donating to UHCL, interested parties can contact Sherrie Mueller, Director of Planned Giving, at muellersh@uhcl.edu or visit the university’s giving webpage at www.uhcl.edu/giving/.
