Matthew Cushing (’99)

Co-President

Matthew serves as executive director of R-STEM, the Rice University Office of STEM Engagement, where he has held various roles since 2012. After spending seven years in the classroom teaching second and third grade in Spring Branch ISD, he developed a passion for science and technology. His special interests include the integration of technology into classrooms and distance learning. Matthew previously worked for the Region 10 Education Service Center as a member of the Texas Virtual School Network project.

He has served as a mentor for teachHOUSTON at UH and has presented at local, state and national conferences in the areas of technology integration, science and online learning. He also has served on the Science Teachers Association of Texas Executive Board and currently serves on the UH Spirit of Houston Alumni Association Executive Board, the Texas EcosySTEM Executive Committee and Rice University Staff Council. He earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from UH in 1999, focusing on early childhood and earth science, and a master’s degree in instructional technology with a specialization in human resources management from UH-Clear Lake. He also received a certification in professional development from UHCL.

Jeremy Gates (’15)

Co-President

Jeremy works as an assistant principal at Pin Oak Middle School in Houston ISD after starting his career in Galena Park ISD — teaching English in the exact same classroom where he once sat as a student. His passion for education and success as a teacher led him to take on the role of a teacher specialist, providing support to teachers and administrators through professional development sessions and coaching. His contributions to education go beyond his administrative role. He has taught adult classes through the Harris County Department of Education, STEAM classes through the Children’s Museum of Houston, mentored students through the Sigma Beta Club, and volunteered at local community centers to educate parents on the latest technology used by students.

When he’s not working, Jeremy can be found volunteering with his fraternity brothers, supporting the UH College of Education, or spending time at his church, where he is the pianist. He’s also known to have a keen sense of adventure when it comes to trying out new food trucks in town. Jeremy graduated with a bachelor’s degree in teaching and learning from the College of Education in 2015. 

Ayodele “Ayo” Shofoluwe (’19)  

Secretary 

Ayo serves as chief executive officer and founder of PeacexPiece, Inc., a philanthropic organization dedicated to empowering people through the advancement of the arts and bringing awareness to issues of concern in the community at large. He is an advocate for social justice and is committed to the education and development of the next generation of exemplary leaders. In 2018, his organization raised funds to benefit Texas Children’s Hospital Cancer Center and created exposure for young performing artists at the inaugural PeaceXCulture Fest. In 2019, they collaborated with the UH Wellness Center to highlight its Mental Health First Aid program. 

He also is the founder of The 20.10.20 Project, LLC that presented the “20.10.20: The Declaration of the Nigerian Youth” exhibition to commemorate the anniversary of the lives cut short at the Lekki Toll Gate Massacre on Oct. 20, 2020, during the #EndSARS protests in Lagos, Nigeria. He is a recipient of the 2021 Rising Star Award from the Professional Association of Young Africans and also won an award from the West African Film Festival for the project. 

He was selected as the College of Education’s spring 2019 commencement speaker and was an invited participant in a roundtable discussion with then-U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos in Washington, D.C. He represented the College of Education as a senator in the Student Government Association from 2016 to 2018. He also was selected to participate in the National Black Male Educators Conference in Philadelphia in October 2018. Ayo graduated from UH in 2019 with a bachelor’s in teaching and learning and earned his Texas teaching certification.  

Lewis Moore (’20)

Treasurer

Lewis serves as senior manager of implementation and partnerships at JASON Learning, a nonprofit focused on STEM curriculum and learning experiences for students and professional development for teachers. He joined the organization after a decade of experience teaching high school science: biology (including AP and dual credit), chemistry and dual-credit environmental science.

Lewis has partnered with UH as a LEADHouston Fellow, conducting professional development on incorporating culturally responsive pedagogy in STEM curriculum. He participated in his initial JASON Argonaut expenditure in Costa Rica, where he studied bees, pollinators and climate change. He is also a Fulbright Fellow, where his field experience included visiting Columbia to research the country’s educational practices. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology, a master’s in molecular biology, a master’s in STEM curriculum and instruction from UH, and is pursuing his Ph.D. in educational leadership.

Eduardo Elizondo (’95)

Board Member

Eduardo works as a senior advisor specialist in Houston ISD’s Career Readiness Department, supporting students in need of career counseling and job readiness at eight high schools. He has extensive experience and skills in assisting with the establishment of a corporate charitable foundation, nonprofit management and implementing educational initiatives serving students from K-12 and higher education. He has previously served as an HISD wraparound resource specialist, business development manager at Space City Credit Union, adult services manager for SER Jobs and community relations manager for Legacy Community Health in Houston. He also has worked for CITGO Petroleum, Rice University’s James Baker Institute for Public Policy, Community Family Centers and UH, where he also served as an instructor for the Center for Mexican American Studies for nearly 10 years.

He is an active volunteer with the Houston East End Chamber of Commerce (where he serves on the Foundation Advisory Board), Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Morales Memorial Foundation. He also serves on the advisory board for the UH Center for Mexican American & Latino Studies, which assists with fundraising efforts for scholarships. He has been recognized as Volunteer of the Year in 2at Casa de Esperanza de los Niños, a nonprofit that promotes foster and adoptive care for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. He has a bachelor’s degree in psychology (’91) and a master’s in educational psychology (’95) from UH, where he is an active lifetime member of the UH Alumni Association, a member of Cougar Pride and past president of the UH Hispanic Alumni Association.

Sandy Lee (’84)

Board Member

Sandy retired from Houston ISD after a 30-year career in elementary education and still works as an associate teacher and part-time preschool teacher.  She enjoys volunteering and serving her community. She is on the UH Alumni Association Foundation board and serves on several committees, including Life Member, Alumni Associations and Student Engagement. While at UH, she pledged a sorority, Phi Mu, and is still involved with the alumnae chapter. She also enjoys working with other sorority groups through the Houston Alumnae Panhellenic Association; she serves on the HAPA board and is a trustee of its foundation.

For the past several years, she has volunteered to serve on the board of her HOA. She belongs to the Texas Retired Teachers Association and the Houston Association of Retired Teachers. She also enjoys going to UH football and basketball games, and is a proud UH Life Member. She graduated from the College of Education in 1984 with a B.S. in education.