Skip to main content

A Great Figure, A Dear Friend

David M Underwood

We remember David M. Underwood

As a prominent Houstonian, Mr. Underwood shared his vision for a better city with clients, companies, and colleagues as well as friends, family, nonprofit organizations, foundations, boards, and, occasionally, the students and alumni of the University of Houston's Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (formerly American Humanics).

In fact, it is thanks to Mr. Underwood's vision that a chapter of American Humanics was founded at the University of Houston main campus, offering certifications in nonprofit management and leadership to undergraduate students. Established in the Graduate School (now College) of Social Work, Mr. Underwood saw the value of this program as an investment in Houston's social service future. Given his background as an economist, he was fond of describing the concept of "the Multiplier Effect: If you can find individuals with the heart to serve our community and they learn the skills to make nonprofit organizations run more efficiently and effectively, then imagine how many more thousands of people can be served."

Thank you, Mr. Underwood, for investing your time, vision, and support in over 300 Certified Nonprofit Professionals from this chapter's 22 year history and the students studying today and seeking certification tomorrow. You will be missed.

David Milton Underwood (age 78), passed away peacefully at his home in Houston, Texas on Sunday, the 30th of August, surrounded by his adoring family. He was born in Houston, Texas on the 5th of March 1937, to Milton Ramon Underwood and Catherine Fondren Underwood.

University of Houston System Chancellor and President, Dr. Renu Khator issued an official proclamation, detailing his significant contributions to the community and designating September 3, 2015 as David M. Underwood Remembrance Day. The proclamation was presented to the Underwood family following his memorial service held on the same day. 

To read more about Mr. David M. Underwood's accomplishments and impact on the city of Houston, view his obituary published in Houston Chronicle on Aug. 31, 2015