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UH in the Community

Event Highlights text in front of Cougar mascots, Shasta and Sasha, and Sara Donatto, the Office of Government and Community Relations Executive Director of Operations and Local Relations

Event Highlights

Events

  • 2025 UH DAY AT THE CAPITOL

    UH Day at the Capitol provided an opportunity to engage directly with state legislators, highlighting UH's legislative priorities and celebrating its contributions to the state. Throughout the day, students, faculty, staff, and alumni met with lawmakers to discuss key initiatives aimed at driving the University of Houston forward, underscoring UH's commitment to innovation and student success.

  • 2025 RODEO PARADE

    The University of Houston made a vibrant appearance at the 2025 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Parade, led by the UH band. UH’s participation highlighted the university’s Texas pride and strengthened its community connections, engaging parade-goers and celebrating Houston’s rich cultural heritage.

  • 2024 BIG XII CONFERENCE

    In 2024, the University of Houston hosted the Big XII Conference, marking an important milestone for UH in collegiate athletics. The conference brought together fans, athletes, and leaders across the Big XII network, showcasing UH’s excellence in both academics and athletics while strengthening its regional and national presence.

  • 2024 UH HOUSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION

    The Houston Public Library Foundation (HPLF) supports the Houston Public Library by funding programs that promote literacy, digital access, and lifelong learning. Serving over 400,000 Houstonians annually, HPLF bridges funding gaps to enhance the library's impact on social inclusion, civic engagement, and community empowerment, making Houston’s libraries accessible to all. Jason Smith, a board member of HPLF, also serves as the Vice Chancellor and Vice President of the Office of Government and Community Relations, further strengthening the foundation’s commitment to community engagement and advocacy.

  • UNFORGETTABLE HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE 2024

    The Unforgettable Holiday Experience is a unique initiative aimed at providing 11th-grade students in East Harris County with enriching opportunities. This program includes a college tour, money management class, and more!

  • 25TH ANNUAL MORALES FOUNDATION BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE

    The University of Houston partnered with the Morales Foundation for the 25th Annual Back to School Supply Drive, benefiting 2,500 K-12 students and their families. Through this collaboration, UH volunteers distributed about 3,000 essential school supplies, helping students prepare for a successful academic year.

  • MAYOR'S BACK TO SCHOOL FEST

    The Mayor’s Back to School Fest Presented by Shell supports economically disadvantaged Houston-area elementary students and families with 25,000 backpacks filled with school supplies. The event also offers on-site health services, including dental screenings and sealants, vision screenings, and routine immunizations. Additionally, UH sends representatives from 14 departments and colleges to provide essential services, while community agencies connect families to vital health and social resources.

  • 75TH ANNUAL H-E-B THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE

    The City of Houston will jumpstart the holiday season with Houstonians’ favorite tradition, the 75th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade. Nine-time gold medalist, Carl Lewis, will lead the 2024 parade through downtown on Thursday, November 28th starting at 9 a.m. to honor Houstonians who competed in the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics.

  • JOLLY HOLLY PARTY

    UH hosted its first Jolly Holiday Party with the Fertitta College of Medicine, bringing holiday cheer to Houston’s Third and Second Wards. The event featured gift and meal kit distributions, music, games, flu shots, and photos with Santa, supported by UH volunteers. Through this initiative, UH provided 500 toys, 250 meal kits, and 500 books, celebrating the season and strengthening community ties.

  • MARCH OF DIMES - MARCH FOR BABIES WALK

    UH proudly served as the on-campus sponsor and fundraiser for the 2023 March of Dimes - March for Babies Walk. The event rallied over 5,000 participants in support of maternal and infant health, with UH-led fundraising efforts raising $23,190 to aid March of Dimes’ mission. This impactful event exemplified UH’s commitment to social responsibility and community health.

  • GOVERNMENT INAUGURATION

    As part of its commitment to civic engagement, the University of Houston participated in recent government inauguration ceremonies. UH’s presence emphasized the university’s dedication to public service, government relations, and supporting leaders who advocate for education, community development, and progress in Houston and beyond.