UHCL announces new Alumni Association Board of Directors for 2024-2025

The Office of Alumni Relations at the University of Houston Clear-Lake (UHCL) proudly announces the launch of the UHCL Alumni Association Board of Directors, a new initiative structured to amplify alumni engagement and harness the diverse talents of alumni volunteers looking to serve their alma mater. This new structure will actively support UH-Clear Lake's mission by fostering a vibrant network that enables graduates to make a meaningful impact.

"I'm proud to have worked with devoted alumni leaders to build on a long history of alumni dedication and service at UHCL, and to redevelop a path for the future of the Alumni Association," said Kendra Hakanson, director of Alumni Relations. "As UHCL celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year, we are excited to re-establish an alumni advisory board that aligns our work with the university's mission."

A redevelopment committee reviewed previous alumni leadership and volunteer committees, explored best practices in alumni communities, updated the group's bylaws and committees, received applications, and selected new members.

"As I transition to past chair after three rewarding terms, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who have shaped and strengthened our association," said Wayne Sallee, '12 BS, '15 MS, past chair. "I'm honored to continue serving on the Alumni Board as an ambassador for our UHCL community."

The UHCL Alumni Board includes 20 members representing the university's alumni body, with at least one graduate from each of the four colleges. Their mission is to partner with the Alumni Relations office to advance the association's goals and serve as ambassadors for the association within the university community and beyond.

The UHCL Alumni Board's committee structure focuses on high-level priorities and signature alumni programs and events. The committees are:

· Executive Committee

· Board Nominating Committee

· Awards Nominating Committee

· Alumni Celebration Committee

· UHCL Alumni Golf Tournament Committee

· Program Development Endowment Committee

· Giving & Lifetime Membership Committee

· Student Engagement Committee

Each member of the UHCL Alumni Board contributes unique experiences and valuable expertise. They are dedicated to collaborating with campus partners and fellow alumni to make a meaningful impact in the coming years.

"I'm thrilled with each of the members that have continued their service on this board, and with the new members that have been selected," said Hakanson. "They represent UHCL's mission by thriving in the workplace and making meaningful contributions to their communities," she continued. "I look forward to incorporating their perspectives to elevate our alumni and student engagement efforts."

Board Members for the 2024-2025 year are:

Kanch Weerasinghe, '98 BS, '00 MS, Chair

Juana Rodriguez, '18 BS, Vice Chair

Wayne Sallee, '12 BS, '15 MS, Past Chair

Bobby Ausmus, '04 BA, '06 MA

Ambericent Cornett, '10 BS, '11 MS

Rafael de la Torre, '07 MS

Lecia Eubanks, '06 MS, '20 Ed.D

Estella Gillette, '86 BBA, '94 MA

Kaylee Madden, '22 BS

Renae Rives, '03 BS

Carlissa Runnels, '11 MA

Omar Sanjak, '10 BS, '12 MS

Cynthia Silva, '89 BS, '92 MA

Bukola Simeon, '22 MHA

Marilyn Sims, '88 BS

Chris Wagner, '02 MS

Fay Watson, '89 BS, '92 MS

Joe Staley, VP for University Advancement, Ex-Officio

Kendra Hakanson, Director of Alumni Relations, Ex-Officio

Student Representative, Ex-Officio

"The Alumni Association will continue collaborating with university leadership to achieve our objectives while aligning with key initiatives. This academic year, a major focus will be on student engagement. I'm truly honored to serve as the chair of this diverse and accomplished Board of Directors," said Kanch Weerasinghe, '98 BS, '00 MS, chair.

For more information on the UHCL Alumni Association Board of Directors, please visit www.uhcl.edu/alumni/association/board.

The UHCL Alumni Association, established in 1981, represents the university's largest constituency of over 80,000 alumni. All UHCL graduates and certificate holders automatically become members-no dues are required. The association supports three endowments: the UHCL Alumni Association Scholarship Endowment for current students, the UHCL Distinguished Alumni Scholarship Endowment for descendants of alumni, and the UHCL Alumni Association Program Endowment, which funds student programming and faculty research and development. For more information, please visit www.uhcl.edu/alumni.

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