Former Cougar Crowned Miss USA 2008

Former Cougar Crystle Stewart was crowned Miss USA 2008 on April 11, in Las Vegas, edging out first runners-up Leah Laviano of Mississippi and Tiffany Andrade of New Jersey. Her national title came less than a year after winning Miss Texas USA 2008.

“I want to talk to people about how to set a goal and achieve it,” Stewart said after the pageant. “Because I just achieved my goal.”

Stewart, a former student in the College of Technology, runs a party-planning and motivational speaking company. She also works to affect the lives of students at the local level by helping teach autistic students at Elkins High School—her high school alma mater.

Representing the state of Texas for the past several months, Stewart has become involved with a great deal of charitable work and numerous community service initiatives geared toward adolescents. She has also joined the fight against cancer by participating in fundraisers and walkathons with organizations such as the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and the American Cancer Society.

“Visiting the Galveston Burn Center was one of the many trips that really impacted my life,” Stewart said. “To see all of the young children there with physical deformities still have smiles on their faces really gives you a new perspective on life.”

Three Prominent Alumni Named to HAO Board

The Houston Alumni Organization is proud to announce the appointment of three prominent alumni to the HAO Board of Directors: Cathy Coers Frank (’80), Gerald McElvy (’75), and Laura Murillo (’89, M.Ed. ’98, Ed.D. ‘03). As members of HAO’s governing body, they are charged with representing the interests of more than 200,000 UH alumni and ensuring that HAO’s operational procedures are aimed at accomplishing the organization’s goals to serve the university and its alumni.

All three members’ terms begin September 1, 2008 and expire August 31, 2011.

Frank is owner of Reunions by Class Act, a full-service reunion company that coordinates and produces events for Houston area high schools. She is an HAO life member. McElvy is president of the Exxon Mobil Foundation and is also a life member. Murillo is President & CEO of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

For a complete listing of HAO Board members, click here.