New HAO Board Leadership
Looks to Build on Retiring Members’ Legacy

Cheryl Creuzot (’81, J.D. ’92, LL.M. ’99), immediate past chair of the Houston Alumni Organization Board of Directors, and Mike Baker (’68, J.D. ’71), who will assume the role of chairman September 1, join UH President Renu Khator during the passing of a $130,000 check reserved for scholarship dollars.

Beginning September 1, 2008, Mike Baker (’68, J.D. ’71) will assume the role of Chair of the Houston Alumni Organization (HAO) Board of Directors. A retired lawyer, CPA, and venture capitalist, Baker was preceded in his role by Immediate Past Chair Cheryl Creuzot (’81, J.D. ’92, LL.M. ’99).

“Alumni carry the message of the university’s greatness to the public,” Baker said. “Without alumni, there would be no university. Our alumni are striving to assist the University of Houston by making a difference in the quality of education it can provide its students, in the funding of education by the State of Texas, in the recruitment of the best students and faculty members, and in efforts aimed at improving the community.”

In addition to Baker’s appointment, Cathy Coers Frank (’80), owner of Reunions by Class Act, Gerald McElvy (’79), President of the Exxon Mobil Foundation, and Dr. Laura Murillo (’89, M.Ed. ’98, Ed.D ’03), President & CEO of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, have joined the board for their first term.

Retiring members of the board, each of whom served the maximum of six-years, are Elizabeth Ghrist (M.Ed. ’67), Emyré Robinson (’70), and Dr. Daniel Wong (’83, M.S. ’85, Ph.D. ’88). As expressed at the August meeting, their leadership and commitment to the organization serves as a sound example for incoming members.

The HAO Board of Directors is a 19-member body comprised of 18 elected members and one ex-officio member, held by UH System Chancellor and UH President Renu Khator. It governs and guides the alumni organization’s many programs and initiatives.

“Our organization has been fortunate to have exceptional volunteer leaders at the helm for many years,” noted Barry Adams, President & CEO of the Houston Alumni Organization. “Characteristics which strengthen our ability to reach out to a very diverse alumni constituency are the experiences, involvement, and career backgrounds of our Board of Directors. In the long run, the stronger and more experienced our board, the more effective it will be in engaging alumni, as well as ensuring that their interests and concerns are heard.”

Alumni & Friends Travel Program
Early-Bird Specials Ending Soon!

The Houston Alumni Organization (HAO) is presenting four exciting destinations in 2009 as part of its Alumni & Friends Travel Program, and thanks to early-bird pricing, readers of e*Link can save up to $600 on their reservation!

Peru (February 5-12, 2009) - Book by September 9 and save $200 per couple.

Holland & Belgium (April 10-18, 2009) - Book by October 8 and save $600 per couple.

Chianti, Italy (April 26 - May 4, 2009) - Book by October 14 and save $200 per couple.

China & the Yangtze River (May 20 - June 1, 2009) - Book by October 14 and save $300 per couple.

“Alumni travel programs are about offering something that the commercial travel market can’t offer,” said Barry Adams, CEO and President of HAO. “It’s about building and fostering relationships with a traveling base that already shares a passion for this university. Infusing scenes and cultures from around the world into a ‘Cougar’ experience nurtures that spirit and inspires alumni to keep UH close to their hearts.”

For those seeking more information on the trips, or for questions concerning booking, please visit www.myCougarConnection.com/travel or call Shivaughn Batiste (M.Ed. ’04) at 713.743.0764.

Connect to fellow UH alumni. Visit the Houston Alumni Organization's website at www.myCougarConnection.com.