HAO Names Barry Adams as New President and CEO

Barry Adams, a proven leader in the alumni relations field, has been chosen as the Houston Alumni Organization’s next president and CEO. Adams, who will begin his new post by April 1, plans to spend much of his initial startup time getting to know the University of Houston community, including the alumni organization’s various constituent associations, clubs and volunteer leaders.

Cheryl Creuzot ('81, J.D. '92, L.L.M. '99) , chair of the Houston Alumni Organization’s board of directors, said, “We are pleased to have in Barry Adams a seasoned alumni professional who is highly regarded and ready to take the alumni organization to the next level.”

Adams said he is thrilled to take on this new challenge.

“The University of Houston is a rising star among higher education institutions nationwide,” he said. “Its alumni have long been passionate in their own beliefs that the positive experiences in the classroom and on the campus have been instrumental in their own success. Few situations could be more ideal for an alumni professional to be part of.”

Adams has a background in higher education administration that extends across three decades. Adams’ experience, however, has been gleaned exclusively as the executive head of alumni associations for three public institutions – Florida State University, The College of William and Mary, and Ohio University. During those 30 years of directing alumni programs, he has been honored by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) numerous times for overall programming, excellence in publications and special events. Those honors include two Grand Gold recognition awards. more

HAO Set to Host 54th Awards Dinner

Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients

Dorothy F. Caram (Ed.D. ’82)

A retired educator and community leader, Dorothy Caram has had a profound impact on countless health, educational, political, civic and religious organizations within Houston’s Hispanic community. She is the co-founder of the Institute of Hispanic Culture of Houston and the Houston Hispanic Forum, and she remains committed to enhancing diversity and expanding opportunities for Mexican- Americans in the Houston area. In 1997, her diligent efforts gained her an induction into the Hispanics in Education Hall of Fame.

Marvin Nathan (J.D. ’66)

Attorney Marvin Nathan attributes his excellence in the field of law to a strong work ethic and to his University of Houston education. Nathan, who holds a law degree from UH, is currently a partner at Nathan Sommers Jacobs, a Houston law firm that specializes in corporate, banking, business, real estate, probate, and trust law. Over the past 40 years, Nathan has remained steadfast in giving back to his alma mater. He is the former chair of both the Houston Alumni Organization and the UH Law Foundation and has served on the HAO investment and finance committees. In 1997, Nathan was named UH’s Distinguished Law Center Alumnus of the Year for his excellence as an attorney and his involvement on the UH campus.

Col. Barrye L. Price (’85)

United States Army Colonel Barrye L. Price epitomizes strength, integrity, and loyalty. He currently serves his country as Commander of the Eastern Sector U.S Military Command — a geographically dispersed, multi-service command comprised of 1,400 personnel located in 21 states and one U.S. territory. Col. Price earned a bachelor’s in business administration from the University of Houston in 1985 and later attended Texas A&M University, where he obtained a master’s degree in history and then became the first African-American in the university’s existence to earn a doctorate from the Department of History. Several years ago, Col. Price served on the President and First Lady's Task Force on “Raising Responsible and Resourceful Teenagers.” He was also a member of President Clinton’s Mississippi Delta Task Force.

Christopher Theofanidis (’90)

Christopher Theofanidis believes that knowing precisely what you love and building from it is the key to being true to yourself. Renowned across the world as one of the leading composers of his generation, Theofanidis has a deep love of music. His works have been performed by many of the world’s finest orchestras, including the National Symphony, the London Symphony, the Oslo Philharmonic, the Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte Carlo, and the Moscow Soloists. Theofanidis holds degrees from the University of Houston, the Eastman School of Music, and Yale University.

Distinguished Service Award Recipients

J.W. “Willie” Burns (’58)

J.W. “Willie” Burns’ commitment to service has consistently demonstrated that he is a Cougar through and through. For the past 50 years, this proud UH alumnus has contributed vastly to the University of Houston through his time, energy, and financial support. From directing committees to helping with alumni mailings, Burns has always carried the distinction of being “the one to call on” whenever a task needed completing. Burns continues to be very active on the UH campus; several of his roles include serving as a member of the President’s Club, Athletics Foundation, TKE Alumni Board, director of the Bauer College of Business Alumni Board, founding director of Cougar Pride, and director of Cougar Cookers.

David Doll (’88, M.B.A. ’92)

David Doll grew up in New York, but ever since enrolling at the University of Houston nearly 25 years ago, he’s been proud to call himself a Texan and a Cougar. Having earned both a bachelor’s degree in finance and an M.B.A. with a concentration in taxation, Doll claims that UH provided him with the education and work experience he needed to succeed in the real world. Today, Doll is the CEO of Kanaly Trust Company, an independent Houston-based financial planning firm that manages over $2 billion in assets. Doll believes that the key to successful money management is having a strong financial plan, and his company works to provide investment management solutions to individual clients.

Christopher Mims (’87)

As president of the University of Houston Cougar Band Alumni Organization for the past seven years, Chris Mims has been a catalyst for promoting spirit among this distinct group of alumni. Mims has spearheaded many successful band alumni efforts, such as the marching band dinner and silent auction, alumni day at UH athletic events, and numerous alumni gatherings at his own home. Under his leadership, the organization has earned two gold banner awards in the past two years. In addition, Mims recently worked to have a permanent library of papers, music, and memorabilia of Dr. Bill Moffit housed at the University of Houston.

HAO Chair’s Award Recipient

Carolyn Farb

Considered by many to be a fundraising visionary, Carolyn Farb’s life exemplifies philanthropy, public service, and commitment to numerous causes. She helped the University of Houston garner $3 million for one campaign and has raised in excess of $35 million, which has benefited more than 125 charitable causes and non-profit organizations. Farb’s efforts have been featured widely on television and in print publications. She is also an avid volunteer, event creator, art collector, and the author of The Fine Art of Fundraising and How to Raise Millions: Helping Others and Having a Ball!

Outstanding Volunteer Award

Alton “Red” Veselka (’77)

In many ways, Alton “Red” Veselka is a true pioneer. A 1977 graduate of the University of Houston, Veselka was the first in his family to earn a college degree. He is consistently one of the first individuals willing to volunteer his time when it comes to supporting alumni events, always ready to lend a helping hand wherever he is needed. This UH alumnus likes to demonstrate his Cougar spirit by cooking at tailgate parties before UH football games, greeting both students and alumni with open arms at every tailgate party, assisting in event planning, and promoting the university every chance he gets.