Having a Say—and an Impact

University of Houston alumni who’d like to express their support of UH and higher education to Texas legislators can join Cougar Advocates for Texas (CATs), an advocacy group that was launched by the Houston Alumni Organization in 1998.

The purpose of CATs is to encourage, support, and coordinate alumni activities on behalf of higher education in the state of Texas. Members establish and maintain relationships with their elected officials, placing the “face” of a constituent on decisions affecting the University of Houston.

In addition to participating in activities for UH System Day in Austin (February 20), CATs members stay informed about important issues affecting UH year-round and call, write, visit, or e-mail their legislators about those issues.

For more information about CATs, visit www.mycougarconnection.org/cats

Piano Man

Andrew Brownell, a 2000 graduate of the Moores School of Music, won second place at the 15^th triennial Leeds International Pianoforte Competition. His performance through the four rounds earned him the honor and accompanying £10,000 prize. He was also awarded the Benjamin Britten prize of £1,000 for his performance of the composer’s "Notturno."

Brownell’s other international awards include second place at the 2002 J.S. Bach Competition in Leipzig, Germany, and first place at the 2005 J.N. Hummel Competition in Bratislava, Slovakia. But despite previous international recognition, this most recent result came as a surprise.

“I went into this competition thinking I'd be lucky to survive the first cut, and I had absolutely no expectation of getting very far, much less winning a prize. The outcome was totally unexpected. I feel very fortunate.”

When asked about his success, Brownell said, “The new music building opened at the beginning of my sophomore year, so it was a tremendously exciting time to be at the Moores School of Music. The MSM provided the most nurturing, collegial atmosphere I have yet encountered in my studies, and I look upon my undergraduate years as the best years of my short life thus far.”

Beyond the demands of a busy contest schedule, Brownell is currently pursuing a doctorate at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. www.andrewbrownell.com