What’s in a Name: Area Schools with UH Ties

UH alumni, administrators and family members are making a name for themselves across the nation as well as here in the Houston area. George C. Kaufman III, ('73, O.D. ’74), former Cougar Coulson Tough and Joel L. Deretchin each have the distinction of having a school named in their honor.

The George C. Kaufman III Elementary (K-4), built in 2006, is located in Conroe, Texas. Kaufman (pictured), a former Conroe Independent School District (CISD) board member and Life Member of the Houston Alumni Organization, was so impressed by the Cougar athletics program that he became a student in the College of Optometry. The Kaufman Elementary Cougars, named for UH, proudly sport a shade of UH red as crimson with a hint of blue. There’s even a UH memorabilia display at the school.

The Coulson Tough (K-12) Flex School, located in The Woodlands, is named for Coulson Tough, former UH vice president for planning. Tough joined Mitchell Development Corporation when The Woodlands was being developed. He is a Life Member of the Houston Alumni Organization and has served as Chair of the alumni organization's Board of Directors and President of the Montgomery County UH alumni club. Tough and his family — son, Bruce (’76, J.D. ’80), and wife, Diana (’81), are die-hard Cougars.

Deretchin Elementary, is named in honor of Joel L. Deretchin, vice president of community operations for the Woodlands Development Company. His wife, Louise (Ph.D. ’97), a College of Education graduate, is director of higher education for The Houston A+ Challenge. Deretchin is very active in The Woodlands and has served as a consultant to private developers and to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development New Communities Administration.

We Heard You

A few months ago, we asked for your thoughts on Cougar e*Link as well as life after UH. Your response was overwhelming. We appreciate your heartwarming stories as well as encouraging words. Also, thanks for the alumni story ideas.

Here are some of the things you are thankful for:

• Student organizations
• Skills gained to teach
• Loved ones
• Stephen Harbacick, voice teacher
• The Honors College
• UC Underground
• UH Faculty

Alumni Comments:
“It’s timely, very informative, and the design is attractive and easy to navigate.”

“Good job! Keep it up, Go COOGS!”

“I just want to tell you what a phenomenal job you are doing. This is great. I have noticed the improvement and effort of the university as a whole. It’s very exciting.”

“…During my education at UH, I suffered from epilepsy. Needless to say, getting my math degree was extremely difficult. I love to teach mathematics, and I have taught math in public schools, private schools and at the college level since graduating from UH. I cannot express to you what a wonderful job the mathematics department did during my years at UH. I love the faculty at UH! …I had brain surgery in 2004, and have been seizure-free since then...”

If you know of any other facilities named in honor of UH alumni or would like to offer any comments, suggestions or story ideas, please send us the information using our online form. Your feedback is welcomed and vital to the continuous improvement of our e-newsletter.