Office Makeover Underway at HAO

Recent visitors to the Athletics/Alumni Center likely noticed that the front door to the alumni office has moved—but only temporarily. All the shuffling, debris and noise are part of a renovation that will update the aesthetics and functionality of the Houston Alumni Organization’s wing of the building. Renovations will be completed in July.

The project to-do list includes Cougar-red carpet for the exterior hallway, a rounded entryway, granite-covered and user-friendly service counters, new furniture for visitor seating, interactive and historically focused art projects, fresh paint and new office carpet.

“It is important for our visitors—and we have everyone stop by, from parents and students to alumni and faculty members—to immediately feel the pride that this staff has in the University of Houston and our alumni organization,” remarked Barry Adams, President and CEO of the Houston Alumni Organization (HAO). “Just as importantly, we want our members and supporters to recognize our commitment to providing a welcoming door to their campus. The interior of a service organization like HAO speaks volumes about how we approach our mission and how we respond to the thousands of requests for information and assistance.”

HAO moved into the Athletics/Alumni Center in the spring of 1995. In April of this year, the organization assumed the former Board of Regents space when the Board moved to the E. Cullen Building.

“Our front door needs to be an entrance into an office of warmth that showcases our obvious enthusiasm for what we do each and every day,” Adams said. “The new look excites and energizes both the staff and the visitors—whom we consider the shareholders of the university.”

Come visit us! The Houston Alumni Organization is at 3100 Cullen Blvd, suite 201. We promise to have the front door back by then.

Alumnus Named Executive Vice President, CFO of La Quinta

Temple H. Weiss (M.H.M. ’96) was recently named executive vice president and chief financial officer of LQ Management L.L.C., better known as La Quinta.

The UH alumnus and loyal Houston Alumni Organization member has more than 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry and joined La Quinta in 2001. Previously, Weiss served as vice president of finance and investor relations, where he oversaw capital markets, corporate acquisitions, financial analysis, and strategic planning. Most recently, he served as executive vice president of acquisitions & development, where he led the company’s $450 million expansion program. In his new role, Weiss will be responsible for the full range of finance activities—including accounting, financial reporting, planning and analysis, payroll, treasury, taxation, internal auditing, and purchasing—in addition to continue leading the company’s acquisition and real estate efforts.

“Over the past seven years, Weiss has had an immense impact on La Quinta’s success. He has displayed strong leadership and financial skills,” said Wayne Goldberg, president and chief executive office of LQ Management L.L.C. “This combination of knowledge and experience will contribute to a seamless transition of the company’s financial management.”

LQ Management L.L.C. is one of the largest operators of limited-service hotels in the United States. Based in Dallas, the company operates and provides franchise services to more than 650 hotels in 45 states, Canada, and Mexico under the La Quinta Inn and La Quinta Inn & Suites brands.

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