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He's probably the only university regent to ever crack Billboard's Top 100. He went on to make his mark in the world of corporate finance. He was at the helm of AIM Distributors, Inc.; and he worked under the tutelage of the legendary Charles T. "Ted" Bauer.
Since retiring in 2004, he says his life is more action
packed than ever—with his family, his community
involvement, his interest in photography, and the support
for his alma mater. Earlier this year, he made a decision
that will have an impact on future generations of Cougars—a
lead gift of $3 million to help fund a lecture hall
and academic center that will bear his name.
The University of Houston Magazine
recently had a conversation with UH
System Regent Michael J. Cemo ('68).
Growing up in Houston?
I graduated from St. Thomas High School. My father,
with a fourth-grade education, worked on the family
farm. He became a barber and worked for forty-two years
at the Milby Hotel. My mother was a housewife. We lived
a modest and very good life in the Montrose area. The
best thing my dad left with me was a little shot of
poverty, which got me going in the right direction.
I had no choice in terms of getting a good education.
Why UH?
In order to play in my band and pursue my
degree, I needed a top-quality engineering
school that was in Houston, and the
University of Houston was the best choice.
UH fulfills a need for so many people in
this city by offering a great education in
your own backyard. [Cemo changed his
mind and earned a degree in economics
with a minor in mathematics.]
Michael J. Cemo Hall?
It's a great honor. I feel very fortunate to be
able to help fund a portion of this great new
building. The thing that's most encouraging,
however, is being a part of the Bauer College
of Business, which has done a fabulous job
at becoming one of the finest business
schools in the country. I'm asking all of my
alumni friends to consider giving to this
enterprise. We'd love to have more people
on board with us as we move forward.
Being a regent?
It's been the most important and interesting
thing that I’ve ever done—besides raising my
family. After my term is over, I look forward
to working with the university wherever
they'll let me.
Secret of success?
I got all the breaks that one would hope to
get. I'm happily married and have two great
kids. I got a great education from UH and
had a tremendous opportunity in two
companies to build them from scratch.
Michael and Rebecca Cemo
Family Foundation?
It's a general giving foundation that spends most of
its funds on higher education. We're dedicated to working
with other organizations to fund educational projects
for returning war heroes, especially those who have
been severely injured or wounded. My wife also is dedicated
to animals and loves to work with the SPCA and other
organizations that support animals.
Billboard’s Top 100?
Besides school, the band was my primary
job. Our band, Sixpentz, produced seven
records nationally and some did really
well. We were very popular in Houston and
one of our records made it onto Billboard's
Top 100—number 99 for about a week. "Summer Girl" was our biggest hit, and it
really put us on the circuit. We headlined
in Galveston once and drew a crowd of
5,000 people.
What’s on your iPod?
It's funny, but I actually like to listen to my
own band, light jazz, classical, and Italian
opera. There's nothing prettier than a
Puccini opera.
One word to describe yourself?
Energetic! As an Italian, I'm passionate
about what I do. When I get involved,
I'm in it all the way.
How’s retirement?
My life is full. I'm involved with different
charitable organizations. [Cemo serves as
chair of the UH Endowment Committee and
is on the boards of the Houston Museum
of Natural Sciences, and the Society for
the Performing Arts.] My association with
the board of directors of the Bauer Cougar
Investment Fund, that's run by students,
is a lot of fun. And, I spend a lot of time
during the summer at our bay home in
Galveston—fishing, boating, and doing
photography.
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