There’s more good news inside!

• History of the Red Rose Ball............................ p. 2

• A Night to Celebrate! ................................. p. 4-5

• Meet the 2006 Red Rose Scholars................ p. 6-7

New HorizonsNew HorizonsU n i v e r s i t y o f H o u s t o n - D o w n t o w n

SPRING 2006

Special Edition

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The Ongoing TraditionThe Red Rose Ball is a gala, to be sure – a major UHD scholarship fundraisingevent and evening to remember. Fun, elegance, dinner, dancing, red roses, flowinggowns and dashing dinner jackets. But, more than that, it is an event that impactsstudents’ lives. It sets in motion a lifetime of dividends. The Red Rose Ball is anevening of recognition: scholarship, community service and leadership onthe part of 25 deserving students.

Early MemoriesThe first Red Rose Ball wasorganized by student membersof the Latin American StudentService Organization (LASSO),who believed deserving studentsneeded financial help to attendUHD. Member Armando Diazchaired the event and enlistedthe help of his family. Brothersand fellow students Albert andRicky, Jr. used a handy pipeline to secure star power at the oldShamrock Hilton. Father RickyDiaz and his orchestra providedfirst class entertainment and mother,Belen, took on the fundraising and logistics.

The three Diaz brothers all gradu-ated from the the University ofHouston Downtown College, asUHD was called in the early ‘80s.Armando is an attorney, Ricky, Jr. isin financial services, and Albert is afinancial director.

Community SupportApart from acknowledging the scholarship recipients, the Red RoseBall traditionally pays tribute to localindividuals who have professed a long-standing and enduring commitment tohigher education, donating time anddollars for student advancement.Community and corporate leaders recognize that UHD makes a significantimpact on students’ lives and futures, andalso that the value of a university is mea-sured by the extent to which its graduatesserve the community.

Red Rose Ball represents the meeting ofthe brightest and the most generous. It’s a majorinvestment in human capital. UHD and the Red Rose honorees are proud of the milestones over the years, and look forward to a lifelong commitment to educationand giving back to the community.

1983Mr. and Mrs. Roy H. CullenQuintana Petroleum Corporation

1984Mr. and Mrs. Jackson C. HindsEntex

1989Mr. and Mrs. Gene McDavidHouston Chronicle

1992Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. EuryCentral Houston, Inc.

1994George and Lorena DonnellyS.Ward Howell International, Inc.

1995Mayor and Mrs. Bob LanierCity of Houston

1996Chancellor William P. Hobby

and Mrs. HobbyUniversity of Houston System

Mr. and Mrs. Lupe FragaTejas Office Products

1997Mr. and Mrs. Eduardo Aguirre, Jr.NationsBank

1998Mr. and Mrs. Philip J. CarrollShell Oil Company

2000Joe and Merrill HafnerRiviana Foods

2001Jonathan and Barbara DayMayor, Day, Caldwell

& Keeton, L.L.P

2002Rosie ZamoraTelesurveys Research Associates

2004Gene VaughanVaughan Nelson Investment

Management, L.P.

2005Ralph O’ConnorRalph O’Connor & Associates

Red Rose Ball Honorees Through the Years

History of the Red Rose Ball

Newspaper clipping from the ball’s beginnings in 1981.

Belen and Ricky Diaz at the 20th Annual Red Rose Ball.

services, divides her time between Brazil,where her husband works for an oil com-pany, and Malta, where her parents live.Now, she’ll be making trips to GreatBritain to visit her daugher, Kimberly (‘04),who has been accepted to the Universityof Essex for graduate studies in cognitiveneuropsychology. All three, Catherine,Steve and Kimberly,have undergraduatedegrees from UHDand all three weretaught by Dr. MerileeCunningham, associ-ate professor ofEnglish.

“We started off withso few scholarships atthe first Red RoseBall,” says Dr.Cunningham. “It’sabsolutely great that we are now able tosupport 25 scholars compared to thebeginning, and the endowed scholarshipsmake it even more incredible.”

Dr. Gary Greer, assistant dean inUniversity College, gets a kick out ofknowing students from the time they enterthe university, and watching them trans-form into well-prepared graduates. Hekeeps a record of all the letters he writesand often surpises students.

“Some are amazed at the observations Imake,” he says. “They don’t often see alltheir strong qualities, and I think it’s impor-tant for us to point these out.”

They may havebeen a RedRose Scholar

when the programfirst began 25years ago. Orthey may have justearned the distinc-tion this year. Butyou realize onething the more youtalk with Universityof Houston-Downtown’s best

and brightest -- for them, there is no absence ofpurpose.

And deep down inside their souls that purposeis simple – to become a contributor, a builder,a genuine worker on behalf of humanity.

Oh, sure, they want the extra money andrespect that a college degree can bring. Theydon’t want to live hand to mouth any more, asmany of their families have. They don’t wantcalls from bill collectors in the middle of thenight or to worry if the electricity – read that asair conditioning – is going to be cut off insweltering August because mom’s paycheckhad to go to buy grandma’s medication.

With UHD affording access to higher educa-tion to those who did not have a crack at it inthe past, it is no surprise that many of our stu-dents come from humble backgrounds – wheresometimes even a high school education seemsout of reach. Just ask 2006 Red Rose ScholarAbigail Cedillo, the first in her family to gradu-ate from high school and now on schedule tograduate with high honors in criminal justicenext year.

The Jefferson Davis High School graduate fig-ures – correct that, she knows – she can helpprovide better policing in the Latin community.As fluent in Spanish as she is in English, sheknows she can better communicate with theimmigrants coming from Central and SouthAmerica and Mexico.

“Ever since I wasyoung,” she says,“police officers in myneighborhood didn’thave a good rap…Ithink I can help makesure there is equaljustice for all.”

In other words, the23-year-old mothersimply wants theUnited States to liveup to the standards it

set for itself. Abraham Lincoln would beproud. So would Martin Luther King Jr. andCesar Chavez. Yes, Abigail understands thebiggest enemy America must face is ignoranceand the offensive to be launched is caringenlightened by knowledge, service respondingto concern and the belief, the eternal belief,that individuals can create a better world.

If Abigail sounds like she takes the AmericanDream to heart, so does Jeeba Kuriakose, a2005 Red Rose Scholar. When she enrolled atUHD following graduation from Elsik High inAlief, her choices were few. “We had arrivedfrom India just a few years earlier. My parentswere in no financial position to send me to col-lege. I don’t think I could have even qualifiedfor a loan. I wasn’t sure I had any option.”

And then arecruiter fromUHD’s ScholarsAcademy arrivedon the Elsik campus.

The rest, as theysay, is history.She received ascholarship toUHD because ofher talents in sci-ence. One of herprofessors, PhilLyons, saw herinnate capacityand invited herto work in hislab and shebecame excitedabout research.Her senior yearshe became a Red Rose Scholar. It was astretch financially to get both of her parents tothe ball, but she’s glad her family spent theextra $75.

“I’m so glad they both came,” she says. “Itwas the first time my parents were aware ofwhat I had achieved. I was so proud andthey were so proud.”

Today, Jeeba’s in her first year of a Ph.D.

Scholars Have No Absence of Purpose

program in microbiology and immunology atthe University of Texas Medical Branch inGalveston. Maybe, she says, she will help findthe cure for AIDS. Or the ebola virus.

In the final analysis, what the Red RoseScholarship is all about is the force of hope.Without the force of hope, there is only thepassing of time, and the anxiety of under-achievement and despair.

Jeeba Kuriakose (’05) has her sights set on becoming Dr. Kuriakose upon completion of a Ph.D. Program in microbiology andimmunology at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.

Abigail Cedillo

The dreambegins witha teacher

who believes inyou, who tugsand pushes andleads you to thenext plateau,sometimes pok-ing you with asharp stick

called "truth." ~Dan Rather

Throughout the history of the Red Rose Ball,scholars have gone on to lead fruitful lives.One constant is the dedicated professorwho learns to recognize the rising stars anddiamonds in the rough.

“I wasn’t going to apply for the Red RoseScholarship but my professor, Dr. AlbertoGomez-Rivas, insisted,” said Theo Chacon,a second-time Red Rose Scholarship recipi-ent and student speaker for 2005. “I didn’tthink I had a chance. He helped me real-ize how my hard work was important.”

Catherine Orsten and her brother SteveCachia both received the scholarship. Stevewas a two-time scholarship recipient in1997 and 1998. He graduated in May1999 with a degree in engineering technol-ogy and works for UHD as a VideoNetwork Operations supervisor. “Becomingan (computer) engineer was my dream –and now I am living it, he says.”

Catherine, a consultant in pschological

Behind every Red Rose Scholar...

Skyline Viewby Celeste ZamoraManaging Editor

Editor’s Deskby Paul HarasimEditor

Dr. Marilee Cunningham

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he 25th Anniversary UHD RedRose Ball – the university’s signaturefundraiser for scholarships – attracted more than 300 guests,including Houston Mayor Bill

White and his wifeAndrea.

“What better gift can yougive to another humanbeing than to give themthe value of an educa-tion?” White asked thecrowd seated at tablescovered in red satinwith roses for center-pieces.

PresidentGeorge

H. W. Bushcouldn’t be

there in personbut sent a video-

taped message tothe April 28 event that

was held at the Four SeasonsHotel.

He saluted both the honorees ofthe ball, Charles and

Betti FriedelSaunders, for theircommitment to giv-ing access to col-lege to deserving students.

Bush, who was aclient of CharlesSaunders, whenhe was in the oilbusiness, said itcame as no surprise to him thatthe Saunderses were honored.

“Both the Saunders, and UHDrealize there is a new world to bebuilt, but it will not come to passwithout vision, commitment, pas-sion, and respect for the humanpersonality and frailties of man,”Bush said. “So congratulations toboth the Saunders and UHD onthis 25th Anniversary of the RedRose Ball.”

Jose Griñan, anchor for KRIV FoxTV, served as emcee for the eventthat – in addition to naming the25 Red Rose Scholars for 2006 –also honored the late Larry Jonesas well as Nelly Quijano and herlate husband Dominic.

The annual Red Rose Ball raises funds to provide scholar-ships to students who excel inacademics, leadership and com-munity service.

Helping students succeed has long had appeal to theSaunderses. Charles and hiswife Betti set up a foundationto contribute to education andcharities in the early ‘90s.

They have been enthusiasticsupporters of UHD’s O’KaneTheatre through scholarshipsand patronage.

“We could havebought a multimillion dollar housein River Oaks, but we thought afoundation that helped people wasa better use of our money,”Charles Saunders said.

Betti Saunders, who like her hus-band came from modest means,has been moved by the apprecia-tion of students and their parents.

“So many of the students we havemet were the first in their family togo to college,” she said. “We alsohave met many parents who saidtheir children wouldn’t have gottenan education without scholarships.Nothing is more fun or more grati-fying than helping people in thisway.”

At a reception for scholars beforethe ball, Lyn Jones enjoyed visitingwith the students whose future wasa focus of her late husband, LarryJones. Jones was a former manag-ing partner of the internationalaccounting firm of Deloitte andTouche, and the former chair of theRed Rose Ball, the ScholarshipCommittee and UHD PresidentMax Castillo’s Advisory Council.

In Larry Jones’ memory, TomHarper, current chair of thePresident’s Advisory Council,announced at the ball that a LarryJones Red Rose scholarship fundhad been established.

Scholars, Donors Celebrate Together at UHD’s 25th Annual Red Rose Ball

Mayor Bill White moved the audience at the Red Rose Ball with his heartfelt support of UHD and higher education.

Above: Charles and Betti Friedel Saunders

were honored for their genuine support of

higher education and the University of

Houston-Downtown.

Lyn Jones with Carol and Thomas Harper III, paid tribute to Lyn’s husband, Larry Jones (1948-2005), and announcedthe creation of a special memorial scholarship in his name.

Nelly Quijano, center, and her late husband, Dominic, received the first Red Rose Community

Service Award for their service and good deeds in the Houston community. She is seen here

with her daughters Marisol, left, and Mariselle.

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“It’s to give kids who apply them-selves an opportunity to go fur-ther,” Mrs. Jones explained.

Nelly and the late DominicQuijano received the first RedRose Community Service Award.

The Quijanos, who left Cubawhen Fidel Castro brought com-munism to the country, came toHouston with very little and nowthe Quijano family owns 16McDonald’s franchises.

They have used their success tosupport local programs, includingschools, churches, mobile healthand dental clinics and civic orga-nizations.

“This is a wonderful evening,”Nelly Quijano observed. “Myhusband and I have been strongbelievers in education all ourlives. I’m so proud that my daugh-ter Mariselle is a graduate ofUHD.”

Students were grateful that theywere honored with Red RoseScholarships.

“The scholarship will help pay forday care for my son,” said HectorLechuga. A foster parent and afather of three, he plans tobecome a teacher.

“When you have kids, you don’twant to feel guilty about takingmoney out of the family budget,”said Denise Adams. A 50-year-old mother of three sons, she isnow studying information science.“You’re never too old to makeyour education dreams cometrue.”

Some students said the scholar-ships will enable them to reducetheir work hours.

“It’s a tremendous relief,” saidJana Carter, who is studying bio-logical and physical science. “Idon’t have to work so hard andcan focus more on my studies.”

Microbiology major Moses Osoroused to work 40 hours a week.“Now,” he said, “I can spendmore time in school.”

Many of the Red Rose Scholarshave overcome difficult chal-lenges.

Vilma Garza, a native of ElSalvador, spoke to the audienceon behalf of the students. Shetold them that she flunked two ofthree classes when she first start-ed school 14 years ago.

“I wasn’t disciplined enough andmy language skills weren’t goodenough,” she said. “So I had toquit.”

But she never stopped dreamingof going back to college tobecome a bilingual elementaryschool teacher. Three yearsago, after becoming more dis-ciplined and working on herlanguage skills, she returnedto college.

“I believe in education somuch that I read to my twochildren when they were stillin my belly,” she said.

Garza said her experienceand that of other

scholars at UHD should be a les-son to young people

everywhere.

“Never give up,” she said.“Never give up and yourdreams can come true.”

Left: Nelly Quijano (white dress) is sur-rounded by loving family and friends asshe and her late husband, Dominic, arerecognized for their unwavering supportof the Houston community. The Red RoseAward was created to recognize theefforts of selected Houstonians who haveengaged the community at a high levelthrough the support of education.

Below: Dr. Max Castillo, UHD president,was proud to announce the Red Rose Ballraised close to $500,000. Proceeds benefit Red Rose Scholars, high-achievingstudents in the College of Sciences andTechnology, as well as transfer students at UH-Downtown.

Vilma Garza, bilingual education, represented the scholarship recipients with sincere sentiment.

Denise Adams and

her husband, Rick,

wait for the doors

to the ScholarsReception to open.

Adams is working on a

BS in Interdisciplinary

Studies for a career in

information science.

The Latin American Student Service Organization and the Diaz Family jumpstarted the Red Rose Ball 25 years ago to help create

scholarships for UHD students. (Left to right) Ricky Jr., Michele Diaz Rodriguez, Belen, Armando and Ricky Sr.

Flower Power

David Cherian, Biology

David, 20, plans to attend medical school and is activein the Health Professions Organization. He participates inundergraduate research projects and has published hispoetry in UHD’s Bayou Review Literary Journal. He’s givenhis time to Bible school, the poor and underprivileged, theenvironment and a pediatric clinic.

Teofilo Chacon, Structural Analysis and Design

Teofilo, 34, currently works as a full-time heavy equipmentoperator for the City of Houston and carries a full load atUHD. As a member of Scholars Academy, he didresearch on damage to concrete beams. Teofilo plans towork for an engineering firm or the Texas Department ofTransportation after graduation.

Abigail Cedillo, Criminal Justice

Abigail, 23, is a full-time student, a part-time worker anda full-time wife and mother of a 21⁄2-year-old daughter. Shehelped start Best Leaders United for Excellence (B.L.U.E.),an organization that helps new students adjust to college life. She is the first in her family to graduate fromhigh school.

Jana Carter, Biological and Physical Science/Philosophy

Jana, 25, wants “to promote social change and have theeducation that best provides me with that opportunity.”She works with expert witnesses to derive complex analy-ses for proving negligence. Some of her work has result-ed in vital policy changes regulating nursing homes.

Norma Calvert, Business Administration

Norma, 55, received her diploma in applied photographyfrom the Art Institute of Houston and enrolled in UHD to pur-sue her bachelor’s degree. She wants to continue towardan MBA, attend law school or work as a human resourcesmanager while studying employment law. She went backto school after her two children finished college.

Lilian Bisonga, Accounting

Lilian, 38, has an associate degree in computer special-ization from Houston Community College. She wants herCPA and a second degree in finance before she moves intoan international career. Currently, she works at JP MorganChase. She helped feed Hurricane Katrina victims.

Jaime Avila, Finance

Jaime, 21, dreams of starting his own real estate businessto “help people with better and more affordable prices”on land. He will work as a summer intern for the law firmof Bracewell & Giuliani and currently works at HoustonCommunity College.

Denise Adams, Interdisciplinary Studies

After earning an associate degree more than a quarter-century ago, Denise, 50, enrolled at UHD to study infor-mation science. She works as a reporter, opinion pagecolumnist and editor at the Fort Bend Herald Coaster.

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Henia Abid, Applied Microbiology

Henia, 24, attended North Harris College where she waschosen as the best student in math and microbiology. Sheplans to pursue a Ph.D. to study microbes, pathogenesisof diseases and the body’s immune response. She helpedwith food supplies for Hurricane Katrina victims at theAstrodome.

Kristyna Chovancova, Computer InfomationSystems/Supply Chain Management

Kristyna, 28, hopes to manage quality control in a multi-national corporation. She has served in leadership roleswith university organizations, has also prepared pack-ages for troops overseas and worked with ChildProtective Services – along with her paid position at anart gallery.

Nydia Cordero, Structural Analysis and Design

Nydia, 22, received an associate degree from MiamiDade College before enrolling in UHD. After earning adegree, Nydia wants to work at an engineering firm toincrease her knowledge and gain practical experience.Then she wants to become a college professor.

Nicolas Endre, Computer Information Systems

Nicolas, 23, attended Houston Community Collegewhere he was selected as the best computer science student before enrolling in UHD. He works in the StudentActivities & Events Department and is active in the PhiTheta Kappa honors society. Nicholas also co-chaired theCampus Activities Board Publicity Committee.

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Mario Garza, Structural Analysis and Engineering

Mario, 33, hopes to work for an engineering firm or finan-cial institution in a commercial consulting area. He willbecome only the second person in his family to completecollege when he graduates. Much of his spare time goesto community service, especially through the UHD ScholarsAcademy. He’s been involved with Habitat for Humanity.

Vilma Garza, Education

Vilma, 35, the mother of two youngsters, volunteers regu-larly at her children’s elementary school, in addition toattending UHD full time. These activities are preparing thechildhood education major for a career as a bilingual ele-mentary school teacher. “Teaching,” Vilma says, “has beenmy passion for a very long time.”

Lesbia Rocha, Education

Lesbia, 34, participated in an English as a SecondLanguage program when she was in school. She wants toserve as a role model for Spanish-speaking elementaryschool students by becoming a bilingual educator. Lesbiaearned her Associate of Arts degree from North HarrisCollege. She helped distribute supplies to HurricaneKatrina victims.

Juan Razo, Biology

Juan, 20, envisions a future as an emergency room doc-tor or specialized pediatrician. The Galena Park nativehas participated in summer research programs at UHDand Rice University and won second place for a researchpaper at the Sigma Xi Conference. He is active in theHealth Professions Organization, Environmental Club andalso volunteers at his church.

Kristopher Overholt, Safety and Fire Engineering Technology/Applied Mathematics

Kristopher, 21, works full-time for OMNI Fire and Securityand has spent many hours as a firefighter with the KleinVolunteer Fire Department. He assisted UHD faculty mem-bers to create a course on national fire alarm codes,which enables students in fire service to perform alarminspections after becoming certified.

Moses Osoro, Microbiology

Moses, 26, a native of Kenya, plans to become a physi-cian, and last summer volunteered in the EmergencyCenter at Texas Children’s Hospital. He works for theScholars Academy as a peer mentor, is a peer counselorin the youth ministry of his church and serves as presidentof the UHD Leeuwenhoek Society, a microbiology orga-nization on campus

Wilmer Naranjo, Microbiology/Spanish

Wilmer, 22, described by faculty as a “model student,”does volunteer work for the Jewish Community Center andis an active member of the Scholars Academy, which, hesays, has “given me an opportunity to open my eyes to thefuture.” After earning his bachelor’s degree, Wilmer plansto enter pharmacy school.

Caroline Mwanzia, Business Administration

Caroline, 26, attended college in Kenya before transferringto Houston Community College and then to UHD. Now sheplans to earn her bachelor’s degree and master’s in humanresources and management. Her goal is to become a man-agement consultant.

Hector Lechuga, Education

Hector, 33, is a stay-at-home dad and a foster parent toseveral children. His experience foster-parenting promptedhim to change career goals from geology. He plans toearn a bachelor’s degree, masters and perhaps a Ph.D. ineducation. Meanwhile, he volunteers for such organiza-tions as the Chinquapin School and the YMCA.

Vien Lam, Chemistry

Vien, 21, plans to become a doctor and has participatedin Baylor College of Medicine’s Joint Admission MedicalProgram, volunteered at Ben Taub General Hospital, andhad a part-time position in the M.D. Anderson ImmunologyLab. Vien received the UHD Annual Freshman ChemistryAward for 2003-04 and the Organic Chemistry and Pre-Health Profession awards in 2005.

Johnson Joseph, Accounting

Johnson, 27, not only attends UHD full-time, but also worksat least 40 hours weekly to support his parents. He haslearned “the value of work ethics and career advance-ment.” After obtaining his bachelor’s degree, Johnsonplans to pursue his graduate and doctoral degrees andthen become a university professor.

Maria Ester Walker, Education

Maria, 31, migrated to the United States from Hondurasand has earned her Associate of Arts from TomballCommunity College. When she graduates, she will be thefirst of seven children in her family to graduate from col-lege. Maria, who has a yellow belt in Tae Kwon Do, vol-unteers with first graders who are learning to read.

Hiba Zwiya, Biotechnology

Hiba, 24, a native of Lebanon, completed coursework atthe UHD English Language Institute and studied atHouston Community College before returning to UHD.She has participated in an outreach program to teachmicrobiology to middle school students and intends to pur-sue a doctoral degree in molecular biology in order toconduct research on diseases such as cancer and AIDS.

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∑∑You Too Can Be A Red Rose Scholar!

UHD students who have a 3.5 GPA or above can aspire to be a Red Rose Scholar. Find out more at:

http://www.uhd.edu/admissions/financial_aid/scholarships/or visit the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.

Deadline: Fall 2006

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New Horizons is published by the Office of Communications and Marketing, UH-Downtown, and distributed to friends of the university with updates on campus activities. Call 713-221-8010 for more information or e-mail: zamorac@uhd.edu.

Editor .................................................................................................. Paul HarasimManaging Editor.................................................................................. Celeste ZamoraCreative Director........................................................................................ Joe WynneGraphic Designer ................................................................................ Meghan Sellers

not the money thatmakes the Red RoseScholarship so special,but rather “the lifelongmemories it creates forstudents.”

Michelle Falcon, assis-tant director of studentactivities and events,graduated with a BS in Criminal Justice.

Michelle was awarded the Red RoseScholarship in 2001. “The award has alwaysbeen very prestigious,” Michelle said. “I workedeven harder after I got the award. It makes youfeel that all things are possible, and it remindsyou that people do care about your education.”

Michelle’s college success was especially signifi-cant because she was the first person in her family to graduate from a university.

Anges Leung, director of testing services, firstcame to UHD as an international student fromHong Kong, studying in the English Language

Mark B. and Nancy O. AbendsheinGail and Louis Adler Dorothy J. AlcornStanford and Joan Alexander FoundationAmerican Express FoundationThurmon & Lilly AndressAnheuser-BuschAnonymousAramarkThe Ashton CompanyJohn R. BarbosaBarnes & Noble, Inc.BJ Services CompanyMr. and Mrs. Jack Blanton, Sr. &

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Wareing Gordon and Ermy BonfieldVictoria and John Brentin Council Member Peter BrownBurlington ResourcesDr. Dorothy Caram Bob & Gracie CavnarChampion TechnologiesPaul ChovanecRobert J. Dvorak Fulbright & JaworskiLeila P. GilbertJay and Susie Gogue,

University of HoustonGoldman SachsGreenwood King Properties-

Linda King AllisonAntonio R. GrijalvaArtie Lee Hinds Dr. and Mrs. Philip HoffmanHouston ChronicleArthur and Delores JansaJPMorgan ChaseKelsey-Seybold ClinicRichard L. Kimbrough John M. Kirksey Si Ball Lee and Yin-Chin LinSharon & Robert Lietzow Locke Liddell & Sapp LLPManhattan Construction CompanySusan & Fred Massey McDonald's Owners/OperatorsMcDonald's QSR GroupMcDonald's USA, LLCMr. and Mrs. S. Reed MorianWalter & Sue Morrison Madeline O'Brien Maconda B. O'Connor, PhD Ralph S. O'ConnorJane B. OwenErnest & Marietta Pekmezaris PGAL ArchitectsPuddie & Doug Pitcock Frank and Mary PokludaWesley and Janell PustejovskyBarbara and Corbin J. Robertson, Jr. Wilhelmina E. (Beth) RobertsonRegina RogersBill and Effie Rosene Ann B. SakowitzCharles & Betti Saunders Robert H. Sheridan Arthur L. and Janis L. Smith Wilhelmina R. SmithTexas Children's HospitalMary C. ThomasDavid and Ann Tomatz Union Pacific RailroadUniversity of Houston Foundation

Vinson & Elkins LLPMeg and Dick Weekley Robert L. Zinn

UHD Faculty, Staff, Students and RetireesSusan AhernChaney, Jo Jean, & Jeff AndersonEd and Laverne ApodacaCarolyn AsheChris and Robert Birchak Lilian BisongaDavid and Janet BradleyDavid CherianCollege of BusinessVicky EstreraAlberto and Julia Gomez-RivasAdrian GutierrezJohnson JosephRalph and Barbara KauffmanHelen KneisleyAndre and Marianne de KorvinMitsue NakamuraMoses OsoroKristopher OverholtBeth and Terry PelzGeorge and Dora PincusDelores and Armon ReevesDennis and Patricia RodriguezCarl Ruthstrom, Rebecca Brune,

and Robbie DeVries Michele J. SabinoAdolfo Santos and Betin Bilir-SantosK and Steve SucherMolly Woods

Larry Jones Red Rose Scholarship Memorial FundSharon L. AllenStanford and Joan Alexander FoundationAnadarkoAnonymousGeorge and Bette BobbittBraeburn Country ClubFrank Kell CahoonRic Campo CamdenMichael T. CampbellJohn CampionAmy W. ChronisSanford A. & Louise H. Cockrell, IIIJ-Bird & Grant CookJames E. Copeland, Jr.Sally and John CoxPatty & Bob CruikshankSam W. Cruse, Jr.Ernie, Jacquelyn, and Wesley DannerRichard L. DavenportHenry & Jeanne DeanDeloitte & Touche USA LLPJonathan F. EiseleRobert M. EuryCharles & Gretchen FergusonRay C. Fish FoundationMargaret & Ira GreenJames T. and Maureen E. HackettMerrill & Joe Hafner Robert HahneJohn F. HagamanCarol & Tommy HarperRick HartleyFrank J. HevrdejsE. Marcus HouseE.E. Hudson, Jr.Ned JohnsonChester & Charlotte Jones

Red Rose Ball 2006 Scholarship Contributors

Former Red Rose scholars grow careers at UHD

Rhonda Scherer, ‘97, Michelle Falcon, ‘02,and Po Chu Anges Leung, ‘90, always willhave three things in common – each graduatedfrom UHD, each works at the university andeach has felt the pride and great esteem ofbeing selected as a Red Rose Scholar.

Rhonda Scherer, assistant director of the Jesse H.Jones Student Life Center, earned her BS inProfessional Writing.

“Leaving UHD was never an option,” saidRhonda, who suffered the tragic loss of a childbefore starting schoolat the university. “UHDgave me the opportuni-ty to start a new life formyself. Getting the RedRose Scholarship gaveme tremendous pride.”

Rhonda was wellserved by the financialsupport provided by the Red Rose Scholarship.Ultimately, however, Rhonda suggests that it is

by Israel Salazar, Alumni Coordinator

Jeffrey C. JonesBob & Sally KentLeo L. KesselMark and Beth LaytonMary Patricia and David H. LehmanSteve & Paula LetbetterNancy LevickiRoy L. MarkumEarl MaxwellBeckie & Gasper MirGarry MoodyRob Mosbacher Albert MulleyGary & Elizabeth PetersenJerry W. PinkertonPriceWaterHouse Coopers LLP

James H. & Bonnie B. QuigleyElizabeth and John R. Ray, Jr.Steven L. RoeThe Gary and Lee Rosenthal FoundationMark SchneiderTerry & Brenda Seitz and FamilyWilliam C. StevensPeter and Carol TaaffeLambeth & Nancy TownsendJeffrey K. WillemainAnne S. & W. Fletcher WrightBob & Barb Zorich

Graphic Designer Meghan Sellers and Creative Director Joe Wynne

Institute (ELI). Not being a native speaker of the English language, Anges was aware of thechallenges she would face in pursuing a four-year degree.

Before she could even enroll at UHD, she had to earn a GED. Anges went on to earn a BS inApplied Mathematics.

The Red RoseScholarship, which shewon three years in row,was a significant con-tributor to her collegesuccess.

“The Red RoseScholarship made itpossible,” she says.“Because tuition for international students is soexpensive, I would’ve had to quit.”

Anges knows why she and her colleagues havestayed at UHD: “We are here because we lovethis place, and we want to give back for all thatwe were given.”

Rhonda Scherer

Po Chu Anges Leung

Michelle Falcon