UHCL at Pearland event celebrates scholarships, ‘dreaming the dream’

July 8, 2021 | UHCL Staff

Sarah Horwitz said she enrolled at University of Houston-Clear Lake in hopes of becoming a future leader in the healthcare industry, and with the help of scholarships made possible by the generosity of donors, her dream is coming true.

"I remember when I received the Donald F. Callaghan Distinguished Scholar Award," she said. "This scholarship has opened many doors for me, at UH-Clear Lake and beyond. As its recipient, I was given the opportunity to work with the healthcare administration chair and internship coordinator for the College of Business. Seeing my potential during this collaboration, they championed me among their own professional networks."

Horwitz and other scholarship recipients and donors, as well as UHCL administrators and Pearland Mayor Kevin Cole gathered on June 30 at UHCL Pearland to express their gratitude to university donors and friends in the Pearland community whose gifts have helped sustain their academic journeys, as well as celebrate their success.

"Let's dream the dream of what can be here," said Cole. "The cost of college is high enough. Moving and living away is added to the cost of tuition, but at UHCL Pearland, and with the help of these donors, it's possible to complete your education while staying at home in your community. It's all here, there are tremendous opportunities to dream the dream."

Vice President of University Advancement Joe Staley said that all who directed their philanthropy in support of students through scholarships have made a pledge that goes beyond the dollars committed.

"Our university makes this pledge in return," he said. "We will do our best to honor your commitment by providing a high-quality academic and career-focused experience that will prepare our students to be intelligent, hardworking, and well-rounded contributors."

University of Houston System Student Regent Derek Delgado, who is the first student regent to be appointed from UHCL, said that his story was similar to many other students who have benefited from scholarship support. "We're all aware that a UHCL degree is essential to meeting our goals," he said. "I know that we, the students, are going to reach our goals, if we can afford to stay the course. You are helping us do just that."

Horwitz said that donors like the Callaghan family allowed students to see their potential. "Not only do donations relieve the financial burden of academic endeavors, but they equip students like me with the tools for personal and professional growth," she said. "On behalf of all scholarship recipients, I want to say thank you."

For more information about University Advancement at UHCL, go online.