UHCL volunteers celebrated for supporting success

August 27, 2021 | UHCL Staff

In celebration of the long-standing tradition of philanthropy and volunteerism at University of Houston-Clear Lake, over 40 volunteers were recognized and honored by the university's president, Ira K. Blake, at a reception at Bay Oaks Country Club this week.

"I can honestly say that the spirit of volunteerism, philanthropy, and care for others has never been more needed and important. It has also never been more present and appreciated than it is right now at UH-Clear Lake," Blake said.

She told the group, all of whom volunteered on a UHCL board, council, committee or association, that their intellect and creativity would be necessary as the university entered another academic year, and said they were "essential to the university's success."

Sen. Larry Taylor said that volunteerism was the life blood of any community. "With that life blood comes vibrancy, and you see that here at UHCL. Efforts are multiplied, and with the synergy of people coming together, it gives so much value back to the community," he said.

Double-UHCL alumna Denise S. Navarro, president and CEO of Logical Innovations, Inc., said she was "in it for life. My children are Hawks, and other members of my family are Hawks. We see the next generation of our family coming through, and we are part of an organization that feels like family," she said. "We love to see our campus prosper and grow."

Student Government Association President J Scates said he hoped the volunteer hours he'd spent had helped to mold the university into what it is. "It's important to give back to the university," he said. "There's always a reason to give, and there's so many ways to do it. You can be helping other students or help improve the physical environment of the campus. And it's important for students to see others volunteering so they'll be inspired to do it as well."

Blake said she was proud to see students and alumni experiencing the positive impact of leadership and volunteerism. "Being a Hawk is a life-long pursuit," she said. "Thank you for modeling the best of what lies within us for the benefit of all who love our university."

To learn how you can support UHCL, contact the Division of University Advancement.