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50th Anniversary Signature Events

UHD's 50th anniversary was a year of celebration, highlighted by signature events that brought together students, alumni, faculty, and the community. From commemorative ceremonies to engaging programs, these events honored our past, celebrated our present, and set the stage for an exciting future.
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50th kickoff January 18, 2024

50th Anniversary Kick Off Celebration

It was an evening dedicated to celebrating the University of Houston-Downtown’s 50th anniversary, where attendees enjoyed games and music and heard stories from the UHD community.
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Concert View from the auditoriumJanuary 30, 2024

An Evening of Jazz

The Houston Civic Jazz Orchestra performed an evening of jazz for the UHD community, marking a significant event in the kickoff of the 50th anniversary celebrations.
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UHD One Main BuildingApril 23,2024

UHD Lettering Added to One Main Building

The University of Houston-Downtown name was added to the roof of the One Main Building, marking UHD’s prominent place in the Houston skyline.
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Students reviewing the new Skyline magazineMay 21, 2024

Skyline, UHD's New Magazine

The inaugural edition of Skyline Magazine features a special look at the university’s history and the iconic One Main Building in celebration of UHD’s 50th anniversary.
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UHD Leadership with Houston Mayor and City CouncilAugust 22, 2024

UHD Receives Applause and Accolades at City Hall

On August 6, 2024, UHD marked its official 50th birthday, continuing the celebration throughout the year. At Houston City Hall, Mayor John Whitmire and Council Member Mario Castillo presented President Loren J. Blanchard with a special proclamation recognizing UHD’s impact and growth.
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President Loren J. Blanchard with UHS Chancellor Renu Khator and her HusbandOctober 12, 2024

50th Anniversary Gala

The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) celebrated five decades of educational excellence at a black-tie 50th Anniversary Gala at the Hilton Americas in downtown Houston. The event honored UHD's remarkable alumni and marked a significant milestone in the university’s history.
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Terence Blanchard November 9, 2024

Terence Blanchard: Live For UHD

On November 9, 2024, the University of Houston-Downtown celebrated the final event of its 50th anniversary year with an evening of jazz featuring renowned composer and trumpeter Terence Blanchard, cousin of UHD President Loren J. Blanchard, live for UHD!
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President's Lecture Series

The President’s Lecture Series at UHD continued to inspire meaningful dialogue by bringing thought leaders, alumni, and experts together to explore a wide range of topics.
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UHD President, Loren J. Blanchard and Authro ReShonda TateFebruary 20, 2024

The Oscars and a Hidden History: Hollywood Legend Hattie McDaniel

As part of the President’s Lecture Series in celebration of Black History Month, bestselling author and journalist ReShonda Tate led a discussion on the life and legacy of Hattie McDaniel—one of Hollywood’s most prolific yet underappreciated stars. The event took place ahead of the Academy Awards, highlighting McDaniel’s enduring impact on the film industry.
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Current and a few former UHD PresidentsMarch 5, 2024

A Fireside Chat with Former UHD Presidents

The President’s Lecture Series featured a special Fireside Chat with esteemed former UHD presidents Alexander F. Schilt, Max Castillo, and William V. Flores. Moderated by Dr. Loren J. Blanchard, UHD’s current president.
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Guest panelists at the President's Lecture Series on SustainabilityApril 23, 2024

From Information to Action: Sustainability Across Houston

As part of UHD’s Earth Month and 50th Anniversary observances, this edition of the President’s Lecture Series hosted a panel discussion focusing on environmental sustainability and green living.
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Javier Zambrano, Jonathan Schwartz with David Ono and his guests. May 21,2024

UHD Celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

UHD hosted a special event featuring award-winning filmmaker and ABC7 Eyewitness News anchor David Ono as part of its Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebrations. This lecture was focused on his documentary film "Legacy of Heart Mountain," which chronicled the stories of the people who were held in the Wyoming concentration camp during WWII.
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Len Cannon and Mia Gradney of KHOU11 on stage discussing documentary and JuneteenthJune 18, 2024

Screening of Juneteenth 1865-2024: A Legacy of Song

UHD kicked off Juneteenth celebrations with the premiere of KHOU 11’s documentary, "Juneteenth 1865-2024: A Legacy of Song." The event featured a Q&A session with Mia Gradney and Len Cannon following the screening.
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Panel members for the President's Lecture Series Celebrating Hispanic Heritage MonthSeptember 10, 2024

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: What's Your Next?

UHD hosted a moderator-led discussion exploring key topics related to Hispanic heritage, including representation in media, the power of storytelling, entrepreneurship, and the immigrant experience.
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Guest Speaker Brad Thomason and Moderator, Mark Cervenka at President's Lecture SeriesOctober 2, 2024

A Discussion with UHD Alum Bradford Thomason

UHD welcomed alumnus and film producer Bradford Thomason for an engaging, discussion. The event provided attendees with a unique opportunity to gain insights into the film industry, hear behind-the-scenes stories, and learn about Thomason’s journey from UHD to the big screen.
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From Left to Right: Moderator, Ernest Walker, UHD President Loren J. Blanchard, Terence BlanchardNovember 8, 2024

A Conversation with Terence Blanchard: Jazz, Movies, and Family Stories

Terence Blanchard shared his inspiring journey and groundbreaking career, spanning jazz, film composition, and opera.
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Rhythm & Books

In 2024, Rhythm & Books, inspired by NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, was a daytime concert series featuring Texas-grown talent. Created by Spencer Lightsy, UHD Associate Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, the series transformed UHD’s library space into a dynamic stage and recording studio.
Rhythm & Books
Valen the Valentine, her band members, UHD President and Spencer LightsyFebruary 28, 2024

Valen the Valentine

Valen the Valentine is a Houston-based R&B artist known for her sultry voice, poetic lyrics, and captivating performances. She brings a bold, free-spirited vibe to the Houston music scene, inviting fans to explore themes of vulnerability, identity, and personal growth through her music and aesthetic.
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Charly and Orq with UHD LeadershipMarch 27, 2024

Charly Siaba & the Mighty Orq

Charly Siaba and The Mighty Orq are two dynamic artists shaping Houston’s music scene. Siaba, a Cuban singer-songwriter and producer, blends Trova, Bolero, Funk, and Blues with his classical training, while The Mighty Orq, an award-winning guitarist and songwriter, specializes in Blues and American roots music. Both captivate audiences with their unique styles and powerful performances.
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Grace Harrison, Sho Nuff and band membersApril 24, 2024

Sho Nuff & Grace Harrison

Grace Harrison is a Houston-based singer-songwriter and producer with classical training in piano and voice, blending genres influenced by artists like The Carpenters, John Mayer, and Nina Simone. Sho Nuff, a blues rock band formed in 2022, delivers electrifying performances, combining soulful energy and dynamic shows, making a significant mark on the Houston music scene.
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Victor WootenJuly 3, 2024

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Victor Wooten is a renowned American bassist, composer, and author, best known as a founding member of the Grammy-winning band Béla Fleck and the Flecktones. Widely regarded as one of the most influential bass players, he has released solo albums and collaborated with top artists across genres like jazz, funk, and fusion. Wooten is celebrated for his innovative playing techniques, including slap bass and fingerstyle, and remains a key figure in modern bass music.
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Join Us for the Next 50 Years!

The past 50 years have been a journey of growth, innovation, and impact, shaping our university into the institution it is today. As we look ahead to the next 50 years, our commitment to excellence remains steadfast. We will continue to expand opportunities, enhance student success, and strengthen our community partnerships. With a vision for the future that embraces progress and opportunity, we are building a legacy that will empower generations to come. Learn more about our direction for the years ahead.

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