UHD / Academic Affairs / Marilyn Davies College of Business / Scholarships / MIS Hall of Fame

MIS Hall of Fame

The Stafford Outstanding CIS Award

Established in 2005 throught the generosity of Mr. James E. Stafford and his family, this award recognizes outstanding students in the field of Management Information Systems (MIS).

Marilyn Davies College of Business Building

Stafford Outstanding MIS Graduate Award Recipient

Ali Manaei Sichani graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Information Systems from the Marilyn Davies College of Business at the University of Houston–Downtown and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Business Analytics at the University of Houston’s C.T. Bauer College of Business.

His academic focus includes predictive modeling, experimental design, and e-commerce optimization, supported by hands-on experience in educational projects that apply business productivity software and data analytics. Ali is committed to using data-driven insights to enhance decision-making and drive impactful solutions in business analytics.

About James E. Stafford

Mr. Stafford (pictured in the center) served in the United States Air Force in the 1950s before pursuing higher education at the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD), where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems (CIS} in 1990. With a career spanning decades in the oil industry, both before and after his time at UHD, Mr. Stafford developed a deep appreciation for the role that education played in his professional success. To give back to the institution that helped shape his career, he created this scholarship as a way to support and recognize outstanding students in the field of Management Information Systems (MIS}.

Read 2005 article about Mr. Stafford awarding top CIS students

James Stafford CIS scholarship recipients

Purpose of the Award

This scholarship fosters academic excellence and professional development, providing financial relief
and recognition to students who excel in their MIS studies. It celebrates hard work, perseverance,
and the pursuit of knowledge in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

In addition to receiving financial assistance, the recipient is publicly recognized within the Marilyn Davies College of Business, helping to strengthen their professional profile and

future career prospects. More than just monetary support, the award stands as a meaningful

acknowledgment of the recipient’s dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence.

Eligibility

Awarded annually to a top-performing MIS graduate.

Selection by MIS faculty based on overall and MIS-specific GPA.

Recipient must graduate with honors to be eligible.

The award includes financial support and public recognition within the Marilyn Davies College of Business.

Legacy & Impact

By investing in the next generation of MIS professionals, this scholarship continues Mr. Stafford's legacy of supporting education. It inspires students to strive for excellence and contribute to technology, business and beyond.

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