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Gator with fork coming from tail

Rooted in Purpose. Committed to Students.

NOVEMBER 11, 2026

RECEPTION: 6 p.m. | MAIN EVENT: 7 p.m.

UHD WELLNESS AND SUCCESS CENTER


University of Houston-Downtown
1000 Naylor St., Houston, TX 77002

Dress Code: Business/Business Casual Attire

wine glasses and plates on a table

About the University of Houston-Downtown
Rooted in Purpose. Committed to Students.

At the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD), our mission is to serve students and support their journey to becoming the leaders of tomorrow. As a comprehensive four-year university, our degree programs are designed with career preparation, personal growth, and lifelong impact in mind. 

For more than 50 years, UHD has been a place of opportunity and transformation for students from all backgrounds. As Houston's second largest university, UHD is in the heart of one of the nation's most diverse and vibrant cities and fosters a welcoming community where every student is valued, supported, and equipped for success. 

With nearly 15,000 students and a growing network of more than 70,000 alumni, UHD is proud to shape futures, empower dreams, and uplift the communities we serve.


Want To Know More?
Learn More About UHD
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About Gourmet Gators

Gourmet Gators is UHD's premier fundraising event, a night where the city's culinary brilliance meets its commitment to highter education. With 300 guests, including donors, leaders, and supporters, the evening offers an intimate, high-impact celebration of student opportunity. 

Available for Purchase
Tickets & Sponsors
Can't Make It?
Donate

2025 Gourmet Gators Honorees

Hannah Hartland McNair, Vice President of the Houston Texans Foundation

Hannah Hartland McNair
Vice President of the
Houston Texans Foundation
2025 Golden Gator Award

Mariselle Quijano, Franchise Owner, McDonald's, 2025 Golden Gator Awardee

Mariselle Quijano
Franchise Owner

McDonald's
2025 Golden Gator Award

Lenora Sorola-Pohlman, Health Insurance Consultant, Navarro Insurance, 2025 Marilyn Davies Leadership Awardee

Lenora Sorola-Pohlman
Health Insurance Consultant

Navarro Insurance
2025 Marilyn Davies Leadership Award

T-Mobile,
2025 UHD Corporate Partner
of the Year

T-Mobile
2025 UHD Corporate Partner
of the Year



The 2026 Honorees will be awarded at the event

Tickets & Sponsorships

Support student success while receiving premium visibility for your brand. Explore our sponsorship packages below.

  • Recognition as Premier Sponsor of the Evening Program
  • One (1) minute speaking opportunity on behalf of your organization
  • Premier logo placement on all event materials (programs, signage, & website)

  • One-minute speaking opportunity
  • Prominent logo placement
  • 2 premier tables (20 VIP guests)
  • Media and event promotions

  • Official Student Performance Sponsor
  • Reserved premium seating for 10 with signage
  • Recognition in program and signage

  • Recognition in the program 
  • Reserved seating for 10 guests

  • Access to all cuisine stations and the VIP lounge experience
  • Includes taps tasting, cocktails, and entertainment

  • Access to all cuisine stations, cocktails, and entertainment
Delicious Asian cuisine dish

Experience the Flavors

Explore a vibrant, walk-around tasting tour showcasing:

  • Asian Essence and Fusion
  • Latin/Mexican Cuisine
  • Mediterranean Flavors
  • South Asian & Indian Spice
  • Southern Style BBQ

Sponsor Recognition

Thank you to our generous sponsors who help make this evening possible! Your support directly impacts the lives of UHD students by funding scholarships, expanding opportunities, and creating pathways to success. Gourmet Gators is more than a celebration — it is a commitment to student achievement made possible through your partnership.

Greek Salad on a plate

Additional Sponsorship Opportunities

These specialty sponsorships offer unique brand visibility.

  • Branding and signage in the Reception area
  • Custom branded cocktail named in your honor for the evening

  • Recognition as the exclusive sponsor of the evening's entertainment
  • Branding on stage and in the event program

  • Recognition as the sponsor of all floral arrangements
  • Logo displayed near floral displays and in the event program

Become a Sponsor

Interested in partnering with us to support UHD students?

Review available sponsorship levels

Consider brand visibility and guest benefits

Reach out to learn how to reserve your package

Contact

For more information contact:

Questions? Email advancement@uhd.edu