Melissa Chapa
Major: Masters in Project Management
Melissa Chapa, majoring in Masters in Project Management and Process Improvement, works at UHD. She is currently working with the implementation of PeopleSoft by supporting the project reach various milestones. “Along with experience of being a part of an implementation team, I am able to utilize techniques that are taught through the MBA program. Scholarships that UHD IT department offers, makes goals of achieving a Master’s degree a reality,” Melissa said. She also plans to continue to “contribute to strategic efforts made in the higher institution field.”
2017 IT Scholarship
In Memory of
Zorion Vicente Esquivel
As long as I live,
You will live.
As long as I live,
You will be remembered.
As long as I live,
You will be loved.
Edna Soto
Major: Chemistry
Edna Soto is 26 years old from Mexico, but moved to the United States about 9 years ago. She started her education in a ESL program back in 2008. She could barely speak or write English and now she is almost done with her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry with a minor in Biology. Her goal is to go to Pharmacy school. Winning the scholarship has encouraged her to work harder in order to achieve her goals.
Alixa Bahena
Major: Computer Science
Ali works for USS on the Service Desk. Why? Excellent critical thinking skills, professional demeanor, sincere volunteerism, commitment to customer satisfaction, and a passion for learning are just a few of the descriptors her co-workers use to describe her. She is very close to finishing her degree. Oscar Delacruz describes her journey this way...She has paved her road the old fashioned way with hard work and commitment.
Angie Chicas
Major: Computer Science
Angie has a passion for web design and hopes to find a job that strikes a balance between web development and her creativity. Her positive attitude is contagious among the USS staff. Her stellar academic performance helped her make the Deans List for the College of Sciences and Engineering Technology. Not bad for her first year here at UHD.
Andrea Gomez
Major: Healthcare and Behavioral Navigation
Andrea is described by her student coworkers at nice, dedicated, hard working, smart, and friendly. Her goal is to become a nurse and these qualities will help her as she pursues a career in nursing. When she isn't studying she can be found caring for her two dogs Tramp and Spike. Her supervisors recognized her talent and encouraged her to apply for the scholarship.
2016 IT Scholarship
In Memory of
Anup K. Patel
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Anup never passed up an opportunity to be of service to fellow students. He made sure that user’s needs were being met, often going the extra mile ensuring that students left with a great experience in using our Computing Labs. Anup was also part of the Student Life Center culture where he made many friends, and improved his basketball skills. He enjoyed showing everyone his latest moves and his automatic 3-point shot, with the exclamation “gotcha,” each time he demonstrated his basketball skills.
May you continue to rest in peace.
With lots of love, Your Family & Friends
Fiona Ong
Major: Geoscience
Fiona was born and raised in Malaysia. She considers herself very lucky to have been accepted at UHD and for her family to support her and her education. She is thankful to be hired by UHD’s User Support Services in 2015. This job and her fellow coworkers has taught her a lot about responsibility, discipline and handling tough situations. She chose to major in Geoscience mainly because of her brothers. The vast oil and gas industry here in Houston has made her want to help improve the industry.
Tai-Feng Wu
Major: Biology
Mr. Tai-Feng Wu has attended Fu Jen Catholic University. He is a Registered Professional Nurse by the ministry of health and welfare of the Republic of China (Taiwan). He has been awarded many certifications such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Microsoft Office Specialist Master both of which equip him to help others. He is not one to back down from a challenge, either academic or personal. He is the kind of person who has a very positive attitude towards life.
Mukarram Syedshah
Major: Enterprise Information Systems
Mukarram decided to apply and attend UHD, and is extremely proud of that decision. A reason why he attended UHD was because of the extremely apt department of Management Information System which is his major. He also works on campus in the Information Technology department, and believes it will provide exceptional experience to apply the knowledge from the past couple of years at UHD. After graduation, he plans to work in an MIS related environment as well as continue his studies and hopefully complete his Master's Degree in MIS.
2015 IT Scholarship
In Memory of
Chaney Anderson
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Mr. Chaney Anderson, worked at UHD from its inception in 1974 until his retirement in 2005. Chaney will best be remembered for the last 20 years of his career, when he served as UHD’s VP for Administration & Finance/Chief Financial Officer, and Information Technology directly reported to him. Chaney was widely respected and admired at UHD and across UHS for his many fine personal qualities. In describing him people tended to use adjectives like honest, fair, considerate, hard-working, trustworthy and sincere; values we promote and aspire to live by in IT.
Jonathan Martin

Major: Computer Science
A member of UHD’s prestigious Scholars Academy, Jonathan maintains a 4.0 GPA. He began work with User Support Services in 2014. He shows a high degree of commitment to both his work responsibilities and his academics as evidenced by his outstanding GPA. His combination of academic excellence, outstanding work ethic, and exceptional attitude make him a clear choice for the 2015 IT Scholarship.
Selena Samudio

Major: Social Work
Selena received her associates degree from Loan Star College while attending Victory Early College high school in 2014, then graduated from UHD in May 2016 on her 20th birthday. While attending UHD, Selena worked in the Information Technology Academic Computer Lab, the Commerce building Comet Lab and the Information Technology front office. Selena is described as dependable, hardworking, friendly co-worker that always has a smile. Selena is currently working in the Employment Services Office at UHD.
Burgundi Lemond
Major: Human Resource Management
Burgundi represents a rare combination of judgment, dependability, and an immunity to pressure that makes her a great success. She is committed and goal oriented and provides anyone who comes into contact with her a lasting impression of a person of integrity, loyalty, and professionalism. Burgundi works in the Business Office for UHD IT. She has a B.B.A in Business Management with a minor in HR Management. She also holds an M.B.A. in Human Resource Management.
2014 IT Scholarship
In Memory of
Jose Luis Longoria
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Joey lived his life by the principle “I have learned success is measured not by position in life, but by obstacles overcome on the path to success.” His courageous battle with leukemia and his work was an Assistant Coach for the UTSA Men’s Basketball Program afforded him many opportunities to inspire and help others.
Phuoc Nguyen

Major: Computer Science
Phuoc Nguyen (Austin) moved from Vietnam as an international student to pursue his dream of good education and career. He started UHD in fall 2011 and graduated with bachelor in Computer Science in fall 2014. His hobbies includes photography and videography. He was a dedicated student worker at Academic Computing Lab with IT department from spring 2012 until fall 2014. After graduating from UHD, he started his own business selling Vietnamese books online (https://sachviet.us/). He also works as a Senior Desktop Technical Administrator at Zachry Industrial Inc.
D'Angelo White
Major: Enterprise Information Systems
D’Angelo White was an IT student assistant in September 2013. During his time with the UHD Technology team he was a dedicated and diligent employee for UHD Northwest operations. He became a favorite among staff, students, and faculty for his professional demeanor and calm approach in assisting with any type of support. D’Angelo was instrumental during the Northwest expansion in helping with computers setups and providing weekend support. D’Angelo was also a reserve with the Army National Guard. After graduating with a degree in Computer Information Systems, he has moved on to obtain a position with JPMorgan as an application support analyst.
Melissa Chapa
Major: Biology
Melissa has worked in several technical support roles for Information Technology. She has supported the campus as a Service Desk technician and as a student as a lab assistant She has quiet confidence that makes her well suited for IT support work. She is dedicated, hardworking, and is recognized as reliable and professional.