On Wednesday, Nov. 12, UHD’s Wellness & Success Center (WSC) was transformed into an elegant venue for the inaugural Gourmet Gators fundraiser which raised $1 million in support of the University of Houston-Downtown and its students. Net proceeds from the evening will benefit student scholarships and emergency grants, helping ensure thousands of students can pursue and complete a UHD education, strengthening the socioeconomic futures of families for generations to come.
A significant portion of the evening’s success was made possible by a major pledge made by Lenora Sorola-Pohlman worth approximately $750,000 in support of UHD. Her gift honors her late husband and UHD alumnus, Sgt. John G. Pohlman, reflecting her deep commitment to celebrating his legacy and uplifting the institution that helped shape his journey.
In addition to Ms. Sorola-Pohlman’s recognition as the 2025 Marilyn Davies Leadership Awardee, UHD alumni Hannah Hartland McNair, Vice President of the Houston Texans Foundation, and Mariselle Quijano, franchise owner of McDonald's, were honored as 2025 Golden Gator Award recipients. Dr. Keisha King of T-Mobile was also recognized as 2025 UHD Corporate Partner of the Year.
Guests enjoyed a lively reception in the WSC lobby before walking through angular “arches” into a beautifully reimagined space—once the basketball courts—now complete with a full stage, live band, banquet seating, and chef tasting stations.
As its name suggests, Gourmet Gators placed Houston’s dynamic culinary scene at the center of the experience. Small plates were crafted by James Beard Award semi-finalist Ope Amosu, founder of ChòpnBlọk and named among The New York Times’ “Top 50 Best Restaurants” in the U.S.; Patricia “Patti” Delgado, Executive Chef of The Original Ninfa's on Navigation; and local favorites from Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen and an array of sumptuous sushi provided by Sushic/Tokyo Gardens Catering.