In the past five years, the Nonprofit Management program at UHD has worked with more than 150 nonprofit organizations in the region, providing students with real-world, experiential learning opportunities while also ensuring the Houston region has the workforce necessary to continue serving community needs.
The result is that many alumni of the program become local leaders in the field, as a brief scan of the resumes of local CEOs, executive directors, and senior leaders would reveal.
Now, UHD has formalized this network with the recent launch of the Nonprofit Alumni Network. The initiative, the first discipline-specific alumni group of its kind at UHD, brings together students, alumni, faculty, staff, and nonprofit professionals to strengthen collaboration across Houston’s nonprofit sector.
Held in April at UHD@1801 Main, the event focused on relationship-building, workforce development, and expanding opportunities for students and alumni pursuing community-focused careers. A panel discussion on nonprofit education, community engagement, and the evolving needs of Houston’s nonprofit sector also formed part of the inaugural event.
“Nonprofit work is naturally collaborative,” said Dr. Hanjin Mao, Assistant Professor of Nonprofit Management and Director for the Master of Arts in Nonprofit Management. “The challenges facing our communities are complex and require organizations, leaders, and stakeholders to work together. Staying connected beyond graduation creates a community of practice where people can exchange ideas, share experiences, and learn from one another.”
The event also highlighted opportunities for nonprofit organizations to engage with UHD through internships, mentorship, service-learning projects, and professional partnerships that connect students with real-world nonprofit experience.
“The research is clear about the added value of alumni groups in the disciplines,” said Director of Alumni Relations Danielle Soria-Orozco. “Our students benefit from the mentorship they receive, mentorship based in industry experience, and alumni are more likely to give back when they see their time and money having an impact in their field.”
By launching the Nonprofit Alumni Network, UHD aims to strengthen long-term relationships between the university and Houston’s nonprofit community while expanding pathways for students and alumni to engage in meaningful public-service work beyond the classroom.
In the end, it's about student success, said Mao. “When students build relationships with professionals working in the field, they get the support they need to achieve long-term success.”
