Discover past events from the President’s Lecture Series, where distinguished guests have shared their expertise on a wide range of thought-provoking topics. These engaging discussions offer valuable insights into history, culture, social change, and current global issues. Each event features a renowned speaker, providing in-depth perspectives that inspire critical thinking and meaningful dialogue. Browse event descriptions and watch video recordings to revisit these impactful conversations and gain a deeper understanding of the ideas that shape our world.

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Fireside Chat with Former UHD Presidents

Tuesday, March 5, 4 - 5:30 p.m.
A-300, One Main Building

Join us for a special Fireside Chat and reception featuring esteemed former presidents of our university. This unique opportunity offers insights into our institution's rich history and the vision that has shaped our journey. We look forward to welcoming you there!

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Former UHD Presidents

Alexander Schilt, Former UHD President

Max Castillo, Former UHD President

William Flores, Former UHD President

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UHD 50th Anniversary President's Lecture Series Fireside Chat

Join us for an extraordinary conversation with eight-time Grammy Award-winning 
and two-time Oscar-nominated jazz trumpeter 
Terence Blanchard! 

Moderated by Ernest Walker

11 a.m. - Noon
Friday, November 8, 2024
TDECU Tour Room, Welcome Center 

Watch Video

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The Entrepreneur's Journey: Conversations with our Alumni Entrepreneurs

A Panel Discussion with UHD Alums

11:30 - 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 27
Milam/Travis Rooms, Welcome Center

Featuring Darian Lewis Sr., Monica Lewis, Angel Cabrera, & Gabriela Smith
Moderated by Candace TenBrink, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Strategy Marilyn Davies College of Business, UHD

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Panelists and Moderator:

Featuring Darian Lewis Sr., Monica Lewis, Angel Cabrera, & Gabriela Smith  Moderated by Candace TenBrink, Ph.D. /images/president/lecture-series/candace-tenbrink-250x300.jpg Candace TenBrink, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Strategy Marilyn Davies College of Business, UHD

Darian Lewis Sr.

('02) - Chief Marketing Officer/COO  The Monica Lewis School of Ettiquette

Monica Lewis

CEO and Founder of The Monica Lewis School of Ettiquette

Angel Cabrera

('09)  - Owner Tacos Doña Lena

Gabriela Smith

('14) - Co-founder and CEO
Big State Construction

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The Oscars and a Hidden History

Hollywood Legend Hattie McDaniel

Tuesday, February 20, 1 - 2:30 p.m.
TDECU Tour Room, Welcome Center
Celebrating Black History

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Celebrating Black History

As Hollywood gets ready for its biggest night next month (March 10), best-selling author and journalist ReShonda Tate presents findings from her latest book - The Queen of Sugar Hill: A Novel of Hattie McDaniel - a fascinating fictional portrait of Hattie McDaniel, one of Hollywood's most prolific but woefully underappreciated stars.

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Creating Strategic Partnerships for a Vibrant Downtown Community

11:30 - 1:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 26,
TDECU Tour Room, Welcome Center

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Panelists and Moderator:

Our three esteemed panelists will discuss the synergy created when local government, the business community, and higher education build strategic alliances to inform a dynamic, livable, and “user-friendly” downtown. The outcomes are a win-win for community engagement, work force development, and sustainability.

Sylvester Turner

 Mayor City of Houston

Kris Larson

President & CEO  Central Houston, Inc.

Dr. Loren J. Blanchard

President University of Houston-Downtown

Jonathan Schwartz, Ph.D

 Associate Vice President, Advancement

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12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 23, 
Fondren Commons | College of Sciences and Technology

As part of UHD’s Earth Month and 50th Anniversary observances, you are invited to attend the third chapter in this year’s President’s Lecture Series focused on our environment and green living. 

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Panelists and Moderator:

This panel is being presented in collaboration with the UHD Sustainability Council and the Center for Urban Agriculture and Sustainability. Dr. Lisa Morano, Professor of Biology and Microbiology and Director of the Center for Urban Agriculture and Sustainability, will moderate the panel of sustainability experts:

Ana Bueno

Environmental Reporter at Univision 45

Jaime González

Community & Equitable Conservation Programs Director, The Nature Conservancy in Texas

Naomi Kuo

Artist-in-Residence, Asia Society Texas Center

Steve Stelzer

Program Director, Green Building Resource Center, Houston Permitting Center

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Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Award-Winning Journalist David Ono on WWII and Japanese Internment

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 21, 
A300, Academic Building

Join us for a riveting conversation with David Ono, the award-winning filmmaker and news anchor for Los Angeles' ABC 7. The winner of 28 Emmys and a nine-time recipient of the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for outstanding achievement in electronic journalism, Mr. Ono will shed light on the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.

His many documentary films include "Legacy of Heart Mountain," which chronicled the stories of the people who were held in the Wyoming concentration camp during WW II.

Watch Video

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Butterfly in the Sky With Bradford Thomason

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 18
A300 Academic Building

Join the UHD community for an engaging moderator-led discussion with one of our accomplished alumni, a successful film producer. This event offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into the film industry, hear behind-the-scenes stories, and learn about the journey from UHD to the big screen. Don't miss this chance to connect, ask questions, and be inspired by a fellow Gator's success.

Featuring Bradford Thomason Producer Known for "Butterfly in the Sky" & "GLOW: The Story of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling"

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Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: What's Your Next?

3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 18
TDECU Tour Room, Welcome Center

This panel discussion will cover a range of topics relevant to Hispanic heritage, including representation in media and entertainment, the power of storytelling, entrepreneurship, and the immigrant experience. Participants can expect thought-provoking conversations that inspire action on what you should be your “next” in life!

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Featuring Annie Gonzalez, Christopher Rivas, & Daniel Buezo

Annie Gonzalez

Actress  Known for "Gentrified," "Shameless," & "Flamin Hot"

Christopher Rivas

 Author of "Brown Enough", Actor, Podcaster, Storyteller

Daniel Buezo

Co-Founder & CEO  Kids of Immigrants