June 2021 Alumline | UHAA

June 2021 A Magazine for UH Alumni

A Look Back in Time

The Houston Cougars during the 1984 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament and ultimately making it to the Final Four. The Cougars reached that milestone 37 years later. Learn how UHAA celebrated our team on page 24.

Welcome to the latest edition of Alumline! We’re always happy to share stories of our alumni and their accomplishments as well as inform you of the latest news and events occurring at UHAA. This year so far has been jam-packed — with the debut of the newly enhanced alumni website (houstonalumni.com), the webinar

Alumni Association Foundation Board of Directors

tribute to our Cougar 100 businesses, the Day at the Capitol webinar, and the

Drue DaSilva (’93, M.S. ’99) President

launch of the new alumni platform, CoogsConnect.

Wayne Luckett (’74) Incoming President

If you have not done so already, sign in at coogsconnect.com and start reconnecting with fellow Coogs, explore mentor opportunities, browse jobs and

Laurie Rutherford (’86, M.B.A. ’91, M.S. ’04) Immediate Past President Shazia Khan (’84) Secretary

much more. This is a secure place where you can leverage the power of your

Richard Whiteley (’93, J.D. ’99) Treasurer

network — all in the company of other Coogs!

Michael Sachs (’97) Member at Large

On other fronts, mark your calendars for October 29, 2021 when we will come together for the 66 Alumni Awards Gala. The event will be held at the Bayou th

Erik Barajas (’99) Member Katy Caldwell (’78) Member

City Event Center. Visit houstonalumni.com/awards to reserve your tickets. We

Edward Carrizales (’13) Member

so look forward to connecting with you as we honor our alumni award recipients.

Judy Chong (’69, ’76) Member

In the meantime, know that we are here to make your alumni experience all that you want it to be. Continue to keep in touch and share your stories.

All the best,

Kelly Coleman, M.D. (’98) Member Keith Cornelius (’83) Member Lisa Cushing (’01) Member James Hong (’05) Member Charlene Johnson (’91) Member Margo Kaplan (’03) Member Sandy Lee (’84) Member

Drue DaSilva (’93, M.S. ’99)

Thomas May (’88) Member

President, University of Houston Alumni Association Foundation

Amanda Montag (’02) Member Alex Obregon (’09, M.B.A. ’14) Member Trent Perez (’83) Member Scott Rando (’83) Member David Roland (’83) Member Eugenia Vance (’90) Member Agnes DeFranco (’83, M.B.A. ’89, Ed.D. ’93) Ex Officio Darren Randle (’12, M.A. ’14) Ex Officio Young Alumni Chair Eloise Brice Ex Officio Vice President for University Advancement Mike Pedé (’89) Ex Officio Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations & UHAA

University of Houston Alumni Association Staff

Table of Contents The Legacy of a 75-year Ring Tradition

Chuck Arnold (’94) Executive Director of Alumni Relations cwarnold@uh.edu Miguel Cabrera (’05) Affiliated Alumni Associations Director mjcabrer@uh.edu Justin Carrier Graphic Designer jcarrier@uh.edu Nancy Vecera Clark (’76), CFRE Alumni Legacy Programs Director nclark@uh.edu

8

Come with us as we celebrate a 75-year of the UH Class Ring.

Elaine Duke Program Coordinator evduke@uh.edu

The Hispanic Alumni Association Rises to the Occasion

Kendra Hakanson Program Director kahakanson@uh.edu Carolyn Hartmann Communications Director cwhartma@uh.edu Ashleigh Hildreth Program Coordinator ahildret@uh.edu Mike Pedé (’89) Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations & UHAA mlpede@uh.edu

18

See how one Alumni Association gets creative with their engagement.

Anneka Roberson Executive Administrative Assistant arroberson@uh.edu Kirstyn Speich (’16) Life Member Manager klspeich@uh.edu

Alumni Connections With a Twist

20

Meet three UH alumni who are making the world a better place through their talent and expertise.

6 Serving with Purpose 15 UH Alumni Oral History Project 24 For the City

A digital version of Alumline is available online at houstonalumni.com/alumline.

CHECK OUT THE NEW RING OPTIONS It’s never too late to get yours and wear the UH tradition proudly!

UH Class Rings available at balfour.com/uh

Serving with Purpose Major General Barrye Price, Ph.D. (’85)

6 Alumline

hen choosing a college, many

His interest in history and the con-

Elaine, passed away from cancer.

people employ various crite-

tributing factors surrounding civil

As therapy for his own grief, Price

ria. For Major General Barrye Price,

unrest began with his Dissertation,

chronicled his experience in his

Ph.D. (’85), it came down to climate

entitled, From King to King: A Portrait

book, Life, on the other side of you.

— a warm one at that. “When I was at

in Paradox or Parity. Price has since

“I met Elaine at UH,’’ said Price. “She

the military academy in Lexington

followed up with his latest book,

was the greatest person that I have

Missouri, we had to do formations

Homeland Defense: Civil Unrest and

ever known. To this day, I receive

every day, often times, in very cold

Federal Intervention within the United

letters and unsolicited notes saying

weather,” said Price. “Due to its

States of America. “We’re facing a very

how much my book contributed to

location in seasonably warm weather,

interesting time in our country,” said

their own healing.”

the University of Houston seemed to

Price. “In my book, I explore the

To continue his late wife’s

be the obvious choice.” While at UH,

dynamics surrounding the recent

legacy, Price established the Elaine

Price studied organizational behavior

protests and their relationship to

Cook-Price Memorial Scholarship

and management in the C.T. Bauer

police conduct. I have the upmost

Endowment in the C.T. Bauer

College of Business.

respect for authority and the police,

College of Business. “I was amazed

but want us to better understand why

at the reaction that I received from

certain situations are occurring, and

the University when I created the

what we can do as a society to make

endowment,” said Price. “I met the

it better.”

Dean at Bauer as well as Ted Bauer

W

“How organizational cultures are created has always interested me and has served as the foundation for my leadership throughout my career.”

The passion that Price has for

and Michael Cemo (’68, Honorary

issues that he cares about is illus-

’17). The University wanted to have a

trated not only through his books,

genuine relationship with me. It was

Price began his leadership journey

but by his vocation. Price currently

not just about the money.”

when he joined the U.S. Army after

serves as President and CEO of the

Price continues to engage with

receiving his Bachelors in Business

Community Anti-Drug Coalitions

the C.T. Bauer College of Business

Administration from the University

of America (CADCA), which is the

and was recently featured in the

of Houston. Serving in the U.S. Army

leading substance abuse prevention

College’s podcast, “Working Wisdom.”

for 31 years, both domestically and

organization in the U.S. “I had a

In between Major General Barrye

abroad, Price remembers the sense of

roommate while I was at UH who

Price’s role at the CADCA and his

community he felt among those with

was introduced to cocaine during my

various speaking engagements, he

whom he served. “You’re placed in

final semester at UH — he later died

finds time to enjoy watching movies

extraordinary situations where you

from his addiction,” said Price. “I was

with his wife and son, going on nature

have to depend solely on each other,

ill-equipped to help my roommate,

walks and fishing trips with his son

and it is the relationships that allow

so I decided to do something where

and walking his puppy. As Price says,

you to overcome the hardships,” said

I could actively help scores of others

“I find joy in making history in the

Price.

who are suffering.”

While serving, Price received his

Price has also helped people

M.A. in History as well as his Ph.D. in

cope with grief after losing loved

History from Texas A&M University.

ones. In 2001, Price’s first wife,

lives of my Treasure — those people whom I am privileged to lead.”

Spring 2021

7

8 Alumline

n 1946, the University of Houston was celebrating record

wearer’s degree, a façade of the Ezekiel W. Cullen Building,

enrollment. With the war at an end, returning service-

and the University’s founding date, 1927. Tradition dictates

men and servicewomen enrolled at UH to take advantage

that current students wear the ring facing inward, with only

of the G.I. Bill. Some came because they had trained here

alumni wearing the ring facing outward. Each class ring

during the war while others were attracted to Houston’s

spends the night before the Ring Ceremony with the live

booming job market. During this time, the Cougar Band was

mascot, Shasta VI, in the cougar habitat at the Houston Zoo.

formed, performing in parades and at Frontier Fiesta, and the University joined the Lone Star Conference, its first official intercollegiate sport conference. Among the events that were shaping the University amidst the post-war period was the beginning of a coveted tradition — the UH Class Ring.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the official UH Class Ring. Wearing a UH Class Ring is a time-honored expression that is recognized by Cougars worldwide. It is a cherished symbol of the UH experience and an acknowledgement of hard work and academic achievement. The interlocking UH logo adorns the top of the official class ring. The right shank presents the University seal — a

Shasta VI guarding the UH Class Rings at the Houston Zoo

variation of Sam Houston’s coat of arms — that features flanked martlets, two greyhounds, and a winged hourglass with the motto “In Time” above it. The wearer’s graduation year is also featured on this side. The left shank bears the

Spring 2021

9

he old saying, “the best things in life are worth waiting

I wanted to share the tradition with my daughter, who also

for,” rings true for Dayna Krueger (’91) in more ways

wanted to receive her class ring, and my mother who is also

than one. On December 6, 2020, Dayna received her

a Coog.”

official UH class ring at UHAA’s Ring Pick Up celebration

Dayna’s mother was especially delighted to be part of the

alongside her daughter, Gillian Gorski (’21) and mother,

special day. “When my sister, Pat Ikard (’58), heard that we

Janice Smaihall (’63). “I had always longed for a class ring

were all going to enjoy the event together, she decided that I

because I truly value the education that I received from

should have a UH class ring also,” said Janice. “She gifted me

UH,” said Dayana. “At the time, however, my priorities were

her ring from 1958 since at the time of my graduation I was

more along the lines of buying diapers and raising my first

saving money for a wedding dress.”

child. When I found out about UHAA’s Ring Pick Up event,

Dayna Krueger (’91), Gillian Gorski (’21) and Janice Smaihall (’63) showing off their UH Class Rings

10 Alumline

Keeping UH in the family, Janice also wore her brother’s

For Dayna, she will always remember December 6 to

Frontier Fiesta jacket from 1957 to the Ring Pick Up cele-

be a day that represented something very special. “The fact

bration. “When we arrived at the Alumni Center, we couldn’t

that three generations of women, each who graduated with

get over the number of people,” said Janice. “We were then

honors from UH, were receiving a symbol of our hard work

greeted by the Alumni Relations team who were just as

and dedication, is indescribable.”

happy to be there as we were.”

For Dayna’s daughter, Gillian, receiving her class ring proved to be bittersweet. “While many members of my family attended UH, I originally wanted to go down a different path,’’ said Gillian. “I am so grateful that I decided to attend UH. I am graduating in May 2021 with a degree in Human Nutrition and Foods and have been accepted into UT Health Science Center’s combined Dietetic Internship and Master of Public Health (MPH) program. Wearing my class ring is a great reminder of what I have accomplished.”

Janice Smaihall (’63) sporting her brother’s Frontier Fiesta jacket from 1958

SHOW YOUR PRIDE WHILE YOU DRIVE

SHASTA27 With every $30 specialty plate purchase or annual renewal, the University will receive $22 that will go toward funding student scholarships. For an additional $40 fee, you can take your license plate to the next level and personalize it with your name, favorite Cougar

Spring 2021 11 slogan, catchphrase or year of graduation.

LEVERAGE THE POWER OF YOUR NETWORK • Tap into the UH alumni community and expand your professional network • Volunteer as a mentor and offer advice to fellow alumni • Post jobs for your company and recruit UH alumni • Plot your next career move and browse new job opportunities • Get involved with UHAA and join one of our Alumni Associations

VISIT COOGSCONNECT.COM TODAY!

UHAA

13

BOOK CLUB

EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF READING WITH FELLOW COOGS t UHAA, we want to offer our alumni innovative ways to create meaningful connections and strengthen ties with their beloved alma mater. In this spirit, we created our Virtual Book Club where alumni can interface to enjoy books related to lifelong learning, social issues, literature and more. The UHAA Virtual Book Club connects through a private online forum where Coogs can discuss the current book and network with each other.

Members are responsible for acquiring a copy of the book, either by purchasing it or by visiting the local library. We will spend approximately two months on each book, so you’ll have plenty of time to finish reading. PBC Guru manages our Book Club and will moderate to help make this program a great experience for all.

Visit houstonalumni.com/virtual-book-club to get in our latest installment, The Beauty in Breaking by Michele Harper. Participate in insightful online discussions as we lose ourselves in this powerful New York Times bestseller.

We customize.

You could save $947.1 The University of Houston Alumni Association has chosen to partner with Liberty Mutual Insurance, so now you could save $9471 with customized auto and home insurance.

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Savings validated by new customers who switched to Liberty Mutual between 1/2020-10/2020 and participated in a countrywide survey. Savings may vary. Comparison does not apply in MA. 2The property damage must be covered by your policy, and repairs completed by a Guaranteed Repair Network Vendor. Guaranteed Repair Network not available in Rhode Island or Massachusetts. In Massachusetts we offer you our Superior Service 14 Alumline Program (SSP), which is similar to the Guaranteed Repair Network, however, the estimate is completed by a Liberty Mutual appraiser. For more information, speak with your Liberty Mutual Claims Representative. 3Not available in all states. Coverage provided and underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance and its affiliates, 175 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116 USA. Equal Housing Insurer. ©2019 Liberty Mutual Insurance 14086438 AFF686950-11 CW-AH 2019/09 This organization receives financial support for offering this auto and home benefits program.

1

UH Alumni Oral History Project Every Cougar has a story, and we want to hear yours!

UHAA is kicking off an exciting initiative to help preserve the enduring UH legacy for generations to come. In partnership with Publishing Concepts (PCI), we are launching the UH Alumni Oral History Project to collect stories from our alumni, which will be assembled into a publication. This endeavor is an opportunity to gather stories and collect treasured memories that will bring your UH experience to life.

We have partnered with PCI to gain access to its experienced, trained staff. PCI associates will listen to your stories and assemble the information into a publication.

There is no cost to share your story, and we invite all alumni to participate. If you are interested, you will have an opportunity to reserve the publication as a hardbound book or digital collection. The final publication will be delivered in book and digital formats in the spring of 2022.

Watch for a post card and/or email from our trusted partner, PCI, asking you to participate and share your story.

Spring 2021

15

E T A M I T L E U H T IN

Y W A D E M A G L L A B T O O F E C N E I R E EXP

SHOW YOUR COUGAR PRIDE by becoming a Life Member and get a chance to win the Ultimate UH football game day experience for the Homecoming game against the East Carolina Pirates happening on Saturday, October 23, 2021.* BECOME A LIFE MEMBER and be entered in the UH Alumni Association Foundation (UHAAF) drawing of the Ultimate Football Game Day Experience. One lucky winner and their guest will receive this one-of-a-kind opportunity! Plus, Life Members have access to the exclusive Life Member tailgate that includes free food and drinks!

EXPERIENCE INCLUDES: • Inclusion in the traditional Cougar Walk before the game. (Value: Priceless) • Side line passes to watch warm-ups before the game. (Value: Priceless) • Premium tickets and a parking pass.

(Value: $650) • Photos with Shasta and Sasha (Value: Priceless) • Ultimate game day swag bag (Value: $50) Total Value: $700

PLUS everyone who becomes a Life Member will receive this pair of socks! (FMV $14)

Being a Life Member unlocks a world of benefits, including special discounts, first access, exclusive experiences and networking opportunities. Your membership will fuel the Legacy Scholarship that helps future generations of Cougars be successful!

To be included in the drawing, become a Life Member and submit your first payment by 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2021.

Multiple payment plans available and all memberships are a tax-deductible.

JOIN BY JUNE 30 AT HOUSTONALUMNI.COM/LIFEMEMBER *Terms & Conditions: All UH Life Members of The University of Houston Alumni Association are eligible. New members must join and make the initial payment by 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2021. Drawing conducted by the University of Houston Alumni Association Foundation, 3204 Cullen Blvd. Ste. 201, Houston, TX, 77204. The winner will be chosen at random and notified on July 9, 2021. Only one entry per person allowed. Making a purchase or gift of any kind will not increase your chances of winning. Questions? Contact klspeich@uh.edu.

Spring 2021

17

Turkey Trot

The UH Hispanic Alumni Association

has over 30 active alumni

“Last year, we were able to award

after receiving a B.A. in Communi-

associations who work

$10,000 in scholarships to seven

cation from UH. “I was lucky that

to help fellow Coogs deepen their

Hispanic students,” said Mónica

I didn’t have any school loans so I

connection to the University while

Rojas-Hidalgo (’16), Interim Presi-

was able to concentrate on my job

contributing to the rich alumni expe-

dent of the HAA. “Beyond everything

and make time for other activities

rience that defines UH. We recently

that we do as an association, allowing

like HAA,” said Mónica. “It’s been

caught up with the UH Hispanic

deserving students to receive a UH

amazing to see how we’ve grown in

Alumni Association (HAA) whose

education without undue financial

just a few years from membership to

mission remains steadfast in the

hardship is our number one priority.”

events and even our fundraising.”

UHAA

midst of challenging times.

18 Alumline

Mónica joined the HAA in 2016

The enthusiasm among the

association’s members and volunteers has proven to be the key to its success. “Right before everything shut down last spring because of the pandemic, we were able to hold our fashion show, which helps raise

ow

Fashion Sh

funds for student scholarships,’’ said Mónica. “After that, we had to really shift our plans and get creative with our events.”

Despite the pandemic, the HAA was able to hold its virtual Lotería Night where over $3,500 was raised for scholarships. The association also held its first-ever 5K Turkey Trot last November as well as a virtual and limited-access pop-up art gallery.

When asked what has contributed to the association’s ongoing involvement and participation, Mónica said, “The HAA was formed by individuals who were serious about the mission and wanted to make a difference. We truly owe our success to date to their vision and leadership.”

If you would like to learn more about our Alumni Associations or are interested in forming your own group, please contact Miguel Cabrera at mcabrera3@uh.edu or 713-743-1523. leanup

y Service C

Communit

Loteria N

ight

Spring 2021

19

Alumni Connections With a

For the Twist Bioscience Corporation, the old adage, “good things come in threes,” holds special meaning.

Among its talented team leading the way in DNA synthesis are three UH alumni who are raising the bar through their unique talent, passion and diversified experience.

20 Alumline

Emily’s interest in DNA synthesis began to crystalize when she met Twist Co-Founders, Bill Banyai and Bill Peck. “They had developed a new way to synthesize DNA on a silicon chip,” said Emily. “The technology was a gamechanger, and they needed a CEO to run the company and turn their idea into reality. By miniaturizing the chemistry of making DNA, we are able to make 10,000 genes at the same time, where competitive technology could make only one, and offering synthetic DNA at scale truly enables our customers to change the world for the better. In addition to the ability to synthesize large amounts of DNA, we coupled this with an intuitive e-commerce system and software infrastructure.”

As Twist continues to leverage the capabilities of its

Emily Leproust (Ph.D. ’01)

line of synthetic RNA positive controls that are used for the

CEO & Co-Founder, Twist Bioscience

development and monitoring of diagnostic tests for COVID-

synthetic DNA platform, the company has introduced a

19. “While COVID-19 has been very bad for the world, it has riginally from France, Emily Leproust (Ph.D. ’01),

allowed us to broaden our offerings and play a significant

came to the University of Houston to complete

role in fighting the pandemic,” said Emily. “In addition to

her French MSc in Industrial Chemistry, but

these developments, I often say there is so much cake to eat,

ended up joining the University’s Ph.D. program in

we have to be organized in cake eating.”

Organic Chemistry. “At UH, there were a number

While Emily navigates a promising landscape at Twist,

of great options for my research focus, and I joined the lab

she continues to use her passion to make the world a better

of Professor X. Gao, which focused on DNA structure and

place. “My favorite molecule is DNA — and I have spent my

DNA synthesis,” said Emily. “At the time, this seemed like

entire career dedicated to using synthetic DNA to improve

a small decision, but in retrospect, it may have been the

health and sustainability,’’ said Emily.

decision with the most profound implications.”

Last year, Emily was honored with the 2020 Rosalind

Emily found her time with Professor Gao to be quite

Franklin Award by BIO Impact for her significant

challenging, yet rewarding. “Professor Gao’s drive, work

contributions to the biobased economy and biotech

ethic and scientific prowess proved to be extraordinary,

innovation. “I was incredibly honored and humbled by the

and while I had to work very hard, I was able to contribute

support of the Rosalind Franklin Society, particularly in the

some novel applied research to the field of DNA synthesis

year that Rosalind Franklin would have been 100 years old,”

and gained the foundational knowledge for the rest of my

said Emily.

career,’’ said Emily.

Spring 2021

21

Erin Smith (J.D. ’10) Senior Vice President of Government Affairs & Public Policy, Twist Bioscience or Erin Smith ( J.D. ’10), attending a UH Natural Science and Mathematics awards event as a plus-one with UH System Vice-Chancellor of Governmental and Community Relations, Jason Smith (’09) proved to be life-changing. “At the awards ceremony, Emily Leproust was being honored,” said Erin. “Her ambition and energy took over the room. A “slight” French accent sealed the deal; I studied French in college and speak it fluently. I introduced myself to her in French after the event, and told her someday she and Twist would need a government affairs

Erin’s role at Twist

person, and it was going to be me. We stayed in touch over

and her involvement in the

several years, and one day she called me.”

UH Law Center allow her to merge

Serving as the Senior VP of Government Affairs at Twist,

her passions in healthcare and public policy.

Erin credits her relentless prioritization and direct commu-

“I am passionate about healthcare and life science

nication to her success. “I spend a lot of energy maintaining

policy, centering on innovation and patient access

relationships, and it has been one of my best investments,’’

to innovation,” said Erin. “Public policy is a con-

said Erin. “Learning to navigate conflict without burning

stant discourse with opportunities to prime the

bridges and continually improving your communication

environment for relentless innovation. This is

skills are topics that I focus on in my courses at the UH Law

where government leaders and the private sector

Center, where I serve as an adjunct professor.”

have fascinating collaborations to address some of

Erin began her UH journey when she met University of

society’s greatest challenges, and I love that nexus.”

Houston health law professor, Seth Chandler. “I met Seth

As Twist continues to create new in-roads in

when I was working on health care policy in then Governor

research and technology, Erin is pleased with the

Rick Perry’s office,” said Erin. “I ended up working with Pro-

collaborations that have taken place to address

fessor Chandler when I was student at the UH Law Center.

some of society’s greatest challenges. “Collabo-

During her time as a law student, Erin came to appreciate

rating with government agencies in response to

the challenging curriculum and unique learning environ-

COVID-19 has been very rewarding,” said Erin.

ment. “The UH Law Center remains one of the most diverse

“Our strategic partnership and recent publication

learning environments I’ve experienced and has proven

with other thought leaders like Johns Hopkins Health

that diversity and academic excellence are not mutually

Security journal has been equally exciting. The synergy in

exclusive,” said Erin. “President Khator and Dean Baynes are

this space is palpable, and the possibilities are endless, which

deeply committed to this vision, and it is inspiring.”

creates its own excitement.”

22 Alumline

Jan Johannessen (’79) Advisor to iGlobe Partners, Board of Directors, Twist Bioscience orn and raised in Oslo, Norway, Jan Johannessen (’79) journeyed to the University of Houston to attend the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management. “I was originally plan-

Twist. “There

ning on a career in the hospitality industry and

is no doubt that

was accepted to the renowned school in Lausanne, Switzer-

synthetic DNA will

land,’” said Jan. “I then learned about the highly rated Hilton

change the world, and I

College and thought Texas would be a more exciting place

found the prospect of again

to go, having never been to Texas nor the U.S.” While Jan’s

being part of such a journey was a timely opportunity, and

initial interest gravitated towards the hospitality industry, he

believed my experiences could add value to Twist’s devel-

changed his focus to international business. “Houston is one

opment,” said Jan. “But, perhaps the most compelling reason

of the most cosmopolitan cities in the U.S., and I quickly got

was the vision, courage and character of Emily Leproust. She

immersed in the international scene while at UH, including

is very unique and is continuing her blazing progress as the

a part-time job as the Manager of the Norwegian American

top executive of a publicly listed company.”

Chamber of Commerce,” said Jan.

Beyond Jan’s accolades for Twist and its ground-break-

After receiving his M.B.A. in international business

ing technology is his excitement for what is to come. How

from UH, Jan embarked on a long career that centered

Twist’s enabling DNA technology can potentially be a game-

around technology start-up companies and venture capital

changer for drug discovery and thus help make the world a

investments. “My first job was in the then emerging

better place is incredibly exciting,” said Jan. “The pandemic

semiconductor market, which turned out to be an

has clearly illustrated the power of Twist’s DNA synthesis

industry that eventually changed the world by

platform and the company’s ability to rapidly adapt to new

making computers, smart phones and the

challenges; e.g. Twist was quickly able to provide products

Internet possible, while at the same time making electronics available to the entire population,’’ said Jan.

across a broad range of research needs for COVID-19.”

As Jan looks forward to new inroads at Twist, he remains focused on what he attributes to his career longevity thus

As Jan continued to leverage his

far. “I believe my success can be primarily attributed to the

international technology experience, he

following: 1) a global view on business and life; 2) under-

first became aware of Twist through a

standing the value and power of key relationships and to

prominent Singapore venture capitalist

treat them accordingly; 3) velocity and execution of critical

who was an investor in

decisions and ability to embrace risks; 4) clarity of strategy, priorities, goals and objectives with clear deliverables and accountability from top to bottom of the organization,” said Jan.

Spring 2021

23

GOING THE DISTANCE FOR OUR COOGS

we had better go,” said Aristotle. “I

While in Indianapolis, Aristotle

immediately sent out feelers to get

and his children, Ari (’21), Athiná, and

n mid-March, the hashtag,

tickets. In the meantime, we learned

Anna (’24) were able to take in the

#ForTheCity, swept across

that UCLA, where I got my M.B.A.

sights, catch up with fellow classmate,

social media as the Houston Cougar

after UH, had also made the Final

Associate Vice President for Alumni

Men’s Basketball Team headed to the

Four-what a bonus! Unfortunately,

Relations, Mike Pedé (’89) and attend

NCAA Final Four for the first time

my wife, Hanneke Faber (’90, M.B.A.

the UH rally at the Soldiers and

since 1984. The faceoff between the

’92), couldn’t make it because of work

Sailors Monument. The highlight, of

Cougar Men’s Hoops and the Baylor

commitments, but she was with us in

course, was the game. “The spirit by

Bears took place in Indianapolis at

spirit, all the way.”

Coog fans was super,” said Aristotle.

I

Lucas Oil Stadium. For Aristotle

“Unfortunately, Baylor was too much

Economon (’89) and his family, being

for us in the first half, but I think our

able to cheer on the Coogs in-person

team has a lot to be proud of. Regard-

was a must, even it meant traveling

less of the result, my kids loved the

over 4,000 miles to do it! “When we

experience. It is something that only

knew UH had made the Final Four,

helped make our family bond with

3:30 am Amsterdam time, I thought

UH even stronger.”

to myself, “We haven’t been to the Final Four in 37 years, and I probably won’t be around in 37 more, so 24 Alumline

Aristotle Economon (’89) with his children, Ari (’21), Anna (’24) and Athiná

UH fans in front of the Indiana State Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Indianapolis

CELEBRATING IN STYLE Whether in-person at Indianapolis Lucas Oil Stadium or various watch parties, UH fans celebrated in true “Cougar” style.

UHAA team at the Indianapolis Lucas Oil Stadium

Indianapolis Lucas Oil Stadium Court

President Khator and students in Indianapolis

Dallas/Fort Worth Alumni Association

Black Alumni Association

Hispanic Alumni Association

Katy Alumni Association

Webster Alumni

Fort Bend Alumni Association

Valenti School of Communication Alumni Association

Technology Alumni Association

Spring 2021

25

26 Alumline

University of Houston Alumni Association Alumni Center 3204 Cullen Blvd. Suite 201 Houston, TX 77204-6000

Non-profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Houston, Texas Permit No. 5910

2021 Football Schedule Texas Tech SEPT 4 | NRG STADIUM

Rice SEPT 11 | HOUSTON, TX

Grambling SEPT 18 | TDECU STADIUM

Navy SEPT 25 | TDECU STADIUM

Tulsa OCT 1 | TULSA, OK

Tulane OCT 7 | NEW ORLEANS, LA

ECU OCT 23 | TDECU STADIUM

SMU OCT 30 | TDECU STADIUM

USF NOV 6 | TAMPA, FL

Temple NOV 13 | PHILADELPHIA, PA

Memphis NOV 19 | TDECU STADIUM

UCONN NOV 27 | HARTFORD, CT

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