Black Alumni Network

uhaa black full full

Welcome To The Uh Black Alumni Network

MISSION

  • Create and nurture lifelong relationships between its key stakeholders – the university and its black alumni and friends.
  • Support and advance black alumni in their pursuit of excellence.
  • Help maintain the friendships formed while at the University.
  • Build strong and mutually beneficial ties between the university and its Black Alumni.
  • Exemplify goodwill in the community.
  • Create quality alumni programming that will stimulate interest, build allegiance to the university, increase involvement in UHBA activities and generate support for the University.

HISTORY

Through the efforts of Frank Holmes, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the University of Houston Alumni Association (UHAA) formerly known as Houston Alumni Organization (HAO), an advisory group of 17 UH Black Alumni formed to explored the pros and cons of forming an alumni association for the black alumni of UH that would be affiliated with the larger HAO. Eugene “Gene” Locke, a UH graduate and local Houston attorney volunteered to chair the advisory group. In the spring of 1988, the Black Alumni Network (BAA) now known as University of Houston Black Alumni Network (UHBAN) was chartered as a special interest constituency group of the HAO. Since 1988, UHBAA continues to carry out the passion of its founding members – to serve and support the university and its black alumni and friends. The progress of UHBAA and its growth comes as a direct result of alumni who care to give back to the university through UHBAA by sharing their time, talents and treasures.

Interlocking UH Beveled White Gray 269x300

Our Black Alumni and Egypt – Connecting to Our Past

The original logo of UHBAA was designed in 1990 by UH Alumni and former board members Kerry Williams and Nia Becnel. They volunteered for this project because of their architectural skills gained at the university. The symbols chosen were those of the ancient North African civilization of Egypt. The first part of the logo is in the form of a pyramid. The second symbol is the UH mascot, the cougar. A scaffold makes up the third and the fourth is that of a snake which symbolizes courage and strength. This symbolism is an effort to parallel the success and accomplishments of UHBAA with those of the ancient Egyptian civilization and ancient African culture.

Board Of Directors

President: Charlene Johnson

Treasurer: Dr. Alicia Yancy

Immediate Past President: Eugenia Vance

Board Of Directors – At Large

  • Carla Delpit
  • Stacie Hawkins
  • Martin Lavergne
  • Dr. Letaki Lewis
  • Juanita Hall
  • Charryse Johnson
  • Taylor Brione Ballard
  • Cherika Edwards
  • Theresa McKinney Trusty
  • Karl Hearne
  • Sean Spearman
  • Alexa McGrew

Dedication to The Founding Men and Women of the University of Houston Black Alumni Association

We salute and applaud your visionary efforts in the creation of the University of Houston Black Alumni Association. A momentous occurrence such as this allows us to celebrate and thank each of you for your unrelenting spirit of determination to see the University of Houston Black Alumni Association become a reality.

Through your collective efforts and invincible determination, the University of Houston Black Alumni Association continues to exist and serve the University of Houston.

Leadership requires other people to believe and trust in your vision. A leader knows where he or she wants to see an organization in the future. According to American journalist Ken Adelman, “A leader knows what is best to do; a manager knows merely how best to do it.”

As we continue to be managers of your vision, we do so eagerly and proudly.

UHBAA Founders
The organizational meeting chartering UHBAA was held October 28, 1988, at a BAA Mixer at College of Architecture. View the original charter document.

UHBAA Founding Officers
Eugene “Gene” Locke, President
Eural Davis, Jr., Vice President
Pamela Hudson, Secretary
Kevin Newsome, Treasurer

UHBAA Founding Officers

  • Peggy A. Engram
  • Veronica Nia Dorian-Becnel
  • Terry L. Price
  • Beverly Spears
  • Mark A. Roberts
  • Jurline T. Franklin
  • Nary Spears
  • Kerry B. Williams
  • Rita Robinson Humphrey
  • Evelyn J. Gates
  • James S. Walker

Pathway to Excellence Scholarship

The Black Alumni Association’s “Pathway to Excellence” scholarships support the academic endeavors of outstanding African-American students who exhibit good academic standing, leadership qualities, financial need and who meet the criteria described below.

Scholarship Requirements

  • Matriculated undergraduate students enrolled full-time (minimum 15 hours)
  • Matriculated graduate students currently enrolled at least part-time (minimum 6 registered hours)
  • Must have a cumulative minimum UH GPA of 2.8
  • Must be registered as a student at the UH central campus

Recipients will receive a one-time scholarship totaling $250-1,000/semester.
They will not forfeit other scholarships, grants or awards.

Events

Honoring The Past, Celebrating The Future

Thank you to our 2019 Heritage Brunch Sponsors:Heritage Sponsors $1000+

Reliant Energy
Rushion Mc Donald
Dr. Antonio D. Tillis PhD

Legacy Sponsors $500+

Branwar Wine
Talentmatch
Dr. Jonita Wallace Reynolds
Tyrone E. cooper
UH Cougar Athletic Alliance
Mr. and Mrs. Jarvis & Andrea Hollingsworth
Lacey Newday Consulting

Annual Meeting
Check back next summer for information on our next annual meeting.
Share with a Cougar, Friend or UH supporter