As the cost of a college education continues to escalate year after year, scholarship support has become one of the main ways to attract and retain the best and brightest students to the University of Houston, the College of Technology and its programs. During the Technology Philanthropy Recognition Dinner on November 8, at the University of Houston Hilton Hotel, the generosity of donors who understand the priority of scholarship support was recognized, and scholarship recipients for the year were introduced.
“Scholarship contributions make a remarkable difference in the educational experiences of our students,” said Dr. Tony Ambler, dean of the College of Technology. An education from the University of Houston and the College of Technology is a key that is opening many doors for a growing number of graduates throughout their careers. The additional financial assistance offered through scholarships makes the goal of attaining a college education a reality for many of our students,” he said.
The program featured an industry speaker, Mathew Verghese, chair of the College of Technology advisory board and managing director/chief compliance officer of WoodRock & Co.
Commenting on the dean’s vision statement and the expansion of industry partnerships, Verghese said, “The vision of becoming the leading College of Technology in the country means tremendous opportunities for faculty, students, alumni and the broader University community. Achieving that vision, in a short timeline, requires broadening the college’s industry collaboration efforts.” He advised students and alumni to stay engaged with the community, the university, and the college. Verghese also encouraged students to strive for excellence. He said, “The quality of your work will be a direct reflection on the institution from which you earned your degree. Each one of you is a beneficiary. When you are able to, give back.”
In addition, attendees heard from scholarship recipient Jessica Huerta, a recipient of the Anthis Callicut-Gore Home Economics Scholarship and the Merchandising Star Award. Huerta, a senior, is working on her bachelor’s degree in retailing and consumer science. “I chose the University of Houston because of its reputation as a Tier One university. Scholarships have provided me with the opportunity and strength to continue my journey,” she said.
College of Technology alumnus, Vicki Risinger (’05), a technology strategy program manager for TechnipFMC, shared her passion for philanthropy and mentoring. Risinger challenged the students to find their purpose by “seeking truth, working hard, carrying the torch of pride and fulfillment, and creating ways to serve and find greatness in ways larger than themselves.” She remarked about the importance of ‘paying it forward’ and that one of her proudest accomplishments was co-establishing the John O. Ashford Memorial Endowment at the College of Technology. She and Melissa Ashford, John’s widow, raised $25,000 to honor her late friend. “Building John’s legacy in a unique way provides support for future generations of students to also compete and represent the college in professional organization design competitions,” she said.
The College of Technology awarded $169,900 in scholarships to 161 students for the 2018-2019 fiscal year. Awards range from $250 to $5,000 to students in majors across the four departments: Construction, Engineering Technology, Human Development and Consumer Sciences, and Information and Logistics Technology.
For more information, see: UH College of Technology Scholarships