Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the University of Houston--Clear Lake

Floor Speech

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Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the University of Houston--Clear Lake in celebration of its 50th anniversary.

The University of Houston--Clear Lake, also known as UHCL, opened in 1974 to support the aerospace industry near NASA's Johnson Space Center. Five decades later, it has become a vital part of the Southeast Houston community, offering more than ninety undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs in science, business, education, and the arts. UHCL's physical growth during this time has included the addition of a second campus in Pearland in 2010 and its expansion into a four- year university in 2014, a move that significantly increased the student population. The university's founding emphasis on science and technology has also gone beyond its original purpose to embrace other scientific areas, highlighted by a partnership with the Texas Medical Center that began in 2004.

Over 80,000 alumni have emerged from UHCL, many of whom are leaders in industries critical to our state and nation, including aerospace, healthcare, and education. However, the national recognition UHCL has received has never eclipsed the university's regional focus or its commitment to public service and empowerment of students to give back to their communities.

Throughout its history, UHCL's leadership has worked diligently and harnessed every tool available to support and keep a center for higher education in the Clear Lake area. These leaders have included past presidents Alfred R. Neumann, Tom Stauffer, Glenn Goerke, Bill Staples, and Ira Blake. Since 2021, Dr. Richard Walker has admirably served as the university's sixth president.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent this esteemed institution that has contributed much to the Clear Lake area. Congratulations again to the University of Houston--Clear Lake on half a century of success. God Bless and Go Hawks.

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