UHS Board Approves Resolutions in Remembrance of Mosbacher, Mitchell

Houstonians will always remember Cynthia Woods Mitchell and Robert A. Mosbacher. Both were institutions within the community and the state for their respective contributions to the arts and politics.

On Tuesday, Feb. 16, the University of Houston System Board of Regents paid tribute to Mitchell and Mosbacher with two resolutions in remembrance and appreciation.

Board chairman Welcome W. Wilson, Sr. recalled Mosbacher's determination to make Texas a two-party state and applauded his tenacity.

Mosbacher enjoyed a storied political career in which he directed the successful presidential campaign of George H.W. Bush.  Under President Bush, Mosbacher served as U.S. Secretary of Commerce from 1989 - 1992. In this role, he was a proponent for the North American Free Trade Agreement. Most recently, he continued to remain active in politics, serving as the general chairman for John McCain's presidential campaign.

His tireless schedule never interfered with his patronage to a host of causes and organizations including the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, the Naval Academy Endowment, the American Hospital in Paris Foundation and the Odyssey Academy Charter School in Galveston.

The proclamation issued by the board states that his support of such organizations "elicited the comment from President H.W. Bush that ‘Bob was a true Point of Light, someone who generously helped so many causes, but never seeking the limelight for it.'"

Among Mosbacher's surviving family is his wife and UHS regent Micah Mosbacher.

Here is a complete draft of the resolution approved by the UHS Board of Regents.

Mitchell also was known for her support for community causes, particularly the arts. Through a $20 million gift to UH, the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts was created. The interdisciplinary center offers cutting-edge public performances and innovative curriculum.

Mitchell enrolled at UH in 1939 to study art, literature and psychology. Two years later, she met George Mitchell on a train ride from College Station to Houston. That meeting led to marriage and a lifetime partnership fueled by their mutual dedication to the greater Houston and Galveston communities.

Regent Nelda Blair reminded everyone that her memory soon will be celebrated at her namesake pavilion in The Woodlands.

"Everyone calls it ‘the pavilion,' but it's really The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion," Blair said. "On April 29, the public is invited to honor her memory with an evening of music at this wonderful facility."

The regents' resolution acknowledged Mitchell's commitment to the creativity and its impact on audiences and artists.

The resolution states: "Cynthia Woods Mitchell was  benefactor of innumerable organizations locally and nationally, highlighted by her many contributions to the University of Houston, including the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture, the School of Theatre & Dance and the Texas Music Festival at the Moores School of Music."

Here is a complete draft of the resolution approved by the UHS Board of Regents.


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