March 31, 2005

Emily Messa is rearing her 2 ½ –year-old son Gabriel in the finest of Cougar traditions, one that started in 1975 with the opening of the University of Houston Child Care Center.

Every weekday, Messa, manager of business services in the Division of Administration and Finance, drives Gabriel to the UH Child Care Center, located just a few minutes from her campus office. It’s been a well-traveled path for generations of UH parents.

Center officials are marking the 30th anniversary of that age-old ritual with a celebration open to the UH community. With a theme of “Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,” the event will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 1, at the center.

“This event is special because of the longevity of our center and of our staff, some of whom have been with us for 20 or 30 years,” said Sherry Howard, center director.

The program will feature Susie Gogue, wife of University of Houston President Jay Gogue, and Sachin Menon, who was enrolled at the center when he was 4 years old in 1975. Menon’s mother, Praful, has worked at the facility since its beginnings.

The highlight of the event will be a performance by some of the children, who will sing top hits from three decades such as “YMCA,” explained Howard. The celebration will conclude with the singing of the school song, “Little Cougars, ” she added.

“Our staff looks forward to visiting with the children and families that have moved on. In many cases, the children, like Sachin, have grown up,” Howard said. “In some ways, our 30th celebration is like a family reunion. We have invited people to be a part of memories in the making, as we reflect on moments shared.”

Messa may be one of many parents attending the event, in recognition of the center, which has more than 150 children enrolled, from ages 3 months to 5 years old.

“It’s really wonderful to have a center on campus, especially if the parent has a long commute. This provides additional quality time with our children,” Messa said. “My best times are in the car with my son—talking, singing songs and just enjoying my special time with him.”

Messa recalls the many days she has visited her son before her workday began.

“I sit with Gabriel and the other children as they eat their breakfast. All of them want to see me off with hugs every morning,” she said. “It also is great to be so close for parent-teacher conferences and other special events at the center. It’s convenient and provides peace of mind, so I can concentrate on work and not worry during the day because I know my son is busy learning and growing.”

Francine Parker
fparker@central.uh.edu