An evening of distinguished guests and Cougar fun are in store for the 53rd Houston Alumni Organization Awards Dinner. Planned for Thursday, Sept. 20 at the Hilton Houston Post Oak, the event honors distinguished alumni and community leaders as it celebrates the 80th anniversary of the University of Houston.

“For 80 years, our university has been shepherded by these dedicated and talented people,” said Connie Fox, interim president of the alumni organization. “Without their leadership, we would not be poised to be the next great flagship university in the state.”

Award recipients include: Distinguished Alumni Award, Gerald McElvy (’75) and The Honorable Martha Wong (’76); Distinguished Service Award, Margaret Bock and Sonny Messiah-Jiles (’74); HAO Chair’s Award, Jim McIngvale and Bill Moffit, and Outstanding Volunteer Award, Cynthia Oliver Coleman (’71).

Guests will be entertained by Broadway songs performed by UH graduates who are now professionals in their fields. The musical selections also will include an original piece created especially for the evening. UH band director David Bertman will oversee the evening’s entertainment.

Cougar spirit is also in the kitchen. The Executive Chef at the Hilton Houston Post Oak is also a UH alum. Malik Riley earned his master’s in hospitality management in 2003.

Money raised for this annual event supports the programs of the alumni organization, such as scholarships, mentoring projects, student recruitment and communications.

The Underwriting Committee includes: The Honorable Elizabeth Ghrist (chair), Michael Baker, Stanley B. Binion, Richard Coselli, Glenn and Judie Lilie, Lance Livingston, Marvin D. Nathan, Graham and Phyllis Painter, Billie Schneider, The Honorable Welcome Wilson, The Honorable Jim P. Wise and Alvin and Susie Zimmerman.

Individual tickets are $175. Sponsorships begin at $1,500. For more information or to make reservations, contact the Houston Alumni Organization at 713-743-9550 or visit www.myCougarConnection.com/awardsdinner.

WHAT:	University of Houston Alumni Organization 53rd Awards Dinner
WHEN:	Thursday, Sept. 20 7 p.m., Cocktail Reception 8 p.m., Dinner and Program
WHERE:	Hilton Houston Post Oak 2001 Post Oak Blvd.

For more information about UH visit the university’s ‘Newsroom’ at www.uh.edu/admin/media/newsroom.