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More than $1 Million Raised for Student Success at Hilton College’s Golden Anniversary Gala

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Former Secretary of State Rolando Pablos (center) presented UH Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Paula Myrick Short, UH Vice President for University Advancement Eloise Dunn Brice, UH System Chancellor and UH President Renu Khator and Hilton College Dean Dennis Reynolds with a proclamation from Governor Greg Abbott in recognition of Hilton College’s 50th anniversary. (Photo: Dave Rossman)

HOUSTON – October 21, 2019 – During its Golden Anniversary Gala held Oct. 15 at The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston, the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management raised more than $1 million for student success initiatives. Chaired by Dean Dennis (Hon. ’18) and Julia Reynolds, Pennie Landon and Nick Jr. (’73) and Vicki (Hon. ’03) Massad, some 650 guests enjoyed an evening that celebrated the people and programs that have made Hilton College a world leader in hospitality education.

Clare Sullivan Jackson (’85), Dorothy T. Nicholson (’77), Chris (Hon. ’94) and Maria Pappas, and Tony and Donna Vallone served as the gala’s underwriting chairs, and Mike Pedé (’89), associate vice president of alumni relations for the University of Houston Alumni Association, was the evening’s emcee. The gala, the final event in a year-long celebration, included musical entertainment by Beetle, a call to dinner from the UH Spirit of Houston Marching Band, a proclamation from Governor Greg Abbott presented by alumnus and former Secretary of State Rolando Pablos (MHM ’96), a series of video presentations produced by Staging Solutions, a surprise operatic performance by The Three Waiters, and silent and live auctions. Guests also enjoyed individual birthday cakes and raised e-candles to sing “Happy Birthday” to the College accompanied by the UH marching band.

In addition to the College’s many generous sponsors and alumni, guests included industry supporters and UH leadership. It was the largest and most successful event ever held to benefit the students of Hilton College.

“The outpouring of support we’ve received from our alumni and industry sponsors for this milestone celebration has been truly heartwarming and nothing short of amazing,” said Dean Dennis Reynolds. “It was epic!”

Contact:
Debbie Maurer
dkmaurer@uh.edu
713-743-5594