Archive for the ‘Texas’ Category

Leonard J. Nowak (’70)

Leonard J. Nowak, 75, died November 10, 2023, at home in Houston, Texas surrounded by family and friends.
Leonard was born on October 2, 1948, in Houston, Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents Stephen and Edna Nowak and brother Michael Nowak. He is survived by his wife Sandra Nowak, brother Theodore Nowak (Cora) and sister-in-law Marjorie Nowak and many nieces and nephews.

Leonard graduated from St. Thomas High School and the University of Houston and worked as a Geophysicist in oil and gas exploration. Leonard served in Vietnam as a soldier of the United States Army. Leonard loved playing golf, listening to music, traveling, going to UH football, basketball, and baseball games. He was an active and faithful member of St. Theresa Catholic Church.

Leonard will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, family, and many friends. The family would like to extend their gratitude to all of his relatives, friends and caretakers for their love and support.

Visitation with the family will be from 12:00 – 12:30 PM at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 6622 Haskell St. Houston, Texas 77007 on Tuesday, November 21, 2023. The Rosary and Funeral Mass will follow beginning at 12:30 PM. Graveside to follow at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, 6900 Lawndale St. Houston, Texas 77023 beginning at 3:00 PM.

Remembrances may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, in memory of Leonard J. Nowak.

Kelly Anne Berretta (M.S.W. ’98)

Kelly Anne Berretta, 51, born on September 28, 1971 in Houston, Texas, recently passed away on October 28, 2023.

Funeral service will be held on October 30, 2023 at 2:30 PM in Kagan-Rudy Chapel at Emanu El Memorial Park, located at 8341 Bissonnet St., Houston, TX 77074.

Kelly Anne Berretta attended Trinity University and the University of Houston.

Marian Cabanillas (’94)

Marian Cabanillas (’94) has been named by The Houston Business Journal as one of 90 honorees for the 2023 Women Who Mean Business Awards, recognizing women in leadership roles who have demonstrated excellence in their careers and community.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I am passionate about urban gardening, and I have a menagerie of animals, including dogs, bees, and hens. Being a beekeeper and tending to their hives has deepened my appreciation for nature, but has also taught me important lessons in patience, teamwork, and ecosystem dynamics.

What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to do?

Navigating the complex and often emotionally demanding terrain of health care, particularly when it comes to family and friends. Assisting people near and dear to me in confronting their health care battles, especially in the realm of cancer, has been humbling and arduous.

Tony Nguyen (’23)

A Graduation Journey

By Jessica Navarro & Amanda Sebesta

Published on May 11, 2023

Photo: A Graduation Journey – Tony Nguyen

Bauer grad Tony Nguyen is a self-described “coffee-holic,” and he has no lack of energy when it comes to sharing about his time as a student.

An accounting and management information systems major, as well as a first-generation college student and immigrant born in Vietnam and raised in Houston, Nguyen added to the classroom experience through several special programs and activities, including the Ted Bauer Undergraduate Business Scholars program, the Management Information Systems Student Organization (MISSO), Beta Alpha Psi (BAP), Bauer Ambassadors and the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA). He also has a photography business, Nguyentography, that he started while in high school.

“I owe a lot of my college experience and accomplishments to these organizations, as they helped me make lifelong friendships, develop professional skills, and motivated me to strive for more,” Nguyen said. “Through my involvement with these groups, I gained valuable experience that has been instrumental in shaping my personal and professional growth.”

When it came to choosing where to pursue his academic journey, the answer was simple.

“Choosing Bauer and the University of Houston, in general, was easily one of the best decisions I have ever made. While many of us could have selected another college or university, some of us may have opted for Bauer because it was the only institution that offered us an opportunity,” he said. “I knew that attending Bauer would enable me to become a well-rounded individual and provide ample opportunities to further my personal development. The people, diversity and world-class education that Bauer embodies were the fundamental reasons for my selection.”

Nguyen joins CBIZ, Inc. as an intern in the Risk & Advisory service line. Once the internship concludes, he begins his career as an analyst at Deloitte, joining the Cyber & Strategic Risk team.

Michelle Gray (J.D. ’11)

Michelle Gray (J.D. ’11) has been named by The Houston Business Journal as one of 90 honorees for the 2023 Women Who Mean Business Awards, recognizing women in leadership roles who have demonstrated excellence in their careers and community. Gray said “So many organizations tout the fact that they are hiring and even promoting women and minorities… but the real question is this: Are you changing the culture of your organization to reflect the needs, talents, and character of a wider, more diverse human experience? Let’s not merely open the doors, but let’s redecorate the place with a new corporate culture that invites others in.”

Margaret Wallace Brown (’83)

Margaret Wallace Brown (’83) has been named by The Houston Business Journal as one of 90 honorees for the 2023 Women Who Mean Business Awards, recognizing women in leadership roles who have demonstrated excellence in their careers and community.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I won a disco dancing contest when I was a student at the University of Houston. The prize was a $10 gift certificate for Foley’s department store. I immediately used the card to purchase a Jane Fonda exercise leotard with matching leg warmers.

What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to do?

I bounced back and learned to thrive after my first marriage failed. I raised a strong-will, loving daughter, built a career and found joy again. While I would not ever choose that experience, I am proud of the result.

Lana Muranovic (’10)

Lana Muranovic (’10) has been named by The Houston Business Journal as one of 90 honorees for the 2023 Women Who Mean Business Awards, recognizing women in leadership roles who have demonstrated excellence in their careers and community.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

One thing many people might not know upon first meeting me is that I, along with my parents and brother, came to the United States as a refugee from war-torn Bosnia and Herzegovina when I was 8 years old.

What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to do?

Battling early stage breast cancer, particularly while trying to be a present mom to my 2-year-old toddler, is easily the most difficult thing I’ve had to do.

Nicole Perry (’06)

Nicole Perry (’06) has been named by The Houston Business Journal as one of 90 honorees for the 2023 Women Who Mean Business Awards, recognizing women in leadership roles who have demonstrated excellence in their careers and community.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I have been working since I was 11 years old. I initially worked as a baby sitter for the neighborhood children, including my husbands sister who is 13 years younger than me.

What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to do?

In 2014, I was asked to work out of Jones Day’s Hong Kong office for 10 weeks in connection with a significant client matter. Thank goodness for advancements in technology as I was able to facetime with my husband and children everyday, and I regularly received videos of the kids.

Andrea Steel (’09)

Andrea Steel (’09) has been named by The Houston Business Journal as one of 90 honorees for the 2023 Women Who Mean Business Awards, recognizing women in leadership roles who have demonstrated excellence in their careers and community.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

Most people have no Idea I turned my life around from a misguided youth living dangerously at-risk which led to my being placed in an alternative school for two years during middle school and high school, ultimately saving my life.

What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to do?

I’ve had to do some incredibly difficult things in my life – more than I can count – and am currently struggling through some of the most challenging days yet. Often times the most difficult thing I’ve had to do is to keep going despite it all. In short, adulting.

DeAndrea Washington (’09)

DeAndrea Washington (’09) has been named by The Houston Business Journal as one of 90 honorees for the 2023 Women Who Mean Business Awards, recognizing women in leadership roles who have demonstrated excellence in their careers and community.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I’ve never been to Vegas and I’m an introvert at heart

What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to do?

My biggest personal challenge was losing my best friend Cora Faith Walker last year when she passed away unexpectedly in March 2022. Cora and I shared so many goals and dreams involving advocacy and representing the unrepresented. We attended college together at Washington University in St. Louis, attended law school together – albeit at different schools – and ultimately became fierce legal advocates together until Cora’s untimely death at the young age of 37.