Posts Tagged ‘Awards & Honors’

Rachel Van Nieuwenhuise (’10, MBA ’22)

RACHEL VAN NIEUWENHUISE (’10, M.B.A. ‘22) started riding horses at six years old and has been making history ever since.
In 2020, she was appointed as the first female wagon outrider for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Due to the pandemic, the 2020 Rodeo was cut short but Rachel was able to fulfill that appointment and see the opportunity come to life in 2022.
For 28 years, each Houston Rodeo daily performance has begun with a parade of the Grand Entry Committee featuring dignitaries, on horseback, in wagons or on firetrucks, that circle the arena to call attention to the start of events. Outriders have the job of keeping all the riders safe.
Preceding the 2022 event, Rachel was the first female head scout of the Valley Lodge Trail Ride, a 70-to-80- mile caravan of horses and wagons into Houston to promote the Rodeo coming to town.
When she’s not spending time with her horses or preparing for the Rodeo, Rachel works as a Marketing Manager for Wood Partners, one of the nation’s largest multifamily real estate developers and managers. In 2022, she received an executive MBA in global business from the University of Houston.

Rachel’s interest in horses began when her dad was transferred to Norway for work. To keep the move exciting and provide an incentive for the girls, her sister was promised violin lessons and Rachel was promised horseback riding lessons.
“The sorority gave me a place as a home. I was able to have an experience that I wouldn’t have had if not for Phi Mu — just like a trail ride.”
“I don’t think they ever planned on following through with their promise,” Rachel said. “I’m the type of person that won’t let things go. Once my mind is made up, it is happening.” In Norway, she went to riding school and trained a few days a week. When her family moved back to Houston, she continued lessons and was connected with the Houston Rodeo and the Valley Lodge Trail Ride by her trainer and mentor, Barbara Arlington. Rachel has now been a part of the Trail Ride for 26 years.
When trail rides began, marketing wasn’t what it is today. Horses and wagons would come together for the 70-to-80-mile trail ride into Houston with the intention of getting the communities along the way excited for the Rodeo. Now there are 10 to 12 trail rides associated with the Houston Rodeo, and when they all reach Houston, they become part of a parade and celebration.
“The Valley Lodge Trail Ride became a strong community for me, basically a family. Kind of like Phi Mu,” said Rachel.
Initially, Rachel wanted to join a sorority so she could have an excuse to take her own car to and from campus. Her father was a professor at the university, so she struggled with independence in college while living at home and catching rides with her dad to class. After recruitment, she moved into the Phi Mu house as quickly as she could and loved every second of her time as a collegian. “Being able to join Phi Mu gave me a true college experience.”
As an alumna she continued her involvement with the Houston Alumnae Chapter as Secretary, Membership Director and Philanthropy Chairwoman. Rachel enjoys the philanthropic aspect of membership and loves fundraising and volunteering with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “Being a part of something bigger than just you is so special. That also ties into the Rodeo — they both give you an opportunity to give back to your community.”
From Phi Mu national magazine, The Aglaia- Summer 2023

Andrew Hoggatt (’00)

I am pleased to announce that Hoggatt LP has been recognized as a leading family-owned business by the Houston Business Journal. The 68 companies that were chosen by the HBJ staff demonstrated both financial success and commitment to the Houston community. All nominees were required to meet three criteria: Be at least 51% owned by the family, have multiple generations involved in the operations of the company and/or have established longevity in business, and be located in one of the 10 area counties.

I am very proud of this honor. But it is not just mine. All of the employees here at Hoggatt LP are like family to me. Most have been with the company for multiple years. I look forward to leading this company in the coming years and achieving great success with them.

Find out more information here: https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2023/06/15/family-owned-business-awards-2023-profiles.html

Kelly de Schaun (’91)

GALVESTON, Texas (May 26, 2023) – The CEO of the Galveston Park Board was honored by the Texas Senate last week for her contributions to the state and local tourism industry.

Texas Senator Mayes Middleton of District 11 introduced Senate Resolution 637 to the Senate May 24 commending Kelly de Schaun for her 12 years of service as CEO of the Galveston Park Board of Trustees. The Park Board oversees tourism development and coastal zone management in Galveston while operating several of the island’s beach parks. Under De Schaun’s leadership, the Park Board has tripled Hotel Occupancy Tax collections, exceeded $100 million in coastal restoration projects, and received numerous accolades for special initiatives and operational excellence. Galveston also drew record tourist visitation and spending last year.

Before the Senate, Middleton stated:

“Kelly has done a fantastic job serving the people of Galveston and making sure that everyone, not just from Texas, but from around the world has felt welcome and wanted to come back and has become one of our state’s top tourism spots. I want to wish her nothing but the best as she steps on to her next adventure and thank you for all you’ve done for Galveston and for this great state.”

Earlier this month, De Schaun requested a mutual agreement to end her contract with the Park Board in order to make a career transition. Her last day with the organization will be June 23 and Park Board COO Kimberly Danesi has been named interim CEO.

During her tenure, De Schaun has been named Citizen of the Year and Woman of the Year by the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce as well as Advocate of the Year by the Texas Travel Alliance. Prior to her work with the Galveston Park Board, De Schaun served with the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic and spent more than two decades working in the Caribbean in positions such as Director of Community and Environmental Affairs for Grupo Punta Cana and Executive Director of the La Romana-Bayahibe Hotel Association.

Jamal Cyrus (’04)

Jamal Cyrus (’04), a Houston-based artist, was recently awarded a 2023 Guggenheim Fellowship in the category of Fine Arts. A total of 171 scientists, writers, scholars and artists were honored across 48 fields and chosen from nearly 2,500 applicants for their promise of enriching the lives of fellow human beings through their research and work.
Cyrus’ artwork investigates and shines a light on the political histories and visual culture of Black America through collage and assemblage. He uses ordinary materials and processes to provide a deeper understanding of issues Black Americans have faced and currently face.
He graduated from UH with his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in photography and digital media in 2004. He went on to graduate with a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 2008. His work has been featured across the country and world, including here at UH. His piece, “Eroding Witness, Episode 3 Season 20,” is featured in the John M. O’Quinn Law Building. His exhibition, “The End of My Beginning,” was first featured at UH’s Blaffer Art Museum in 2021 and went on to be featured at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles and the Mississippi Museum of Art.
Cyrus’ reply about winning the fellowship: “In an odd way I was relieved. Relief because of what the fellowship will allow me to accomplish in the studio. It allows me to be a little more adventurous in the studio than perhaps I would have been before. At the same time, I felt very honored to become a part of a list of artists who have been awarded a Guggenheim, which is a pretty stellar cast.”
Cyrus’ reply about his time at UH: “That was an exploratory period in my life. You really had the opportunity to express yourself in regard to what you make and what it’s about. At UH, I learned to become comfortable expressing myself and talking about my work. I also think the block program at the University of Houston (this is an intensive “block” of semesters for fine arts majors enrolled in junior and senior level studio courses) is perfect training for graduate school. I got to be self-determining and self-directed in terms of describing what my projects were about. That helped me quite a bit.”
Cyrus’ reply about a current project: “I’m working on a public art piece with artist Charisse Weston. We’re doing a commemorative glass sculpture for Barbara Jordan, which will be located at the Gregory School in Houston’s Freedman’s Town.”

Martin Cominsky (B.A. ’80)

Martin B. Cominsky ’80, graduate of the UH Honors College was awarded the Phi Beta Kappa Community Service Award on April 26, 2023.  Cominsky was a former Assistant to the President of UH and then, national director of Business Volunteers for the Arts before founding the SERVE HOUSTON Americorps program.  He served as regional director of the Anti-Defamation League before becoming the President and CEO of Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston (IM). Cominsky spoke on the importance of service and education for a complete life urging people to strive to be servant leaders.  IM provides Meals on Wheels, Refugee Services, Volunteer Houston and Interfaith Relations and Community partnerships working to bring Houston faith community to understanding and respect, while providing important services to the City’s vulnerable populations.  Cominsky serves on the advisory board of the UH Honors College and the board of the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship program.  He is a senior fellow of the American Leadership Forum Class XXV.

Brooks Bassler (’02)

Brooks Bassler (’02), Founder of BB’s Tex-Orleans is a 2023 Gulf South Finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
The Gulf South – formerly known as the Central South – program celebrates entrepreneurs from Central and South Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Now in its 37th year, Entrepreneur Of The Year is one of the preeminent competitive business awards for transformative entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies who are building a more equitable, sustainable and prosperous world for all.
45 entrepreneurs were selected as finalists by an independent panel of judges. The candidates were evaluated based on their demonstration of building long-term value through entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth and impact, among other core contributions and attributes.
Entrepreneur Of The Year® is the world’s most prestigious business awards program for unstoppable entrepreneurs. These visionary leaders deliver innovation, growth and prosperity that transform our world. The program engages entrepreneurs with insights and experiences that foster growth. It connects them with their peers to strengthen entrepreneurship around the world. Entrepreneur Of The Year is the first and only truly global awards program of its kind. It celebrates entrepreneurs through regional and national awards programs in more than 145 cities in over 60 countries. National Overall Award winners go on to compete for the World Entrepreneur Of The Year® title. Visit ey.com/us/eoy.

Carlos De Aldecoa (’97)

Carlos De Aldecoa (’97), Cadeco Industries & Affiliated Companies Houston is a 2023 Gulf South Finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
The Gulf South – formerly known as the Central South – program celebrates entrepreneurs from Central and South Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Now in its 37th year, Entrepreneur Of The Year is one of the preeminent competitive business awards for transformative entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies who are building a more equitable, sustainable and prosperous world for all.
45 entrepreneurs were selected as finalists by an independent panel of judges. The candidates were evaluated based on their demonstration of building long-term value through entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth and impact, among other core contributions and attributes.
Entrepreneur Of The Year® is the world’s most prestigious business awards program for unstoppable entrepreneurs. These visionary leaders deliver innovation, growth and prosperity that transform our world. The program engages entrepreneurs with insights and experiences that foster growth. It connects them with their peers to strengthen entrepreneurship around the world. Entrepreneur Of The Year is the first and only truly global awards program of its kind. It celebrates entrepreneurs through regional and national awards programs in more than 145 cities in over 60 countries. National Overall Award winners go on to compete for the World Entrepreneur Of The Year® title. Visit ey.com/us/eoy.

Jacquie Baly (’90)

On March 2nd , Jacquie Baly was inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame, presented by the
Greater Houston Women Chamber of Commerce (GHWCC). Inductees are recognized for them
significant contributions to women’s advancement and quality of life for future generations of
Texas Women.
Jacquie Baly graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the UH-Central
campus in 1990 and is President of Baly Projects, a local consulting firm specializing in planning.
and public affairs. Additionally, she serves as an adviser to Governor Greg Abbott on Higher
Education initiatives; serves as the Harris County Commissioners Court appointee on the newly-
created board dealing with economic development and business opportunities for women; and
teaches as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Houston Downtown, where she has taught.
public policy for over 15 years. Baly has won numerous awards for her industry and philanthropic.
work, including Top Ten Entrepreneurs in the Country by the National Association of Women
Business Owners, Crohn’s and Colitis Woman of Distinction, and St. Jude’s Children Hospital
Philanthropist of the Year. Baly is currently pursuing her Doctorate at the University of Southern
California.
The Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce is the preeminent voice for advancing.
and empowering businesswomen across Houston, our nation, and beyond. GHWCC is a
nonprofit business organization of highly influential and diverse women and men dedicated to
the advancement and empowerment of women through avenues of leadership, education,
advocacy, and mentoring. GHWCC provides a platform for women to make their voices heard.
while building valuable relationships and enhancing leadership skills.

Quentin Brogdon (M.B.A. ’89, J.D. ’89)

I am a 1989 graduate of the Law Center.  I also obtained my M.B.A. degree from UH in 1989.  I just learned the Texas Bar Foundation awarded the 2023 Dan Rugeley Award to me.  The Award will be bestowed at a black-tie dinner in Austin on June 23rd during the State Bar Annual Meeting.  As part of the recognition for the award, the Texas Bar Foundation will make a $1,000 donation to the Texas law school of my choice.  I chose the University of Houston as my law school to receive the $1,000 donation.

Staci LaToison (’03)

Houston Hospice Appoints Staci LaToison to Board of Directors

HOUSTON, TX (Jan. 23, 2023) – Houston Hospice announced the appointment of Staci LaToison to its Board of Directors. Following this appointment, the Board will comprise of 14 members, four of which are officers and an additional six are advisors.

“We are pleased to welcome Staci LaToison to the Houston Hospice Board of Directors,” said Joyce T. Salhoot, MSW, MHA, board chair of Houston Hospice. “Staci’s wealth of knowledge in the strategy, innovation, and investment industries will be an asset to Houston Hospice’s board of directors as we continue to empower families and underserved communities who are in need of quality hospice care.”

Staci LaToison (’03) is an award-winning entrepreneur and venture capitalist with a passion for supporting women and diverse founders. Named one of Houston Business Journal’s 2022 Women Who Mean Business Honorees, LaToison is the founding partner of Dream Big Ventures, as well as a limited partner of Mendoza Ventures, Portfolio, Urban Capital Network and Soften Venture Fund, where she serves on the advisory board. She is an angel investor of Angeles Investors with additional investments in Agility Bank and Specs AI Optometry. LaToison’s background includes a 22-year career at Chevron, where she served in leadership in China, Angola, and Houston, including innovation and strategy management.

In recognition of her business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit, LaToison was named Entrepreneur in Residence for Divan’s “Women in Tech” accelerator where she mentored women-led startups.

LaToison earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from the University of Houston, where she currently serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board of the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences. She also earned an MBA in International Business from the University of St. Thomas. In addition, she completed the Columbia Business School Venture Capital and Private Equity Senior Executive program, where she now serves as a Global Ambassador. In her personal time, she volunteers in the community and is the co-chair of the Discovery Green Gala on the Green.

About Houston Hospice
Houston Hospice is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides uncompromising, compassionate, end-of-life care to patients and families across 13 counties Texas, regardless of their ability to pay. Established in 1980, Houston Hospice is the oldest, largest, independent, nonprofit hospice in Greater Houston and a member of the Texas Medical Center. For more information visit houstonhospice.org.