Renamed garden honors dedicated UH-Clear Lake alumni

University of Houston-Clear Lake has many community friends, but only a few who can be called family. One such couple that fits that description are university alumni Kathy and Mike Reeves. Their most recent gift will give their university family and guests a beautiful space to relax and gather through a revitalized indoor garden and fountain area in Atrium 1 of the university’s Bayou Building.

The enhanced indoor garden, renamed Kathy’s Garden, serves as both an example and a reminder of the many ways distinguished alumni Kathy and Mike Reeves have supported the university. They donated the garden’s water feature, with Maas Nursery donating plants for the update to the atrium. The garden was celebrated in a small ceremony in August honoring the Reeves among close friends, family and UHCL staff, including President William A. Staples.

“What they have done has made the atrium even more inviting to students, faculty, staff, alumni and community friends,” said Staples. “Kathy and Mike continue to go above and beyond with their kindness and generous support, not only by making this special area more beautiful, but also by changing lives through their continued and heartfelt gifts.”

Mike Reeves said they are pleased with the new garden.

“Kathy’s Garden is a beautiful transformation we wanted to provide to students, faculty and staff to enjoy each day,” he said. “We really appreciate Dr. Bill Staples and the university recognizing our long-term commitment and love of UHCL. We hope that everyone will enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Kathy’s Garden in Atrium I.”

The Reeves’ legacy on campus extends far beyond the peaceful atmosphere of the university’s atrium. Kathy Reeves, NASA Human Research Program Engagement and Communications Contractor supervisor, and Mike Reeves, who serves as executive vice president at Wichita Tribal Enterprises LLC, have made significant contributions to the university in leadership, time and gifts.

Mike Reeves joined the first cohort of students to enroll in the university in 1974, graduating with a Master of Science in Accounting in 1977, while Kathy Reeves graduated in 1988 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Kathy Reeves said their UHCL degrees have helped them achieve their own goals, and they would like others to enjoy the same benefits.

“It is important to us that UHCL makes the opportunity of education available for all,” she said. “The students’ hard work, family and institutional support, grants and scholarships give those who want to pursue a UHCL degree the opportunity. UHCL’s high quality education and student assistance make these goals available to each student who enters its door.”

They also said they’re proud of UHCL’s success in expanding to a four-year university and look forward to future growth, particularly the addition of more doctoral degrees.

Together, they have been instrumental in expanding UHCL’s scholarship programs. Both played key roles in founding the Alumni Association Scholarship, the Distinguished Alumni Scholarship, the Elizabeth Finck Leibfried Arts Initiative Program Endowment, the Katherine and Micheal Reeves President’s Endowment and the Kathy and Mike Reeves Hawk Advantage Scholarship Endowment. Hawk Advantage Scholarships, one of the most recent additions to UHCL’s scholarship offerings, support freshmen with financial need through all four years of their degree.

The couple has also twice received the President’s Cabinet Leadership Award, first in 2000 and again in 2005, in recognition of their dedicated and generous fundraising efforts. In the larger community, both serve on the advisory board of the Lunar Rendezvous Festival, and Kathy Reeves has served on the American Heart Association board of directors.

Mike Reeves was elected the founding president of the UHCL Alumni Association. He held that role for eight years and remains active in the association as Lifetime Honorary Director.

“Kathy and Mike have been passionate supporters of the university from the very beginning,” said Executive Director of Development and Alumni Relations Dwayne Busby. “Their leadership and legacy has benefited not just our students and alumni, but the community as a whole. We’re grateful for everything they’ve done and continue to do for the university.”

To find out how to follow in the generous footsteps of the Reeves, visit www.uhcl.edu/giving.