UHCL’s inaugural freshman class to graduate in May

In 2014 the first freshman and sophomore students enrolled at UHCL, and now 41 of those inaugural freshmen have completed four years of higher education and will walk across the stage to receive their degrees May 20, 2018.

Forty-four years ago, UHCL began as a school designed to educate and train future NASA employees. It held its first classes in September 1974 at an off-site location while the university was still under construction. It soon progressed to a two-year, upper-level university with the ability to offer bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. It kept its upper-level university status for 40 years – until becoming a four-year university in 2014.

“UHCL decided to become a four-year university to better serve the community which was asking for another pathway for their students,” said Darlene Biggers, associate vice president of student services. “Some students have a difficult time transferring from another school so [they] want a four-year experience at the same one.”

Angie Montelongo, director of orientation and new student programs, knew that first-year students were going to need a bit more help transiting to the university level than transfer students. So, to accommodate UHCL’s first freshman class, the university created the Student Orientation and Registration (SOAR) sessions, which give first-year students the opportunity to easily transition into university life through educational and social programming.

“[All] new students are typically excited and maybe a little nervous at orientation,” Montelongo said. “They want the information; they want to learn about resources; they want a campus tour; they want to know how much it will cost, etc., and they want to connect with peers.”

Montelongo said the difference with first-years is that most of them are coming to UHCL with no previous college experience and need more intentional time dedicated to helping them navigate the institution, both academically and socially.

“It was a major change in our history, so to have this first four-year class graduating is another important historical moment,” Montelongo said. “It demonstrates our continued transition to a four-year institution.”

Biggers pointed out that the significance for starting at UHCL as a freshman is that those students have been able to plan and design their entire four-year experience both in and out of the classroom. They have been able to form deeper relationships with their peers, faculty and staff.

“It has been a great achievement to see our first freshmen grow and succeed,” Biggers said.

Having freshmen and sophomores on campus has added more to the university than less parking space. Biggers also noted that the new classmen have created new student organizations, new events and new traditions. The campus culture has changed to that of one full of new possibilities and new beginnings.  

“I think there is more school spirit and energy,” Biggers said.

Makayla Ellis, management major, was one of those freshmen who changed campus culture. She was a part of creating the first Music Club and Campus Activities Board.

“Unlike other universities that have decades of old traditions, I feel like UHCL students have the opportunity right now to be the people that will create those long-lasting traditions,” Ellis said. “It’s such a great opportunity to be a part of creating the culture of the campus.”

Krista Kamp, communication major, is also one of the first freshmen on campus. She chose UHCL because it had the most diverse communication program of the colleges she was considering.

“The program here let me learn a wide variety of skills instead of being limited to one thing,” said Kamp, who is currently interning at NASA’s Johnson Space Center doing graphic design for the External Relations Office. “I doubt I would have considered graphic design as a career if it wasn’t for the courses I got to take.”

UHCL is currently undergoing another substantial expansion to further accommodate its ever-growing student population. In fall 2018, the new STEM and Classroom building and Recreation and Wellness Center will open in the fall semester. In addition, the first UHCL Residence Hall set to open in time for fall 2019.

“I absolutely would choose UHCL again,” Kamp said. “After all, where else could you see deer on campus on a regular basis?”