The Signal’s 10 most fascinating people of UHCL of 2019
With over 200 recommendations submitted by the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) community, The Signal has compiled its annual list of the 10 Most Fascinating People of UHCL. The nomination window opened Oct. 14 and closed Nov. 8.
After first being nominated by members of the UHCL community, the editorial staff of The Signal narrows down the nominees until 10 are selected. These finalists are chosen based on a variety of reasons including the honoree’s impact on the UHCL community, notable achievements and overall inspirational quality.
Current UHCL Students
In 1974, UHCL opened its doors to its first students, which totaled over 1,000. Now, 45 years later, the university has over 9,000 students enrolled.
Andy Robb, graphic design major with videography minor
Beyond being a graphic design major, with a minor in videography, Andy Robb is the co-founder of the indie game studio 3DICE GAMES and co-host of the Desk Pop podcast. This year, Robb also co-wrote and co-directed the UHCL Storytellers’s production, “Kill Mii.”
To learn more about Robb, check out their Q&A with The Signal.
For years, Andy has been one of the most active students on campus. This year alone, Andy has started up a podcast, continued to co-develop a game studio, and worked to bring the performing arts back to UHCL.
– Brandon Ruiz-Peña, editor-in-chief
Jasara (J) Scates, social work major
In 2003, Jasara (J) Scates graduated from UHCL with a bachelor of science in psychology as a first-generation student. Now, Scates is a post-baccalaureate social work major who has received recognition for research conducted on the topics of the sociolinguistics of transgender identity acceptance and privilege. Scates is also a member of the SGA Senate and working on various resolutions to make UHCL more inclusive.
To learn more about Scates, check out their Q&A with The Signal.
Jasara is fighting for change on UHCL’s campus. They serve as an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, disability rights, and women’s rights on campus. Jasara is quietly, but consistently serving as a force for good, and brightens the day of everyone that they come in contact with. From the SGA, to the student senate, to the classroom, Jasara is a powerful force for change in our community.
– Kaira Jackson, UHCL student
Alumni
Gone are the days when the first UHCL graduating class was one student. Today, there are over 70,000 alumni from the university, which includes astronauts, entrepreneurs, CEOs, authors, activists and more.
Josephine Tittsworth, executive director of Texas Transgender Nondiscrimination Summit
Prior to creating the Texas Transgender Nondiscrimination Summit (TTNS) in 2009, Josephine Tittsworth was a social work major fighting to change the university’s policies to protect transgender members of the UHCL community. After a three year struggle, the policy change was approved and Tittsworth went on to found TTNS – which has worked to ensure over 38 university systems across Texas have fully inclusive policies.
To learn more about Tittsworth, check out their Q&A with The Signal.
Josephine is a strong advocate for transgender rights and has impacted even UHCL by pushing for changes to policies, while enduring discrimination and personal attacks on campus. Since leaving UHCL, Josephine founded and has been the leader of the Texas Transgender Nondiscrimination Summit, which has worked to help school districts and higher education institutions across Texas to develop policies supporting the transgender community.
– Brandon Ruiz-Peña, editor-in-chief
Administrator, Faculty and Staff
Aside from students, UHCL Hawks include administrators, faculty and staff members. These members of the university community make decisions, teach skills and offer support that directly impacts the student body.
Aaron Hart, vice president of student affairs
In July 2019, Aaron Hart stepped into the position of vice president of student affairs and has been an active member of the UHCL community. Prior to joining UHCL, Hart was the vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
While Dr. Hart has just recently joined our UHCL family, he truly fits in seamlessly. Every time I cross paths with him he is always greeting different students and introducing himself. At an SGA meeting, he told all organizations that he has made it his mission to make sure that every faculty member on campus greets students as they pass them by. This is such an excellent idea and a great way to build a sense of community on campus.
– Jesus Gonzalez, UHCL student
Jiang Lu, assistant professor of computer engineering
Assistant Professor of Computer Engineering Jiang Lu is the 2019-2020 Piper Award nominee and has been with UHCL since fall 2015. Lu’s area of expertise consists of intelligent sensor systems, intelligent algorithms, wireless communication, and biomedical applications.
Since 1976, only a select few faculty members have been awarded with being UHCL’s Piper Award nominee. Dr. Lu is now one of only six College of Science and Engineering professors to have been recognized with this nomination, for their excellence in teaching, in the last 20 years.
– Brandon Ruiz-Peña, editor-in-chief
Tyler Hall, coordinator of orientation and new student programs
As the coordinator of orientation and new student programs, Tyler Hall is one of the first to introduce new Hawks to the campus community. Aside from engaging with new students, Hall is also the 2019-2020 president of the University Staff Association.
When I think about Tyler Hall, I think passion. At face value, you’d recognize him as the Coordinator of Orientation and New Student Programs where he strives to enhance the experience of incoming students each and every semester, or the President of the University Staff Association where he encourages unity among members. While his efforts in both roles are quite noteworthy, it’s behind-the-scenes moments that are a large part of what makes him so unique and often go unrecognized. How many people can say they’ve participated in a marriage proposal flash mob for a complete stranger they met on a cruise? Have you ever accidentally spilled soy sauce on your boss’ dress while playing your routine game of peanut butter jar hacky sack on your lunch break? What about keeping a nearly 8-foot Chewbacca cardboard cutout as an office pet? No? Well, Tyler Hall has. All jokes aside, you won’t find many people as passionate as him. Whether it’s his rage for injustice, commitment to the welfare of his community, or love for the Untitled Goose Game, it’s pretty evident. Coming all the way from good ol’ Michigan to lend a helping hand, UHCL is very lucky to have someone like him on the team.
– Sheridan Allison, UHCL student
Student Organization
Regardless of interests, there is bound to be one or two student organizations one might consider joining. These student-created groups offer Hawks the opportunity to explore various interests with like-minded peers.
Black Student Association
The Black Student Association (BSA) has hosted various events in 2019 aimed at sparking conversations and providing a safe space for the African diasporic community of UHCL. From hosting the inaugural Black Alumni Fireside Chat event to spotlighting violence against black transgender women, BSA has worked to connect, engage and inform the UHCL community.
To learn more about BSA, check out their Q&A with The Signal.
BSA isn’t the biggest org on campus but that hasn’t stopped them from bring the community together for fun and conversation. They have grown at lot in 2019 alone from holding events just during February to a full schedule of activities including starting a fundraiser for an underprivileged elementary school and monthly socials. BSA’s energy would not be possible without president Briana Allison and vp Sheridan Allison, both of whom are doing the work of a full team for BSA.– Alyssa Shotwell, online editor
Latinx and Indigenous Student Association
At the start of the fall 2019 semester, the student organization known as HACER (Hispanics Advancing Culture, Education, and Rights) gained new leadership, vision and the name, LISTA (Latinx and indigenous Student Association). Through various events and socials, LISTA brought conversations about colonization and heritage to the forefront of campus conversation.
To learn more about LISTA, check out their Q&A with The Signal.
This new organization has really emphasized its programming to support the Latinx and Indigenous community by promoting exposure and being willing to be fearless when standing up for topics UHCL does not show much support for. This organization has hosted Latinx cummunity speakers, hosted protests for Columbus Day, and has provided a legitimate safe space where Latinx students feel they belong. This is something that despite UHCL being a Hispanic Serving Instituion, has not been very supported.
– Arturo Perez, UHCL student
UHCL Office or Department
Throughout UHCL, there is an assortment of departments and offices providing tools and services to the university community. These include helping students become academically and socially successful.
Dean of Students Office
With the continuing growth of their food pantry, the Dean of Students Office provides Hawks with the resources necessary to thrive. The office works to provide assistance and tools to help students become leaders within and outside of the UHCL community.
To learn more about the Dean of Students Office, check out their Q&A with The Signal.
For some students, it can be hard to find those, beyond faculty, to seek out for support and assistance. The Dean of Students Office, however, is always welcoming of students and actively strive to ensure their time at UHCL is a good one.
– Brandon Ruiz-Peña, editor-in-chief
Latina/o and Latin American Studies (LLAS)
The Latina/o and Latin American Studies (LLAS) program is one of the only initiatives geared toward educating Hawks about the Latinx community. LLAS has strived to spotlight the need to serve the Latinx student population at UHCL, which has been designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution since 2010.
To learn more about LLAS, check out their Q&A with The Signal.
As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, it is important UHCL not only have programs like LLAS, but also works to uplift it. The LLAS team has worked hard to not only shape the LLAS minor, but also bring awareness to the needs of Latinx students. In all of UHCL’s efforts to support the Latinx population on campus, the LLAS team should be at the table to ensure the university goes beyond merely being a ‘Hispanic-enrolling’ institution.
– Brandon Ruiz-Peña, editor-in-chief
Honorable Mention
The over three-week-long recommendation process resulted in numerous noteworthy members of the university community. These honorable mentions highlight some of the nominees who have had notable achievements, leadership skills and inspirational qualities.
Lisa Lacher, assistant professor of information technology
Ms. Lacher is one of the best teachers of The Delta Building. She commutes from San Antonio to teach our classes and she will always go above and beyond to reach out and help her students. Most of the Information Technology courses require us to complete our tasks on the computer, but she went out of her way to buy computing devices and hardware for students to get hands on experience.
– Jesus Gonzalez, UHCL student
Caroline Johnson, administrative assistant II for College of Science and Engineering dean’s office
Ms. Caroline is one of the kindest people of Delta. We like to consider her Delta’s gatekeeper. Whenever someone doesn’t know where their classes are she will literally walk the person straight to their classroom to make sure they know the right place to go. She also plays a major role in the live of our international students. During her off time, she takes them to play fun activities such as bowling to give our international students’ a glimpse of “American” hobbies and activities. It can be frightening being away from home but one thing that is for sure, we all consider Ms. Caroline family.
– Jesus Gonzalez, UHCL student
Natasia Pilling, assistant director of veteran services office
Despite ever-changing leadership in the veteran services office, Natasia Pilling has been a constant. Her leadership has helped many of UHCL’s veteran students and dependents get the resources and assistance needed.
– Brandon Ruiz-Peña, editor-in-chief
William Amonette, associate professor in exercise and health sciences
Dr. Amonette is one of the most hard-working, student-focused, and future-oriented faculty members I have ever met. His dedication to the student of his program and his support of student health and wellness is unmatched. His creation of the Exercise and Nutritional Health Institute (ENHI) and the research they are conducting on exercise/ physical activity and its impact on aging, injury, illness and rehabilitation are cutting edge. His incorporation of students into this program is the definition of student development and preparation for their future careers. He is raising the bar for all of UHCL. He is also one of the most passionate and supportive colleagues I have ever worked with and his support for the creation and development of Campus Recreation and Wellness has been instrumental in our beginning. He has impacted every student at UHCL in some way in his time here. He is amazing.
– Brian Mills, director of campus recreation and wellness
Nicole Ormsby, alumnae
Nicole graduated UHCL as an Environmental Scientist. She has since, been working for a local company that helps to address Environmental needs withing cities. Recently she was in the City of Denver, CO to help analyze the cities infrastructure and how they can better serve the environment and the people.
– Cody Anderson, UHCL student
