UHCL The Signal
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Based on over 200 nominations made by the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) community, The Signal has formed its annual 10 Most Fascinating People of UHCL list. The nomination process opened on Oct. 8 and closed on Nov. 16.
These selections were first nominated by the community, then decided upon by the editorial staff members. The selections are 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 fall 2018, UHCL reached record high enrollment with over 9,000 students. Of the numerous noteworthy nominations, the two current students selected for this year’s list exhibit strong leadership abilities in an effort to spark conversations and societal change.
Erica Solis, social work major
Following the mass school shootings in Parkland, Florida and Santa Fe, Texas, Erica Solis organized two on-campus gun reform rallies entitled #Enough. The rallies helped bring a national conversation to the UHCL community. In addition to Solis’ social activism, she is the student representative for the Latinx Latin-American Studies Program and the public relations office for the student organization H.A.C.E.R. (Hispanics Advancing Culture, Education & Rights).
To learn more about Solis, check out her Q&A with The Signal.
Regardless of where one’s opinion falls regarding gun reform, what Erica was able to do as a student speaks to how anyone can make his or her voice be heard. It takes boldness and determination to say ‘I will not sit in silence.’
- Brandon Peña, editor-in-chief
Kayla Lozano, social work major
As president of the Women’s Studies Student Association (WSSA) and co-president of the Social Work Student Organization (SWSO), Kayla Lozano has been an active member of the UHCL community. Additionally, Lozano does not allow her visual impairment to limit her continuous activism for the transgender and the disability communities. Lozano is also an executive board member of the Texas Transgender Nondiscrimination Summit.
Kayla is an astounding woman who is very active within the UHCL community. She is a driven advocate of women’s rights and equality. She is also incredibly active within the LGBTQ+ and disabilities communities. Her determination is admirable to everyone around her and inspires others to be just as passionate and driven as her. She is absolutely one of the most fascinating and inspirational people I know.
- Tiffany Wade
Alumni
UHCL opened in 1974 and has since awarded over 75,000 degrees across the four colleges. From astronauts to authors to activists, the institution is the alma mater of thousands of Hawks who have gone on to achieve success within their respective fields.
Antonio Arellano, UHCL alumnus
Migrating from Mexico at the age of three, Antonio Arellano began working on his bachelor’s in communication at UHCL in 2014. This led him to an internship with the Houston Chronicle and becoming KTRK’s first social media influencer. Arellano hopes to continue his degree in fall 2019. This year, Arellano was an outspoken activist for the Latinx community and launched his Texas Latinx Political Power Tour.
To learn more about Arellano, check out his Q&A with The Signal.
Antonio is a prime example of how taking risks can lead to endless possibilities and opportunities. Not only is Antonio using his voice to spark conversations, but he’s also helping many others discover their own voice.
- Brandon Peña, editor-in-chief
Deysi Crespo, UHCL alumna
In 2007, Deysi Crespo began her journey towards earning her bachelor’s in social work at UHCL. Then, in 2010, Crespo went to the University of Houston (UH) for her master’s in social work. As part of her degree program, Crespo volunteered at Katy Christian Ministries (KCM), where since 2014 she has been the non-profit’s executive director. At KCM, Crespo helps serve those in need including victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
To learn more about Crespo, check out her Q&A with The Signal.
Deysi was a first year student in the social work program and she did her volunteer hours for the intro to social work course at Katy Christian Ministries. Her passion for helping others and ‘standing up’ for folks who have experienced intimate partner violence only grew, she finished our BSW program, went on to do her MSW at the central campus, and is now the Executive Director of Katy Christian Ministries who helps thousands of individuals, families, and children each year to overcome the issues of poverty, family violence, oppression, and injustice. She is remarkable and does it all with two teenage children who she supports at their football and volleyball endeavors! She is FASCINATING and has followed her passion and done so in a way that balances work and family!
- Heather Kanenberg
Administrator, Faculty and Staff
This category received the most nominations, with multiple noteworthy administrators, faculty and staff members. Aside from notable achievements, those nominated demonstrate hard work, dedication and going beyond the daily duties.
Jason Makepeace, assistant professor of art
Beginning as an adjunct professor at UHCL in 2001, Jason Makepeace has gone on to become an assistant professor and program director of art and design. Makepeace earned his master’s of fine arts in sculpture from UH in 2002 and previously had been an Edward F. Albee Foundation fellow in Montauk, New York. Aside from being an active artist, Makepeace is an engaging professor who dedicates time to his students and the UHCL community.
Jason is a GREAT professor. I took multiple classes of his because I enjoy the creative and positive atmosphere his classrooms/workshops supply and he’s always there for any type of concern or question. He’s understanding and compassionate and has experience in almost everything that he introduces to his students. If he’s not sure about something a student has brought up, instead of saying “I don’t know” and moving on, he’ll put the time and effort into trying to figure it out with the student. He’s also understanding of extenuating circumstances and is more than willing to work with a student to make sure there is a game plan. He always puts his students needs first and definitely deserves to be recognized for all the hard work he’s done and continues to do.
- Tiffany Ferris
Joyce Delores Taylor, coordinator of HSH internship and lecturer of behavioral science
Honored at the 2018 Alumni Celebration, Joyce Delores Taylor holds eight degrees, which include three master’s degrees from UHCL. Additionally, Taylor is the coordinator of HSH internship and lecturer of behavioral science. Taylor is also the advisor to six student organizations, serves on the Texas Workforce Investment Council and the Rehabilitation Council of Texas, and runs her own business – J’s Dynamic Transformations Inc.
Taylor has a passion and drive that is only matched by her pride in her student organizations, and school. She always goes out of her way to make everyone feel like their voice matters and supports the orgs that she is the adviser on as if they were the only thing that mattered, despite being faculty adviser to at least 5 orgs. She has a dedication to the welfare of her orgs, students, and colleges that is unprecedented in the world. Her caring attitude, resolute behavior, and kind spirit make her unmatched as a mentor, adviser, teacher, and friend.
- Kaira Jackson
Student Organization
Becoming involved on campus is one of the keys to a full higher education experience. To help with this, student organizations are created to allow Hawks the chance to explore hobbies and interests with like-minded peers.
Storytellers
From the magical “Rememberall” to the thought-provoking solo production of “HE(A)R,” Storytellers continue to bring performance art to UHCL. Rooted in the Storytellers course, the organization allows Hawks to learn communication through narrative, as led by Lecturer of Communication Andrea Baldwin. This year, Storytellers also took part in the investiture week for President Ira K. Blake.
Storytellers puts on productions that connect with students and shines a much needed light on performance art. The hard work the students and Dr. Baldwin put into the productions will hopefully help bring back the performing arts programs that ended over 25 years ago.
- Brandon Peña, editor-in-chief
Empower: Women’s Leadership
Staring in spring 2018, Empower: Women’s Leadership has held events such as HerStory Slam and workshops that aim to provide a space for women to grow as leaders. Additionally, the organization’s meetings have featured guest speakers from within the UHCL community to discuss topics such as family roles, feminism and compromising with oneself.
To learn more about Empower, check out the organization’s president Danna Butcher’s Q&A with The Signal.
Empower is an organization which focuses on helping women achieve leadership roles and/or positions, both in their social lives and in their professional lives. I think they are fascinating because Empower is a new organization which has already done a lot and have succeeded. For example, there was the event of the HerStory Slam, where a great amount of women and men came together to support women’s stories of their failures and successes. In addition, they have been open to helping other organizations and/or programs, such as their recent collaboration with SDEI to bring Pride Week to UHCL. I found this fascinating because it brings unity to school which should be one of the main goals of any institution. Empower also offers many other programs, all of which are set to create a safe, open area for women, as well as to increase support and allyship from men.
- Ximena Flandes
UHCL Office or Department
Within every university, there should be a strong assortment of offices and departments on hand to provide the institution’s community with needed services. These services should include not only the tools to be academically successful but also socially successful.
Campus Recreation and Wellness
With the opening of the new Campus Recreation and Wellness Center, more Hawks have the ability to enhance not only physical fitness but also confidence. In the few months the center has been opened, the Campus Rec department has seen a significant increase in membership, as well as providing space for university and student-organized events, meetings and courses.
To learn more about the Campus Recreation and Wellness department, check out Campus Recreation and Wellness Director Brian Mills’ Q&A with The Signal.
The ability to know what students are looking for is shown through the new Rec and Wellness Center and their revamped program.
- Justin Murphy, co-managing editor
Student Assistance Center
The Student Assistance Center (SAC) is a go-to hub for students, faculty and staff when it comes to course registration, enrollment, e-services and campus resources. SAC is a function of the Dean of Students Office and works to ensure those in the UHCL community are provided with the necessary knowledge to begin or enhance their experience at the university.
This is a resource I don’t think many students are aware UHCL has. The Student Assistance Center works to help students with E-Services, transcripts, course enrollment and general campus information. They also do really good office decorating when it comes to I Heart UHCL week!
- Brandon Peña, editor-in-chief
Honorable Mention
The five-week long nomination submission process brought recommendations of many noteworthy members of the UHCL community. The honorable mentions spotlighted are just a few of the nominees who demonstrate achievement, dedication, leadership skills, and inspirational qualities.
Ira K. Blake, UHCL president
President Blake was officially recognized this year, through the investiture ceremony, as UHCL’s fifth president. She is not only the first African-American president the university has had, but also the first female president. Personally, I have seen President Blake on several occasions, outside of university organized events, actively engage with students and take interest in their journey through higher education.
- Brandon Peña, editor-in-chief
Kevin Kwan, UHCL alumnus
There was this little movie that came out this year called “Crazy Rich Asians,” that was based on the book by UHCL alumnus Kevin Kwan. The film only made about $238 million at the box office, which is no big deal right? This was a big year for Kevin Kwan as he not only had one of his novels turned into a movie, but that movie spotlighted the audiences’ want for diversity on-screen. He also was on The UHCLidian (now known as The Signal) staff in 1994.
- Brandon Peña, editor-in-chief
Natalia Marfil, biology major
Natalia Marfil was the first person I met in UHCL. I met her because she was my Orientation Leader, and showed me the school for the first time in a more in-depth kind of view. Her love and Hawk spirit was obvious from the beginning, and since then I have come to know her more and realized she is someone who positively represents UHCL. Before I arrived, Natalia was already successful at the university, with her being part of the Hawk Leadership Institute and later on becoming a peer mentor for it. She was also recognized in the Leadership Banquet because of her ongoing leadership. Since I’ve been here, I have seen her succeed in many more areas, where she took the role of President for the Social Justice Organization, Campus Activities Board, and the LGBTQ+ Student org. I still don’t know how she manages to also have fantastic grades in her classes, but at the same time, I don’t know anyone who can show as much dedication as Natalia has over and over again. That is why I think she is interesting and should be recognized as someone who not only showcases the school positively, but also showcases the effort, success, and dedication the school wishes us to have.
- Ximena Flandes
Danna Butcher, art major with teaching certification
Danna has been incredibly involved from the beginning of her time here at UHCL. She was recognized for her leadership at the Leadership Banquet, and continues to prove why she is fantastic. Danna is president of Empower, an organization which focuses on bringing women to positions of leadership, and has created events which have been successful in school, such as the HerStory Slam. Not only that, but she was also an Orientation Leader, is part of the Leadership Retreat, and overall takes many leadership positions which help her [and other students] grow during their time at UHCL.
- Ximena Flandes
Robert Jones, professor of educational foundations
Dr. Jones has taught students at UHCL since 1975 and even at the age of 81 he has remained a pillar of the university. Prior to coming to UHCL, Dr. Jones was a former NASA Gemini/Apollo Public Relations Officer. After 43 years of dedicated service to UHCL, Dr. Jones remains actively involved in the affairs of the College of Education and is still one of the most sought after instructors with his classes completely filling every semester. Dr. Jones is truly the most fascinating faculty member at UHCL.
- Michelle Peters
Jose Arevalo, grounds equipment operator
Jose Arevalo is definitely a fascinating person and an asset staff employee for UHCL. He is that tireless worker many of us infallibly see every day all over the campus mowing our beautiful lawns. Whether we are having a steaming hot summer day or a cloudy thunder rainy afternoon, Jose makes sure our university grounds look attractive and welcoming to visitors, and to all of us who partially live here: faculty, students, and administrators. When high turnover has hit the FMC area this 2018 year, Jose has not doubted in offering himself to undertake all extra workload in the interim. After all, the grass loves growing particularly during the spring and summer seasons and someone has to keep it trimmed, healthy, and beautiful. Jose has done just that. Out of nothing else but his passion for what he does, Jose has taken it upon himself to maintain our landscape charm and perform the duties that could not wait six months until new people are hired. Jose is always there, in his riding lawn mowing, ready to fill in and do what it takes to maintain the entire campus lawn neat and gorgeous. When it comes to doing his job and beyond, Jose sure knows no laziness. Of special quality and unusual nature, he is very proud of what he does; he is reliable, generous, and very happy when it comes to keeping UHCL’s lawns looking like a billiard table. Definitely, an inspiring, fascinating person!
- Maria Arevalo-Sanchez
Also published on Medium.
