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The Legacy Robe
 Traditions abound during the holiday season. From family customs to those in the academic setting, traditions share with others both a person's background and values. At UH-Clear Lake, we have one little known tradition: the academic regalia worn by President William A. Staples at each commencement ceremony.
During Staples' first semester as UHCL president in 1995, Mary Ann Shallberg, executive associate to the president, asked if he would like to wear Alfred R. Neumann's original academic gown. Neumann was UHCL's founding chancellor (the university's title for president at the time) and, with his wife, was instrumental in starting the university from scratch. President Staples was honored to wear Neumann's regalia. Feeling fortunate to be president of UHCL, he also hoped to live up to the tradition, expectations and vision that Neumann had seen for this university.
Inside Neumann's robe, which he first wore when he received his doctoral degree from the University of Michigan, the name "A. R. Neumann" is embroidered in yellow stitching.
"Every time I go to commencement and put on Dr. Neumann's robe, I see his name and think of the role that both he and his wife had in establishing the university," states Staples. "It is a great reminder and it centers me prior to walking on stage."
Thirty years has elapsed since Neumann stepped down as chancellor and Staples hopes that Neumann would still be proud of what the university has become in its 39-year history.
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Giddyup! UHCL is honored to be this year's host for Clear Creek Independent School District's exhibition of works submitted to the School Art competition for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. CCISD is one of 100 public school districts and 60 private schools (equivalent to roughly 300,000 students) participating in the competition. On the second floor of UHCL's Bayou Building in Atrium I, nearly 400 pieces of Western heritage art by CCISD students will be on display. The public is invited to join the school district in celebrating the achievements of these talented students with a reception on Thursday, Jan. 17, 3:30-6:30 p.m. The 2013 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo School Art Exhibition will be on exhibit through Jan. 24.
Connect with UHCL graduates through the university's various social media outlets. UHCL and the UHCL Alumni Association maintain several social media pages to encourage interaction between all UHCL friends. From a professional profile on LinkedIn to fun videos on YouTube, the university has it all! 
What do you give the UHCL alumnus who has everything? Forever preserve their legacy at UHCL with a paver in alumni plaza or a Lifetime Alumni membership! What better way to celebrate the UHCL alumnus or alumna in your life than to purchase a custom engraved paver that will forever be displayed in Alumni Plaza? For only $250, you can pay tribute to your favorite alumni and proceeds contribute to scholarship funds for current and future UHCL students. 
Happy Holidays from your staff in the Office of Alumni and Community Relations!