photo by Bill Baptist University of Houston-Clear Lake President William A. Staples (l) presented the UH-Clear Lake President’s Cabinet Leadership and Philanthropy Awards during the 2009 President’s Cabinet Dinner. Those honored with awards, pictured with Staples (r) include (l to r) Philanthropy awardees Wendell and Pat Wilson; Leadership honoree Sonny Colley; and Philanthropy honoree Emyré Barrios Robinson. During the event, Staples thanked all who have supported UH-Clear Lake throughout the year.

A local business leader, a former professor, a retired pilot and two dedicated parents received top honors when University of Houston-Clear Lake President William A. Staples hosted the 2009 President’s Cabinet dinner in February.

“What a difference a year makes from February 2008 to February 2009,” said Staples during his opening remarks. “At a time when our economy is experiencing significant challenges, your support of UH-Clear Lake and especially our students, faculty and academic programs is more important than ever.”

Staples shared information about the university including the average number of students graduating each year from the university, which has grown to more than 2,100 with alumni approaching 50,000. He also spoke of the university’s recent Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classification for our partnerships within the community, before introducing the award recipients and some of the students who benefited from their university gifts.

The President’s Cabinet Leadership Award – the first award of the evening – was presented to Patsy Carnes and Sonny Colley who established the Caren Colley Scholarship Endowment in memory of their daughter Caren who lost her life from complications of diabetes. Staples spoke of Caren’s lifelong struggle before presenting the award. A recipient of the scholarship, Gema Guillory, offered her thanks to Colley and Carnes.

“I just want to encourage you to continue sponsoring this endowment,” said Guillory. “Because through it, you are allowing Caren’s life to continue to inspire many other people. She certainly has inspired me. To Caren and to all of you, thank you forever.”

Staples then presented the first of two President’s Cabinet Philanthropy Awards to Emyré Barrios Robinson. A former non-traditional student like those who attend UH-Clear Lake, Robinson returned to college only after her four children started grade school. Her commitment to education and support of the university led her to create the Donald “Mack” Robinson Scholarship Endowment in memory of her late husband and the Emyré Barrios Robinson Scholarship Endowment. She has also served the university as a member of the Development and Advisory Council. Donald “Mack” Robinson Scholarship recipient Jennifer House spoke at the event.

“The Donald “Mack” Robinson Scholarship has not only helped alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with financing my education, but ultimately it has also helped to move me closer to achieving my goal of becoming a doctor,” said House.

The final award honorees for the evening were Associate Professor Emeritus Pat Wilson and her husband, retired pilot Wendell Wilson. Although Pat Wilson taught at UH-Clear Lake for 13 years, her volunteer work as well as Wendell’s will serve as a legacy. Their long list of volunteer service includes the Friends of Evelyn Meador Library and The Arts Alliance Center of Clear Lake. The university honored Pat Wilson with a Distinguished Alumni Award in 1998. Their fervent support of the university included the establishment of the Dr. Patricia Potter Wilson School of Education Outstanding Students Scholarship Endowment. Recent Wilson scholarship recipient Ace Filipp spoke of the scholarship’s importance.

“The Wilsons have not only given me the financial support to continue my education at the university but also a drive to continue to strive for excellence and continue my service to others,” said Filipp “Through their generosity, they have shown me that giving to others is one of if not the most rewarding gifts anyone can receive.” Honorees received hand-blown crystal vases. Staples concluded the event by thanking attendees for their continued support of the university.

UH-Clear Lake President’s Cabinet was formed in 1999 during the university’s 25th anniversary to promote partnerships among university, community and business leaders, and to recognize individuals who support the university with their time, talent and resources. The dinner honors these partnerships and, through the awards, acknowledges those who have made a significant contribution during the past year.

To find out more about the President’s Cabinet or how to get involved with university activities, call the Office of University Advancement, 281-283-2021.