UH CELEBRATES CLASS OF 2021
5,124 Degrees Will be Awarded During Ceremonies Dec. 17 and 18
The pomp, pageantry and Cougar pride will be shared by all as the University of Houston holds fall commencement ceremonies this weekend. The University will celebrate the hard work and success of the Class of 2021 on Friday, Dec. 17, and Saturday, Dec. 18.
Graduation ceremonies for the different academic colleges will take place at Fertitta Center and Cullen Performance Hall. Visit the University Commencement website for times and locations. Individuals who can’t attend the festivities in person can watch the ceremonies via live stream.
Brandon Gomez, Bachelor of Science in human nutrition and foods
Brandon Gomez, Bachelor of Science in human nutrition and foods
Kelsey McGown, Bachelor of Science in teaching and learning
Kelsey McGown, Bachelor of Science in teaching and learning
Osinor Igwemoh, Bachelor of Science in computer science
Osinor Igwemoh, Bachelor of Science in computer science
THE CLASS OF 2021 BY THE NUMBERS
DEGREES TO BE CONFERRED FOR SUMMER & FALL
- 5,124 university-wide
- 3,943 bachelor’s
- 912 master’s
- 239 doctoral
- 30 professional
*Fall graduation numbers are as of 12/13/21 and subject to change.
GRADUATION PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
MONDAY, DEC. 13 – SUNDAY, DEC. 19
The Office of Protocol and Special Events is setting up three photo sites that will be decorated with balloons, UH banners and other commencement décor for you to take pictures in your graduation regalia.
1. University of Houston Seal – Cullen Circle Entrance
2. Cullen Family Plaza
3. Athletics Alumni Center (8 a.m. – 5 p.m. only)
Be sure to bring your camera and someone to take pictures for you. No need to make an appointment, but please remember to practice social distancing.
Better Together: Lisa and Victoria Lopez
Many parents dream of the day when their child graduates from college. Lisa Lopez will not only get to witness her daughter, Victoria Lopez, walk across the commencement stage but the proud mom will be right there beside Victoria when both of their names are called.
(l-r) Victoria Lopez, daughter and Lisa Lopez, mother, are graduating together from the College of Technology.
(l-r) Victoria Lopez, daughter and Lisa Lopez, mother, are graduating together from the College of Technology.
“Getting to this point was 30 years in the making.”
That’s right, mother and daughter are graduating together on Friday, Dec. 17. Lisa, who earned a Bachelor of Science in human resources development, will serve as a banner bearer leading the processional for the College of Technology. Victoria, a pre-med student, will receive her Bachelor of Science in biotechnology.
“Getting to this point was 30 years in the making,” said the elder Lopez, who had gone to school off and on over the years, but life got in the way of her completing a degree. “Victoria eventually caught up to me and said, ‘Let’s graduate together.’ We did everything we could to figure out how to make that happen.”
It wasn't easy.
The family faced two major obstacles en route to earning their degrees: the pandemic and a health scare. In 2019, Lisa withdrew from UH for a semester to care for her son, Jeremy, also a UH student, who suffered internal bleeding in his lungs. He underwent a successful liver transplant last year.
“My brother received a new liver during COVID, and it was very hard because we couldn’t be at the hospital with him,” Victoria shared. “My father is also a transplant recipient, so we are still in quarantine to keep them both safe and healthy.”
Through caring for loved ones, working full time jobs and managing their coursework, the Lopez women have stayed on track and in lockstep with their goal of turning their tassels to the left … together.
After graduation, Lisa will continue her work as an instructional designer at CenterPoint Energy and plans to return to UH in the fall to get a master’s degree in HR development. She eventually wants to be a professor.
Victoria and Lisa Lopez pose with Drue DaSilva, UH Alumni Association Foundation board president during the UH ring ceremony.
Victoria and Lisa Lopez pose with Drue DaSilva, UH Alumni Association Foundation board president during the UH ring ceremony.
As for Victoria, she is putting her dreams of being a doctor on a brief hold because she and her husband are expecting a baby this summer. She hopes to be back in class in Fall 2023 to pursue a graduate degree before entering medical school.
(l-r) Charlotte Gonda, Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting; Kevin Le, Bachelor of Business Administration in management information systems and Penelope Moreno, Bachelor of Arts in strategic communication; minor in marketing
(l-r) Charlotte Gonda, Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting; Kevin Le, Bachelor of Business Administration in management information systems and Penelope Moreno, Bachelor of Arts in strategic communication; minor in marketing
From Troubles to Triumph: Salenah Cartier
At this time last year and at age 17, Salenah Cartier was the youngest student to receive a bachelor’s degree. Now, at 18, she’s about to take her second trip across the UH graduation stage to pick up a master’s degree.
In case you’re not doing the math, here’s a shortcut: Cartier (pronounced Kar-TEE-ay) is graduating with a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction at the end of the very same semester she would have started college as a freshman, had she stayed on track with her childhood classmates.
“I was always an early learner. I started learning larger concepts at an earlier stage. That trend continued through my life,” she said.
Accomplishing so much so fast takes determination, steady focus, family support and a very curious mind. Such milestones would be impressive for anyone. But for Cartier, they reflect an unusual personal story and some serious grit.
“I want to work where I’m always learning, always exploring."
In her earliest days, she was known for being bright, which delighted family and friends. All too soon, she would have to face off with different attitudes.
In second grade, Cartier became the brunt of jokes for always knowing the answers to lessons. Kids’ remarks got mean.
“I was picked on for being different. They would make fun of me for the way I talk and the way I articulate information. Eventually, I didn’t want to be smart anymore. What I wanted, so badly, was to be like everyone else,” she said.
After the bullying got progressively worse, she began homeschooling where she bonded with students with similar stories. “I was really sad during the bad time. Scared, too. But honestly, if that had not happened, I would not be on the path I’m on now.”
Working at her own pace, high school graduation came at age 14. She earned an associate degree in science and biology from Lone Star College by 16. Then college and graduate school at UH, where she cemented her vision of a career in educational research.
“I always knew I wanted to be a full-time academic. I want to work where I’m always learning, always exploring,” she explained.
Meanwhile, Cartier is busy applying for doctoral programs and focusing on a project dear to her heart.
“I am currently working on bullying research, which is very personal. I want other young students to know they can make it through, too. My ultimate goal in life is to make a big contribution to the field of educational development. I would like to integrate psychological research into educational policy and create policies that nurture psychological wellbeing.”
What would this accomplished woman of today say to the 8-year-old Salenah?
“I would remind her a lot of great people were bullied only for being different. Don’t allow yourself to be changed by other people’s perception of you. Learn who you are and what makes you different. Different is another word for unique, and that’s a good thing.”
Salenah Cartier, 18, is the youngest Fall 2021 graduate. She is receiving a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the College of Education.
Salenah Cartier, 18, is the youngest Fall 2021 graduate. She is receiving a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the College of Education.
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