Shining Stars of UH
Celebrating UH staff at the 2024 President’s Excellence Awards ceremony
Congratulations to the University of Houston employees recognized by President Renu Khator and their colleagues during the 2024 President’s Excellence Awards reception. Houston Public Media television host Ernie Manouse served as master of ceremonies for the luncheon held Thursday, Sept. 5, at the University of Houston Hilton.
The annual celebration shines the spotlight on UH employees for their commendable service, dedication and contributions that go above and beyond their job requirements and expectations. Gastón Reinoso, associate vice president for human resources, commended the awardees from various departments across the University and who all play a vital role in carrying out the University's mission of teaching, research and service.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the C.F. McElhinney Distinguished Service Award to Can Le, instructional lab manager in the Cullen College of Engineering. The McElhinney award is the highest accolade awarded to a staff member for exemplary contributions to the University.
Also recognized during the festivities were employees celebrating significant milestones with the University – 13 of whom have been a part of the UH community for 40 years or more. These team members received Service Awards for their loyal and long-standing dedication to the University.
Keep reading below to see the full list of recipients honored this year.
President’s Excellence Awards
Administrative Professional
Ashley Askew, Director of Special Programs and Data Specialist, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Administrative Professional
Laura Lee, Student Success Coach, College of Education
Administrative Professional
Katherine Veneman, Curator of Education, Blaffer Art Museum
Effective Leader
Alyce Adeseye, Program Director, Optometry Clinic
Effective Leader
Alejandrina Campanella, Associate Director of UH/DMU Extension Program, Cullen College of Engineering
Effective Leader
Jeremy Dafoe, Director of Undergraduate Academic Services, Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership
Office and Clerical
Wendy Byron, Administrative Coordinator, Facilities Services
Office and Clerical
Yolanda Castro, Administrative Assistant, Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership
Office and Clerical
Alfred Julian Waneck, Box Office Manager, Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts
Technical, Service and Craft
David Dawlearn, Lab Maintenance Supervisor, Cullen College of Engineering
Technical, Service and Craft
Mark Rosanes, Manager of Web Technology, Technology Services & Support
Technical, Service and Craft
John Taylor, Supervisor, Preventive Maintenance
C.F. McElhinney Distinguished Service Award
Congratulations to Can Le, instructional lab manager, who received the 2024 C.F. McElhinney Distinguished Service Award. Recipients of this award consistently contribute at the highest level to the teaching and service objectives of our University. They stand out as exemplary leaders and role models.
“Being named the best of the best among my peers is an incredible accomplishment that I'll cherish forever,” Le said, reflecting on the award. “The award ceremony was especially memorable, as the President herself sat beside us, making me feel truly welcomed and honored. It was a perfect event, filled with great company.”
Le began his career at UH more than 17 years ago as an instructional lab manager for the digital media program in the Cullen College of Engineering. In this role, he has earned high praise by faculty, staff and students alike for his extensive knowledge in digital media technology and his exceptional ability to resolve the most challenging technical issues – all while maintaining a positive and encouraging attitude.
When asked what motivates him to continue excelling in his role at the University, Le shared, “It’s the desire to see my students succeed. They're like my own children, and their growth and development are incredibly important to me.” He added, “Watching them achieve their goals and become successful individuals is incredibly rewarding.”
Through his efforts, he supports the University’s goal of becoming a top 50 public university, “I’ll continue to work smart and train our students well, helping them to believe in themselves. I truly believe our digital media students will play a key role in UH achieving its top 50 status,” Le shared.
Again, congratulations to Can Le! We are fortunate to have him as a member of our Cougar community.
40+ Years
Patrick Daniel - 40
Tesfaye Kumbi - 40
Susan Butler - 42
David Dawlearn - 42
Howard Jares - 42
Beatriz Vargas - 43
Brian Walker - 45
Juan Zapata - 45
Charles Chambers - 46
Ivey Davis - 46
Elwyn Lee - 46
Alan Pfeiffer - Traum - 47
Mary Gould - 48
35 Years
Tina Blakes
Keith Crabb
Donna Halton
LaWanda Johnson
Nicolas Lara
Bridgette Lewis
David Martin
Marek Waterstone
30 Years
Russell Allen
MyTrang Baccam
Raymind Bartlett
James Briggs
Francisco Castro
Lawrencene Dourseau
Nellie Gonzalez
Jim Lawrence
Leo Moreono
Hope Queener
Gordon Taylor
25 Years
James Aguanno
Guadalupe Andrade
Sara Brown
Tom Carroll
Jacqueline Chee
Sunin Cho
Youngmin Chung
Valerie Coleman-Ferguson
Wanda Crumble
Debra Davis
Mary Dickerson
Randy Dupre
Alma Gallo
Christopher Galloway
Victor Green
Sharon Hall
Patricia Hernandez
Katina Jackson
Suzanne Kieffer
Keith Kowalka
Karen Le
Cristian Loayza
Maria Martinez
Emily Messa
Lisa Meza-Duran
Shabana Mohiuddin
Sonia Morales
Van Pham
Michelle Poullard
Bernice Roberts
James Simpson
Brenda Stevens
Natalie Sumrow
Yesenia Umana
Yanira Vasquez
Melissa Villarreal
Ginger Walker
Angela Williams
Marsha Wright
Zheng Wu
20 Years
Teresa Acosta
Stephen Bangerter
Dante Banks
Jennifer Bloom
Michael Caldwell
Jacqueline Chaney
Yen Chang
Richard DiPersio
Charita Hampton
Quang Hau
Randy Hotz
Andrea Johnson
Jolisa Johnston
Cynthia King
James Lee
Zhijiong Lu
Carolyn Martinez
Kimberly Moody
Rosa Morales
Ray Morris
Thanh Nguyen
Kenneth Nieser
Walter Owens
Blanca Perez
Janice Quiroz Perez
Natashia Robinson
Christopher Rodgers
Beverly Sanders
James Simpson
Latoya Thomas
My Tran
Devianee Vasanjee
Katherine Veneman
Tashawna Wilson
Amanda Yim
Talibah Young