UH System Day in Austin, Feb 8, 2005

Following a tradition started in 1998, hundreds of UH System students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends will converge on the State Capitol building Tuesday, February 8, 2005, to advocate for our four universities during “UH System Day in Austin.”

Sponsored by the Houston Alumni Organization and CATs (Cougar Advocates for Texas), this year’s visit to legislators has been themed “Meet the Future of Texas,” with emphasis being placed on increased student participation.

“We have always had a strong student support,” said Grover Campbell, Vice Chancellor for Governmental Relations, “but this year we would like to see even more students making the rounds and meeting our state representatives and senators.”

Approximately 400 UH System folks are expected to sign up for the day-long activities. The event is free, but be reminded that faculty and staff cannot participate “on company time.” As state employees, they must take a day off.

You may register by going to the “Calendar/Event Registration” section on Houston Alumni Organization’s web page at www.houstonalumni.com or by calling Amy Bailey at 713-743-0829.

This year the orientation segment will take place in Houston, not in Austin as in previous years. Below is the schedule of events:

8 a.m. – Registration, orientation, and kickoff, O’Quinn Great Hall at the Athletics/Alumni Center on the UH campus.

9 a.m. – Buses depart for Austin, lunch served.

Noon – Arrival at State Capitol building, visit House and Senate chambers.

1:30 p.m. – Participants fan out throughout building and visit legislators’ offices.

4:30 p.m. – Visits conclude, board buses for reception, location to be determined.

5:30 p.m. – Reception honoring legislators.

7:30 p.m. – Buses depart Austin and return to Houston.

10:30 p.m. – Buses arrive at Athletics/Alumni Center on UH campus.