Michael J. Cemo graduated from UH more than 30 years ago, but, lucky for us, he still has Houston on his mind.
Cemo donated the initial $3 million of the $9 million needed for a new building in the C.T. Bauer College of Business. Named in his honor, Cemo Hall will hold an auditorium, three classrooms, a division of the Writing Center, the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Career Services Center, a testing lab and faculty offices.
Donations such as this from alumni are vital to the University, and are a continuation of a long and crucial part of its history.
In 1936, 105 acres of land, part of the same land UH sits on today, were donated by Ben Taub and Julius J. Settegast. Hugh Roy Cullen alone gave millions within his lifetime and John and Rebecca Moores have given more than $70 million to the University.
Though their names grace a good deal of the campus’ buildings, most alumni don’t give for the notoriety – they give to improve their alma mater.
There are things at UH that still need improvement and the administration has development on the mind with its ubiquitous master plan.
While a noble goal, the expansions and the new buildings the plan calls for cost money, and that money has to come from somewhere. It’s no secret that students are short on cash and with tuition on the rise it’s hard to keep up the Cougar pride.
If more willing and able alumni would donate to the University it could help lift the financial burden from students who, more often than not, simply don’t have the means to pay more.
Construction is slated to begin on Cemo Hall in August, and the amenities to be found within will provide a better learning environment for students. With both a study center and career services center students will be provided with resources to help them succeed both in college and after graduation.
Students should remember that when they graduate and should go on to help make UH better for future students. We owe a lot to previous Cougars, and Cemo’s gift is a welcome addition to our University.
A groundbreaking ceremony for Cemo Hall, which will be located adjacent to Melcher Hall, will be held 3 p.m. today. Students should stop by to witness the University’s future taking shape.
