All events are free, open to the public, and take place at the University of Houston-Downtown.
Sept. 10 vitalvoices: Everything You’ve Wanted to Know About the FBI (well, almost everything)
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
UHD’s College of Public Service (C-100), 1002 Commerce Street, and on-line via Zoom
Ever wonder what it’s really like inside the FBI? UHD is offering a rare peek behind the curtain. UHD’s Center for Public Service and Community Research hosts its first installment of the annual speaker series, vitalvoices. Special Agent in Charge of the Houston Office, Douglas Williams Jr., will unravel the mysteries of the premier law enforcement agency.
With more than 20 years of FBI experience, Williams brings a wealth of knowledge from the frontlines. Previously, Williams served as the Section Chief of the Office of Congressional Affairs at FBI Headquarters, overseeing violent crime, transnational organized crime, and violent crimes against children programs in Houston and Cincinnati. He also worked in the Criminal Investigations Division at FBI Headquarters.
Register at www.uhd.edu/academics/public-service/
Sept. 12 Reception and Artist Talk for “Two Voices Calling: Lauren Clayton and Trevor Lightsy”
5 – 7 p.m.
UHD’s O’Kane Gallery, One Main Street
Visitors Parking, 201 Girard Street
EXHIBITION UNTIL OCT. 10, 2024
Lauren Clayton studied at the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art. Her creativity straddles public art, graphic design, and studio fine art. Lauren works out of Stamford, Connecticut. Trevor Lightsy works out of New York City in a variety of media including illustration, painting, and murals. Trevor studied at Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Lauren is a Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholar, and Trevor is a longtime Jackie Robinson Foundation volunteer. The Jackie Robinson Foundation was created in 1973 after Jackie Robinson’s death through the efforts of Jackie’s wife, Rachel Robinson, to perpetuate the legacy her husband.
Sept. 17 Constitution Day with the SGA
11 a.m. – Noon
UHD’s Academic Building, Room A300
Visitors Parking, 201 Girard Street
Hosted by UHD’s Student Government Association, this event features guest speakers sharing the significance of voting.
Sept. 18 President’s Lecture Series
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: What’s Your Next?
3:30 – 5 p.m.
TDECU Tour Room of UHD’s Welcome Center.
Visitors Parking, 201 Girard Street
UHD will kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with its first Fall 2024 President’s Lecture, entitled “Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: What’s Your Next?” This event will look at topics relevant to Hispanic heritage, ranging from representation in media and entertainment and the power of storytelling and entrepreneurship to the immigrant experience. Moderated by President and Chief Emerge Officer of RAR Public Relations Firm Richard Abraham-Rugnao, the panel will inspire action on what should be your “next” in life through thought-provoking conversations.
Featured Panelists:
Annie Gonzalez is an actress best known for her roles in “Gentefied,” “Shameless,” and “Flamin’ Hot.” With her experience in the entertainment industry, Gonzalez brings a unique perspective to the discussion on Hispanic heritage and representation.
Author of “Brown Enough,” an actor, podcaster, and storyteller, Christopher Rivas‘s multifaceted background will enrich our dialogue with insights into storytelling and the Hispanic experience in literature and media. Rivas will have his book available for signing following the panel discussion.
As Co-Founder and CEO of the LA-based brand Kids of Immigrants, Daniel Buezo will share his entrepreneurial journey and commitment to social impact, providing valuable lessons on leadership and community engagement.
Sept. 18-19 Workshops on Situational Awareness and Self-Defense
1:30 – 3 p.m., both days
UHD’s College of Public Service (C-100), 1002 Commerce Street
UHD’s Center for Public Service and Community Research presents a two-day participatory workshop featuring UHD Police Lieutenant Trinity Delafance.
Day One: Situational Awareness
Day One will feature a hands-on workshop. Situational Awareness is key to noticing sudden movement or when something just doesn’t seem right. This participatory session will include a simulation as well as a historic overview of active shooter events in the U.S. We will look at case studies, review emergency response plans and most important, learn how to create our own unique survival mindset. Topics Include:
- De-escalation techniques.
- Maintain distance from your attacker.
- Plan (and prepare for) your escape route.
- Practice disengagement moves.
- Escape an attack from the back.
- Take a punch effectively.
- Get out of common grips and holds.
- Don’t waste any movement or energy.
Day Two: Self Defense Techniques
Join UHD Police Lieutenant Delafance for another hands-on workshop presentation to learn valuable self-defense techniques that will help you fight off an attacker and get away. Participants will learn how to do:
- Knee strikes.
- Front thrust kicks.
- Palm-heel strikes.
- Hammer strikes.
- Elbow and punches.
- Bear hug escapes.
- Headlock escapes.
- Tactical falls.
Register at www.uhd.edu/academics/public-service/
Sept. 25 vitalvoices: Emotionally Overwhelmed? Join the Club
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
UHD’s College of Public Service (C-100),
We are living in what seems like a prolonged time of great social, cultural, and technological change. Collectively, we have experienced enormous shifts in our workplaces, our school systems, our families, and in society at large.
For many, constant change can be overwhelming and contributes to what is called emotional dysregulation. The good news is you don’t have to be a therapist to learn how to effectively deal with emotions that cause us and others to feel stressed, frightened and defensive.
Dr. J.C. Fowler, Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Houston Methodist and Executive Director of Houston’s Monarch Community, will speak on attachment theory and how it affects how we communicate and perceive our world. Whether you are an educator, social worker, plumber, parent, or business professional, the insights learned will help you communicate and connect with others in meaningful and productive ways.
Register at Register at www.uhd.edu/academics/public-service/
Sept. 26 50th Anniversary State of the University Address
10:30 a.m.
UHD’s Wilhelmina Cullen Robertson Auditorium, Academic Building
Visitors Parking, 201 Girard Street
EXCELLENCE. EXPANSION. ENGAGEMENT.
UHD President Loren J. Blanchard will review UHD’s accomplishments over the last year and reveal upcoming plans for Houston’s second largest university in his State of the University address.
Sept. 28 Northside Festival at UHD
Noon – 6 p.m.
UHD’s Naylor Parking Lot, College of Sciences and Technology Building, 315 N. Main St.
The Greater Northside Management District is hosting its third annual Northside Festival at the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD). The free, family-friendly festival will feature a musical performance by recording artist Leslie Lugo. Bilingual, award-winning performer and accomplished Grammy-recognized singer/songwriter, Ms. Lugo is releasing her highly anticipated CD, “Éxitos Del Ayer,” later this year.
This year’s festival promises to be even bigger and better with a day filled with fun activities for both kids and adults, including:
- Art market curated by Shop Local Market.
- Kid Zone.
- Salsa tasting contest.
- Dancing
- Complimentary beverages in the Saint Arnold Beer Garden.
- Soloists from UHD Chorale.
- Face-painting and caricatures.
