UH Alumni Association Foundation Welcomes New Board Members and Honors Outgoing Leaders
The University of Houston Alumni Association Foundation (UHAAF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving and supporting the University, its alumni and students, has elected four new members to its Board of Directors. The organization also announced a full slate of officers and executive committee members for the 2024-25 academic year.
“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of our board members for their unwavering commitment to our alma mater,” said Mike Pedé (’89), associate vice president for Alumni Relations. “Our board represents the rich diversity of the University of Houston, bringing together a wealth of expertise that will enhance our efforts to engage and connect with our ever-growing alumni community.”
Introducing New Board Members and Officers
The UHAAF Board welcomes six esteemed members: Steven Chiara (’07), Obes Nwabara (’12), Tiffanie Gupton (’08) and Juan Davila (’19), alongside officers Jason Payne (’99) and Shawn Kuehn (’10). Their combined experience and dedication to the University of Houston will be instrumental in guiding the Foundation’s initiatives in the upcoming year.
From L to R: Tracy Payne ('86), Sandy Lee ('84), Jason Payne ('99), Shazia Khan ('84), Angela Lott ('84), Agnes DeFranco ('83)
From L to R: Tracy Payne ('86), Sandy Lee ('84), Jason Payne ('99), Shazia Khan ('84), Angela Lott ('84), Agnes DeFranco ('83)
L to R: Scott Rando ('83), Shazia Khan ('84) and Dawn S. Holiday ('01)
L to R: Scott Rando ('83), Shazia Khan ('84) and Dawn S. Holiday ('01)
A New Chapter in Leadership
Shazia Khan (’84), a long-standing member of the board, has been elected as the new president. She takes the helm with a clear vision for strengthening alumni connections. “We represent 312,000 alumni,” Khan emphasized. “Our mission is to create a ripple effect — one small step at a time. I ask my fellow board members to attend alumni network events and to recruit alums that they meet. We would love to get our alums back on campus as we approach the Centennial! Together, we can amplify our impact.”
Rounding out the Executive Committee are:
Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership
Michael Sachs (’97) concluded his successful tenure as president of the University of Houston Alumni Association Foundation (UHAAF) with several notable achievements. During his leadership from 2023-2024, the Foundation formalized the new Associations/Networks Handbook, which establishes procedures and policies for its 40+ UHAAF associations and networks, along with its 300+ volunteers. Sachs also played a pivotal role in finalizing a new five-year Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Houston, ensuring the Foundation’s continued support of the University until at least 2029. His dedication was particularly evident in the growth of stewardship events for Life Members and the ongoing increase in alumni engagement.
“UH and UHAAF will be forever grateful for Michael’s unwavering support and visionary leadership,” said Mike Pedé (’89). “Michael’s passion for our alma mater is unmatched — he has always sought to make UH and UHAA a better place for our alumni, dedicating himself fully during his tenure as president.”
Honoring Departing Members
The board also expressed its gratitude to four retiring members — Margo Kaplan (’93), James Hong (’05), Richard Whiteley (’93, J.D. ’99) and Wayne Luckett (’74) — for their years of dedicated service and valuable contributions to the Foundation’s mission.
Associate Vice President of Alumni Relations Mike Pede ('89), James Hong (’05), Wayne Luckett (’74), Margo Kaplan (’93) and Richard Whiteley (’93, J.D. ’99)
Associate Vice President of Alumni Relations Mike Pede ('89), James Hong (’05), Wayne Luckett (’74), Margo Kaplan (’93) and Richard Whiteley (’93, J.D. ’99)
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