By Jillian Holden
September 15, 2022 

The class of 2026 was welcomed enthusiastically at the Honors College Fall Convocation on Sept. 1 in the Moores Opera House by Stuart Long, interim dean of the Honors College and Moores professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He opened the program by recognizing Chancellor and President Renu Khator, Interim Provost Bob McPherson and other distinguished guests.

The annual event is a gathering of faculty, students, administration, and staff to recognized and celebrate faculty and student award recipients for their outstanding achievements. Scholarship winners, and participants in undergraduate research were also applauded for their competitive projects and achievements while at the Honors College. Interim Dean Long, who has been affiliated with UH Honors education for more than 45 years, also recognized students that were recipients or finalists of nationally competitive fellowships, awards, scholarships, or programs as well as members or inductees into all UH Honor Societies.

In her remarks, President Khator said “I am very proud of the entire University of Houston, but I am doubly proud of the Honors College because I know the teaching method of the college. I know the culture of the college and the personal and emotional investment of faculty and staff for the students. You will not find this kind of curriculum anywhere, and you have enormous opportunities ahead of you.”

“Everybody comes here with an academic dream, and I know you will do enormously well,” said President Khator. “This is your journey here today, and I know with your energy and enthusiasm the University will do well because we get energy from you - I get energy from you. This is the place where leaders are made.”

Krystafer Redden (’13), Rhode Island Department of Education Chief of Staff and Honors College alum served as the keynote speaker. Redden holds dual bachelor’s degrees from the University of Houston, and a master’s degree from Brown University. He encouraged students to maximize their experience by seeking community, connections, and relationships, all of which he found at UH and still impact his life in a positive way.

This year, the annual event included live performances from vocalist Sarah Grace Kimberly, an Honors College student and finance major in the Baur College of Business. She was accompanied on the piano by Eduard Gavril, a graduate student at UH, currently studying for his doctorate in musical arts. Kimberly and Gavrill are accomplished in their music careers and have performed in many concerts and festivals, both in the United States and Europe.