University of Houston Athletics
TDECU Press Conference Quotes
7/8/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
July 8, 2014
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON CHANCELLOR/PRESIDENT DR. RENU KHATOR
Opening Statement
"Good afternoon everyone. What a great day today! First of all I'm excited that my flight arrived on time, otherwise I might have had to fly myself. There was no way I was missing this great event. This is a really historic day for two winning teams in the University of Houston and TDECU.
"It is truly a celebratory event, not only for the University of Houston, but the city of Houston as well. When we started our march to becoming a Tier One Instititution, people often asked me 'does this apply to athletics too? How is this athletics department going to reach that status?' My answer from the very beginning was the same as I say to this day, and that is, if you want to be nationally-competitive university—you have to have a nationally-competitive athletics program.
"This new TDECU Stadium is just a symbol of our University's commitment to athletics. When you have player out there on the national stage, they don't just represent our University, they represent the city of Houston as well. Today it is very important that we celebrate our new stadium name because when people talk about all the great football teams to come here, they will all be afilliated with TDECU Stadium.
"I want to thank all of our students because they were the first ones to come forward to me and say they wanted to build this stadium. I know the President of the Student Body is here with us today and I just want to say through him, to the entire student body, that I am inspired by your vision for this University.
"I'm also very grateful to our faculty, staff, and especially our Board of Regents. The puzzle would have never been completed if it weren't for all of these people. Thank you also to our administration. I know how important this is for everyone involved at this University. As we talk about this day today, I want to make sure we do remember the 70-year history of the old Robertson Stadium. Robertson Stadium, not only housed many winning football teams, but it also played host to many phenominal events, including concerts and many different music events. And thanks to TDECU and this new stadium, I think those days are about to come back. We are going to have many games here, there's no doubt about that, but we also want to have many other events here.
"With TDECU, we have a partner, and when I say the word partner, I mean we share a vision, allegence, all of that. From my very first meeting with the TDECU team, I was very impressed. I was impressed because they didn't just talk about sports or the facility. They talked about academics as well. I was very impressed with their interests in our students and how they wanted to help them. Their general message was: 'How can we help the University of Houston?' Every time they spoke of academics, I knew we had a great partner here. And to top it all of, not only does the University of Houston and TDECU share the same vision and values, but our colors are the same too!
"As we celebrate today, let's just remember all of the people who have made the University of Houston a great school, all the people who have made our athletics program a great athletics program, and all of the people who have made this football program a fantastic program. We can't wait for all of you to come back at Homecoming. On behalf of the Board, administration, and the rest of the University, I am here today to say thank you to TDECU for believing in us and extending your hand in partnership."
On being more than a stadium
"Definitely. It definitely is for me. Because it is important, sports are very important, but after all - every single athlete is a student-athlete and I want to make sure that they're educational part is solid. We were looking for a partner that brings to the table a facility for sports, but also a passion for academics and passion for the same values and I think that I absolutely felt that in the very first meeting."
On what to expect with the coming national attention on television
"I want them to see how winning and resilient the Cougars are in every field. Just today we were only listed on the national innovation list for the universities, so every field we are winning and I just want people to start attaching the two words together, Houston Cougars and winning."
On previous comments made by VP for Intercollegiate Athletics Mack Rhoades
"First, when the team walked in they were all wearing red shirts and my first impression was wow they really picked the right color and then I realized that was their color. Then, we sat down and talked about serving the cause, serving the community and then we talked about financial literacy for students and finally we talked about athletics and sports. It was a cool package together that was very exciting too. I left from that meeting saying oh my goodness this is absolutely the right partner for us."
On going with TDECU for the name/partner
"Well the way I see it is that there has to be commonality of mission vision and values and I think that was what I asked for in a national name. When our team wins games, I think we are going to make a national name together, I mean we already have a great name for the Houston Cougars thanks to Coach Yeoman. It's not just in athletics; I think we are going to bring events here that brings the community here. I mean this is a facility for the City of Houston. It's not just for the University. We see this as a place that can be a part of the community."
HOUSTON VICE PRESIDENT FOR INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS MACK RHOADES
Opening Statement
"Just to get things started, I want to let people know that there will be a sign up sheet going around and everyone will sign up for a TDECU account."
"I do want to welcome the media and our staff and all of our friends for sharing this special occasion but especially our guests from TDECU, thank you for being here and being a part of this celebration. This journey started on April 16th. Jeramiah Dickey, our Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Relations, and I had what we think turned out to be a very good exploratory meeting with TDECU leadership and obviously Jeramiah and I didn't mess it up, so that is the good news, but it has led us to this day. When you think about that, it was two and a half months to put together a deal of this magnitude and that doesn't happen without an extreme amount of cooperation throughout our campus, throughout the university, and I do want to take the next three or four minutes to thank people that really helped us to get to this point and time.
"Certainly our Chancellor and President Dr. Renu Khator is one of those people. She has been unbelievable throughout the entire process and I want to thank her. Our Board of Regents, and I'm going to ask our Board of Regents members to please stand, but our Chair of our Board of Regents Jarvis Hollingsworth please stand, Regent Paula Mendoza, and although he is not a regent, he is a special guest, Suresh Khator. Regent Roger Welder. Regent Durga Agrawal. Former regent and chair Welcome Wilson, Sr. Our newly appointed student regent, Asit Shah. And finally last but not least, Welcome Wilson, Jr.
"We brought this idea to them several months ago and they helped provide final approval in a couple of weeks and they're as excited as anybody in the room and we certainly appreciate their help. Charles Haston, I know that Dr. Khator recognized him earlier but Charles Haston, our president of the student government association. And bear with me because these people are all important and have had a tremendous amount of impact in getting us to this point. Our offices of general counsel Dona Cornell please stand. As usual when we work with general counsel, at least athletics, anytime we work with general counsel, we always need it done yesterday, and it's just the way we roll, and they seem to accept it and work with us and we certainly appreciate it. Dr. Richard Walker thank you. Eloise Stuhr our Vice President for Advancement, great job. She has some team members here with her Rebecca Gentry, Mark Putnam, and Cliff Redale. They had tremendous influence and helped throughout the process. Richie Hunter our Vice President for Marketing and Communications Richard Bonnin, please stand. And just because you look so darn good in that red jacket, our band director, and no one could be happier in this room than David Burtman, David stand up. I was running this morning and he actually let me cross the street in front of him so I thought the least I could do is recognize him. We have some internal staff in athletics that did a great job, representing IMG Vice President for Regional Sales and General Manager, Shane Hildreth. T.J. Meagher, Associate AD for Capital Projects, Special Projects. No one will be happier when the stadium finally opens than T.J., believe me. Most important Stephanie Sherrodd and her team, thank you.
"It really has been a privilege to get to know everybody over the last eight to ten weeks, Pricilla Henderson, Tangy Napier, I don't know if Gary Lanier is here but you have just been tremendous to work with so thank you very much. On behalf of our chairman of the board of regents Jarvis Hollingworth our head football coach Tony Levine, and myself, all of us Sienna Plantation residents, we want to thank TDECU for building that beautiful new branch right there on Highway 6 by the entrance to Sienna Plantation, truth be told that really sealed the deal.
"We are certainly very excited. Just like this naming rights agreement, building this stadium is a journey and that certainly started in December of 2012 when we knocked down the old stadium. We said goodbye to the structure but certainly not the memories. We broke ground on the new stadium in 2013 and we were able to do that because we had some very generous people step up and donate to the stadium and help us, so I want to thank our donors, I want to thank our students who passed a referendum in record fashion to support the stadium, but I also want to specifically mention four gifts that really were the cornerstone in propelling the stadium forward.
"Carolyn and Ron Yokubaitis, as everybody knows, Ron was a former football player, Carolyn and Ron donated ten million dollars to the stadium, and really that specific gift really was the springboard that allowed us to start this whole thing. And by the way, we learned after the fact that Ron's teammate was also a board of directors for TDECU, so as fate would have it there were all kinds of signs as we were walking this progression. Their name will be displayed on the north complex of the stadium.
"Also, I want to extend a special thanks to the Robertson and Cullen family. They got together and donated money to help us build this new stadium. I don't know if Carol Ray Robertson has made it, she was trying to make it here today. She may not be here, but a special thanks to that legacy, that was really important for us for that legacy to continue on. And the last two, the late great John O'Quinn, his name will be on the field and the special thanks to the John O'Quinn foundation and their president Ron Wilson. Finally a special thanks to the Burt Winston family and the Sterling Turner Foundation. Phillip Winston is here representing the family and his father's name, Bert F. Winston Jr., will be prominently displayed on the band complex.
"When we started looking for a naming partner we really, believe it or not, were strategic and the first and most important criteria was to really find someone that shared our core values, an organization that was committed to excellence, committed to doing things the right way at all times. An organization where we shared mutual philosophies, and we talk in athletics about building champions for life, about hopefully serving our young people and making sure that when they graduate, that they are prepared to leave and tackle everything that they're faced with out in the real world. Just like a university does in terms of serving its students and serving the community, and certainly TDECU since 1955 has done a great job of serving its members , serving this Houston community and so we certainly felt that that was a very perfect match.
"We also wanted someone who realized this was just more than just putting a sign up on a stadium, that it had to be much greater much bigger than that, someone who understood that partnership is about what you can give first rather than what you can get, and that very first exploratory meeting we got a great sense of that and I think that both partners, both teams, are coming together to make one team and to help make each other better and we expect this to be a growing relationship over the next ten years, and believe me when I say this, we could not have found abetter partner.
"If you can't tell by now, quite simple, we just like them, we just really do, they're great. So now I would like Coach Levine to come on up for a special presentation. Stephanie, if you're going to be on the team, you're going to have to start dressing and look like you're on the team. Dr. Khator if you would please stand up and join in as well.
" We could not be more proud than to have the letters T-D-E-C-U on our stadium, and with that please give a round of applause and welcome Stephanie Sherrod, President and CEO of TDECU.
On accomplishing what he set out to do
"It means that we can finish completion of the stadium now.
"We certainly had a goal in mind, a number, and when we looked at that, we really looked at market value, what was happening across the country what we really thought our value was worth and again, not just athletics but the university as a whole. Certainly from speaking on behalf of athletics, just what we provide in terms of exposure and what has happened with the American Athletic Conference and our games on TV, where our football program is headed under the direction of Coach Levine. So all of those things were factors, but it allows us to really complete the stadium in a very financially responsible manner and I know that makes Dr. Khator very happy and it makes Dr. Carl Carlucci very happy, so it was a really great step forward for us."
On TDECU signage
"There will be obviously, and there is too many details to really mention, but there will be prominent exterior signage. They'll have signage up on the video board; they'll have signage on the field. We tried to strategically place that where you have the view of downtown so that when national TV pans out that they'll get and receive maximum exposure. There will be an activation area that I think was very important, about a 500 square foot area within the stadium where we'll be able to engage with the fans. Later on down the road there will be a closer relationship with the student body that I know TDECU and our students are excited about."
On importance of deal for University
"It's a huge deal for a lot of different reasons. It's not just the money; it represents where this university is headed. You think of all the great things that have happened under Dr. Khator's leadership: academic accolades, all the construction, transforming the campus from a commuter campus to now having the second-most beds on campus in the state of Texas.
"It's a sign of the growth of the Athletics program. The Directors' Cup just came out, and Houston had its best finish since the 2000-01 season. Things are moving upward. If you look at TDECU and their last 10 years, they are doing the same thing. It's a great match."
On what he hopes fans see in stadium
"I hope they see a stadium that we put a lot of thought into, one that is unique, one that is extremely fan-friendly, certainly one that is packed and sold out every game. We did some things differently; we brought the premium seating - the suites and the club space - down to the concourse level. Two-thirds of the concourse is wide open; you can see down to the playing field. You can see the cutout that really captures downtown.
"We talk about the City of Houston and how vibrant it is, what a great city it is. We are the University of the City of Houston."
On making a presence in the city and the state
"It was extremely important. Maybe a little different than another organization where exposure was so critical, both within the state and locally. That exposure was very important to them. We certainly will deliver on all that with TV and as our program grows."
On stadium construction being on time
"Absolutely. It is, and we fully expect to play our first game on Aug. 29."
On financial importance
"I don't mean to underplay it. It is important, but it had to be much more than just the money. When you compare the $1.5 million for 10 years across the country, it positions us very well. It's a fair number. It's a conversation we had with TDECU throughout. They certainly felt comfortable with it. It's important."
On fans getting used to the name
"Give it a couple of weeks. It rolls off my tongue pretty well, and I think it will with our fans. I am asking all our fans to get behind the people of TDECU, the organization and behind our Athletics program. We need you in the stadium.
On what agreement says about Athletics Department
"It says that our program is growing. Our measurement is national relevance. Our program is becoming nationally relevant. I mentioned earlier that the Directors' Cup, and Houston had its highest finish since the 2000-01 season. And that's without our Basketball programs going to the postseason. That's going to change with (Men's Basketball Head) Coach (Kelvin) Sampson and (Women's Basketball) Head Coach (Ron) Hughey. It's representative of a growing Athletics program."
On working with TDECU officials
"Sometimes, it's about faith. I go back to that exploratory meeting. We just hit it off. As we started to do more research, we realized that this is a vibrant company when you look at the branches, 190,000 members, $2 billion in assets. Then you look at the last 10 years and their growth. They will continue to grow and we hope we can help them to do that.
"In that exploratory meeting, we weren't sure what to expect. We weren't sure how serious. We thought it would probably be a partnership on a lower level. However, as we began to talk and visit, the reality continued to grow.
"They have great people. I talk about it all the time. You win with people. They have great leadership. It starts at the top with Stephanie Sherrod. We look forward to 10 years and hopefully more years after that.
On other companies in discussions
"We had serious discussion with six or seven companies. All of them were great companies."
On options within the contract
"There is a mutual option to renew another five years. We need to notify each other 18 months prior to the end of the contract. We are hoping this turns into a 15-year deal.
"We both have to mutually agree to it. It was important to them. We were certainly happy it was important to them and it was important to us."
PRESIDENT AND CEO OF TDECU STEPHANIE SHERRODD
Opening Statement
"It is an honor and a privilege to be here with you today to announce that the new stadium at the University of Houston will be named TDECU Stadium. I'd like to start by thanking Dr. Khator and the University of Houston Board of Regents, as well as Mack Rhoades And the entire Athletic Department; not only for this partnership and the opportunity to name the stadium. The University of Houston has had a profound impact on TDECU years before this partnership we are celebrating here today was ever conceived. The University of Houston has helped TDECU become the organization we are today by educating and developing many of the leaders who are apart of this company; leaders like Chuck Smith and Jason Snider have been educated here. And our board members, including our chairman Dick Smith, Frank Coe and Mike Tracy who is also a former UH football player, all obtained their education at the University of Houston.
"There are many other people at our organization who have broadened their horizons here at the university; unfortunately too many for me to name. And I can tell you with certainty that we wouldn't be the company we are today without the University of Houston. For that, you have my sincere appreciation. I'm not sure that the ten original members who started TDECU with five dollars each foresaw that they were creating an organization who would have the ability to partner with the University of Houston in such a visible way. What I do know is that they wanted to create an organization that would improve lives by giving each other not only loans based not only on their credit score but on their character. And while today we provide many more services than loans we use the same principles for serving our members as they did in 1955 when they made their first loan for a $35 refrigerator.
"I'd like to thank and recognize the TDECU Board of Directors for their unwavering support of the growth of TDECU as well as this partnership. They continue the legacy left by the original ten members by continuing to improve the community.
"After meeting with Dr. Khator and her team we quickly realized the principles of the University of Houston resonated with our own here at TDECU. The University of Houston is lead by individuals with great character, who believe in community and the spirit of cooperation and service just like TDECU. Towards the end of the UH mission statement they state that they will engage in partnerships that serve the region and impact the world. Impacting the world is something we want to be apart of. We couldn't be prouder to be apart of this winning team at the University of Houston; We're looking forward to August when the football team plays in the TDECU Stadium for the first time, and we will be right there with you wearing red. Go red and Go Coogs!"
On the decision to go forward and partner up with the University of Houston
"This is our first major sponsorship although we've worked with other sports groups like the Texas Bowl and Constellation Field. We really look for partnerships that promote not only the sports side, but also as Dr. Khator mentioned, financial literacy and ways we can really impact the communities within in the Houston area. When we were looking for different partnering opportunities within the Houston area we really tried to use that as our foundation."
On her personal reaction to partnering with the University of Houston
"I'm very excited. We've had tremendous support across the board. We started things off today with an announcement to the TDECU employees, all 750 of them. They're absolutely excited. They have all new t-shirts today supporting the new partnership. It's just been a tremendous 24 hours and a great response."
HOUSTON FOOTBALL HEAD COACH Tony Levine
On a deal like this happening under his watch
"I don't really like to think of this happening on 'my watch'. When you look at why we're sitting here today, in my opinion, it's not because of any one person. It's an exciting day for the university, for the athletic department and certainly for our football program.
"They call this a football stadium and there's going to be a number of football games in there, but it's much, much more than that. This is special for the students, our alumni, the fans, the marching band, the cheerleaders; this just means so much to a lot of people.
"When you look at our campus, the feel it gives now with the new dorms, the new student union, the new dining halls, is just fantastic. When I talk to some of our alumni who haven't been fortunate to be back on campus for a couple of years, my message to them is that when you do come back, hopefully for this first game, you won't even recognize the campus. This is a very exciting time for us and I know a bunch of our football players are here today and they're looking forward to getting back after it in a little over a month."
