University of Houston Athletics
Dena and Don Houchin: Why We Rise
4/13/2023 11:38:00 AM | General, Cougar Pride
Houston Rise gift commemorates commitment to championship success in Big 12
HOUSTON – For the better part of two decades, Cougar Pride Athletic Fund members Dena and Don Houchin have been ardent supporters of Houston Athletics. Through the years, they have attended countless games, traveled with the Cougars to NCAA Tournament sites and bowl games, and have rarely missed a home game.
Their passion and commitment to Houston Athletics is arguably unequaled. In September, however, with the Houston Rise campaign building momentum, the Houchins sat down to discuss how they might take their support to an even greater level in response to the campaign's important mission.
The Big 12 Conference is on the horizon, with Houston Rise dedicated to preparing Houston Athletics not simply to participate, but to compete for Big 12 championships. As competitors, Don and Dena resonated strongly with the opportunity to advance such an important mission. It did not take the Houchins long to decide what to do. For them, participation in the Houston Rise campaign would not be optional, but essential.
"This is a very special time for Houston Athletics with competition in the Big 12 approaching quickly," Don Houchin said. "So many donors have been part of this journey. In fact, the efforts already invested make this moment that much more rewarding. It is the culmination of Houston's Athletics Department's leadership, vision and relentless drive. Now that UH has reached this point, Dena and I are compelled to make sure our coaches, student-athletes and staff have the resources required to compete and win. They have worked too hard thus far not to be well prepared from Big 12 Day #1. Houston Rise embodies this call, and we are fortunate to have the chance to support meaningfully."
The Houchin's generosity will impact several areas of Houston Athletics, including the Football Operations Center and improvements to facilities supporting Men's Basketball, and Men's and Women's Golf at the Golf Club of Houston.
"The Houchins have done so much through the years for Houston Athletics," Vice President for Athletics Chris Pezman said. "You could say that they have done their part. Yet, they are responding to Houston Rise, knowing that their continued support is essential to our success in the Big 12. Our gratitude is limitless, and we thank Don and Dena for an incredible friendship that, truly, is a foundation piece for our future."
The Houchins are also investing significantly in scholarships for student-athletes and have challenged Houston Athletics to diversify and expand the Cougar Pride support base. Engaging next-generation Houston Athletics supporters is paramount to the Houchins and to the campaign.
"Don and Dena's generosity epitomizes the spirit of the Houston Rise campaign, with less emphasis on the amount of the contribution and priority given to the act of participation," Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development/Chief Development Officer John Gladchuk said. "When you contribute to Houston Rise, regardless of the amount, you directly impact our competitiveness in the Big 12. That is a very compelling opportunity, and it is our responsibility, as Don and Dena clarify, to extend our reach and elevate engagement across our community."
SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference.
Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win when we start Big 12 competition in July 2023. Click here to rise and be counted.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougars on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at HoustonAthletics or on the team's Instagram page at houstoncougars.
Their passion and commitment to Houston Athletics is arguably unequaled. In September, however, with the Houston Rise campaign building momentum, the Houchins sat down to discuss how they might take their support to an even greater level in response to the campaign's important mission.
The Big 12 Conference is on the horizon, with Houston Rise dedicated to preparing Houston Athletics not simply to participate, but to compete for Big 12 championships. As competitors, Don and Dena resonated strongly with the opportunity to advance such an important mission. It did not take the Houchins long to decide what to do. For them, participation in the Houston Rise campaign would not be optional, but essential.
"This is a very special time for Houston Athletics with competition in the Big 12 approaching quickly," Don Houchin said. "So many donors have been part of this journey. In fact, the efforts already invested make this moment that much more rewarding. It is the culmination of Houston's Athletics Department's leadership, vision and relentless drive. Now that UH has reached this point, Dena and I are compelled to make sure our coaches, student-athletes and staff have the resources required to compete and win. They have worked too hard thus far not to be well prepared from Big 12 Day #1. Houston Rise embodies this call, and we are fortunate to have the chance to support meaningfully."
The Houchin's generosity will impact several areas of Houston Athletics, including the Football Operations Center and improvements to facilities supporting Men's Basketball, and Men's and Women's Golf at the Golf Club of Houston.
"The Houchins have done so much through the years for Houston Athletics," Vice President for Athletics Chris Pezman said. "You could say that they have done their part. Yet, they are responding to Houston Rise, knowing that their continued support is essential to our success in the Big 12. Our gratitude is limitless, and we thank Don and Dena for an incredible friendship that, truly, is a foundation piece for our future."
The Houchins are also investing significantly in scholarships for student-athletes and have challenged Houston Athletics to diversify and expand the Cougar Pride support base. Engaging next-generation Houston Athletics supporters is paramount to the Houchins and to the campaign.
"Don and Dena's generosity epitomizes the spirit of the Houston Rise campaign, with less emphasis on the amount of the contribution and priority given to the act of participation," Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development/Chief Development Officer John Gladchuk said. "When you contribute to Houston Rise, regardless of the amount, you directly impact our competitiveness in the Big 12. That is a very compelling opportunity, and it is our responsibility, as Don and Dena clarify, to extend our reach and elevate engagement across our community."
SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference.
Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win when we start Big 12 competition in July 2023. Click here to rise and be counted.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougars on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at HoustonAthletics or on the team's Instagram page at houstoncougars.
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