Temple Weiss (M.H.M. ’96), Managing Director of 3E Advisory Services, developed a passion for the hospitality industry early in his studies. After receiving an undergraduate degree in business, he found the innovative post-graduate hospitality degree he was looking for at the University of Houston’s Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management.
“The leading reputation of the Hilton College and its location in Houston attracted me over other programs,” he explains. “While not a native of Houston, I now consider it my ‘second home!’”
Living outside of Houston can present a challenge for Coogs looking to stay in touch with their “second home,” something that Weiss recognizes. The Highlight Houston Dallas event on October 19, 2016 was his first time being a Highlight Houston committee member, and he was heartened by the enthusiasm of the alumni and supporters who stopped by. “You could tell from the attendees, there was excitement about the University and the incredible strides that are being made to improve the quality of academics, athletics, facilities and community.”
That excitement was, in large part, in response to President Renu Khator’s rousing address. Weiss notes President Khator’s passion for elevating UH to become one of the premier research institutions in the country, while maintaining the University’s tradition of educating Houston’s workforce.
“From her message, it is clear she hasn’t forgotten the school’s roots, reaching out to the local community and establishing social and business partnerships with the neighborhoods surrounding the central campus,” he says.
Weiss’s own UH experience put him in close touch with Houston’s professional community, so he appreciates the opportunities that those close relationships present — both in the city and between UH’s diverse colleges.
“My favorite class was a special graduate elective where a few of us in the Hilton College collaborated with students from the Hines College of Architecture,” he recalls. “The purpose of the class was to design a hotel for the George R. Brown Convention Center, and culminated with presentations of the renderings and research to some of Houston’s top architectural and hospitality consultants and experts.”
It’s experiences like that, as well as President Khator’s vision, that motivate him to stay involved with the University, even living in the Dallas area. “The University has long been a hidden gem in the city of Houston, and with the dynamic leadership of President Khator and her team, along with leading research and impactful teaching, it is becoming an international asset,” he remarks.
“It’s always meaningful to be part of building something great. I would encourage all alumni to be part of building something great at the University of Houston.”