President Renu Khator and Jason Carrico (’99)
Jason Carrico (’99) may have come to UH by way of Louisiana State University, but now he is happy to call Southern California home. “I settled here about 10 years ago because of a work transfer from my then-employer,” he says. “My wife is a native Californian and I have embraced SoCal: the beach lifestyle, the great weather, and the sense of community in my town.” There was another aspect to enjoy on May 16: the Highlight Houston National Presidential Event reception.
Coogs enjoyed meeting fellow alumni and hearing about President Renu Khator’s vision for the University — particularly surrounding student success. “President Khator told us how she gives every freshman her personal email address, and how the entire staff focuses on helping students stay the course to graduate,” Jason recalls. “I was really impressed that UH is making such a great effort to improve graduation rates.” Student retention is just one piece of the puzzle, though: “There were so many points that make me proud to be a Cougar,” he continues, “from large projects such as the Medical School to smaller project like improving the surrounding underperforming schools in the Third Ward. What is most impressive about the President Khator’s vision is the sheer size and scope of the improvements.”
Jason transferred to UH in his sophomore year when he decided to change majors from engineering to business. As a result, he was one of the first graduates of Bauer College of Business’s Program for Excellence in Selling (PES). His current career is in technology sales: “I am doing today what I studied in school and I would definitely not be where I am today without my degree,” he says. “My degree and career shaped my personal life because, after a job brought me to California, I subsequently met my wife and settled down here.” He also notes the lasting friendships formed during his college years. “Some of my best friends are my Sigma Nu fraternity brothers from UH, and it is amazing to see us now with families, and sharing our memories with our children.”
Among Jason’s favorite UH memories are Frontier Fiesta and attending football games as a student. Frontier Fiesta had recently been revived before he arrived on campus: “I can still remember staying up late with my fraternity brothers to finish our Frontier Fiesta building just a few hours before opening,” he recalls. Football games at Robertson Stadium had a different feel during that time, too. “We had a great group of football supporters, and since the stadium was not as packed as it today, it created a very tight-knit group,” he says. “Many of us met up at the Peach Bowl this year, and it is just amazing to see us all almost 20 years later still sitting together for a game.”
Now, new UH memories are being made, whether it’s at a Highlight Houston event, on campus or at a football bowl game. “Being a part of the Alumni association gives you a sense of community in your area by meeting other local UH grads,” Jason says. “I am going this year for the home opener and can’t wait to see the new stadium. Getting involved gave me an opportunity to spend more time learning about all new happenings on campus.” With more alumni getting involved than ever before, Coogs across the country or close to campus can find someone to join them in cheering on their alma mater.