It is safe to say that Gregg Rockett (’86) is one of the most engaged Cougars living in the Washington, D.C. area. In fact, more often than not, he is the host of UH events that take place there!
As a committee member for the Highlight Houston event in Washington, D.C., he rallies Coogs to have pride for their alma mater, and new friends to show support for our Houston powerhouse. But, even with his long tenure of involvement in UH events, he noted that the October 27, 2016 Highlight Houston event stood out. “This event was unique in a number of different ways,” he says, noting the memory board, where guests had the opportunity to comment on campus photos, the “yearbooks” where they could record past memories and hopes for the future, and myriad photo opportunities with President Khator.
Another highlight was a student speaker, Brinda Penmetsa (’18), who is the co-founder of the Campus Kitchen at UH. Campus Kitchen recovers unserved food from UH dining facilities to deliver to nearby communities in need. “Brinda’s participation helped the participants gain a relevant perspective on the student experience,” Rockett says.
He cites President Khator’s message as a highlight of the evening. “The fact that President Khator has elevated the University of Houston through Tier One status, as well as in other ways, further motivates me to support and engage UH,” he says.
But, like most Coogs, Rockett is fiercely loyal toward his particular college, which in his case is the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management. He returns to Houston several times per year to support the Dean’s Advisory Board, and engage with students as a successful and prominent alumni as part of the Eric Hilton Distinguished Alumni Lecture Series. “Raising awareness of the Hilton College is very important to me, above all,” he explains. “The College facilitated a keen awareness of the opportunities in my industry, and set me up for success.”
Interestingly enough, Rockett’s transformative experience at the Hilton College almost didn’t happen. He was enrolled in a different hospitality program at a major U.S. university at the time, but was not finding the opportunities for development satisfying. Then, serendipity: “In the middle of my sophomore year, I participated in a one-week internship to promote the launch of a new hotel in Houston,” he recalls. “By chance I met the then-dean of the Hilton College, Dr. Gerald Lattin, who took a few moments with me to promote the advantages of the Conrad Hilton College. I wound up transferring for my junior year, a decision that today stands as a fortuitous one.”
Also fortuitous? The growing opportunities for Coogs across the country to re-connect with UH. Rockett’s suggestions include: “Attend an alumni event and be inspired by the accomplished alumni we have. Engage the students and help them understand their bright future.” With supporters like Rockett, that future is looking brighter than ever.