Dr. Suresh Khator and Daryl Wilkerson (’80)
Daryl Wilkerson (’80) has always aimed high, which can be expected from a former NFL/USFL football player who has also held administrative leadership positions in health care institutions around the country. One of his current goals is to rally UH alumni and supporters in the Chicago area to support the University of Houston’s mission.
With the success of Coach Tom Herman and the Cougar football team, it’s easy to get caught up in that excitement. But to Wilkerson, who is currently Vice President of Support Services at University of Chicago Hospitals, it goes beyond that: “It’s my goal not only to generate support for athletics and the football team, but the entire University and all the great programs we have going on.” Coogs learned all about those initiatives from President Renu Khator at the Highlight Houston National Presidential Event, held May 4 in Chicago. Additionally, Wilkerson hosted a more intimate dinner with the president and a handful of UH supporters.
Born in Houston’s Third Ward and a graduate of Aldine High School, with a mobile “army brat” life in between, Wilkerson has a special attachment to Houston and his alma mater. He is particularly struck by President Khator’s goals for UH because they don’t just affect students and alumni; they touch the entire community. “UH is focused on improving schools in Third Ward — and with the building of the new medical school, President Khator’s overall program is to make Houston a Tier One community, beyond the academics and athletics programs.” That’s the kind of ambition he likes to see: “There’s nothing wrong with striving to be the best.”
Wilkerson observes that one change from when he attended UH is that the University isn’t only transforming itself: it’s transforming the whole city, which is a new development since his college days. He notes the trending success of the “#HTownTakeover” football hashtag, as well as Cougar Red Fridays, and how students, alumni and Houstonians are getting behind UH’s diverse initiatives. “Athletics may be the tip of the spear for a lot of activity and publicity,” he remarks, “but then that shines a light on all the great programs that are going on there as well.”
It’s undeniable, though, that football influenced Wilkerson’s own decision to attend UH. “When it came time to choose schools, I wanted to stay home and support Houston,” he says. “I thought it was a very energetic, dynamic campus and had a great athletics program.” He played defensive end for UH’s football team, and the Cougars went to the Cotton Bowl three times — winning twice — during his tenure. Those victories are some of his favorite UH memories. He attended a game at TDECU Stadium on campus last year, and marveled at the state-of-the-art transformation of the former Robertson Stadium. “I couldn’t believe that our team used to practice in the same location!”
After retiring from his six-year career in the NFL and United States Football League, Wilkerson put his business studies to work in health care administration. He has been in Chicago “on and off” for about ten years, and credits his professional football career as an eye-opening experience, career-wise. “I love Houston, and there’s so much opportunity there — but my very quick professional football career took me around the globe, and I landed in different areas with different skills,” he says.
In Chicago or at home in Houston — where he will soon return for his 40th high school reunion and to catch a Cougar football game — Wilkerson keeps Cougar pride alive and well. “They say ‘Cougar pride’ a lot, but I’ve never been prouder of UH after hearing President Khator at the reception and dinner,” he muses. “I’m trying to do my piece by spreading the message in Chicago, and making sure alumni are getting out to see games, fundraising, or spreading the word — whatever they can to help UH continue to be great. That’s what I’m all about.”