UHV alumni honorees proudly serve Victoria
Just a few years into his almost four-decade teaching career, Gary Moses became one of the first alumni of the University of Houston-Victoria.
In 1974, Moses was part of one of the university’s first graduating classes. He earned a master’s degree in public administration and an administrative certificate in secondary education.
“Like my classmates, I came into education because I loved teaching, and community service became an extension of teaching.” Moses said. “UHV opened the doors to many things. The opportunity was there, and I wanted to take advantage of it. UHV has done so much for the community.”
The same could be said about Moses. He will receive the 2017 Distinguished Alumnus Award at the March 24 UHV Alumni Banquet. Adrian Cannady, vice president of marketing for the Victoria Economic Development Corp., will receive the Young Alumnus of the Year.
The banquet will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the UHV University North Multi-Purpose Room, 3007 N. Ben Wilson St. Alumni, their families and their friends are encouraged to attend.
Festivities include a beer and wine reception, catered dinner with door prizes and a photo booth. President Vic Morgan will give an update about the university, and Kira Mudd, UHV director of alumni relations and annual giving, will talk about alumni events. UHV’s new official class ring also will be shown during the banquet.
“Our alumni have gone on to make their mark in the world, and we want to recognize and celebrate them,” Mudd said.
A comedy show featuring JR Brow will be held right after the banquet next door in the University North Walker Auditorium. Brow describes himself as a comedy composer who draws from his eclectic collection of jokes, impressions, music and characters.
The cost for the evening is $10 a person, which includes the banquet and comedy show. Tickets may be purchased at www.uhvconnect.org/events.
The banquet is part of UHV’s homecoming week, March 20 to 25. Let the Good Times ROAR is this year’s theme.
The Young Alumnus of the Year Award is presented to a UHV graduate who is younger than 40 and is distinctly accomplished professionally or in service to others.
Cannady has two degrees from UHV. He earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematical science in 2001 and a master’s degree in economic development and entrepreneurship in 2008. Since 2003, he has worked at the Victoria Economic Development Corp., where he helps plan, coordinate and implement domestic and international recruitment programs for new businesses.
“Adrian Cannady has been a tireless advocate for economic development in Victoria for nearly 15 years,” said Jesse Pisors, UHV vice president for advancement and external relations. “Adrian is a sincere, positive and helpful individual whose character and values leave a stamp of excellence on everything he does, both personally and professionally. We are proud he is a UHV alumnus.”
Cannady said his UHV undergraduate degree prepared him to take on leadership responsibilities and gave him the confidence he needed to grow professionally. His graduate degree allowed him to delve deeper into his knowledge base as an economic developer.
“It also gave me a better understanding of entrepreneurship and what it takes to develop and grow a small business,” Cannady said. “It gave me a greater appreciation for the smaller-sized industrial businesses that I have had an opportunity to work with.”
Cannady said the alumni banquet and UHV’s homecoming week is an exciting time.
“There are a number of UHV alumni who have gone on to do fantastic things not only in the local community, but also statewide, nationwide and even internationally,” he said. “It’s exceptional what the university is offering for alumni to come together, recognize one another’s achievements, network and make known to the community the broad reach and impact of a UHV education.”
Both Cannady and Moses have served on numerous community organizations. Moses also takes part in promoting, speaking or assisting in countless community events. The Distinguished Alumnus Award is presented to a UHV graduate whose accomplishments, character and service are exceptional and represent the ideals and values of his alma mater.
“Few names are better known in Victoria than that of Gary Moses,” Pisors said. “After serving a long and productive career as a teacher, he has become the face of encouragement and support for parades, fundraisers, dedications, groundbreakings and much more across the Victoria community. His unrivaled dedication to Victoria and Victorians of all backgrounds serves as an example to many, including me.”
Moses taught history, government and economics for 37 years at Patti Welder Middle School. He now works in public relations for Citizens Medical Center.
Moses said the award means a lot to him because he’s all about education.
“I enjoyed getting a chance to shape my students’ future,” Moses said. “Education is about finding ways to help and encourage people in many different facets of life.”
For more information about the alumni banquet, contact Mudd at 361-570-4869 or muddke@uhv.edu. A complete schedule of homecoming events can be found at www.uhv.edu/homecoming.
The University of Houston-Victoria, located in the heart of the Coastal Bend region since 1973 in Victoria, Texas, offers courses leading to more than 80 academic programs in the schools of Arts & Sciences; Business Administration; and Education, Health Professions & Human Development. UHV provides face-to-face classes at its Victoria campus, as well as an instructional site in Katy, Texas, and online classes that students can take from anywhere. UHV supports the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Opportunities for All initiative to increase awareness about state colleges and universities and the important role they have in providing a high-quality and accessible education to an increasingly diverse student population, as well as contributing to regional and state economic development.
