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UHCL Alumni Association Board of Directors

Group photo of the UHCL Alumni Association Board of Directors

The UHCL Alumni Association Board of Directors acts in an advisory role to support and advance the missions of the University of Houston-Clear Lake and the UHCL Alumni Association. The UHCL Alumni Association Board of Directors supports and works in partnership with UHCL Alumni Relations and University Advancement to provide the volunteer leadership necessary to advance the alumni engagement goals of UHCL, in line with the strategic mission and goals of the University.

The members of the Board, with representation from each of the UHCL colleges, meet on a quarterly basis, with committee work ongoing year-round.


A Letter From the Chair

August 2025

As the academic year draws to a close, we reflect on a remarkable inaugural year for the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

We concluded UHCL’s 50th anniversary with a sold-out Gala and Alumni Celebration, followed by the Alumni Association’s exciting return to the UHCL Chili Cook-Off. Our Annual Golf Tournament continues to expand, raising essential funds for the Alumni Association Endowment Scholarship.

This year, we strengthened our commitment to student engagement by completing the pilot of our mentoring program in partnership with the UHCL Center for Career Development. We are now preparing for a full launch beginning in the Fall semester. Alumni participation remained strong across multiple events including Homecoming, Orientation, Hawk Excellence Awards and the Leadership Conference, further showcasing our dedication to student engagement.

In the coming weeks, we will proudly announce the newest recipients of the Alumni Awards. These outstanding honorees will be recognized at this year’s Alumni Celebration, scheduled for October 10th at the Hyatt Regency Baytown.

As we welcome the Fall semester, the Alumni Association will also be introducing new members to our Board of Directors. Their diverse experience and passion for giving back to UHCL will help us grow and drive new initiatives. Juana Rodriguez, ’18 BS our current Vice Chair, will step into the role of Chair, bringing her vision and leadership to guide us forward. Supporting her will be Dr. Carlissa Runnels, ’11 MA as Vice Chair-elect. Together with the rest of the Board, their dedication will continue to strengthen our impact on the university and its community.

Serving as Chair of the Alumni Association has been a true honor. UHCL has held a special place in my heart and in my family’s life for nearly 30 years. I remain as committed as ever to supporting this great institution and challenge each of you to find your own way to give back.

Go Hawks!

Sincerely,
Kanch Weerasinghe, ‘98 BS, ‘00 MS
2024-2025 Chair, UHCL Alumni Association


2024 - 2025 Board of Directors

Kanch Weerasinghe

Kanch Weerasinghe, '98 BS, '00 MS

Chair 
IT Manager, Art Supply Network

Juana Rodriguez

Juana Rodriguez, '18 BS
 

Vice Chair 
Human Resources Director, The Rose

Wayne Sallee

Wayne Sallee, '12 BS, '15 MS

Immediate Past Chair 
Technical Manager, Hexagon ALI

Ambericent Cornett

Ambericent Cornett, '10 BS, '11 MS

 
US Army Reserves, First Sergeant (Master Sergeant, E-08); Founder and CEO, ChameleCo LLC

Rafael de la Torre

Rafael de la Torre, '07 MS

 
Founder and President, Impulse Technology Services 

Lecia Eubanks

Lecia Eubanks, '06 MS, '20 Ed.D.

 
Director of Learning and Assessment, Teach Us

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Estella Gillette, '86 BBA, '94 MA

 
NASA retired; President, NASA Alumni League-JSC

Kaylee Madden

Kaylee Madden, '22 BS

 
Second Year Student, Thurgood Marshall School of Law

Renae Rives

Renae Rives, '03 BS

 
Chief Communications Officer, Alvin ISD

Carlissa Runnels

Carlissa Runnels, '11 MA

 
CEO, Carlissa Runnels, LLC

 

Omar Sanjak, '10 BS, '12 MS

 
Senior Client Success Manager, Cyware

Cynthia Silva

Cynthia Silva, '89 BS, '92 MA

 
Retired

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Bukola Simeon, '22 MHA/MBA

 
Realtor, Apex Realtors

Marilyn Sims

Marilyn Sims, '88 BS

 
Vice President and Shareholder, WKPZ (Weycer, Kaplan, Pulaski & Zuber, P.C.)

Photo of Chris Wagner

Chris Wagner, '03 MS

 
Cyber Security Policy & Governance Manager, Chevron

Fay Watson

Fay Watson, '89 BS, '92 MS

 
Human Resources Manager, Banner Quality Management Inc

Joseph Staley

Joe Staley

Ex-Officio
VP, University Advancement, UHCL

Kendra Hakanson

Kendra Hakanson

Ex-Officio
Director of Alumni Relations, UHCL

Danna Almazan

Danna Almazan, '25 BS

Ex-Officio
President, Student Alumni Ambassadors

Interested in Joining the Alumni Board? 

Please see application information above.

Contact

  • Alumni Association

    Phone: 281-283-2021
    Fax: 281-283-2017
    Email: alumni@uhcl.edu

    Bayou Building B2508
    2700 Bay Area Blvd, Box 318
    Houston, TX 77058-1002