40th Anniversary IMPACT Gala to Benefit Student Learning Commons

Event Honors Carolyn Farb and 12 NSM Distinguished Alumni

This year, the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics is reaching a milestone birthday! And, there’s still time to join our grand celebration.

The IMPACT Gala, scheduled for Saturday, April 8, celebrates 40 years of bold research, bold teaching and bold students. The event honors Carolyn Farb with NSM’s Legacy Award and the 12 inaugural recipients of NSM’s Distinguished Alumni Award. It will be held in the Houston Room of the new UH Student Center. Prior to fall 1976, NSM was part of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Only 30 tickets away from a sell-out of its 400 seats, the gala will raise funds for the NSM Student Learning Commons. This facility will provide much-needed study space for our students.

Learning Commons Builds Sense of Community

“It is fitting to look to the future as we celebrate this milestone,” said Dean Dan E. Wells. “The Student Learning Commons is a true investment in the future and will fuel the strength and success of our students.”

The 3,000 square foot facility, designed to build a sense of community for NSM students, will provide a home for tutoring, college/career panels and student programming. Work stations and small conference-style rooms will also offer much-needed space for individual or group study sessions.

Carolyn Farb: Legacy Award Recipient

In 1999, Carolyn Farb chaired the Quest for Excellence Award Gala benefitting the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Her efforts raised $3 million to support NSM faculty and students and made a lasting impact on NSM. The event remains the largest fundraising event in the University’s history.

Eighteen years later, the funds raised at the Quest for Excellence event continue to support NSM faculty, and have provided over 400 scholarships to NSM undergraduate and graduate students to date. NSM will honor Farb’s generosity and this lasting achievement with the college’s Legacy Award.

Twelve Named NSM Distinguished Alumni

The 12 recipients span graduation years from 1947 to 2001. Their careers include the fields of space exploration, energy, medicine, entertainment, sports, public service and social service.

“The broad scope of work accomplished by these 12 individuals shows the impact made by NSM graduates,” Wells said.

The honorees were selected by the Awards Committee for exceptional achievement in their professional field, involvement in the community, and demonstrated innovative change to improve the lives of others through their work. Full Article and Bios of NSM’s Distinguished Alumni

Last Chance to Celebrate at the IMPACT Gala!
Ticket Sales Close March 31

Kathy Major, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics