The University of Houston has lost one of its most ardent supporters. Elizabeth D. Rockwell died Friday, Jan. 28.
The Houston philanthropist had long been a driving force in UH's Tier One endeavors and made many lasting contributions to the university. Among the campus facilities bearing her name are the Elizabeth D. Rockwell President's Suite in the Houston Alumni Center, the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Career Services Center in the C.T. Bauer College of Business and the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Pavilion in the M.D. Anderson Library. Each year, the university hosts the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Ethics and Leadership Lecture series, which brings noted scholars, researchers and innovators to campus.
Rockwell also endowed the chairs for the deans of the M. D. Anderson Library, the College of Education and the Cullen College of Engineering.
Rockwell attended UH and majored in business administration and accounting.
"Elizabeth Rockwell has been a great friend and supporter of the University of Houston. A fourth-generation Houstonian, her generosity has had a major impact on many UH areas including business, law, science, math, alumni and the libraries," said UH President Renu Khator.
" The university honored Elizabeth Rockwell with the 1992 CBA Alumni Award and the 1996 University of Houston Alumni Association Distinguished Alumna Award," Khator said. "We would not be in a position to celebrate our Tier One achievement without the contributions of wonderful people like Elizabeth. We will greatly miss her."
Carroll Ray, chairman of the UH System Board of Regents, praised Rockwell as a remarkable woman and a natural leader and philanthropist.
"Without consciously trying, she paved the way for women in business," Ray said. "We are especially grateful to her for her support and leadership here at the University of Houston. She will be sorely missed."
A memorial service will be held on the University of Houston campus at a later date.
Click here for a detailed biography on Rockwell.