As the 91视频鈥檚 $1 billion Centennial Campaign enters the home stretch, a $2.5 million gift is helping reshape the heart of campus for the University鈥檚 next century.
The gift from The Cullen Foundation, one of UH鈥檚 oldest and most generous supporters, will support the University鈥檚 Centennial grounds transformation and name Cullen Lawn within Centennial Plaza, one of several signature outdoor spaces taking shape across campus.
The naming of the lawn continues a relationship that dates to 1938, when Hugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen made UH鈥檚 first major philanthropic gift to build the Roy G. Cullen Building, which became the cornerstone of the University鈥檚 permanent campus. Nearly 90 years later, Cullen Lawn will be a place where traditions are held, and it will serve as a central gathering space for everyday campus life, special events and programs.
鈥淭he Cullen Foundation is honored to continue my grandfather鈥檚 deep interest in UH. He would be so proud of UH鈥檚 first 100 years. We are equally proud to continue his legacy into UH鈥檚 next 100 years.鈥�
- Beth Robertson, chair of The Cullen Foundation and granddaughter of Hugh Roy Cullen.
Transforming the Heart of Campus
The Cullen Foundation鈥檚 gift is among several philanthropic commitments supporting the transformation of UH鈥檚 Centennial grounds.
As UH prepares for its Centennial, the University is investing $40 million to transform key areas of campus, including University Drive, Wilhelmina鈥檚 Grove and Centennial Plaza. Designed to strengthen the student experience and bring the UH community together, the reimagined plaza will become the defining center of campus life, featuring new landscaping, shade trees, seating areas and water features at the heart of the University鈥檚 historic core.
Wilhelmina鈥檚 Grove , while University Drive and Centennial Plaza are scheduled for completion in May 2027.
Additional gifts supporting the Centennial transformation include:
- Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Family Foundation: $500,000 for the naming of the Melvyn Wolff North Promenade, the Cyvia Wolff South Promenade and the Wolff Walkway within Centennial Plaza.
- The Brown Foundation, Inc.: $500,000 to name The Brown Foundation Lawn within Wilhelmina鈥檚 Grove.
- The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts: $250,000 to support construction of Wilhelmina鈥檚 Grove.
- The W.T. & Louise Moran Foundation: $250,000 to support construction of the Louise J. Moran Pavilion within Wilhelmina鈥檚 Grove.
- UH Alumni Association Foundation: $100,000 for the naming of the new UHAAF Legacy Landing on University Drive.
Building on Centennial Momentum
With nearly $900 million raised toward its $1 billion goal, is advancing priorities across the University, from scholarships and innovation to student-athlete support and the Centennial Grounds Transformation. Together, these investments are expanding opportunities for students and strengthening UH for its next century.
鈥淵ou can鈥檛 tell the story of the 91视频 without the Cullen family,鈥� said Russell Dunlavy, vice president for advancement and alumni at UH. 鈥淣early 90 years ago, they helped give UH a permanent home. We鈥檙e grateful to the donors who are helping us reimagine these spaces for our students, faculty, staff and alumni. And as we prepare for our next century, it feels especially fitting that the Cullen legacy continues to help shape the campus they helped make possible.鈥�