UH Honors College Fall Convocation Set for Aug. 30

KIPP Charter School Founder Mike Feinberg Delivering Keynote Speech

Fall Convocation is an annual tradition hosted by the University of Houston’s Honors College. The event celebrates the start of the academic year by uniting the campus community and friends of the university. Convocation also brings distinguished lecturers to campus, including this year’s keynote speaker Mike Feinberg, co-founder of the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) system of charter schools.

Mike Feinberg“Fall Convocation is an important ‘welcome back’ moment for the university community. We celebrate the success of our students, renew ties with alumni and friends, and strengthen bonds across campus,” said Honors College dean William Monroe.

This year’s event kicks off with a reception at 6:15 p.m., Aug. 30 in the UH Hilton’s Grand Ballroom (Entrance 1 off University Boulevard). Feinberg’s presentation will start at 7 p.m.

“We’re excited to feature Mike Feinberg, co-founder of KIPP schools, as our keynote speaker,” Monroe said. “The KIPP approach to public education has become a national model and won enthusiastic support across the political spectrum. Mike is a bundle of great ideas and positive energy. He is also a good friend and partner of the university. I can’t think of a better way to kick off the academic year.”

After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Feinberg arrived in Houston in 1991 to teach fifth grade bilingual students. His journey to Houston was made possible through the Teach For America (TFA) program. In 1994, he and another TFA teacher, Dave Levin, founded KIPP, which has grown into a network of 125 schools around the nation. One year later, Feinberg founded KIPP Houston. As KIPP Houston’s superintendent, Feinberg helped grow KIPP Houston to 21 charter schools in the area (nine primary schools, nine middle schools and three high schools). In 1994, Feinberg received Ashoka Fellowship, which is awarded to leading social entrepreneurs. In 2006, he and Levin were awarded the Thomas B. Fordham Prize for Excellence in Education and the National Jefferson Award for Greatest Public Service by a Private Citizen.

To RSVP for the Honors College Fall Convocation, visit http://TheHonorsCollege.com/convocation. For more details on the Honors College and upcoming events, visit http://TheHonorsCollege.com.

 

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About the Honors College
The Honors College at UH is a hub of excellence that serves the needs of gifted undergraduates in more than 100 fields of study and reflects the rich diversity of the University of Houston in its courses, faculty, and students. For over 50 years, the Honors College has offered students the best of both worlds: the advantages of a small college together with the comprehensive resources and rich diversity of a large university. For more information about the Honors College, visit http://TheHonorsCollege.com.


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