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The University of Houston College of Optometry remembers Chris, a master machinist whose creativity and craftsmanship left a lasting impact on our college. For decades, his machine shop was a hub of innovation, where he designed and built custom tools that advanced scientific research. A key contributor to our NIH P30 Core Grant for Vision Research, Chris also lent his expertise to colleagues across physics, engineering, and chemistry—turning ideas into reality with unmatched skill and ingenuity.

Beyond his work, Chris was a lifelong learner, a musician, and a collector of curiosities. He was a fixture at research seminars, always eager to explore new ideas. Though he often appeared serious, those who knew him best appreciated his dry wit and thoughtful perspective. A fan of Escher and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, he found meaning in patterns, puzzles, and the number 42.

Chris’s presence will be deeply missed, but his contributions and spirit will always be part of our college.

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Jimmie Schindewolf, 80 of Klein, TX - BSCE, 1967. Jimmie was a proud cougar! His many talents led him to a career in public service at the Highway Department (now TexDot), Harris County and the City of Houston, where he served various leadership roles for five mayors. Jimmie also joined the private sector as an owner of a successful paving and utility construction company for nine years. His career then took a turn where he was able to do two, once-in-a-lifetime projects. He was the Project Director for the Owner’s Representative Team for the award-winning Daikin Park (formerly Minute Maid Park) and NRG Stadium (formerly Reliant Stadium) home of the Houston Texans and the Houston Livestock & Rodeo. Jimmie was not finished with public service. He was appointed General Manager of the North Harris County Regional Water Authority. This project was the culmination of a 50-year career. He spent seventeen years at the Authority. He retired in December, 2020. The Board of Directors honored him by naming the Spears Road Pump Station, the Jimmie Schindewolf Regional Pump Station. Jimmie received many awards throughout his career. He was especially proud to have received the 1992 University of Houston Distinguished Engineering Alumnus Award and the 1994 TSPE Engineer of the Year. Jimmie was a humble man that felt he was blessed beyond his dreams. Jimmie would credit any success he had to his incredible foundation that was provided by his parents and Trinity Lutheran School and Church. Jimmie was also incredibly thankful for the University of Houston. The University provided a place for him to work full time and attend engineering classes at night. He was able to go from a farm boy to an engineer. He and his parents dreamed of him showing his brothers and sister that a college degree was within their grasp. Jimmie was so honored when his peers established the Jimmie A. Schindewolf Scholarship at his beloved University of Houston. Jimmie was an amazing leader and mentor who made a difference in this world. 

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Nydia Ann Gonzalez graduated in 2013 with an Executive Master of Science in Human Resource Development.  She was a devoted daughter to her parents.  Teaching and storytelling were her most enjoyable activities as well as working abroad. She stayed connected with many  families from each location. Her family and friends miss her!

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Martha Elisa Buenrostro dedicated 25 years of service to the University of Houston as a custodian, but to us she was so much more than that. To us she was the center of our world. Our mom was born in Mexico and immigrated to the US with her parents and siblings where she met our Dad, Jaime Buenrostro, and together they built our family over their 42 years of marriage. Our Mom sacrificed so much to give us everything we needed. If you ask anyone who knew my Mom they will tell you that she had a heart of gold filled with love and kindness. She always had a smile on her face that was so contagious you couldn't help but smile back. She was the most selfless person always putting others before herself. She welcomed anyone into her home and never turned anyone away when they needed help. She would call us everyday to check up on us and make sure we were ok, and when we weren't she had the superpower of knowing what to say or do to make us feel better. She would always fill the room with laughter with her silly personality. She always had our stomachs full with her delicious home cooking and baking. She loved tending to her garden and always sent us home with new plants. And she had a special place in her heart for animals. She loved spoiling all our pets and would even feed and take care of all the cats and dogs in the neighborhood. Her love was unconditional and her greatest accomplishment was us, her family. Her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter.

But her love didn't stop with us. At her services, we witnessed just how much she loved her UH family and how much they loved her back. Her last placement was at the UHPD building and it was very heartwarming to see the the officers coming to pay their respects, standing guard during her service, and being a part of the escort to her final place of rest.

She was set to retire in December and we were all so proud and excited for her to finally relax and enjoy the life she worked so hard for. But now our world has shattered and we are struggling to pick up the pieces.

Mom, you are so incredibly missed and we love you all so much. If love could have saved you, you would still be here with us.

- Your Family,

Jaime Sr., Aide, Crystal, Ulisses, and Jaime Jr. Buenrostro

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Graduated from the C.T. Bauer School of Business with a degree in MIS in the Fall of 2023. He was active in the HBSA (Hispanic Business Student Association) organization and held the position of Managing Director in Fall 2022.

Jaden brought unique and thoughtful perspectives about the world around him and had a deep appreciation for the beauty of life. He loved being outdoors whether it be a lake, a beach or anywhere if he had his friends and/or family with him. Jaden’s quick wit, kind heart, and adventurous spirit touched everyone he met, and he was known for his ability to light up a room and for his readiness to embark on new adventures. He will be deeply missed.

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Norman Caulfield, age 72, of Lawrence, KS, passed away on Thursday, August 22, 2024 after a long battle with congestive heart failure. He was born on October 17, 1951 to Robert and Virginia (Dorn) Caulfield in Dayton, OH. Norman attended Kent State University and the University of Houston, earning a BA, MA, and PhD in History from the University of Houston.

He studied Spanish at The University of Costa Rica, where he met his wife Maria (Esquivel). They were married in 1984 in Costa Rica and were blessed with a daughter, Margarita. A scholar of Latin American history, Norman spoke Spanish fluently and often conducted historical research directly from original Spanish language sources and lectured in Spanish at universities in Latin America. He was a Professor of History at Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS, and was the former acting director of research at the North American Free Trade Agreement (“NAFTA”) Labor Secretariat in Washington, D.C. He was also a Fulbright Lecturer at the University of Panama in Panama City, Panama, and gave countless academic guest presentations and lectures at universities around the world. Norman was considered to be a top scholar on NAFTA.

In 2007, Fort Hays State University awarded Norman with the President’s Distinguished Scholar Award, which annually recognizes a faculty member with truly outstanding performance in scholarly activities. Norman published two books, NAFTA and Labor in North America and Mexican Workers and the State: From the Porfiriato to NAFTA, as well as numerous academic articles. NAFTA and Labor in North America won the 2011 Harvey Johnson Best Book Award from the Southwest Council on Latin American Studies, an award given annually to the author of the best book published on Latin America.

Norman is remembered by his family and friends for his compassion, caring, brilliance, supportiveness, sense of humor, and intention to make the world a better place. He was an activist that protested the Vietnam War at Kent State University and was a survivor of the May 4th shooting. Norman remained close with many of his friends from that time. Norman enjoyed traveling with his wife Maria and daughter Margarita, conducting historical and economic research, watching sports (particularly the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas Jayhawks, Houston Cougars, and Dayton Flyers), and playing chess.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Virginia, his sister Kathleen Caulfield, and brother-in-law William Miller. He is survived by his wife Maria, his daughter Margarita and her husband Timothy Hertach of Lawrence, KS; his brother: Tim Caulfield of Dayton, OH; his sisters: Roberta Miller of Dayton, OH, Gina Caulfield of Brooklyn, NY, and Rose Soltz (Steve) of Akron, OH; his brothers and sisters-in-law: Ramon (Lucila), Flor, Ana, and Fabio (Emilia) Esquivel of Heredia, Costa Rica; and many nieces and nephews in Ohio, New York, and Costa Rica.

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Michael J Trippel (Mike) Class of 74’ BA Finance. Loving husband, father, brother and community leader. Passed away 4/26/24. He will be forever missed.

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Kenneth Blair McAllister passed away peacefully at home on July 12, 2024, at the age of 85.

When Ken enrolled at the University of Houston, he was in his early 30’s, a husband, and a father of three young children. He had already served in the United States Air Force and had also worked as a Data Programmer for the NASA space program. After being laid off, he and his wife, Margie, decided the time was right for him to return to school. With his wife’s income through her Tupperware business and financial assistance from his G.I. benefits, Ken attended classes full-time. An avid bowler, he was a member of the competitive UH collegiate bowling team. Ken frequently brought his family to the UH campus. There they enjoyed bowling in the student center or attending different UH sporting events. Ken and Margie were featured in the April 1973 edition of Our World: A National Magazine for the People of Tupperware; several photos of them for the article were taken on the UH campus grounds. In August 1973, Ken graduated with his B.B.A. - Accounting degree. He then worked in Information Technology for several Houston area banks before retiring in 1998.

Ken instilled in his children the value of education, hard work, love of travel, service in the community, and faithfulness in church. He shared many interests. As a strategic bridge player, Ken earned Gold Life Master status. As an athlete, he was an excellent bowler, golfer, and baseball player. As a COOG alum, he enthusiastically cheered on the COOGS sports teams. Mostly, Ken was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He will forever be deeply missed.

Submitted by: Karen Hill, Daughter/Alum ('95)

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Remembering Jerald W. Strickland, OD, PHD

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Remembering Jerald W. Strickland, OD, PHD

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Jerald W. Strickland (1936-2024) is remembered for his profound contributions to optometric education and leadership. His decades of service at the University of Houston, in roles including Provost and Dean of the College of Optometry, left a lasting impact on the institution and the field.

A native of Indiana and a graduate of Indiana University, Bloomington, Dr. Strickland's career was marked by dedication and vision. Beyond UH, he served on the Health Professions Education Advisory Committee, led the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry, and founded the World Optometry Foundation. His commitment to advancing optometry was evident throughout his distinguished career, culminating in his appointment as Professor Emeritus.

Dr. Strickland's legacy lives on through his family: his wife, Rose Cecile, his four children, five grandchildren, and one great-grandson.

In Memoriam: Former Optometry Dean and Provost Jerald W. Strickland

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September 29, 1969 - December 2, 2024

Born in San Antonio, Texas, to Mexican immigrant parents, José Angel Hernández was a dedicated scholar who authored influential works on colonization and Mexican American migration. He was a passionate mentor whose unwavering support for his students and tireless efforts to expand our understanding of history enriched both the University of Houston and the broader academic community. His legacy of academic excellence and profound commitment to uncovering history will continue to inspire all who knew him. , José Angel will be deeply missed.

Dr.  Hernández earned his PhD in History from The University of Chicago in 2008, after receiving an MA from The University of Houston in 2000 and a BA from The University of Texas at San Antonio in 1997. Before joining the University of Houston’s Department of History, he spent six years as an Associate Professor at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. José Angel’s long-standing connection with the University of Houston began in 1998 during his graduate studies and as a Graduate Fellow at the Center for Mexican American and Latino/a Studies (CMALS). He returned as a CMALS visiting scholar in 2013 and became an Associate Professor in 2014. In 2017, CMALS honored his project “Back to Mexico Movements during the Porfiriato” with a Faculty Research Grant. His scholarly dedication was further recognized when he received a Fulbright US Scholar award in 2019 (an honor he earned three times) to study the Colonial Archives of Cebu City and Manila, Philippines.

His work earned him the inaugural William M. LeoGrande Prize for the best book on U.S.–Latin American relations in 2012 and South Texas College’s Américo Paredes Book Award in 2013. In 2024, Dr. Hernández was awarded the Captain Alonso de León Steel Medal for Historical Merit in the International category by the Nuevoleonesa Society of History, Geography, and Statistics (SNHGE), this medal celebrated his significant contributions to international history. His final book, Colonizing Ourselves0 (published in October 2024) vividly explored historical back-to-Mexico movements and Mexico’s unique approach to colonization.

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In loving memory of Dr. Alison McDermott

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In loving memory of Dr. Alison McDermott

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It is with great sadness that we learned of the untimely passing of Dr. Alison McDermott (College of Optometry) on March 14, 2024. Alison was a great scientist with broad interests and significant contributions to the ocular surface field. She worked successfully in the fields of diabetic corneal disease, new antimicrobial peptides for contact lens coatings, factors enhancing corneal wound healing. While Alison’s contributions to science were significant, especially in their translational value, it is her service to others that stood out as extraordinary in our minds. Alison provided an example for how to contribute to science and the broader community without making a fuss and showed it can make things easier for all involved. Her absence is palpable as Alison’s passing has left a profound void for all those who loved her.

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In loving memory of Dr. Alison McDermott

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In loving memory of Dr. Alison McDermott

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It is with great sadness that we learned of the untimely passing of Dr. Alison McDermott (University of Houston, College of Optometry) on March 14, 2024. Alison was a great scientist with broad interests and significant contributions to the ocular surface field. She worked successfully in the fields of diabetic corneal disease, new antimicrobial peptides for contact lens coatings, factors enhancing corneal wound healing. While Alison’s contributions to science were significant, especially in their translational value, it is her service to others that stood out as extraordinary in our minds. Alison provided an example for how to contribute to science and the broader community without making a fuss and showed it can make things easier for all involved. Her absence is palpable as Alison’s passing has left a profound void for all those who loved her.​

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In loving memory of Latisha "Tish" Daniels

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In loving memory of Latisha "Tish" Daniels

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It has been a little over a year since we lost Latisha Gray, but her presence is still deeply felt by those who had the privilege of working alongside her. Tish wasn’t just a coworker—she was a mentor, a friend, and a source of unwavering support. She had a way of making people feel heard, offering advice with wisdom and warmth, and helping in ways we didn’t always realize until later.

She dedicated decades of her life to this institution, ensuring that everything ran smoothly. Her tenacity, expertise, and sharp problem-solving skills made her irreplaceable.

Beyond her incredible work ethic, Tish’s happiness was infectious. She brought laughter, kindness, and a sense of belonging to everyone around her. She made us better at what we do—not just as professionals, but as people.

On this Day of Remembrance, we celebrate Tish’s legacy, her contributions, and the countless lives she touched. She gave so much of herself to this community, and her impact will never be forgotten.

Tish, you are missed more than words can say.

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Steve begin his time at UH as Director of the School of theatre & Dance in 2007 and continued education career until he retired in 2022. During his tenure at UH, Steve was the Director, a Professor, Artistic Director of the Houston Shakespeare Festival, a member of the Advisory Board of the Miller Theatre and President of the Faculty Senate at UH. Through these various positions, Steve connected the strengths of the fine arts at UH with the community of Houston. He will be missed by so many, but his passion for the fine arts will live through his teaching and mentorship of countless students over the years.

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Leroy Mays was an amazing husband, father, brother, uncle and coworker. He was loved by everyone he encountered and will truly be missed.