Legacy runs deep at Hilton College, and few families embody that spirit more than the Plancks.
Robert “Bob” Planck was part of the College’s very first graduating class in 1971. More than five decades later, his name now welcomes students into the heart of our building: The Planck Family Student Lobby. It’s a fitting tribute to a man whose life was defined by hospitality, mentorship and unwavering pride in his alma mater.
The Plancks’ connection to the University of Houston spans generations. Bob’s wife, Sharron, was his steady support behind the scenes, while their son, Jeff (’96), carried that Cougar pride with him his entire life. Mayson Planck (’91, J.D. ’01), Jeff’s wife, holds two UH degrees herself and shares that same deep-rooted connection to the University.
After Bob passed in December 2022, Sharron and Jeff began working closely with Dean Dennis Reynolds to find a meaningful way to honor his legacy at Hilton College.
When the family unexpectedly lost both Sharron and Jeff in 2023, Mayson, her children Amanda and Brett, and Sharron’s nephew and Hilton College alum Scott Brieger (’90), knew they had to finish what had been started.
With Dean Reynolds’ guidance, the family moved forward with naming the student lobby and supporting the creation of a digital donor wall — an idea that captured Bob’s spirit and enduring impact on Hilton College and its students.
For the Plancks, as well as Bridget Costello and her husband, Roger, visiting the finished space was both emotional and affirming.
“Seeing The Planck Family Student Lobby felt like a full-circle moment”, said Mayson. “It’s not just a tribute to Bob, but to Sharron and Jeff as well. Knowing the Planck name will always be part of a space where students gather, collaborate and shape their futures — it means the world to us.”
For Mayson, the project carries deep personal meaning.
“The University helped shape my path — first in undergrad, then in law school. Completing this project was about more than honoring loved ones. It was a way to stay connected to a place that’s helped define our family and to show my children what legacy and community truly mean.”
What began as a way to honor a Hilton College pioneer has become a lasting gift — one that celebrates a family’s enduring love for UH and invests in the success of future generations.