As the University of Houston’s $1 billion Centennial Campaign enters the home stretch, a $2.5 million gift is helping reshape the heart of campus for the University’s next century.
The gift from The Cullen Foundation, one of UH’s oldest and most generous supporters, will support the University’s 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’s first major philanthropic gift to build the Roy G. Cullen Building, which became the cornerstone of the University’s 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.
“The Cullen Foundation is honored to continue my grandfather’s deep interest in UH. He would be so proud of UH’s first 100 years. We are equally proud to continue his legacy into UH’s next 100 years.”
- Beth Robertson, chair of The Cullen Foundation and granddaughter of Hugh Roy Cullen.
Transforming the Heart of Campus
The Cullen Foundation’s gift is among several philanthropic commitments supporting the transformation of UH’s Centennial grounds.
As UH prepares for its Centennial, the University is investing $40 million to transform key areas of campus, including University Drive, Wilhelmina’s 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’s historic core.
Wilhelmina’s Grove reopened in December 2025, 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’s Grove.
- The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts: $250,000 to support construction of Wilhelmina’s Grove.
- The W.T. & Louise Moran Foundation: $250,000 to support construction of the Louise J. Moran Pavilion within Wilhelmina’s 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, Can’t Stop Houston: The Centennial Campaign 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.
“You can’t tell the story of the University of Houston without the Cullen family,” said Russell Dunlavy, vice president for advancement and alumni at UH. “Nearly 90 years ago, they helped give UH a permanent home. We’re 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.”