University of Houston’s Law School Soars to the Moon

This $600,000 Night Draws Lawyers, Judges and Space Fanatics

By Shelby Hodge // Apr 7, 2019

Photography Jared Jarvis, Jared Jarvis Photography

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Warren & Lauren Harris, Eyvette & Tom Hetherington at the University of Houston Law Center gala. (Photo by Jared Jarvis, Jared Jarvis Photography)

Gala chairs Robert Sergesketter and Denise Castillo-Rhodes at the University of Houston Law Center gala. (Photo by Jared Jarvis, Jared Jarvis Photography)

State Sen. Royce & Carol West, Rosalind & Mel Thomas at the University of Houston Law Center gala. (Photo by Jared Jarvis, Jared Jarvis Photography)

Frances Moody & Tony Buzbee at the University of Houston Law Center gala. (Photo by Jared Jarvis, Jared Jarvis Photography)

Texas Supreme Court Justices Eva Guzman and Jeff Brown at the University of Houston Law Center gala. (Photo by Jared Jarvis, Jared Jarvis Photography)

Paula Myrick Short, Leonard Baynes, Peter Taaffe at the University of Houston Law Center gala. (Photo by Jared Jarvis, Jared Jarvis Photography)

Bill Maynard, Dawn Nelson at the University of Houston Law Center gala. (Photo by Jared Jarvis, Jared Jarvis Photography)

Chad & Cynthia Mabry at the University of Houston Law Center gala. (Photo by Jared Jarvis, Jared Jarvis Photography)

Tony Chase, Susie & Alvin Zimmerman at the University of Houston Law Center gala. (Photo by Jared Jarvis, Jared Jarvis Photography)

Greg & Leigh Ann King at the University of Houston Law Center gala. (Photo by Jared Jarvis, Jared Jarvis Photography)

Lynell & Victor Wright at the University of Houston Law Center gala. (Photo by Jared Jarvis, Jared Jarvis Photography)

Puppy models Elizabeth Roberts, Camila Young, Paulie Young and puppy Olivia Benson at the University of Houston Law Center gala. (Photo by Jared Jarvis, Jared Jarvis Photography)

What: The 43rd annual University of Houston Law Center gala

Where: The Post Oak Hotel

PC Moment: The gala truly soared with the “Fly Me to the Moon” theme that saw evening proceeds nudge $600,000. Applause, applause for gala chairs Denise Castillo-Rhodes and Bob Sergesketter, who welcomed more than 600 faculty members, judges, lawyers and friends of the Law Center.

The theme was a nod to the 50th anniversary of man’s landing on the moon. Thus, the evening began with a stirring countdown to a rocket launch video in a party launch that included a Frank Sinatra impersonator warbling “Fly Me to the Moon.” Notables joining the party included Provost Paula Myrick Short, Law Center Dean Leonard Baynes and Peter Taaffe, UH board of regents vice chairman.

Prior to the gala, the UH Law Alumni Association Award recipients were honored at a special reception.

Honored: Tom Kirkendall, Gordon Quan, Greg Vetter, James Roach, Thomas Hetherington, Raj Sharma, Alison L. Chen, State Sen. Royce West, Clayton Forswall, Mia Breaux Lorick, Yvonne Ho, Ernie Aliseda, Susan Bickley and the King Family Foundation.