The University of Houston (UH) has announced a $10 million gift from the Michael and Rebecca Cemo Family Foundation in support of intercollegiate athletics.

The gift will support construction and maintenance of the $130 million Memorial Hermann Football Operations Center, which was announced last year. Once complete, the facility will feature athlete performance centers, an academic support services suite, state-of-the-art locker rooms and office space for coaches and staff. In recognition of the gift, the west-end scoreboard at TDECU Stadium will be named in honor of the Cemo family.

Michael Cemo, who earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from UH in 1968, and his family have a long history of giving to the university. Cemo was appointed to the UH System Board of Regents in 2001, and provided the lead gift for Michael J. Cemo Hall. He passed away in December 2023.

“It’s a great honor to be able to continue our support of the University of Houston after our father’s recent passing,” said Stephanie Cemo. “We know how important the university was to him, as well as the love he had for the school that he felt helped give him a great start in his career. He voiced on numerous occasions that receiving a good education is consequential to a successful and happy life. Continuing to give back in his honor is essential in keeping his legacy alive. With that, the Michael and Rebecca Cemo Family Foundation is honored to be a small part in helping students and athletes thrive.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/JHVEPhoto)