Khator delivers 13th annual fall address to students: 'Your resilience and your tenacity are our strengths'

University of Houston President Renu Khator on Oct. 28 delivered her 13th annual fall address to highlight student achievements and her vision of the future.

According to the University of Houston, it was the 13th address to be delivered by Khator since she assumed the presidency almost 20 years ago. She gave this address at the Moores Opera House, and it was the first in-person address she gave in two years.

"If you want to uplift your community, if you want to be part of the solution, then this is your chance… this is our chance," Khator said, according to the University of Houston. 

The University reports that over 47,000 students enrolled this fall, which Khator hailed as a "tremendous achievement." She also mentioned that the school received a record number of freshmen applications.

After the university accepted an invitation to join the Big 12 conference, Khator said that the opportunity holds a unique opportunity for everyone and isn't limited to athletes.

“We have an opportunity to raise the level of our game, both in athletics and in academics," Khator said, according to the University of Houston. "I have challenged all vice presidents to see how this new platform can be used to enhance their division’s performance, whether it is recruiting students, building research consortiums or raising funds. It will take a village for all of us to go to the next level of excellence."

Tuition affordability, financial support from donors and alumni, grant awards that have stimulated research growth and discovery and challenges that arose from COVID-19 such as attending class limited in-person learning and fewer campus activities were other topics grazed by Khator.

“No matter what your role is, you are a member of the team and we need you," Khator said, according to the University of Houston. "Your resilience and your tenacity are our strengths. If you want to eliminate social injustice, if you want to help fulfill a student’s dream, if you want to make a generational impact, if you want to uplift your community, if you want to be part of the solution, then this is your chance… this is our chance,” Khator said. “Let’s rise together. Let’s soar together to new heights.”