In 2019, the University of Houston launched a transformational initiative to propel our academic enterprise to unprecedented levels of distinction. Founded by an anonymous donor, the Aspire Fund matches contributions to the University’s bold future in research and scholarship. Gifts, combined with a one-to-one match from the anonymous donor and potential matching funds from the state of Texas, will enable the University to recruit and retain the highest-quality faculty, fueling our learning environment through heightened knowledge, innovation and discovery in areas with world-wide impact.

The new Aspire endowed chairs and professorships will lead the University’s research and curriculum development in the following areas of strength and expertise.

The Aspire: $100 Million Challenge positions the University to be a central driver in delivering purposeful and deliberate research output that engages students and the greater community, boosts economic development and improves the quality of life for all, especially the underserved. The University will be able to cultivate an enriched learning environment, attracting top talent and engaging students in distinct areas that affect our region and beyond.

The anonymous donor will match all eligible gifts up to $50 million (for a total of $100 million) that create permanently endowed chairs and professorships in fields that address societal challenges. For every $2 million given to endow a new chair, or for every $1 million given to endow a new professorship, that gift will be doubled by a match from the Aspire Fund. With state-based matching programs like the Texas Research Incentive Program (TRIP) and the Governor’s University Research Initiative (GURI), every $2 million donation could mean up to $10+ million in total impact.