UHCL Alumna Pays Tribute to Mother by Paying It Forward
Katherine Tamer received her master's degree from the University of Houston-Clear Lake in 1977 and was among the university's first science and technology graduate students. She worked at Johnson Space Center conducting cardiovascular research on astronauts who participated in the 1970s-era Skylab and joint U.S.-Soviet Union Apollo-Soyuz space missions. Tamer also rose through the ranks of NASA contractors to become the vice president and chief information officer for United Space Alliance (USA), then the prime contractor for manned-spaceflight shuttle operations, until her retirement. UHCL recognized Tamer with the 1997 Distinguished Alumni Award.
Tamer's many accomplishments are impressive, particularly considering her humble beginnings. She grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, and learned to handle challenges at an early age. Her father died when she was only 9 years old, so she assumed more responsibilities including watching her siblings and helping her mother. Although she had much responsibility for her age, Tamer still managed to experience a childhood full of school and Girl Scout activities. Receiving scholarships allowed her to earn her bachelor's degree in computer science from the University of Dayton. She has remained grateful for those who helped her along the way, especially her mother.
Tamer established the Mary Elizabeth Tamer Program Endowment for Innovative Use of Library Technology in honor of her mother and her career as a public school librarian. Tamer later established the Katherine M. Tamer Hawk Advantage Scholarship, which provides scholarships for undergraduates with financial need.
She continues to give regularly to increase the values of both endowments and has directed additional gifts to both endowments through her estate plans. "I could not possibly repay my mother for all she did for me. Paying it forward is my way of honoring her and also the many people who helped me become who I am. I want that to be my legacy at University of Houston-Clear Lake."