The Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership's Quasar Award Banquet on January 18, 2008, Honoring William A. Staples, was an outstanding success

BAY AREA HOUSTON, Texas (January 25, 2008) The sold out Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership’s annual Quasar Award Banquet on Friday, January 18, 2008, at the South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center, was an outstanding success.

University of Houston-Clear Lake President William A. Staples, who was introduced by Richard Allen Jr., 2007 Chairman of Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, was honored with the prestigious 2008 Quasar Award for Economic Development. The Quasar Award is presented annually to an outstanding individual who contributed greatly to economic wealth and diversity of the Bay Area Houston region. The Quasar Award committee, which consists of 15 members of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership members and the regional economic development organization’s Executive Committee, unanimously selected Staples for his outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the economic well being and vitality of the greater Bay Area Houston communities.

Staples, who received an enthusiastic standing ovation, said, “I am honored to receive the Quasar Award and accept it on behalf of the University of Houston-Clear Lake faculty, staff, students and our 45,000 alumni, some of whom are in the audience tonight. I would like to thank the Quasar Award Committee as well as the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership for this award.

"While I may be the recipient, I consider this an award to the University of Houston-Clear Lake. UH-Clear Lake strives to be a partnership-oriented and community-minded university, and we focus on taking the university into the community and bringing the community into the university.”

“There are few in our community who have not benefited from Dr. Staples’ service,” said Congressman Nick Lampson, 1997 Recipient of the Quasar Award.“Over the years, Dr. Staples has held numerous leadership positions, always working to make our community better. I congratulate him on receiving the Quasar Award and look forward to working with him in the future.”

Bob Mitchell, president of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership said, “Dr. Bill Staples believes that strategic partnerships with educational, business and government organizations help develop the foundation for new academic programs, research and training grants, and K-16 initiatives. This philosophy has consistently delivered educational programs aligned with real-world needs and is why Dr. Staples, as President of the University of Houston-Clear Lake, is so deserving of this year’s Quasar Award.”

Some of Staples’ career highlights include receiving the 2003 NASA Public Service Medal for exceptional contributions to the mission of NASA, serving as the chairman of the board for the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership in 2003 and 2004, receiving the Texas Art Education Association’s 2004 Governmental Award for Meritorious Service in the Arts, and being selected as the 2005 E. A. Smith YMCA Community of Stars Gala honoree.

Dr. Bernard A. Milstein, chairman of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership and president of the Eye Clinic of Texas, said, “Dr. William Staples has calmly, confidently, and competently contributed immeasurably to the resources of the Bay Area. His stellar stewardship of the University of Houston at Clear Lake has expanded educational opportunities, and his leadership of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership has promoted the economy of the region. Bill Staples exemplifies the ideals embodied in the Quasar Award and the membership of Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership is honored to recognize him for his vision and commitment.”