Click here to read more Cougar Corner profiles KATIE KALENDA ('99, M.A. '03) Focused and Passionate As a University of Houston student studying sociology, then communications, little did Katie Kalenda ('99, M.A. '03) know at the time that her talents would eventually target a big audience to help small beneficiaries. Today, she enjoys living to make a difference in the lives of children as director of Events and the Children's Miracle Network at Texas Children's Hospital. Kalenda collaborates with various sponsorship groups and works with donors to raise funds to support the health care needs of underprivileged children and their families. She and her team are also diligent about educating the greater Houston community about pediatric health issues While earning her bachelor's in sociology and her master's in communications, Kalenda worked in the UH Office of Admissions and for Residential Life and Housing as a resident assistant. Now, in her current role at Texas Children's Hospital, Kalenda has discovered her true passion in life and is committed to improving what she likes to call “the big picture.” “Each day, I like to reassess exactly where I'm headed and what I'm trying to achieve personally and professionally; it keeps me focused on finding better ways to do things,” Kalenda said. “I'm extremely passionate about what I do, but what it all comes down to is delivering energy with a smile. In my line of work, we have to all be champions because the children that we serve are depending on us.” Kalenda recently enjoyed seeing her alma mater partner with Texas Children's Hospital and the Children's Miracle Network to host a Dance Marathon at UH's University Center. The event raised over $17,000 that will provide pediatric healthcare to those who need it most. “The Dance Marathon was absolutely great and reaffirmed why I love being a UH alumna. The university shares many of my personal values, and the diverse campus community and the multitude of academic majors that are available are second to none,” Kalenda said. “From being a RA in the dorm to a student in the classroom, my college experience at UH introduced me to different perspectives. I believe those experiences, along with the excellent education that I received, left me better prepared for the world.” ( more )