Page 20 - Briefcase Volume 38 Number 1

DONORS

As a University of Houston Law Center student,
Christopher Domingo’s interactions with Professor
Michael A. Olivas were minimal. The member of the Law
Center Class of 2009 became more familiar with Olivas’
work once he became a part of the Board of Directors
for the Hispanic Bar Association of Houston, three years
into his legal career.
“When I joined, the organization was celebrating its
25th anniversary, and I joined a committee focused on
researching and documenting HisBA’s history,” Domingo
said. “Through that effort, I learned more about
Professor Olivas and his role as one of HisBA’s founding
members. Since then I have had the good fortune to
spend time with him at various HisBA events and learn
more about his long history with the University and his
trailblazing efforts to increase diversity in the Houston
legal community.”
Domingo was part of an effort by the Hispanic Bar
Association of Houston and UHLC Hispanic Law
Alumni to support what will be known as the Olivas-
Reyes Reading Room in the new John M. O’Quinn Law
Building. The space is named after Olivas and his wife,
Tina Reyes, who was a professor at the University of
Houston’s College of Education.
“They dedicated much of their professional lives to the
Law Center and the University of Houston system,”
CHRISTOPHER Domingo said. “Dedicating a reading room in their
honor is a perfect tribute, especially in light of Professor
Olivas’s recent retirement after almost 40 years of
DOMINGO ’09 teaching at the Law Center.”
Domingo said without enterprising leaders like Olivas,
the Hispanic Bar Association of Houston would not be
where it is today.

DEMONSTRATES “Professor Olivas is not only a founding member
of the organization, but a long-time member of our
LEADERSHIP AMONG Advisory Board and a recipient of one of HisBA’s most
prestigious honors – the Lifetime Achievement Award,”
Domingo said.
LOCAL HISPANIC Having served in every officer position within the

organization, Domingo’s commitment to empowering
LEGAL COMMUNITY the Hispanic community in the legal profession remains
strong. Among his favorite aspects are mentorship
opportunities, connections with community leaders
UHLC GRADUATE RALLIES and friendships made along the way.

SUPPORT FOR OLIVAS-REYES “This group gives me a tremendous sense of pride,” he said.
“I’ve seen our mission play out in our work to empower
READING ROOM IN the Hispanic community, in our scholarships to deserving
high school and law school students, and in our efforts
NEW BUILDING to promote diversity initiatives and seek legal reform to
ensure fairness in the administration of justice.”

20 UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON LAW CENTER