One of the most impressive accomplishments of Houston attorney and HBU alumnus Randy Sorrels, ’84, is how he’s shared his success. A managing partner of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Aziz, he was recently chosen as the President-Elect of the State Bar of Texas; Sorrels will serve fellow and future Texas lawyers in the role.
Sorrels is the person behind HBU’s Day of Giving generous matching offer. On the University’s Day of Giving, Friday, August 31, 2018, Sorrels will match all donations made to the University, up to $50,000. The gift is just part of a philanthropic pattern for Sorrels.
“My father was in the military and served two tours in Vietnam. He is my role model for service,” Sorrels said. “I never thought when I was a student at HBU on an athletic scholarship, and then an academic scholarship, that I would be in a position to give back. I feel it’s my obligation to pave the way for others and help them.”
Sorrels’ affiliation with the University began in 1980, when the soccer defensive player came to play. “I was set to go to a large university in Texas, but made the decision to come to play at HBU. When I got here, I found out it was the best decision I could’ve possibly made,” he said.
He fondly remembers how the soccer team rallied from being underdogs to being the team to beat. “Coming in 1980, we didn’t win a single game. But in 1981, with an infusion of new players, we ended up with the best record in the nation,” Sorrels said. “I see that as a microcosm of what goes on in the University as people get involved. We succeed and grow as we participate and do what we can for the University.”
Although his law degree from South Texas College of Law Houston sent him into the career for which he is known, Sorrels gives credence to his undergraduate education as well. “At HBU, I majored in political science and speech communication. Both degree specialties helped me, not only in law school, but after that,” he said. “I use both of those degrees still today.”
Even when he was just beginning in the professional world, Sorrels made it a habit to give to HBU. “As soon as I started to make an adult living, I started to give back just a little,” he said. “If you’re young, and you give back $25 a year, that’s important to the University. And besides your treasure, you can give of your time and talents.”
His contributions grew through the decades with his ability to give. In 2007, HBU’s soccer field was dedicated as Sorrels Field. “HBU brought me great friendships both on and off the soccer team that I still enjoy. HBU was terrific academically,” he said. “I believe God guides us in the way that He wants us to go, and there couldn’t have been a better path for me.”
Sorrels said he hopes alumni and friends of the University will jump all in for Day of Giving. “August 31, 2018 is a date that I look forward to. I hope the match encourages people to give, and I hope many people will be involved,” he said. “I believe that giving back to this University is one of the most important things we can do to help future HBU alumni.”
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