11:00 AM || Reception and Registration
11:30-1:00 PM || Seated Luncheon
Kinder HSPVA’s Denney Theatre
790 Austin Street
Complimentary valet
Chairs
Janis and Paul Jarosz
2026 Distinguished Alumni
Ryan Delahoussaye ’94 and
Justin Furstenfeld ’94 of
Blue October
Tickets: $500
Tables start at $5,000
Host Committee
Irma Alarcon and J. Alejandro Rauh-Hain • R. Scott Allen and Scott Harrell • Evelyn and Frank Angelle • Holly and Jim Baker • Anne and Arturo Barragan • Lou and John Black • The Boblitt Family • Patricia Bonner • Kristen and Kevin Burke • Alice Chen and Lyle Ross • M. Kaye and Alex DeWalt • Anna and Brad Eastman • Sally and Philip Edmundson • Cristina Esquivel • Catherine and James Evans • Kelly and Greg Funderburk • Jo Furr • Karen Ostrum George and Larry George • Chris Goins and Josh Pazda • Lainie Gordon and David Mincberg • Katie Beth and Adam Gottlieb • Christi and Keith Guerrini • Jennifer Hardy and Daniel Serrato • Marjorie Hong and Ravi Ramachandran • Carey Jordan and Brian Simmons • Victoria and Alex Lazar • Megan and Bradley Lembcke • Kristen and Matthew Loden • Christina and Damien Lyster • Darla and Rob May • Laura McWilliams • Fan and Peter Morris • Kristina and Gerald Nemec • Robbie Pape • Heather and Chris Powers • Barbara and Vidal Ramirez • Julia Robinson • Claire Smith and Russell Murrell • Kimberly Hickson Spaw and David Spaw • Marie and Andy Unanue • Susie and Josh Vanlandingham • Patricia and Brian Wycliff • Dr. Priscilla Rivas, Kinder HSPVA Principal
If you have questions about your contribution, please contact Matthew Jamison, Director of Strategic Engagement.
About 2026 Distinguished Alumni Ryan Delahoussaye ’94 and Justin Furstenfeld ’94
Ryan Delahoussaye and Justin Furstenfeld are founding members of the Houston-born alternative rock band Blue October. Over the past three decades, Blue October has become a beacon of emotional transparency and artistic transformation. Led by Justin (vocals, guitar, songwriter) and joined by Ryan (violin, mandolin, piano, backing vocals)—along with Jeremy Furstenfeld, Matt Noveskey, and Steve Schiltz—the multi-platinum group is known for its deeply personal lyrics, cinematic soundscapes, and electrifying live performances. With over a billion streams and eighteen Top 40 singles, including hits like “Hate Me,” “Into the Ocean,” “Oh My My,” and “I Hope You’re Happy,” Blue October has cultivated a fiercely loyal global fanbase.
From their platinum-certified album Foiled (2006) to the uplifting optimism of Home (2016) and the reflective poignancy of This Is What I Live For (2020), Blue October’s catalog chronicles a remarkable journey through struggle, redemption, and hope. Justin Furstenfeld’s advocacy for mental health and recovery has further cemented the band’s legacy as a voice for resilience, inspiring fans worldwide with his openness about addiction and sobriety, most notably captured in the acclaimed documentary Get Back Up.
Hailed for their unparalleled ability to connect and inspire through music, Blue October’s live performances are a testament to the transformative power of vulnerability, positivity, and raw emotion. Whether performing anthems or intimate ballads, the band continues to push boundaries and create music that resonates deeply, offering listeners a soundtrack for healing, celebration, and everything in between. The band is currently in the studio recording their thirteenth studio album.
Ryan Delahoussaye is a 1994 graduate of the HSPVA Instrumental Music Department. Justin Furstenfeld is a 1994 graduate of the HSPVA Theatre Department.
HSPVA Friends Distinguished Alumni
Chandra Wilson
Jason Moran
Camille Zamora
Bianna Golodryga
Sara Hickman
Matt Mullenweg
Mireille Enos
Mark Seliger
Bryan-Michael Cox
Harris Wittels
Susan Choi
Will Boone
Rhoda Boone Lane
Justin Simien
Rachelle Mendez
Helen Sung
K. Todd Freeman