See us on

Ian Munro Webmaster 

Secretary: William I. Neish

Exchange Visits


On the first Grampian-Houston exchange visit to Houston in 1980 Councillor Sandy Mutch (left), Convener of Grampian Region, is welcomed by Mr C. Jim Stewart, Founder Chairman of the Houston/Grampian Association, and his wife Gay.


Members of the Grampian-Houston Association have the opportunity to participate in exchange visits to Houston as guests of the Houston/Grampian Association.


The fully escorted week-long visits offer an ideal opportunity for first-time visitors to Texas whether their interest is social or business. A full programme of visits, briefings and social events is arranged for the delegation by the Houston/Grampian Association.

2014 Exchange Visit


A Grampian-Houston Association delegation paid an exchange visit to Houston in September, 2014 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the student nursing exchange between the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen and Houston Baptist University.

They were welcomed at a reception at the Houston Hilton Post Oak Hotel by members of the Houston/Grampian Association who arranged a programme of visits and social events for the visitors from Grampian.


Pictured on a visit to St Luke’s Hospital are (L to R) Ian McLeod,GHA Vice Chairman Brett Jackson, Carol Decker (HGA), Marlene McLeod, Patricia Jackson, Jimmy Hay, Jackie Leith (RGU), George Duncan, HGA Vice President Quin McWhirter, whose grandfather founded the hospital in the early 1950s, and Kristin Jackson Brown, GHA co-ordinator of the nursing exchange.


Members of the Grampian delegation were guests at a 20th anniversary dinner at Houston Baptist University at which the four 2014 student exchange nurses gave a presentation on their impressions of healthcare and nursing education in their Sister City.


Speakers at the dinner included HBU President Dr Robert Sloan, Houston City Council member Mike Laster and Andrew Millar, UK Consul General in Houston.


Brett presented Dr Sloan with an inscribed quaich as a memento of the 20th anniversary of the nursing exchange.


 

Among the guests were three former participants in the exchange, including 2010 exchange nurse Susan Naysmith, a graduate of RGU who moved from Aberdeen to Lafayette, Louisiana.


 

Members of the GHA delegation enjoyed a tour of The Tunnels, the 6.3 mile underground pedestrian shopping centre connected to 80 Downtown building and were treated to lunch at the Houston Club whose 48th floor location offers a panoramic view of the city (see picture).


 

They also visited the Rienzi Museum of Fine Arts, were taken on a conducted tour of St Luke’s Hospital, and dropped in at the Rice University sports stadium.


 

HGA President John Lee welcomed the company at a dinner at BraeBurn County Club and Dr Sloan presented Brett with a beautiful crystal bowl from Houston Baptist University. HGA Chairman Mary Metz M.B.E. made a surprise presentation to retired nurse and HGA founder member Helen Schmolke making her a life member of HGA in recognition of her contribution to the establishment of the student nursing exchange.

 


The exchange visited was rounded off with a Saturday brunch at Houston Baptist University and the delegation expressed their  gratitude for the splendid hospital extended to them in their Sister City.


Click Link to Earlier Years