HOUSTON (Sept. 29, 2025) – Celebrating its tenth year at Lone Star College–University Park, the American Heart Association’s Northwest Harris County Heart Walk returns on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. The community is invited to lace up their walking shoes, join the fun, and contribute to a $300,000 fundraising goal to fight heart disease and stroke.
More than 1,000 walkers are anticipated for a festive Fall Fest–themed morning filled with heart-healthy fun and family activities.
“As a campus committed to promoting wellness and community involvement, and as someone with a family member who has suffered cardiac arrest, we are honored to host the Heart Walk again,” said Matthew Dempsey, MS, Ed.D., president of LSC–University Park. “This event engages the community in a meaningful way while supporting an essential cause that impacts so many lives. Our team takes great pride in being part of this effort to improve heart health awareness.”
Event Highlights
• Heart Walk Expo (8 a.m.) – Family-friendly fun including a kid & pup costume contest, pumpkin patch photo booth, face painting, inflatables, a Kids’ Zone, and health vendor booths.
• Ceremonial Moments – Cypress Creek High School Air Force JROTC will present the Color Guard, and LSC–University Park employee Jacelle Ortiz will perform the National Anthem.
• Heart Walk (9 a.m.) – Walk begins at the LSC Energy & Manufacturing Institute parking lot, 11521 Compaq Center Drive, Houston, TX 77070.
The walk will take place rain or shine. Parking is free in Garage 9 (Compaq Center Way) and Garage 10 (Noble Energy Way).
Why It Matters
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., taking a life every 34 seconds. Community support fuels breakthroughs—since 1949, donations have enabled the American Heart Association to invest $6.1 billion in research, fund more than 47,000 projects, and train 22 million people annually in CPR, doubling survival rates from cardiac arrest. By joining or donating to the Heart Walk, participants help advance lifesaving research and education that improve health outcomes for families everywhere.
For more information or to donate, visit www.lonestar.edu/up-heartwalk.
About LSC-University Park
LSC-University Park offers more than 70 programs of study, including credit and non-credit courses, workforce training, and continuing education classes. Classes are available during the day, evenings, and weekends in traditional, online, and hybrid formats. For more information about LSC-University Park classes or to register online, visit www.lonestar.edu/upstudentsupport, call 281-290-2600, or email UPAdvising@LoneStar.edu.
Established in 2012, Lone Star College-University Park has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing and most innovative higher education institutions in the country. The college, led by President Matthew Dempsey, Ed.D., is devoted to impacting the community's prosperity and upward mobility through student success. LSC-University Park’s expert and compassionate faculty and staff provide students with holistic and immersive education and training in disciplines and industries that meet current and future workforce needs.
Located on the grounds of the former Compaq Computer Corporation and Hewlett Packard's world headquarters, LSC-University Park's facilities include the Visual and Performing Arts Building, the Center for Science & Innovation, the Energy & Manufacturing Institute, Learning Innovation Labs, and the Geology Rock Wall. It is also home to the University of Houston-NW Downtown, Lone Star Corporate College, and iSchool.
About Lone Star College System
Lone Star College System enrolls over 90,000 students each semester, providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSCS is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Mario K. Castillo, J.D., serves as Chancellor of LSCS, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area. LSCS has been named a 2025 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education. LSCS consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.