FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Oct. 2, 2026)
Lone Star College-University Park marks 11 years as the host of the AHA Northwest Harris County Heart Walk
HOUSTON (October 2, 2026) — Lone Star College-University Park (LSC-University Park) invites the community to grab their favorite walking shoes and join the American Heart Association’s Northwest Harris County Heart Walk on Saturday, October 17. This year marks the college’s 11th consecutive year as the host location for the event.
The three-mile walk or run is intended to raise awareness of heart disease and support the event’s $200,000 fundraising goal.
For many participants, including LSC-University Park President Matthew Dempsey, Ed.D., the Heart Walk carries a deeper significance.
“The Northwest Harris County Heart Walk is more than just a great event that brings our community together. For me, it’s personal,” Dempsey said. “My father, Dave Dempsey, survived a heart attack in 2018 because people nearby were trained in CPR and knew how to keep him alive until he could receive medical care. Research and medicine have since given our family more years with him, and every step honors those efforts and my gratitude that my dad is still with us."
Community members are encouraged to bring their friends, families, and pets, and enjoy a morning of activities for all ages. The event will feature face painting, a Kids’ Corner game section, CPR demonstrations, and costume contests for children and pets. The Klein Oak High School Air Force JROTC Color Guard will present colors during the opening ceremony.
The Expo festivities will begin at 8 a.m., and the walk will start at 9 a.m. at LSC-University Park’s Energy and 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).
For more information or to donate, visit www.LoneStar.edu/UP-HeartWalk.
About Lone Star College-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 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
With 100,000 students and counting, Lone Star College System provides transformational educational opportunities that help individuals get from where they are to where they want to be.
Under Chancellor Mario K. Castillo, J.D., the System’s priorities are guided by its strategic plan, which focuses on financial resilience, academic excellence, talent development and bridges to prosperity. Lone Star College System, recognized as a 2026 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by The Chronicle of Higher Education, has eight main campuses and more than 20 locations in the Houston area. Learn more at LoneStar.edu.
Media Contact:
Shelley Steagall
Executive Director
College Relations
Office: 281-290-2765
Shelley.Steagall@LoneStar.edu
Nora Bonilla
Staff Writer
College Relations
Office: 832-519-2857
Nora.Bonilla@lonestar.edu