UH Seal
The seal of the University of Houston, officially adopted in 1938, is the coat of arms of General Sam Houston, who claimed descent from a Norman Knight, Sir Hugh.
The simple escutcheon in the center of the seal consists of checkered chevrons denoting nobility, and three martlets, gentle lowland birds symbolizing peace and deliverance. A winged hourglass is above the shield and surmounting this, the motto, “In Tempore” (In Time). Greyhounds were placed at the sides to indicate the speed in giving aid.
As the most formal and ceremonial official mark of the University, the UH Seal may only be used by the Office of the President and Office of the Provost. Doing so helps retain the seal’s integrity for official communications from these offices and designated ceremonies, such as commencements.
Colors
The official colors of the University of Houston are Scarlet Red and Albino White. These were the colors of Sam Houston’s ancestor, Sir Hugh, and were adopted by UH at the same time as the seal. Scarlet Red represents “the blood of royalty that was spared due to the timely arrival of Sir Hugh and the blood that is the life source of the soul.” Albino White denotes “the purity and perfections of the heart, mind and soul engaged in the effort to serve faithfully that which is by right and reason, justfully served.” In layman’s terms, the red stands for courage or inner strength to face the unknown, and the white stands for the good of helping one’s fellow man.
Cougar Sign
The “Cougar Sign,” is made by folding the ring finger of the right hand toward the palm. The tradition dates back to 1953, when Shasta I, the presiding cougar mascot, lost a toe in a cage door on the way to a game. While at the game in Austin, the opposing team mocked UH by imitating the cougar’s injury. Cemented in 1976 with a 30-0 win over that same team, tradition tells Cougar faithful the paw is extended on the right hand to demonstrate unity among the UH community.
Alma Mater
The official song of the University of Houston is composed of a four-part harmony, and its lyrics are memorized by new students and alumni alike:
All hail to thee,
Our Houston University.
Our hearts fill with gladness
When we think of thee.
We’ll always adore thee
Dear old varsity.
And to thy memory cherished,
True we’ll ever be.
Words and music by Harmony Class of 1942
The Blaze
The BLAZE is an oil field warning siren that was chosen to represent the UH’s ties to the petroleum industry. Beginning in 1991, along with other student volunteers, The Sigma Chi Fraternity was given charge of the siren and named it “The BLAZE” in honor of their fallen brother, David Blazek. Blazek played an instrumental role in its creation and contributed to the regeneration of student enthusiasm on campus in the late 1980s. The siren is sounded during the game to alert Cougars, both present and past, of the on-field success.
Frontier Fiesta
Frontier Fiesta is a three-day western-style festival and is a long-standing tradition at UH. The event takes place each year the weekend after Spring Break. The major components of Frontier Fiesta include Broadway-style variety shows, carnival booths, cultural and educational performances, Family Fun Day, concerts featuring student talent and by nationally renowned recording artists, a world-class cook-off, and a scholarship competition.
Homecoming
Homecoming is more than a football game. It is a week celebrating the University of Houston, uniting students and organizations, and showcasing Cougar Pride and Cougar Spirit during one of the oldest traditions on campus! Each day of Homecoming there are different events for students, alumni, and the UH community. Enjoy Homecoming classics such as Strut Your Stuff, CanStruction, and Block Party, and discover the new events each year!
The Official Class Ring
The class ring is presented each semester at a formal Ring Ceremony, an event held prior to both the December and May graduations. Tradition dictates that current students must wear the ring facing inward, with only alumni wearing the ring facing outward. Each class ring spends the night before the Ring Ceremony with our live mascot, Shasta VII, in the cougar habitat at the Houston Zoo.
Bayou Oaks Clock Tower
Constructed in 2003, Bayou Oaks residence complex is home to one of the University of Houston’s most visible landmarks: a five story clock tower. As part of Vice President Elwyn Lee’s effort to stimulate spirit and tradition, the lights in the clock tower were rewired so that they could turn RED, which they do, whenever there is a Cougar football victory or a men’s basketball win or a conference championship in the other sports. Go Coogs!
The Legend of the Cougar Paw Statue
In honor of UH’s first live cougar mascot, Shasta I, the Legend of the Cougar Paw Statue was installed at Gate 2 of TDECU Stadium that tells the story of the Cougar Hand sign and its genesis. Cougar fans rub her extended right paw for good luck prior to entering the stadium on game day.
Cougar fans also “rub the paws” of the cougar statues in Cullen Family Plaza, in front of the E. Cullen Building. It’s especially important during Homecoming. Sometimes students rub the paws for extra luck on their final exams, too.
Shasta - UH Cougar Mascot
Between 1947 and 1989, five live cougars served as mascots; the tradition of a live mascot was revived in 2011 with Shasta VI. Our current living cougar mascot, Shasta VII, resides in an environmentally approved habitat at the Houston Zoo. Costumed Shasta mascots have been a tradition for half a century, becoming one of the first two costumed mascots in the country. The mascots do pushups after each Cougar touchdown scored, to match the total on the scoreboard. Fans count along as the mascots complete the pushups, and their voices are matched with the sounding of the Spirit Bell and the Spirit of Houston Marching Band’s music.
The Frontiersman
The Frontiersmen, a distinct group of spirited UH students representing Houston’s western heritage was formed in 1948. Frontier Fiesta ended its initial run in 1961. Then in 1991, when Fiesta returned to campus, the Frontiersman returned as well, serving as spirit ambassadors across the campus. In the fall of 1994, the Frontiersmen began running the UH flag across the field after each score at football games in full western dusters, cowboy boots and hats, representing the student body at large.
Fight Song
Cougars fight for dear old U of H
For our Alma Mater cheer.
Fight for Houston University
For victory is near.
When the going gets so rough and tough
We never worry cause we got the stuff.
So fight, fight, fight for red and white
And we will go to victory.
Lyrics: Forest Fountain Music: Marion Ford
Cougar Red Friday
Wearing red on Friday is more than just a tradition, it is who we are. We wear red to show our pride and passion for the University. The color unites us, to live and to celebrate together, and behold our individual achievements as a singular legacy of pride. We encourage our campus community and those all around the globe to wear red on Fridays.
Buggy Beauties
In the early 1970s, a new spirit tradition was introduced at UH football games. A golf cart was retrofitted with a fiberglass football helmet and painted with the scarlet and white UH logo. After each UH touchdown, the buggy was driven around the stadium. In addition, four female students chosen by the administrative and coaching staffs rode on the buggy and engaged with Cougar fans during the celebration. The tradition continues to this day with the Buggy Beauties serving as spirit ambassadors for UH year-round.
The Cougar Walk
Fans can line up to take part in the Cougar Walk two hours before kickoff. Led by the head coach and accompanied by the Spirit of Houston, the team makes their way past the UHAA Party on the Plaza and Shasta Square Student Tailgate into the locker room.
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