University of Houston

:This article is about the University of Houston. For other UH System institutions, see University of Houston System.

UH traditions

Student traditions thrive at the University of Houston. Cougar First Impressions takes place every year on the first two days of classes, when faculty and staff turn out to welcome new and returning students. Activities range from Homecoming to the unique Frontier Fiesta. Frontier Fiesta is a re-creation of a 19th-century western town, with music, food and living historical exhibits, and is a major event on campus each spring semester. Throughout the year, brightly painted Bleacher Creatures roam the stands during athletic contests, embodying a decidedly non-traditional take on cheerleading. The student body's rich ethnic mix combines with the culinary expertise of hotel and restaurant management students to produce an International Food Festival bursting with world beat flavors.

Related Topics:
Homecoming - Frontier Fiesta

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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. 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.

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Cougar Sign

The cougar sign, made by folding in the ring finger of the hand towards the palm, has several stories explaining its meaning. The true story of its origin dates back to 1953, the first time UH played The University of Texas (now, The University of Texas at Austin) in football. Since this was their first meeting, members of Alpha Phi Omega, the service fraternity in charge of taking care of Shasta I, the university's mascot, brought her to the game. During the trip, Shasta's front paw was caught in the car door and one toe was cut off. At the game, members of the opposing team discovered what had happened and began taunting UH players by holding up their hands with the ring finger bent, as if to say UH's mascot was invalid and so were their players. UT went on to win this game 28-7. UH students were very upset by this and began using the sign as notice that they would never let UT forget the incident. Fifteen years later, at their second meeting, the UH Cougars, proudly holding up the now adopted symbol of UH pride, fought UT to a 20-20 tie.

Related Topics:
The University of Texas at Austin - Football - Alpha Phi Omega - Fraternity - Mascot

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UH did not play UT again for eight years, the first year UH was a member of the Southwest Conference. In front of a record 77,809 spectators UH defeated UT 30-0.

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However, some people claim that the hand sign is actually a discrete way of displaying UH's disdain for the Longhorns, since it can also be interpreted as a "one-finger salute" towards UT.

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Fight song

Cougars fight for dear old U of H

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For our Alma Mater cheer.

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Fight for Houston University

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For victory is near.

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When the going gets so rough and tough

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We never worry cause we got the stuff.

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So fight, fight, fight for red and white

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And we will go to victory.

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Alma mater

All hail to thee,

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Our Houston University.

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Our hearts fill with gladness

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When we think of thee.

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We'll always adore thee

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Dear old varsity.

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And to thy memory cherished,

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True we'll ever be.

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